Hundreds of residents in Queensland’s Bundaberg region have begun the arduous task of cleaning up their homes and businesses as floodwaters recede. Meanwhile, in western Queensland, communities are bracing for potential flooding as the Thomson River near Longreach is expected to reach a major flood level over the weekend.
The Thomson River’s anticipated rise follows significant rainfall in the upper catchment area. Longreach Regional Council Mayor Tony Rayner expressed concerns, stating that the river could reach 6.7 meters, potentially impacting homes.
“We are talking about a relatively small number of houses that could be impacted on the northern end of Eagle Street and also on the southern side of town,” Cr Rayner said. “It’s a major flood that we do get every 20 years or so, and it looks like this week will be the one.”
Longreach Prepares for Potential Inundation
SES Longreach Region Local Controller Diesel Stenholm noted that while parts of the town might see inundation, the situation remains unpredictable due to constantly changing flood models.
“We’re just not really sure what to expect. There’s quite a bit of water coming down the river system,” he said. “The best prevention is to prepare for the worst case, and if that doesn’t happen, that’s great.”
Approximately 30 residents have already collected sandbags in preparation. The community is urged to stay vigilant as the situation develops.
Bundaberg’s Recovery Efforts Underway
In Bundaberg, a recovery operation is in full swing as the region begins to heal from the recent flooding. The Burnett River peaked at 7.4 meters on Wednesday, leading to significant damage in the area.
A search is currently underway for a missing man in Burnett Heads, northeast of Bundaberg. Police and emergency services were alerted to the Burnett River near Adams Street at 1 a.m. today after reports of a man entering the water from a houseboat.
“We burst into tears yesterday, but now I’m strong,” Bundaberg North resident Victoria Pomfrett said, reflecting on the floodwaters that rose through her uninsured home. “The beauty of it is, this street, we all stick together.”
Ms. Pomfrett’s home has faced flooding three times in the past three decades. Although this event wasn’t as destructive as the 2013 floods, the community remains resilient, determined to recover together.
Government Support and Community Resilience
Queensland’s Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Dan Purdie, reported that about 240 homes and 120 businesses in Bundaberg were inundated. He emphasized the focus on recovery while preparing and protecting communities further west.
“Our emergency services will remain as long as you need them,” Mr. Purdie assured. The state and federal governments have activated grants and financial assistance for flood-affected areas.
Local business owner John Stokes estimated the clean-up costs for his flooded business could reach up to $30,000, a burden he and his wife must bear without flood insurance.
Flooding Eases in Chinchilla
Meanwhile, in Chinchilla, about 300 kilometers northwest of Brisbane, floodwaters are beginning to ease. Charleys Creek, which peaked at 6.4 meters on Wednesday, has since receded to 5.66 meters.
Western Downs Regional Council has reduced its warning for the area near Charleys Creek, though it remains unsafe for evacuated residents to return home. The Warrego Highway through the town remains closed.
Residents Jamie and Renee Hurley, whose business was impacted by knee-high floodwaters, are no strangers to natural disasters, having faced flooding last year and bushfires the year before.
“It’s a cliche, but that’s life in Australia,” Mr. Hurley said, expressing hope to reopen his gym soon. “We’ll get it cleaned up, get back into it.”
Tragic Loss Highlights Dangers of Flooded Roads
Queensland Police are working with the Chinese consulate following the tragic deaths of two Chinese tourists in the Gympie region. The 26-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were found after their car washed off the road at Kilkivan.
Queensland’s Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy emphasized, “If it is flooded, please forget it. It is not worth your life.”
Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by flooded roads, underscoring the importance of heeding warnings and staying safe during extreme weather events.
