The University of Queensland (UQ) has closed St Lucia campus due to rising flood levels and has asked students and staff to stay home. Brisbane's flood crisis is expected to exceed 1974 levels and many homes and businesses have been affected.
UQ Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Keniger said: "We are expecting water levels to rise further over the next two days and so all classes have been cancelled until further notice and staff have been directed to stay home."
"There is a lot of water covering low lying areas of the campus and some buildings are being affected."
Specific campus buildings that are already experiencing flooding include the Chemical Engineering Building, buildings along Glasshouse Road, the swimming pool complex, tennis centre, basements of multi-level carparks, a Corporate Services building, Human Movement building and sports fields.
According to UQ, some of the residential accommodation is also experiencing minor flooding, while the Eleanor Schonell Bridge is to be closed and some access roads are under water.
Flood water levels were dropping at UQ's Gatton campus, which remains isolated, UQ added.
There are 55 people still at the Gatton campus, but they are safe and well supplied. Electricity generators are maintaining power supplies to the campus.
Both the Ipswich and Herston campuses have not been affected by flooding, but are closed to allow staff and students affected by the flooding to remain at home.
UQ medical students due to commence placements at the Rockhampton Rural Clinical School are advised that placements will commence on 24 January 2011 as planned.
However, a medical student orientation planned for Toowoomba, also on 24 January 2011, may be postponed. Students will be notified of any changes via email in coming days.
Professor Keniger said the University expressed its concern and sympathy to students and staff whose friends or families have been affected by flooding throughout Queensland.