For the capital city of Queensland, rising flood waters rushing down the Brisbane River are evoking tragic memories of the 1974 Brisbane flood. Current forecasts predict this 2011 flood to rise well above the 5.45-meter flood level mark from the January 1974 natural disaster.

Already having broken its banks, the Brisbane River continues to rise throughout the day. Meanwhile a big high tide, also known as a king tide, is backing up floodwaters trying to exit the river. The rising waters are engulfing ferry terminals and bridges.

At right, the photo by Tony Mitchell of Brisbane shows floodwaters elevating the Regatta Ferry Terminal’s boarding platform to a near-breaking point and topping the ferry pier.

Most of Brisban’e CBD remains without power and many streets are closed from flooding.

We send our support to our friends, field guides and guest lecturers living in Brisbane and throughout South Queensland.

Don’t worry parents, the floodwaters will have receded by the time our South Queensland Maymester and summer programs are here!