Mackay school flood closures

Mackay parents have been urged to keep their children at home today after rising flood waters restricted access to many local schools.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said parents are being advised via radio broadcasts that all schools throughout Mackay, Sarina, Pioneer Valley and those in the vicinity of the Bruce Highway north to the Whitsundays, are closed today.

Mr Welford said education authorities in north Queensland were closely monitoring the situation and receiving regular updates from local disaster management and emergency services personnel.

He said they were also monitoring flood levels in the Whitsunday and Bowen areas.

"We are remaining vigilant about any changes in flood levels, and basing any decisions we make on the advice of specialist agencies,” Mr Welford said.

Mr Welford said Mackay North State High School was being used as an evacuation centre.

He said police were also liaising with senior regional education staff to identify other schools as possible evacuation centres.

“In the interests of safety, we have been advised to close schools throughout the Mackay district and surrounds until the situation improves.

“Our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our students, their parents and staff.

“It is far better to act with caution now and close all schools in the district until the flood waters recede.

“Even if some schools have not been inundated, many parents would still have to risk transporting their children through affected areas to get them to these schools.

“I am not prepared to take that risk and keep these schools open until we receive the all clear from authorities,” he said.

Mr Welford said he had been advised that Mackay had received significant rain falls overnight, up to 250mm in some areas, and police were advising residents to stay home.

“The vast majority of schools are simply not accessible at this time.”

Mr Welford said his Department would continue to provide advice to parents through radio broadcasts and by telephone.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000