North Lakes State College tribute to rescue crews

Image: Mt Barney, Kate Harbison, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

North Lakes State College has thanked the emergency services who rescued its students and staff in Mt Barney last night.

Around 5pm the group of more than 40 were unable to return to their accommodation due to rising floodwater in the Scenic Rim.

Reports say Queensland Fire swiftwater rescue teams and the SES helped ferry the stranded group across a flooded area and to safety around 9pm.

All the Year 12 students and teachers, on camp as part of course work, were assessed and returned to the North Lakes State College in the early hours of this morning.

The college posted this morning: 

"We would like to provide our community with an update regarding the Mt Barney camp incident that occurred due to severe weather conditions yesterday evening.

“During the return from activities, rapidly changing weather conditions impacted access to the camp accommodation site.

“Emergency services, including the State Emergency Service (SES), Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Fire Department (QFD) and Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), assisted staff and students to safely return to the SES base.

“Students and staff remained safe throughout the incident and were transported back to the College overnight, where students were reunited with their families.

“We would like to sincerely thank the SES, QPS, QFD and QAS for their professionalism, care and support throughout the evening, as well as our staff who remained calm and supportive while ensuring the wellbeing of all students.

“Thank you to our parents and carers for your patience, understanding and support throughout this situation.”