The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a major flood warning for the Burnett River and has cautioned that similar levels experienced in the December 2010 flood event are possible.
The warning was issued at 3.47pm on Monday 9 March with widespread major flooding possible across the Burnett catchment.
The Bureau states that major flooding is possible at Bundaberg from Tuesday evening with “similar levels to Dec 2010 possible” which was a 7.92 m flood at the Bundaberg gauge on Targo Street.
Residents are urged to know their flood risk by accessing Council’s flood gauge mapping tool.
Heavy rainfall has been recorded over the Burnett River catchment since Friday morning, with further rainfall forecast for the remainder of Monday and into Tuesday.
This has caused significant river and creek level rises along the Burnett River and tributaries, where moderate to major flooding is occurring or may develop, including major flooding possible at Bundaberg.
Further river level rises are possible with forecast rain. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall remains current.
The Bundaberg Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) remains at Stand Up and is closely monitoring the situation with regular updates from the Bureau and District Disaster Management Group (DDMG).
The LDMG has activated its Local Disaster Coordination Centre and will 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 the LDMG will continue to analyse the latest data and flood modelling to forecast potential impacts on specific areas across the region, including low-lying communities.
“A severe weather warning remains current bringing with it the possibility for more rain, including locally intense rainfall and damaging winds,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“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.
Warning for boaties
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.
School closures
Council is 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.
Council facility closures
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
Further closures may occur if conditions worsen.
The Bundaberg State Emergency Service (SES) is making sandbags available for residents to help protect their homes and properties during the current weather situation.
Sandbags can be collected from the following locations:
Bundaberg SES Facility -7 Kendalls Road, Branyan
Bargara SES Facility – Potters Road, Bargara
Community members are reminded that sandbags are limited and are asked to take only what they need to ensure fair access for all residents.
Anyone requiring emergency assistance from the SES should call 132 500 or lodge a request through the QLD SES Assistance mobile app.
In the Bundaberg Region, residents have access to tools on the Council website including the Burnett River flood gauge mapping system which provides targeted property flood information so residents can understand what flood gauge heights mean for their property.
Residents can use this tool to simulate the extent of historical floods by using the Flood Gauge Mapping System and following the below steps:
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the Disaster Dashboard and follow advice from emergency services.
Bureau of Meteorology advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219.
