Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has offered support to his counterparts in Wanganui, New Zealand, as they begin a massive clean-up following the biggest flood in the city’s history. Toowoomba and Wanganui have shared a Sister City relationship for more than 30 years.
The Wanganui River broke its banks after more than 100mm of rain fell in 24 hours, causing damage to homes and businesses, significant loss of livestock and widespread soil erosion.
Mayor Antonio said “I spoke with the Deputy Mayor. Hamish McDouall and offered our support as well as the use of water decontamination equipment if required. Knowing the practical and emotional toll of our flood in 2010-11, the people of Wanganui are no doubt feeling overwhelmed by the task ahead, if we can help in any way, we certainly will.”
