LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP UPDATE

Re: ADVICE NO. 13
Date: 2pm 11 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 Weribone, where moderate flooding is occurring. Further downstream, minor flooding may develop at St George early this week.

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 may occur along the Balonne River downstream of Beardmore Dam at St George.

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 relatively steady below the minor flood level (6.00 metres). The Balonne River at St George may reach the minor flood level (6.00 m) on Monday or Tuesday, based on the estimated outflow from Beardmore Dam. 

NINDIGULLY
The Moonie River at Nindigully is currently at 3.05 metres and falling, above the moderate flood level (3.00 m). The Moonie River at Nindigully may fall below the moderate flood level (3.00 m) during Sunday.

THALLON
The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is currently at 4.92 metres and falling, above the moderate flood level (4.50 m). The Moonie River at Thallon Bridge is likely to remain above the moderate flood level during the remainder of Sunday into Monday.
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 - The Carnarvon Highway is currently closed at both Thallon & Nindigully. Bradley’s Gully has been reopened but roads to Thallon & Nindigully remain closed.
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
-    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.