While the consensus across Queensland is that our authorities handled the floods exceptionally well, Ipswich federal MP Shayne Neumann offers a hard-hitting, dissenting view – i.e. Ipswich was ignored in the flood. The Queensland Times reports:

EVERY level of government failed the people of Ipswich in the wake of January’s epic flood, irate Labor MP Shayne Neumann says.

The Federal Member for Blair told Federal Parliament on Tuesday night that Ipswich City Council, State Government and his own government performed poorly in response to the flood, and that it was a disgrace that people were left to fend for themselves.

Mr Neumann said civilisation was almost at the point of breaking down in the days following January 12, when the Bremer River peaked at 19.5 metres.

“We teetered on the brink of lawlessness in some of these communities,” he told Parliament during condolence motions for the flood victims on Tuesday.

“There were many failures and I’m thoroughly and utterly furious and angry at the lack of communication, co-ordination and consultation.

“The people in my electorate were let down, and I have to say, at every level of government.

On Mr Neumann’s specific concerns:

Mr Neumann told The Queensland Times he had spoken to the Mayor [of Ipswich Paul Pisasale] aabout his concerns, such as the lack of a doctor at the Ipswich Showgrounds on the morning of the flood peak.

“I got there and they asked me to go get syringes and medication,” Mr Neumann said.

“The council tried to close down the Riverview Evacuation Centre, which was housing 90 people at the time, which was a ridiculous idea. The Mayor knows how angry I am about the stuff-ups in managing the flood.”

These are certainly issues the Government’s flood inquiry should explore. Mr Neumann deserves respect for his courage in challenging the consensus on the flood response.