The Bundaberg Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has been stood up following a Bureau of Meteorology briefing and forecast minor to moderate flooding for local waterways.
Widespread and intense rainfall across much of Southeast Queensland is expected to see the Burnett River, Kolan River and Baffle Creek reach minor to moderate flood levels this evening.
A flood warning has also been issued for the Isis, Gregory and Elliott Rivers.
Bundaberg LDMG Chair, Mayor Helen Blackburn said authorities were closely monitoring the developing situation.
“The LDMG will now activate its Local Disaster Coordination Centre and continue to analyse the latest data and flood modelling to forecast potential impacts on specific areas across the region, including low-lying communities,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Based on current rainfall levels we are expecting minor to moderate flooding impacts in local rivers and creeks with the Bureau issuing regular updates on its Queensland warnings page.
“At this stage, there are no habitable dwellings that are at risk.
“A severe weather warning remains current bringing with it the possibility for more rain, including locally intense rainfall and damaging winds.
“There is also a chance for thunderstorms to develop across the Wide Bay Burnett region.
“It is critical that everyone stays up to date with the latest warnings and advice direct from the Bureau of Meteorology or Council’s Disaster Dashboard.”
Mayor Blackburn said if the flood risk for any particular area increased, locally specific information would be issued through Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
She said by Tuesday (10 March) there was expected to be some relief from continued rainfall however more rain was possible towards the end of the week.
“We need to be alert but not alarmed,” she said.
Mayor Blackburn said residents were also being urged to limit travel during the wet conditions.
“There are many roads that are underwater at the moment so remember if it is flooded, absolutely forget it.
“When you drive through floodwaters you are putting other people at risk so please, just don’t do it.”
Residents are urged to stay up to date with the latest information through the Bundaberg Disaster Dashboard, which provides updates on road conditions, emergency news and more.
Meanwhile, Maritime Safety Queensland has issued advice for boat owners along the Burnett River to prepare vessels ahead of anticipated high river flows.
Boat owners are urged to take precautionary action now to secure vessels as a result of the anticipated high river flow.
Council is also reminding residents to check official sources for updates about school operations, with any closures to be published on the Department of Education website here or communicated directly via the school.
Due to the current weather conditions, a number of council facilities are closed or closing early today, including:
• Qunaba Waste Facility
• Tirroan Waste Facility
• Gin Gin Swimming Pool
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the Disaster Dashboard and follow advice from emergency services.
Get the latest weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology: https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts?stateName=Queensland.
