Floodwater cuts off communities as QFES swift-water rescue crews remain on alert in regional Qld

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) swift water rescue crews remain on standby to assist in any floodwater emergencies in Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Julia Creek, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Thursday).

Mr Crawford said there was localised flooding around Winton, while Burketown and Doomadgee were inaccessible by road.

“In the past few days, there has been a significant amount of rainfall landing in the Gulf, and areas out to the back off Townsville and down into Channel Country,” Mr Crawford said.

“The big issue out there is that this country is really flat, so where the water lands – it stays, at can take quite a long time for it to move through.

“We have reports two communities are isolated – Burketown and Doomadgee.

“While there have not been any requests for food or supply drops at this point, we are in contact with the local councils and if there is a call then we will look at bringing in essential supplies.

“We’re also being advised isolated properties around Winton may require supplies of essentials in about a week if roads remain closed there.

“Around Richmond, where there has been a large amount of damage to the road network, food drops may be required on some isolated properties within the next 48 hours.

“This will be done at a local level. The local disaster management group will have to call for food drops, and in an extreme situation these could be carried out using helicopters.

“Our swift water rescue crews remain on standby in Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Mount Isa, where agencies are reporting they are low on diesel.

“While our emergency services have a large quantity they can access, I’m certainly asking people not to panic buy. If you don’t need to fill up today, then don’t.”

Mr Crawford warned that a strengthening monsoonal trough in the Gulf would cause further heavy rain and showers in the Tropics.

He said agencies were currently monitoring flood warnings and significant rainfall in river systems between Cairns and Townsville.

“The flip side to all this water, is that farmers are very much rejoicing, and I’ve heard reports of quite a lot of excitement in the Winton Pub,” he said.

ENDS

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