Flood Warning Update #13 3pm 4 March 2020

Predicted rainfall in the catchment may see renewed rises in the Balonne River, Maranoa River and the Mungallala and Wallam Creek catchments over the coming days.

Balonne Shire Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chairman Richard Marsh said the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has advised the expected rain from ex-TC Esther would impact the shire.

“We have been advised there may be renewed river rises as a result of this rain,” he said.

“BOM has advised that the Balonne, Maranoa, Mungallala and Wallam Creek catchments could receive up to 20-40mm in places with isolated falls of 50-80mm.

“These falls may drive river levels up but they are expected to only reach minor flood levels.

“I advise residents to be aware of this and to take the necessary precautions to ensure they have sufficient supplies in the event rivers and creeks rise again.”

Floodwaters are slowly falling in Dirranbandi with the river reading 4.97m this morning. It is expected that Hebel will see waters exceed major flood level (2m) overnight or tomorrow.

The highway from Dirranbandi to Noondoo and Dirranbandi to Hebel is still closed to all traffic.

Cr Marsh asked residents for their patience as the clean up in St George and Bollon progresses.

“We have a finite number of people who are tasked with inspecting roads and opening them and we would appreciate your patience as they are moving as quickly as they can to open local roads,” he said.

“There are a number of roads that have been opened to four-wheel drive access only.

“I would advise travellers and residents to check with the www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au site as all of our road information is being fed into that site.”

The LDMG will remain at stand-up status until floodwaters begin receding at Hebel.

For more information visit www.bom.gov.au; and/or www.sunwater.com.au.  For assistance contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.  For local road closures visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or phone 13 19 40.  Dial 000 in an emergency.