Helping the Quilpie community clean up the floods

Quilpie Shire Council recently faced some serious flood conditions that brought the town to a halt and made everyday tasks far more challenging; especially keeping the local airport runway safe for flights. With water pooling up on the tarmac, planes and helicopters were struggling to land and take off, threatening a vital connection for both residents and essential services. Fortunately, just a few months before the floods, MTE delivered Quilpie’s CityRay road sweeper; a piece of equipment that proved to be a real game-changer in this situation.

Under normal everyday circumstances, the CityRay sweeper is used to clear dirt, gravel, and other rubbish from roads to keep them clean and safe. However, its versatility truly shone during this emergency. With the ability to vacuum up and remove standing water, the sweeper quickly made short work of the excess water on the runway. By clearing away this excess water, it allowed planes and helicopters to land and take off safely.

A Vital Lifeline for the Community:

For communities like Quilpie, where highways can be cut off by floodwaters for days at a time, the local runway is more than just an airport—it’s a lifeline. When heavy rains hit remote regions, air travel becomes one of the only reliable ways to transport urgent supplies and provide emergency evacuations if needed. By aiding to help keep the runway remain operational, Quilpie Shire Council personnel and their CityRay sweeper helped protect that lifeline. Thus, assisting to prevent potential isolation and delays in critical services.

Partnership and Preparation:

The fact that Quilpie had just received their updated CityRay suction road sweeper before the floods was a testament to good planning and timing. The Council recognised the importance of having reliable, versatile cleaning equipment to keep their facilities running smoothly, and their foresight paid off. Our team worked closely with the Council to train operators on the sweeper’s functions, so that when a real emergency struck, staff were ready to put it to use right away.

Looking Ahead:

Though we hope there won’t be another flood anytime soon, we know that Quilpie Shire Council has the tools and expertise to handle emergencies effectively. This experience highlights how crucial the right equipment can be—particularly in Australia’s remote and weather-prone areas. It also demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between local councils and local suppliers: by working together, we can help communities stay safe and connected, no matter what challenges Mother Nature throws their way.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support Quilpie Shire Council in keeping their essential services running. If you’d like to learn more about the CityRay sweeper’s capabilities or explore options for your own community’s needs, feel free to reach out to our team. We are proud of the support MTE provides to all their customers.