Mungindi residents have been advised to prepare for an extended period of flooding from Friday – with floodwaters set to reach levels similar to the region’s 2011 flood event.
Balonne Shire Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair and Mayor, Samantha O’Toole said floodwaters in the Barwon River were expected to peak at Mungindi at 7.8 metres but remain high for seven to 10 days or longer.
“The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned this flooding could reach similar levels to the 2011 event,” Cr O’Toole said.
“BOM has advised that large volumes of water coming down the Weir River have pushed the predicted start of flooding at Mungindi earlier and the water level higher.
“The expected water level is likely to cut the road south to Moree and may also cross the road north towards St George.
“Mungindi residents should stock up on food and make other preparations in case the town is cut off by floodwaters.
“The Balonne Shire Council has heavy equipment and staff in Mungindi to close off the levy across the road entrance and to monitor the levy while river levels are high.
“Residents can obtain up-to-date information from the Balonne Shire Council’s Emergency Dashboard on its website.”
Cr O’Toole said other communities in Balonne Shire would also be affected by flooding and details were available on the Emergency Dashboard.
“In particular, there will be moderate flooding in the Balonne River at St George today and tomorrow, increasing to a major level over the weekend and peaking during the coming week.
“It is too early to know whether the Andrew Nixon Bridge over Jack Taylor Weir will be inundated but we will update advice on this immediately as it comes to hand from BOM and Sunwater.
“Also, the Castlereagh Highway between Dirranbandi and Hebel may be cut tomorrow or Friday, and we will be closely monitoring water heights along that road.
“The Local Disaster Management Group – comprising the Balonne Shire Council, police, fire and rescue, State Emergency Service, Bureau of Meteorology, Sunwater and other services – is meeting regularly, monitoring the flood situation throughout the Shire, has equipment and personnel in position, and will be ready to take whatever action is needed.”
