Brave Beechmont belted, but not defeated
EX-CYCLONE Alfred may have been downgraded before it crossed the Queensland coastline, but that didn’t stop it from wreaking havoc in the Scenic Rim district.
The heavily forested Beechmont district once again felt the full fury of Mother Nature with powerful winds and heavy rain bringing down massive 100 year old trees.
Michael and Diane Hicks have a small acreage on the Binna Burra Road and after the main thrust of the ex-cyclone came through they found themselves locked in with no power.
“We had heeded all the early warnings and we’d stocked up with food and petrol and it was just as well we did,” Michael said.
“Our house was shaking when it hit and we started to get worried when we heard a large tree crashing down close by.
“We weren’t game to go outside to check where it had fallen that night, but next day there was a huge gum blocking the road out the front.”
For the next four days the Hicks remained on generator power only and started to get concerned with their food stocks diminishing and petrol getting low.
“It was on about day five when we heard noises outside and we were relived to see the Army had arrived and were clearing the road,” Michael said.
“They were from the Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane and had been tasked to take a generator up to the mobile phone tower at the Binna Burra Tea House so communications could be restored.”
Despite their latest brush with Ex-Cyclone Alfred along with the Black Summer Bushfires and Cyclone Debbie in recent years the Hicks have no intention of selling up and moving from their bush setting in Beechmont.
“We have been here for 19 years and love the area,” Michael said.
“If you decide to live in the bush you have to be prepared for emergencies, although it was worrying to see giant trees crashing down lately.”
Ron Russell who took over the Flying Bean Cafe at Rosin’s Lookout lost power for more than a week, but thanks to a good samaritan in Ryan Feeken he was able to keep his fridges running and as a result had little wastage.
“Three years ago when we were hit with storms we had to throw out more than $5000 worth of goods, while this time it will be less than $300,” he said.
“Ryan has his 4WD set up with batteries and drove it up to allow us to tap in for days to back up our generator.
“It’s yet another example of how this community gets together in times of need.
“When the chips are down in Beechmont everyone comes out to help each other.”
Ron said rather than wanting to sell after recent storms and power losses he now wants to stay longer.
