Since the February floods destroyed her rental home, Ms Thomas has been unable to find permanent accommodation. Now, like many others in the flood-affected Queensland town, she’s being forced to leave amid a deepening housing crisis.
A flood following grief
For Ms Thomas, the flood came on the heels of personal tragedy. Her daughter, Jody Davies, died by suicide in September. Volunteering at the local community hub gave Ms Thomas a renewed sense of purpose — until the flood took that from her too.
“When we returned to the house after the water receded, it was devastating,” she said.
“All my baby photos, all my pictures — gone. I opened the box and they were destroyed. I had to throw them away.”
Photo: Karen Thomas holds a framed photo of her late daughter, Jody (ABC News: Georgia Loney).
Ms Thomas had no formal lease at the time and could not return to live in the damaged property. Though she found temporary shelter, that home was recently sold.
“We’ve tried everything. I’ve begged,” she said.
Now she’s relocating to Townsville, over 100 kilometres away, to live in a small room with her grandchildren. She hopes to return to Ingham one day.
Flood-damaged belongings discarded by the footpath
Photo: Items damaged by floodwater — including a suitcase — await removal (ABC News: Georgia Loney).
Housing crisis deepens
Quinta Lahtinen from the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre says Ms Thomas’s story is far from isolated. Many residents are now in unstable living situations due to the floods.
In a town of around 4,500 people, more than 200 homes were severely damaged or destroyed. As a result, residents are leaving Ingham in increasing numbers.
“We’re seeing more people living in cars and vans, experiencing serious overcrowding in homes, and moving from couch to couch,” Ms Lahtinen said.
Photo: Floodwaters surrounding Ms Thomas’s rental home (Supplied: Karen Thomas).
Rental market pushed beyond its limits
Local real estate agent Felix Reitano said housing availability was already limited before the flood. The disaster only worsened the situation.
“People were drawn here because of affordable property and the town’s proximity to Townsville,” he said.
Photo: Felix Reitano says demand far exceeds supply (ABC News: Georgia Loney).
He described the difficulty of turning away reliable tenants due to a lack of available homes.
“It’s frustrating. People had to leave their homes for insurance repairs, but they had nowhere else to go.”
He also pointed to trade shortages, which are slowing down the rebuilding process.
“It’s going to be a long recovery.”
Photo: Waterlogged homes and vehicles during the floods (ABC News: Sophie Johnson).
Recovery slow but ongoing
Hinchinbrook deputy mayor Mary Brown, who led local recovery efforts, said the council is continuing to advocate for increased housing supply.
“But that’s not something that happens overnight,” she said.
Photo: Mary Brown says signs of recovery are visible, but the long-term challenges remain (ABC News: Georgia Loney).
“On the surface, the town looks better. A lot of the mess has been cleared, and visually, things appear to be returning to normal.
But deeper recovery — especially housing — takes much longer.”
A plea for urgent support
Karen Thomas says the housing shortage needs an immediate solution.
“Even putting up 100 dongas on some land for a year would help — just so people have somewhere to stay while repairs are made,” she said.
“If there’s a place for rent, it’s snapped up instantly. There’s nothing available.”
“We need emergency support. Please don’t forget about us. There are so many people in the same situation.”
