WATCH AND ACT NO.2

Friday 13 May 2022 - 9.30am

This is a weather alert from the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) for the Balonne Shire. Our Local Disaster Management Group is currently monitoring flood warnings due to the rain event on 12 May 2022 that is continuing within the catchments. LDMG is at Lean Forward.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) advised at 9.20am this morning that there are major flood warnings for the Condamine Balonne River systems. Widespread heavy rainfall has been recorded in the upper Condamine catchment and parts of the Balonne and Maranoa rivers over the last 24 hours. Rapid river level rises are occurring, notably in the upper Condamine catchment. Further heavy rainfall is forecast during Friday, largely across the Condamine catchment, which will lead to further river level rises.

ST GEORGE

The Balonne River at St George is increasing with Sunwater advising that flow rates out of Beardmore Dam and Jack Taylor Weir are currently 25,000ML. The Balonne River at St George is likely to remain below the minor flood level (6.00 m) during Friday and Saturday.

MOONIE RIVER

Minor flooding is likely along the Moonie River downstream of Flinton. The Moonie River at Nindigully is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.20 m) during Friday with further rises possible into the weekend. River level rises are expected at Thallon Bridge over the next few days.

HEBEL

The Bokhara River at Hebel is currently at 1.09 metres and steady, with minor flooding. The Bokhara River at Hebel is likely to remain above the minor flood level (1.00 m) during the next few days, with further small rises.

MUNGINDI

Minor flood currently in the Barwon River catchment. Barwon River at Mungindi was rising at midnight 13/5/2022 and at 4.51m. There are moderate flood warnings for the Macintyre and Weir River systems that will impact Barwon River into next week.

TRAVEL ALERTS

All road users are reminded to check road conditions before travelling and that road conditions can change without notice.
Major highways are affected including:
• Balonne Highway west of Bollon
• Carnarvon Highway heading to Thallon – proceed with caution
• Carnarvon Highway heading to Surat – proceed with caution
• Castlereagh Highway – proceed with caution – Dirranbandi to Hebel

A number of local roads are either closed or subject to flooding with inability to access and repair due to wet and sodden conditions. Council is continuing to monitor, put out warnings and will undertake emergent works as weather and conditions permit.
Road conditions can change without notice.

GENERAL UPDATES

Residents can stay up to date by subscribing to Council’s Emergency Dashboard. https://emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au/ for all the latest road conditions, weather warnings and power outages.

For more information listen to ABC local radio and visit Council’s Emergency Dashboard - https://emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au/ with links to www.bom.gov.au/qld and road closures visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/, or phone 13 19 40.

Power outages Ergon Energy - faults contact 131046. For flood assistance contact the State Emergency Service on 132500. Anyone seeking urgent medical assistance should dial 000.

We advise all residents and travellers to please stay safe and stay away from flood waters. Remember if its flooded, forget it. Please ensure your neighbours are aware of these possible flood impacts and look out for each other at this time.

For more information phone Council on (07) 4620 8888 - this includes after-hours service.

Councillor Samantha O’Toole
CHAIR - LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP