LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP UPDATE

Re: ADVICE NO. 2
Date: 12noon 31 January 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.

PREPARE FOR ISOLATION:
The Moonie River will impact access to St George for residents on the Moonie Highway as early as this afternoon with the potential closure of the Claude Bowhay Bridge.

The Carnarvon Highway between St George and Mungindi is also likely to be impacted in the coming days. 

Residents are urged to check road and river conditions via our Emergency Dashboard and prepare now for isolation – find out more at https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/get-prepared   

CURRENT SITUATION:
There is major flooding at Flinton expected at around the 1998 flood level of 5.06m.  This will impact the Claude Bowhay Bridge on the Moonie Highway either late this afternoon or early tomorrow.  The Moonie Highway is closed into Westmar, Moonie and Dalby.
Warrie Road, Chelmer Road and Ballangarry Road are closed and the Moonie River will impact the Carnarvon Highway near Nindigully in the coming days.  The Carnarvon Highway has some water over the road between St George and Mungindi and motorists are asked to proceed with caution. 

NINDIGULLY
Based on observations at the nearby automatic gauge, river levels on the Moonie River at Nindigully are expected to be above the minor flood level and rising. The Moonie River at Nindigully may reach the moderate flood level (3.00 m) during Wednesday.

THALLON
There are currently no readings for the Moonie River, Thallon.  The river is expected to rise to minor flood levels during Friday.  The temporary levee at Thallon is being prepared, if required.  

Remember road conditions can change without notice

Council will continue to provide updates utilising the qldtraffic.qld.gov.au and Emergency Dashboard https://emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au/

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.

Councillor Samantha O’Toole
CHAIR - LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP