WATCH AND ACT NO. 19

THURSDAY 2 JUNE 2022 – 3.00PM

This is a FLOOD WATCH and ACT from the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) for the Balonne Shire. Our LDMG remains at STAND UP and will continue to monitor and/or respond, as required.
At our LDMG meeting this afternoon Bureau of Meteorology advised there is forecast rain for the Balonne Shire tomorrow of up to 20ml in parts. This is likely to further delay re-opening of local roads that have been unable to dry out to allow access for emergent works.

ST GEORGE

Minor to major flooding is occurring along the Balonne River downstream of Beardmore Dam. Based on the nearby automatic station, the Balonne River at St George (manual gauge) is expected to be just above the minor flood level (6.00 m) today (Thursday) and falling slowly, with minor flooding. The Balonne River at St George will continue falling slowly, but is likely to remain around the minor flood level (6.00 m) during the remainder of Thursday. The river level may fall below the minor flood level (6.00 m) during Friday. There is 25,000ML discharging from the Beardmore Dam.

DIRRANBANDI

The Balonne River Minor at Dirranbandi is currently at 4.54 metres and rising, with moderate flooding. A moderate flood peak around 4.60 metres is likely along the Balonne River Minor at Dirranbandi overnight Thursday into Friday. The river level is expected to remain above the moderate flood level (4.30 m) during Friday. There will be a slow recession of waters.

Council is continuing to monitor the Bollon Dirranbandi Road. It is hopeful that it will reopen next week however will be subject to an inspection and check of the road condition as the water recedes.

HEBEL

The Bokhara River at Hebel is currently at 1.88 metres and rising very slowly, with moderate flooding. The Bokhara River at Hebel is likely to peak close to the major flood level (2.00 m) during Friday, with a long broad peak into the weekend.

Queensland Transport & Main Roads have advised Council the Castlereagh Highway (Dirranbandi – Hebel) will be scheduled for stabilised pavement to reduce the likelihood of wash outs. Unfortunately, the road remains closed and works will not be able to commence until the water recedes.

ROAD UPDATES

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 St George - Bollon - Cunnamulla - Open
• Carnarvon Highway – St George - Thallon - Mungindi – Open
• Carnarvon Highway heading to Surat – Open
• Castlereagh Highway – St George – Dirranbandi – Open with caution
• Castlereagh Highway – Dirranbandi to Hebel - Closed
• Moonie Highway – Open

Council will be monitoring local roads and weather permitting will commence emergent works and re-opening. Council will update its emergency dashboard, this alert and social media to inform the community as soon as possible as local roads re-open.

GENERAL UPDATES

Any properties or townships isolated for extended periods can request re-supply by contacting Council and we will co-ordinate through the LDMG and SES.

Stay up to date at https://emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au/ - Listen to ABC local radio - Monitor www.bom.gov.au/qld and road closures visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/, or phone 13 19 40.

The Local Recovery Committee has now met and further information will be made available on any relief that can be provided to small businesses and/or agribusinesses that have been impacted by the flood events. For more information phone Council on (07) 4620 8888 - this includes after-hours service or email: council@balonne.qld.gov.au.

Councillor Samantha O’Toole
CHAIR - LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP