Queensland sells flood-prone land for housing development

The Queensland government has sold land in Townsville's flood-prone "black zone" for new housing, despite previous evacuations during flooding. Homes have been built on this land, some with flood mitigation measures, raising concerns about safety and insurance. An investigation revealed that some properties were marked as high flood risk on council maps. The development has sparked debate about building in flood plains amid Australia's housing crisis, with differing opinions on the necessity and risks involved. Authorities issued evacuation warnings in February due to heavy rainfall, but Townsville avoided severe flooding. Residents have mixed feelings about living in these areas, with some expressing confidence in flood mitigation efforts while others remain wary of future risks.