Expert: Frank Denison - 6/20/2011

Question
Hi Frank, my hubby and i emigrated to Christchurch NZ 2009 from Scotland to live the dream ! now living a nightmare!. looking into moving to Brisbane. I am a Nurse and hubby an auto electrician, both in early 40s. It is highly possible i will get work in the city and if so will be doing the journey to new life alone for a while. Due to this I am looking for somewhere safe to live preferably not in the city as im not a city person. What area would you recommend to go to and not to go to. I would be using public transport for a while so needs to be near city but not to far away either. I am just going to to apply to some nursing agency's and get the ball rolling so to speak. Can you also tell me please rumor has it Brissy gets floods and cyclones all the time had enough natural disasters without moving to other high risk areas. Your advise be appreciated.  Regards Sharri

Answer
Hi Sharri,
         Sorry to hear your dream turned into a nightmare.

Brisbane went through major floods in January this year, and it devestated thousands of homes and businesses. We had similar flooding in 1974. We don't usually get cyclones. I remember 1 cyclone for Brisbane itself in my lifetime, but north Queensland get them a lot in summer.

I would look at the north side for a place to live.
Try Strathpine, Lawnton, Bray Park, Petrie, French's Forrest, Kallangur, Bald Hills, Morayfield, Narangba, Caboolture. Strathpine is the closest suburb to the city (about 20 km's) and Caboolture is the furtherest (about 50km's).

A bit closer to the city is Albion, Wooloowin, Eagle Junction, Toombul, Hendra, Clayfield, Wilston, Windsor, Newmarket, Alderley. All of these suburbs are under 10km from the city.

All of thise suburbs are close to either a train or bus.

If I can help in any other way, just contact me again.

Regards,
Frank