Key Messages

• Large areas across Australia have been affected by the floods, which in many locations have exceeded record levels. The scale of the floods and their devastating impact on communities is, for many, unparalleled.
• Queensland has been particularly affected, with the main areas of concern currently being Brisbane and districts, and the Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast regions.
• People are urged strongly to stay away from disaster areas to allow police and emergency services to do their work without putting themselves or others in more danger.
• People in flooded areas are urged strongly to follow all advice and directions from local emergency services and police, stay out of flood waters and water courses and obey road closure signs. Safety of the community is the primary concern.

INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE

• The Australian Government wishes to thank governments, international organisations, businesses and individuals around the world for their concern and support for all those affected by the flooding in Queensland. Many generous donations have been made to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal.
• Messages of sympathy and kind offers of support have been received, including from around 40 countries and a number of international organisations and entities.

KEY CONTACTS FOR THE PUBLIC

• For the latest flood news and updates visit the Queensland Government’s official Queensland floods webpage: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods or visit the Bureau of Meteorology website to check forecasts: http://www.bom.gov.au

• Queensland State Emergency Service Hotline 132 500

• Queensland Police Floods Hot Line: 1300 993 191. If calling from outside Australia dial: +61 7 3055 6220

• For advice on pick up locations for sandbags or to register for bags refer to the Brisbane City Council website: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/#sandbag

• General enquiries on the flooding: 137 468

• International Students can contact the International Student’s Hotline on 1300 363 079 for general information.

• Affected visa holders or businesses can contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 881.

• Tourism information on the floods is available from Tourism Queensland at www.tq.com.au.

• People affected by the floods seeking to replace or obtain an Australian passport should contact the Australian Passport Information Service on 
131 232 for advice and assistance.

  INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• International Students can contact the International Student’s Hotline on 1300 363 079 for general information.

• Students due to travel to Australia for study in a flood affected area should:

  * visit the Bureau of Meteorology website (http://www.bom.gov.au) to check if they are travelling to a flood affected area
  * check with their airline carrier to ensure their flight is running as scheduled, as some regional airports have closed
  * keep in contact with their education provider and
  * follow advice from their local emergency services and police, keep clear of flood waters and comply with evacuation orders.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS AND TEMPORARY WORKERS

• The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is aware there are significant numbers of temporary visa holders, including overseas workers, tourists, and students as well as migrants, in flood-affected areas.
• If people in affected areas hold a visa which is about to expire, or work for a business which has been affected, or are otherwise concerned about their immigration status, they should contact DIAC as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances and options available.
• DIAC is also in contact with employers of visa holders in affected areas to offer advice and assistance. Businesses and sponsors who are concerned about the possible impacts on their overseas workers should also contact DIAC.
• Affected visa holders or businesses can contact DIAC on 131 881.

Persons affected by floods may ring the following numbers to seek assistance with travel emergency evacuation centers, subject to assessment:

• Brisbane: 0734038888 (Brisbane City Council Call Center);
• If at a location remote from Brisbane: 1800173349 (Queensland Department of Communities Community Recovery Hotline)