BIG WARREGO WATER FLOWS EXCEED RIVER’S ANNUAL AVERAGE

The Warrego River in south-west Queensland has recorded flows greater than the annual mean average – with seven months of the water year left to run.

Water Minister Craig Wallace said flow recordings at the Cunnamulla gauging station over the past 21 days confirmed 401,875 megalitres had passed that point of the river.

“This already surpasses the annual flow (325,080 megalitres) at this part of the system which is great news for the region,’’ he said.

“What this means is that the flows this year will definitely be above average, even though we are still in drought and still have seven months of the water year to run.

“Irrigators and all water users will greatly welcome this news.

“I am advised there is another flow starting at the top of the Warrego system near Augathella which means the system will continue to flow well into this month,’’ Mr Wallace said.

And it is good news in the Paroo River with the Caiwarro gauging station near Hungerford recording a daily peak flow of 66,000 megalitres on December 3.

“Between November 19 and December 6, this has resulted in 382,660 megalitres passing that station,’’ he said.

Flows from the Lower Balonne system have receded although the system did record around 109,000 megalitres at the Weribone gauging station between November 24 and December 12.

Beardmore Dam filled on December 5 and has seen continuing releases since then.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.