LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP UPDATE
Re: ADVICE NO. 3
Date: 5pm 9 April 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 LDMG has escalated to Stand up status and is continuing to monitor the flood warning across the Shire.
MOONIE RIVER CATCHMENT
Two flood peaks are travelling along the Moonie River following rainfall over the last week. The first peak is around Nindigully where minor flooding is occurring and small additional rises to a minor flood peak are possible overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
Moonie River to Flinton:
Further upstream a second flood peak is at the Southwood-Kinkora area, where moderate flooding is occurring at both locations. There are renewed minor flooding occurring at Flinton, currently at 2.72 metres and rising.
The Moonie River at Flinton is likely to exceed the minor flood level (3.00 m) during the remainder of Tuesday. The river level may peak near 3.80 metres during Wednesday, with minor flooding.
LDMG is monitoring the Claude Bowhay Bridge on the Moonie Highway which may be impacted from this second peak in the coming days.
Moonie River to Nindigully & Thallon:
The Moonie River at Nindigully is currently at 2.60 metres and steady, above the minor flood level (2.20 metres). The Moonie River at Nindigully may experience small additional rises and reach a minor flood peak near 2.70 metres overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is currently at 3.40 metres and rising, below the minor flood level. The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge may peak near the minor flood level (4.00 m) around Thursday. Renewed rises are expected into the weekend as the second flood peak arrives.
BALONNE RIVER CATCHMENT
Sunwater advise that within the next 36-48 hours Beardmore Dam will increase outflow to 60,000ML per day (7.5m just below moderate). Residents will see the Balonne River at St George encroach onto the lower banks and infrastructure along the St George Terrace has been removed in preparation.
The gates on Beardmore Dam and Jack Taylor Weir will be lifted further to accommodate the increased flows without notice. While the river is not closed to recreational users we ask all residents to use extreme caution while the rivers are in flood and gates are open.
Further downstream will be impacted with the Whyenbah Road closed and LDMG monitoring the situation.
Balonne River to Surat:
Further upstream major flooding is occurring along the Balonne River to Surat. The Balonne River at Surat peaked at 9.20 metres around 5:30 pm Monday 8 April and is currently at 9.10 metres and falling slowly. The Balonne River at Surat is likely to remain around the major flood level (9.00 m) for the remainder of Tuesday and during Wednesday.
The Balonne River at Warkon may peak near 8.30 metres during Wednesday, with moderate flooding.
Maranoa River:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Maranoa River at Old Cashmere.
The Maranoa River at Woodlands is currently at 4.60 metres, below the minor flood level (5.00 m) and falling. The Maranoa River at Woodlands is expected to remain below the minor flood level (5.00 m).
MUNGINDI – Barwon River
The Weir River at Talwood has already peaked at 3.87m (moderate level) and currently 3.75m and slow moving over next couple of days. Minor to moderate flooding expected at Mungindi into the weekend. Warnings to be revised by BOM. LDMG is currently undertaking necessary preparations to close penstocks and will monitor the levee bank.
LDMG is monitoring the Carnarvon Highway for any potential impacts.
Roads heading south into New South Wales are being impacted by flood waters. Check Live Traffic NSW https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/live-traffic-nsw for road conditions into NSW.
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/.
In an emergency dial 000 or SES on 132500. For more information phone Council on (07) 4620 8888 - this includes after-hours service.
Councillor Samantha O’Toole
CHAIR - LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP