Asia-Pacific News

Sharks spotted in flooded inland town (Extra)

Jan 15, 2011, 2:07 GMT

Sydney - Sharks have been spotted swimming in the main street of a flooded Queensland town more than 30 kilometres inland.

Two bull sharks, which are the third most likely shark to attack humans, were seen by local butcher Steven Goodwin swimming against the flow as floodwaters ran through the town of Goodna.

Goodna town councillor Paul Tully told The Queensland Times newspaper Sunday he believed Goodwin's bizarre story.

It was not the first shark sighting during the Queensland floods. A shark was reported swimming the flooded streets of Brisbane on Thursday.

Bull sharks prefer shallow water and tolerate fresh water. They often swim up rivers in search of food.

Tully said the sharks would have had to cross a flooded motorway and caravan park to reach the Goodna main street.

'It's definitely a first for Goodna, to have a shark in the main street,' Tully said.

'I know Steve and he wouldn't say he saw a shark unless he really saw one.'

Beaches near Brisbane have been inundated with dead fish killed during the flood.

Meanwhile Australia's Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd had to be treated in hospital for an infected foot that was cut while he was helping people evacuate from rising floodwaters in Brisbane on Thursday.

Rudd's home in Brisbane was above the floods but much of his electorate along the banks of the Brisbane River was submerged.

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