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CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA: Aerial view of flooding along the Barron River in Cairns, taken on Tuesday morning, December 19, 2023. Photo: Facebook / Cockatours
A property in one of Far North Queensland's most flood-hit suburbs has gone on the market in Cairns, complete with a watermark estimated to be 800mm high.
The Christensen Street property in McCann's Beach was listed for sale on January 4, three weeks after Cyclone Jasper crossed the coast on December 14.
Japan Meteorological Agency's course map just before landfall. Photo: BOM
Damage from the Category 2 storm was fairly limited, but record rainfall pounded the region after the system shut down as a tropical storm.
This event marked the worst flood on record, with the Barron River exceeding its height in 1977.
Corner of Falls Street and Christensen Street in McCann's Beach during flooding.Photo – Jesse McClelland/Severe Weather Australia
“The heavy rainfall caused flash flooding, landslides, road closures and river flooding across the Daintree, Mossman, Barron, Murray, Mulgrave and Herbert Rivers,” the agency said in a statement.
“Some places outside the station recorded total rainfall of more than 2000mm for five days.”
Northern Beaches was one of the hardest hit areas in the region, including McCann's Beach, Holloways Beach and Yorkey's Knob.
Large areas of Casuarina Street in Holloways Beach were swept away by the rushing water.Photo: Peter Carruthers
The worst flooding in 100 years occurred on the banks of the Barron River, forcing residents to evacuate their homes, many of whom were rescued by members of the public on tinnies and jet skis.
After the waters receded, damaged goods were carried out into the streets in piles.
Piles of damaged household goods lie on the curb of a McCann's Beach street.Photo: Bronwyn Farr
Chris Marsh, of Cairns-based Marsh Property agents who market properties in Merchans Beach, said he had never seen anything like this.
“I live in the Delta and it's really heartbreaking,” he said.
“I've lived in McCann's for 20 years and I've never seen anything like this. It rained nonstop.”
Approximately 800mm of flooding occurred at 60-62 Christensen Street, Machans Beach.
Mr Marsh said the buyers were aware of the devastation that had occurred but were undaunted.
And with on-site inspections already underway, it will be hard to miss.
“We're expecting about a dozen people to join us today,” Marsh said.
“That could happen anywhere…I've never seen anything like that at McCann's before.”
I was away for about half a year
The McCanns Beach property is on the market for the first time in 36 years and is described as a “true blowout or refurbishment opportunity”.
It consists of a 1025 square meter double block with a masonry block house that “provides the basis for a renovation dream”.
It has three bedrooms, one bathroom, and space for two cars.
But photos of the property show what appears to be a weather-beaten living space with exposed beams.
Mr Marsh said the only difference from the published photos was that the carpet had been removed.
“And now the walls have 800mm watermarks,” he said.
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the carpet has since been torn
Fortunately, the owner was not on the property when the flood occurred.
“This place has been vacant for about six months,” Mr Marsh said, adding that it had been “ruined” even before the flood.
Mr Marsh said he was devastated by those affected, especially the young couple who had settled on the property just days before the heartbreaking weather event.
“On Monday they were settled and by Wednesday and Thursday the water was up to a meter deep,” he said.
“He’s in the Navy, so I don’t even know if I ever got to meet him.”
This property is located in a double block, so buyers won't be deterred.
But Mr Marsh said he was encouraged by the community spirit in the suburb and surrounding areas.
“This is such a wonderful community and there are amazing acts of kindness shown all around, even by people who have not benefited, and that really stands out,” he said.
“That's why very few people want to quit. It's a great place to live.”
Expressions of interest close on January 10th.
