Four Corners: July 11

On Four Corners next Monday, Adam Harvey reports on “Washed Away” the planning failures deepening Australia’s flood crisis.

“We can’t keep asking people to be flooded. It’s emotionally draining, it’s financially devastating. And it’s unfair. It’s unreasonable to just keep expecting these people to pick up the pieces for some of the decisions that the system has made.” Flood historian

On Monday, Four Corners examines Australia’s ongoing flood catastrophe. Reporter Adam Harvey travels to Lismore, Brisbane and Western Sydney and meets families struggling with current and past flood events. They tell stories of despair, abandonment, and financial ruin. Many have lost everything, including hope.

“I struggle to go home. I don’t like going back to the house at the moment. And I keep trying to convince myself that I’m dealing with this and I’m all right. I know that I’m actually not.” Flood victim

As the country finds itself in the middle of another flood crisis a critical issue is still not being addressed: why are governments ignoring warnings about building residential developments in areas that constantly flood?

“We are continuing to put Greenfield development onto the flood plain … where there is pretty significant risk to property and in some instances to life as well. And that is something that we just can’t continue to do.” Dean of Architecture

With more extreme weather predicted over the coming months the pressure is mounting for flood affected residents to make the traumatic choice – to move or rebuild.

“We just sit here in limbo. We don’t want to do any repairs, but it gets sad every morning, getting up to the same mess. It just doesn’t go away. They need to get on and get it sorted. We’re not the only ones living through this nightmare.” Flood victim

Monday 11th July at 8.30pm on ABC.