With Queensland facing many more weeks of flood innundation, then months of cleanup and lost income, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has launched an appeal to help flood affected areas. In the spirit of community cooperation, all radio stations are backing the appeal, and live radio and tv telethon appeals this weekend have raised about $30 million so far towards the appeal.

This weekend radio rivals joined forces to broadcast messages of suport and to encourage listeners to donate to the flood victimes. Radio stations joined other media in support of the cause.

All stations are broadcasting appeal information and also have it on their websites (click below). Donations can also be made on the Queensland Government website, www.qld.gov.au/floods.

So far at radioinfo we have heard that all stations in the affected areas around Rockhampton have managed to stay on air, although water damage in studios and transmitter sites remains an ongoing concern for station staff, who are working round the clock to broadcast emergency messages and to support local residents in coping with the floods.

Meanwhile, a plane carrying Premier Bligh and the team coordinating the disaster recovery was hit by lightening while flying in teh affected area, but managed to land safely despite significant damage to the plane. See ABC Radio’s coverage here.

If you are at an affected station please send us your latest information to [email protected], or post it in the box at the bottom of this page.