FLOODING UPDATE #16 – 10am 9 March 2020

Flood waters over the Castlereagh Highway between Dirranbandi and Hebel are dropping slowly and the road will remain closed for the next couple of days.

Balonne Shire Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chairman Richard Marsh said there was still 400mm of water over the Dirranbandi-Bollon Road.

“The floodwaters at Hebel have been peaking at major flood level (2m) since Saturday,” he said.

“The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that the Bokhara River level at Hebel may fall below the major flood level over the coming days.

“The highway will remain closed until the floodwaters recede to a safe level for traffic.”

The Mayor said Council were continuing with mosquito fogging.

“We ask that everyone be patient as the fogging works best if done five days after the water recedes,” he said.

“Fogging has begun around St George and the Council team will progress through the Shire as quickly as possible.”

Mayor Marsh said there were still a few local roads closed around region.

“Whyenbah Road will remain closed until Council inspectors can ascertain if there has been any flood damage to causeways,” he said.

“The Council team is liaising with the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the scouring that has occurred along the sides of the Castlereagh Highway between Noondoo and Dirranbandi. The road itself is in good condition.”

The LDMG has moved to lean forward status and will meet again at 9am on Wednesday (11/3/2020).

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.