Flash flooding cuts more roads across Queensland

A rogue weather pattern flooded many parts of the state’s north coast overnight, putting further pressure on the state’s river systems.

Gympie has experienced heavy rainfall in the past 24-hours putting pressure on the lower Mary catchment. Fast river rises and moderate to major flooding is occurring along the Mary River between Gympie and Tiaro, with minor flooding rising downstream at Maryborough.

Chief Superintendent Alistair Dawson said river levels downstream at Maryborough have risen closing the Lamington Bridge and the Cooloola Coast Road, among others, with further rises expected as upstream floodwaters arrive throughout the weekend.

“Water levels at Gympie are expected to peak this afternoon and begin dropping away by tomorrow morning. At Maryborough, the peak of nine metres is expected by tomorrow with levels increasing above the 1999 floods,” he said.

The Bruce Highway south of Gympie at Cobbs Gully is expected to remain closed for the next 24-hours.

Overnight residents of two houses at near Kilkivan were evacuated after heavy rainfall caused very rapid rises in the Wide Bay Creek (Mary River catchment).

“Another six houses at Woolooga between Kilkivan and Gympie and one residence at Goomeri self evacuated overnight, however all have now returned to their homes.”

Emergency crews were kept busy last night with flash flooding reported in a number of areas including Gympie, Goomeri, Nanango and Kilcoy.

The SES 132 500 hotline has received 718 calls in the past 24 hours with most of these reported for the Brisbane (88), Rockhampton (28), Noosa (41), Cooloola (41), Bundaberg (34), Toowoomba (33), Logan (31) and Redlands (30) areas.

Emergency Management Queensland’s Acting Assistant Director-General Warren Bridson said the State Emergency Service was managing its volunteer personnel to ensure crews remained fresh for a long wet season.

“It’s likely we will have a sustained period of wet weather and we are managing our volunteer resources so they can respond to any situation,” Mr Bridson said.

“This morning we welcomed 15 emergency services volunteers from New Zealand who will be assisting in the clean up at Condamine.”

“They will be working alongside local SES crews and will provide valuable relief to volunteers in that area.”

Mr Bridson urged the community to make sure they are prepared for further incidents.

“By making sure they are properly prepared for emergencies the community can take significant pressure off our volunteer personnel.”

With school holidays still underway is a timely reminder for parents to actively supervise their children and ensure they stay well away from swollen creeks and causeways. This also applies to drains and rivers.

Children may think playing in bodies of water is fun but this practice is deadly. This wet season some haven’t been so lucky and young lives have been lost. This is a heartbreaking but avoidable circumstance.

When you hear a flood warning

• Listen to your local radio station for severe storm advice and warnings;
• Plan to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and poisons to higher locations;
• Plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water threatens your home (e.g. freezers and refrigerators); and
• Check your emergency kit and safeguard your pets.

What to do if you need to evacuate

• Pack warm clothing, essential medications, valuables, personal papers, mobile phone, photos and mementos in waterproof bags to be taken with your emergency kit;
• Raise furniture, clothing and valuables on to beds, tables and into roof spaces;
• Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open;
• Turn off power, water and gas;
• Whether you leave or stay, put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage back-flow;
• Lock your home and take recommended evacuation routes for your area; and

Police remind motorists not to attempt to cross flooded roads or causeways.  Do not risk your life, the lives of those in your vehicle and the lives of rescuers.  Nothing is so important that you need to enter floodwaters. 

·         Bureau of Meteorology website for up to date weather information, including up-coming forecasts www.bom.gov.au ;

·         The Traffic and Travel information line on 13 19 40 or http://131940.qld.gov.au

·         RACQ road closure site on 1300 130 595 or http://www.racq.com.au/travel/Maps_and_Directions/road_conditions

·         For more information about flood and cyclone preparation and emergency kits can be found at www.disaster.qld.gov.au;

·         Monitor local councils and local radio stations for local information and updates.

People experiencing personal hardship due to the flooding can call 1800 173 349, or visit the Department of Communities web site  for updates on the types and availability of support.

If you would like to donate to the Premier’s Flood Relief appeal please call 1800 219 028

Primary producers are urged to contact the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority for assistance.

For practical health advice during and after floods visit the Queensland Health website.

If you have a question about your insurance policy, or need help identifying your insurer, call the Insurance Council of Australia's 24-hour emergency hotline on 1300 728 228.