LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP UPDATE

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Re: ADVICE NO. 14
Date: 3pm 12 February 2024

This is an update from the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) for the Balonne Shire.  Travellers and residents are asked to prepare now, stay informed and monitor conditions and where possible avoid travelling into areas that will be most affected.

The main flood peak along the Balonne River is approaching Warroo. Releases from Beardmore Dam are projected to increase into Tuesday, with a peak around the minor flood level likely at St George overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

Floodwater will continue to extend down the Balonne River system for the remainder of the month. Peak forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed.

No significant rainfall has been recorded over the last few days and no significant rainfall is forecast for the next few days across the Balonne River catchment.

Vector spraying will be undertaken in flood impacted areas throughout the Shire from the 9th to 15th February and residents should check the Council’s Facebook for further details. 

BALONNE RIVER
Minor flooding is likely along the Balonne River downstream of Beardmore Dam at St George, while minor flooding is occurring further downstream in the Whyenbah area.

Beardmore Dam reached 100% capacity the afternoon of 9 February and is now releasing excess water into the Balonne River.

No recent observations are available for the St George manual gauge. Based on the nearby automatic gauge, the river level is estimated to be around 4.70 metres and steady below the minor flood level (6.00 metres). The Balonne River at St George is likely to peak around the minor flood level (6.00 m) overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, based on the estimated peak outflow from Beardmore Dam.

There are no river level observations available for the Balonne River Minor at Dirranbandi, however the river level is expected to be below the minor flood level and rising slowly. The Balonne River Minor at Dirranbandi may reach the minor flood level (4.00 m) late-week.

NINDIGULLY
The Moonie River at Nindigully is currently at 2.55 metres and falling, above the minor flood level. The Moonie River at Nindigully is likely to fall below the minor flood level (2.20 m) overnight Monday into Tuesday.

THALLON
The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is currently at 4.74 metres and falling, above the moderate flood level. The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is likely to fall below the moderate flood level (4.50 m) during Tuesday.
Council has removed the earth infill across the road to open the levee in Thallon. Crews are onsite and monitoring closely.
Local crews in Thallon will be coordinating rubbish collection whilst Thallon is isolated. 

ROADS UPDATE
Moonie Highway – Queensland Transport and Main Roads has inspected the Claude Bowhay Bridge and has now reopened the Moonie Highway to traffic to proceed with caution. 
Carnarvon Highway – Queensland Transport and Main Roads has inspected the  Carnarvon Highway and has now reopened to traffic to proceed with caution. 
Local Roads that are currently impacted by flooding include:
-    Teelba Road - Closed
-    Warrie Road - Closed
-    Honeymah Lane - Closed
-    Gunnindaddy Road - Closed
-    Kooroon Road – Closed
-    Ballangarry Road - Closed
-    Dalkieth Road – Closed
-    Littleton Road - Closed
-    Chelmer Road – Closed
-    Noondoo Thallon Road – Closed
-    Noondoo Mungindi Road – Closed
-    Dingadee Road – Closed
-    Whyenbah Road – Closed
-    Cubbie Road - Closed
-    Bollon Dirranbandi Road – Restricted to 5 tonne GVM
-    Bradley’s Gully Carnarvon Highway – Reduced speed limit 60km/h

Remember road conditions can change without notice.

GENERAL UPDATES
Residents can stay up to date by subscribing to the Emergency Dashboard. https://emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au/ for all the latest weather and road conditions. The dashboard includes links to www.bom.gov.au/qld and https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/.  Check Live Traffic NSW https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/live-traffic-nsw for road conditions into NSW. 

In an emergency dial 000 or SES on 132500.  For more information phone Council on (07) 4620 8888 - this includes after-hours service.