Congratulations to Aquilus1 and sacada for the FTF!
Welcome to Fitzroy Crossing!
Fitzroy Crossing, the surrounding Fitzroy Valley and the broader Kimberley region were hit hard by the flooding associated with Ex-TC Ellie. The Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing peaked at an impressive 15.8m, beating the previous record by a whopping 1.8m (source: Bureau of Meteorology). The river raged with a flow rate of approx 85000 cubic metres a second, the strongest experienced by any river in Australia. This was the equivalent of approx 20 years worth of Perth water supply going through the river each day. The destruction to pastoralists, Indigenous communites, towns, National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and infrastructure was significant. Kms of roads were ripped out and destroyed by the water flow and the single lane bridge over the Fitzroy River in Fitzroy Crossing was destroyed, with the legs on one span completely collapsing. The disruption to the local population was incredible with people being evacuated and living where they could with extended family and friends as well as in the local Evac Centre. Many homes were destroyed with water reaching areas that had never seen floodwaters before. One street in the industrial area of Fitzroy Crossing was completely inundated, and a number of streets in town with residences were seriously impacted. 2 of the local churches sustained significant water inundation.
The local population jumped into gear bagging and distributing food that was currently in town. Work crews were set up assisting people with removing belongings that were salvagable from homes and businesses and daily town meetings were being held at the Oval with representatives from multiple agencies.
The Army was deployed to assist were they could. The running of the local airport was taken over by the Australian Defence Force as the local crew were unable to cope with the air traffic: rescue helicopters, food drops by plane' and choppers, etc.
Of course the flow on effect was a shortage of accommodation, food, distruptions to the movements between east and west bank, disruptions to cultural obligations, mail, support services ie: health care, tourism, economy, etc etc. These effects are still being felt 18 months later in some instances. The disruptions were felt Australia wide as the bridge collapse disconnected Highway 1.
Govt agencies set up as a multi agency centre helping the local population with immediate needs ie: temporary accommodation, withdrawal to neighbouring towns, food hampers, donations by fellow Australians and immediate funds for clothing in the first instance. They arranged wash outs and the removal of flood waste from businesses, homes, public places and reserves. This included the metres of river sand and silt that had been left behind by the waters as they receeded. As the Emergency & later the Recovery stages progressed the needs of the local population changed.
Fitzroy Crossing has come a long way since 4th January 2023. The new Fitzroy River Bridge was built and open before the start of the 2023/2024 wet season. Demolition of Brooking Chanel bridge has commenced, and some residents have returned back to their homes. Many more homes are yet to be completed.
We still have a long way to go...
Night time Geocaching in this area is NOT RECOMMENDED. Please keep your vehicle secure at all times. This is a HIGH MUGGLE AREA.