Townsville Flood Project Reaches Completion

In January 2019, Townsville experienced one of its worst natural disasters to ever impact the region, with the event triggered by a slow-moving tropical low and causing devastating flash flooding across the city of Townsville and surrounding areas.

The property damage exceeded $1.24 billion (AUD) with the weather system affecting approximately 4800 homes. As many as 30,000 insurance claims were filed in the aftermath, one being Riverview Apartments, who were heavily impacted by the event.

Paynters were engaged to commence make safe works prior to stripping out and removing debris to all 44 ground floor units, as well as external areas throughout the facility. From here, a systematic process was undertaken in “drying out” all units and providing hygiene clearances prior to the start of the insurance reinstatement works.

“As you can see from the images, the Riverview pool was inundated with contaminated flood waters which damaged the integrity of the pool, requiring the pool to be drained and completely re-surfaced (over 1000m2 pool surface area, which is one of the largest in North Queensland).” Mitch Kruk, Paynters Project Manager said.

“Paynters worked closely with the Body Corporate and the Insurer to develop the scope of works and extent of damage, enabling Paynters to reinstate all ground level units. Works begun quickly, resulting in all units being ready for handover just prior to the Christmas break & school holidays.” said Mr Kruk.