DIRRANBANDI FIRE EMERGENCY IS RAMPING DOWN

The below can be attributed to Chair of the Balonne Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Mayor Samantha O’Toole:

Following two fires impacting the township of Dirranbandi, the emergency situation is now de-escalating to an advice level with the fires contained, services coming back online and roads re-opening, and Dirranbandi residents can now return home.

The LDMG received a briefing at 5pm this afternoon from emergency services, utilities other agencies about the situation in Dirranbandi.

The Queensland Fire Department is comfortable that the two fires have now been contained after a concerted campaign of water bombers and firefighting.

Ergon advised they have restored full power to Dirranbandi and residents are advised to check electrical appliances on their return home.

Generators and crews will remain onsite in some locations to support the process of rebooting power.

All roads have now re-opened for the community members to return to their homes in Dirranbandi. 

Residents returning to Dirranbandi are advised to limit travel to essential travel while all services come back online. 

Water supply was shifted to bore water only due to the power outage and will be shifted back to a blended water supply tomorrow. 

Residents should be aware of the elevated temperatures of having bore water only, which will reduce in temperature as the river water blend is reintroduced into the system. 

Telstra’s contractor is enroute to Dirranbandi and it is anticipated that telecommunications are back online now that power has been switched on.

The Dirranbandi Hospital will remain on bypass until all services are up and running. 

The Dirranbandi bin collection is scheduled for tomorrow and will continue as planned and the Dirranbandi Tip will be opened tomorrow to assist residents with the disposal of any spoiled foods during the power outage. 

People with respiratory issues may wish to hold off their return, as air quality levels are still impacted. 

Queensland Police Services have extra staffing in place in order to assist residents returning to Dirranbandi.

We would like to thank the community for their patience during this challenging time. 

Councillor Samantha O’Toole
CHAIR - LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT GROUP 

ENDS

For more information:
Josh Euler - Corporate Communications Manager, Balonne Shire Council
0423 786 672
josh.euler@balonne.qld.gov.au