Reconstruction efforts in rain-ravaged Gympie could take up to 5 years as recovery coordinator, Paul de Jersey visited and tour the flood-stricken region. 

Gympie mayor Glen Hartwig noted that the rain caused by the remnants of ex-cyclone Seth had created a ‘once in a lifetime disaster, causing significant damage to roads, infrastructure, homes and livelihoods. 

State and federal grants have been offered to victims of the disaster as the search continues to find missing 14-year-old girl Kyrstal Cain, who was separated from her father on January 8 after their car became submerged.