As major flooding flows through the Balonne Shire, the latest forecast predicts towns could be spared.
However, roads across the Shire are being hit hardest by the flood event, Balonne Shire Council Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) said in a statement this afternoon.
Major routes including the Carnarvon Highway toward Mungindi and the Castlereagh Highway toward Hebel are closed due to long term flooding. This is impacting border crossings which are, realistically, inaccessible until floodwaters recede in the coming weeks, Council said.
The current warning for travellers is: don’t try to cross the border at Balonne.
Balonne Shire LDMG Chair, Mayor Samantha O’Toole, said there are alternate routes into the region, but drivers should travel with extreme care.
“There has been extensive flooding across much of Southern Queensland, in our Shire and beyond,” she said.
“In the Balonne, our roads are really bearing the brunt of this major flooding. We won’t know the full scale of the damage until the water recedes, and our team can make assessments.
“In our neighbouring Shires, major roads are just starting to reopen, so it’s possible to take an alternate route to Balonne.
“I urge anyone who is travelling over the coming weeks to plan their journey using the QldTraffic online map (qldtraffic.qld.gov.au) and check it regularly for changed road conditions.”
Currently, Mungindi is isolated by floodwaters. The township is protected by levee banks, and residents across the district are receiving resupply from SES NSW.
Dirranbandi and Hebel residents are being urged to get ready for isolation, as more roads flood and close.
Mayor O’Toole said Council is prepared for flooding in all towns.
“Council has been preparing since early December, when LDMG moved to ‘Stand Up’ for this flood event.”
“Fortunately, the predicted flood peaks will be manageable from an LDMG perspective. In St George, the forecast peak is now lower than initially expected,” she said.
For updates on the flood emergency, subscribe to the Balonne Shire Council Emergency Dashboard: emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au
For flood assistance, call the State Emergency Service: 13 25 00. In an emergency, call 000.
