Four people to be evacuated from isolated properties

Four people will be evacuated from north west Queensland by the Townsville Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) helicopter in the next 24 hours.

Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said a formal request had come from the Etheridge Shire Council to remove the people from remote properties.

“One person is based at Tonks Camp, one at Forest Home and two at Kuhtera, all of which are west of Georgetown.

“They have been stranded on their properties, on and off for close to two weeks due to the flooded Gilbert, Etheridge and Einasleigh rivers,” she said.

The four people will be flown into Georgetown.

The EMQ helicopter, usually based in Townsville, will also assist in a food drop.

“One thousand kilograms of food will be flown from Mt Surprise to flooded outlying properties surrounding Georgetown,” Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said.

Etheridge Shire Council is currently prioritising an activity list for the EMQ helicopter.

The Minister is also advising people in flood affected areas to heed safety warnings, and never attempt to cross flooded rivers.

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