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Ozzie · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 8:57 am Post subject: OZ

In parts of the country we have had wild bushfires.
www.ninemsn.com.au

other parts we have floods and constant rain since Jan 1.
Cyclones and monsoon rains have been dumping rain for 6 weeks.
My friend who lives up the road been cut off.
http://grahamsantennas.com/images/index.htm

(I'm not badly affected where I am)

Its a strange world we live in.
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Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

steeny · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 9:04 am Post subject:

it is certainly a strange place.

I've got a mate whos parents came withing a hair of loosing everything in the fire. Apparently it destroyed the entire property, and when it got to the house, it melted the main feed to the water tank (20000 odd litres) and dumped it on the perimeter of the house, which then is the only thing in the area that didn't burn flat.

Flat out scary.

And here I am, in the middle of the country (Brisbane). The weathers been fine, very little rain, comfortable beer drinking sort of weather.
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1978 924 N/A
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Khal · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 4:37 pm Post subject:

Scorpio · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:19 pm Post subject:

death toll looking to get up to around 300

If anyone has a spare $5 itll all help

http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm
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MS1..EFI..
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Brisbane , Australia
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Ozzie · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:43 pm Post subject:

Khal- didnt say it wasnt common just strange that both is happening at the same time.

As I have said elsewhere, I doubt that in many cases common sense has prevailed in the case of fire prevention with city people buying rural properties and leaving natural bushland grow right up to the back door.
(I was born and raised near Shepparton and was taught fire prevention)

Fire prevention wont always save you, the same as a seat belt so I wont go into arguments about fire storms and strong winds etc.
Of most of the houses I have seen razed the trees were very close.

The fact that they were deliberately lit is appalling and I hope they catch the dogs vomit that caused this. Pity the maximum may only be life in prison.

As for the floods, I'm sure the councils have maps of flood prone areas yet still approve buildings in there.
They are regular occurrences.
The fact that a national highway is cut on a regular basis just shows that the north is forgotten as always and the road funding goes to the SE corner. I cant remember any time since 1974 floods that the gold coast highway was cut.

Rant over.
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Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

J1NX3D · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Posts: 1333 Location: New Zealand

all i can say is wow. following this very closely and my heart goes ou to all affected. this is amazing and so sad.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article5687191.ece

and amazing tales of heroism coming through now too.
http://www.3aw.com.au/brother-saves-day-with-little-tractor/20090208-80ir.html
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J1NX3D · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Posts: 1333 Location: New Zealand

http://www.theage.com.au/interactive/2009/national/darkestday/slides.html
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Khal · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:37 pm Post subject:

Yeah Ozzie, I'm with you on the poor foresight/planning and preventative measures problems.

Don't worry, I'm sure The Government will hold another Royal Commission. And yet again SFA will actually be done about the problem.

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'80 924 Turbo

Ozzie · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:39 am Post subject:

Not to mention that the indigenous population used to 'burn off' regularly to stop the build up of dead matter accumulating on the forest floor.

Something the govt doesnt do today to get the green vote.
Their method of forest management is to do nothing.
_________________
Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

steeny · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

Although i agree in part that many people didn't have they're properties appropriately protected, in this case i don't think it would have helped

90+ km/hr notherlys and 46c on the ground conspired against nearly everyone. I've heard of cases where people thought they had 10 minutes, turned around to pick up the dog and it was already too late.

Even some of the most well prepared properties (CFA volunteers houses included) stood no chance against either the fire front or the ember attack.

DRE or whatever they are called still backburn extensively in victoria. though they suck at it, and never seem to get it done right. A number have got out of control in the past, so the public don't like it. Stupid public.

As for the floods in up north. Surely the council needs to take responsibility for letting people build on floodplains, or build better levee banks to hold the river in? I still feel sorry for the people who have to put up with it year in year out, but you must be getting used to it by now.
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1978 924 N/A
she's gone.....

Ozzie · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:42 am Post subject:

RE fire prevention- you can do everything right and still lose.

With the heat and strong breezes the main fire is unstoppable.

Embers, being blown miles away were starting spot fires and many losses there are usually preventable.
_________________
Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

Ozzie · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 8:54 am Post subject:

Most of the Nth Qld area is farmland.
Fortunate I suppose.

Problem with farmland is that the easement used to normally drain water away collects fertilisers too, become overgrown and choked with weeds and slows down water flow, backing up floodwaters.

Councils should have a case to answer about land releases and I have heard that flood prone houses have to be marketed as such when sold.
_________________
Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

924aussie · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:51 pm Post subject:

I remember when we ... I mean those enviromental vandals used to have access to a lot of the fire tracks to go 4WDing. They where then banned and the tracks started to overgrow.

Alan
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1998 Mopar Neon ... sick
2003 Challenger / Montery 4WD
1995 Hyundai Scoupe ... sold
1998 Nissan Silvia ... sons back from OS he has taken it
BIG BLOODY MOTORHOME 300zx Sold
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J1NX3D · Joined: 06 Feb 2003 Posts: 1333 Location: New Zealand

I'm pleased to say Im heading out to Auckland Airport tomorrow to help facilitate sending an RNZAF plane over with 100 (if our politicians are to be believed) firefighters to help join the effort.
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924aussie · Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject:

How many of the NZ's have packed their bags to stay

Alan
_________________
green 924 .. 1980 rego 924PSH
1998 Mopar Neon ... sick
2003 Challenger / Montery 4WD
1995 Hyundai Scoupe ... sold
1998 Nissan Silvia ... sons back from OS he has taken it
BIG BLOODY MOTORHOME 300zx Sold
1980 Fire truck Sold