LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP UPDATE

Re: ADVICE NO. 7

Date: Noon 5 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.

Recent heavy rainfall across the Shire has caused significant flooding in the Moonie River catchment with river and creek level rises and subsequent road closures. 

No significant rainfall totals have been recorded across the Moonie River catchment in the last three days.

Vector spraying to commence on Friday and further details will be posted on Council’s social media pages in the coming days.

CONDAMINE/BALONNE RIVERS

The Condamine River upstream remains on Major Flood Level with flows expected to impact the Balonne River. The Balonne River level may exceed the moderate flood level (7.00 m) reaching 7.50 metres at Surat Monday afternoon as it flows towards Beardmore Dam.

River level rises are expected along the Balonne River downstream of Surat to Beardmore Dam.

The Balonne River at Warroo is at 3.55 metres and rising slowly, below the minor flood level (9.00 m). The Balonne River at Warroo is expected to remain below the minor flood level for the next few days.

FLINTON

The Moonie River at Flinton is currently at 4.52 metres and steady, with moderate flooding. The Moonie River at Flinton is likely to remain above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) for the remainder of Monday into Tuesday.

NINDIGULLY

The Moonie River at Nindigully peaked at 3.75 metres on Sunday afternoon with moderate flooding. The river level is currently at 3.68 metres and falling slowly, above the moderate flood level (3.00 m). The Moonie River at Nindigully is expected to remain above the moderate flood level (3.00 m) for the remainder of Monday into Tuesday.

THALLON

The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is currently at 4.71 metres and rising, above the moderate flood level (4.50 m). The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is likely to exceed the major flood level (5.00 m) Monday evening. The river level may peak near 5.20 metres Tuesday morning.

As a precautionary measure, Council is currently closing the levee bank in Thallon, which increases flood level protection to a height of 6.3 metres.

Local crews in Thallon will be coordinating rubbish collection whilst Thallon is isolated. 

ROADS UPDATE

Moonie Highway – Once flood waters have receded from the Claude Bowhay Bridge, Queensland Transport and Main Roads will have an engineer inspect the bridge before allowing it to be reopened. 

Carnarvon Highway - The Carnarvon Highway is now closed at both Thallon and Nindigully.

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

- Bollon Dirranbandi Road – Restricted to 5 tonne GVM

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.