Join us for our next QSA Talk with environmental historian and Research Fellow Dr Margaret Cook, who will take a closer look at the disastrous 1974 floods that changed South-East Queensland forever.

The 1974 flood devastated South-East Queensland, claiming fourteen lives and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. The aftermath saw roads, railways and telecommunications inoperable for weeks, leaving a lasting impact on the region.

Dr Margaret Cook will take us back to this catastrophic event, detailing how the flood unfolded, its immediate and long-term effects on the community, and the underlying causes that contributed to such widespread devastation.

Those who attend the talk in person will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes after the presentation to view original records relating to the talk.

Content warning: this presentation will discuss traumatic events and loss of life, which may be distressing for some attendees.

About the speaker

Dr Margaret Cook, is an environmental historian and Research Fellow in the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University and the Centre for the Inland at La Trobe University. Her research interests include climate-related disasters, and water and river histories.

Her recent books are A River with a City Problem, Disasters in Australia and New Zealand and Cities in a Sunburnt Country.

Can’t attend in person?

Don't worry! We've got you covered. If you can't make it at the scheduled time, the talk will be available to view on our YouTube channel

after the event date.