File:Brisbane River in flood, February 1931.jpg

English: The Brisbane Courier

7 February 1931

This Afternoon will see the Flood Waters in Brisbane at Peak.

What was regarded by the authorities as a serious position presented itself in the city reaches of the Brisbane River shortly after midnight. Throughout the evening the waters had been rapidly and ominously rising, and although the peak period for this particular tide was not until 1.20 a.m., 50 minutes earlier the lower wharves of the Adelaide Steamship Company already were covered, and the water was rapidly encroaching on the rear portions of the premises abutting on Stanley-street. At this hour a large number of people who were vitally interested in the properties at this particular part of the river were standing by, ready to salvage, if need arose, such stocks as were menaced.

The Divisional Meteorologist (Mr. Bond) stated at 8 o'clock last night that the crest of the flood wave had reached the Ipswich Pumping Station at 7.30 p.m., being 4ft. 6in. higher than the 1908 level. It was probable that the maximum height would be reached on the Port Office gauge at the time of high tide to-day, about 1.40 p.m., and that it would not exceed 16ft. The maximum reading on the Port Office gauge yesterday was 12ft. lOin., and the water covered the lowest of the wharves in the South Brisbane Reach.

All interest was focussed on the river yesterday, when the flood waters from the upper reaches met the incoming tide. The tributary creeks had subsided and the water in low-lying suburbs had receded, leaving in its wake damaged streets, mud-bespattered houses and broken furniture, and ruined gardens.

Large numbers of people lined Victoria Bridge and river banks, and saw the water gradually creep over wharves in the Bridge Reach, from which most of the boats had departed for the safety of Moreton Bay. The steamer Momba was caught in the flooding tide when rounding Kangaroo Point, and rammed the lighter Advance, which sank.

Suburban train services were resumed yesterday, but until washaways are repaired none will go beyond Enoggera. Toowong and Rainworth were the only tram lines on which the service was still interrupted last night.

A man was drowned near the Oxley Golf Links yesterday, and last night part of Ipswich-road, at Rocklea, was 1 5ft. under water. Only the roofs of nearby houses were above the surface . His Excellency the Governor (Lieut-General Sir John Goodwin) yesterday visited the refugees billeted in the dining-hall at the Exhibition Grounds.

From many places on the South Coast, particularly Southport, came reports of extensive damage, and several places are isolated. Great anxiety is felt for the safety of the residents at Coolum, on the North Coast, which also is isolated.

Heavy losses of stock are reported from the North Coastal areas, but reassuring news comes from the Burnett River.

Queensland State Archives Digital Image ID 85