Key Takeaways:
- Dozens of travelers are stranded in north Queensland due to flooding and road closures.
- The towns of Winton and Gregory are experiencing an influx of unexpected visitors, with some motels and hotels filling up quickly.
- Floodwaters are expected to peak in the coming days, with major flood warnings current for the Flinders River and other areas.
- Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue, with a severe weather warning in place for the tropical north-east coast.
- Livestock conditions are being assessed, with some graziers reporting minimal impact, while others are still waiting for floodwaters to recede.
- Tropical communities are feeling the impact of the flooding, with highways cut, crops flooded, and tourism affected.
Introduction to the Flooding in North Queensland
The new year has begun with a deluge of monsoonal rainfall and peaking floodwaters in parts of north Queensland, leaving dozens of travelers stranded. Key roads remain cut, forcing many to make unexpected stopovers in towns like Winton and Gregory. Mark Boreham, one of around 30 motorists stuck in Winton, said it’s becoming difficult to find motel rooms as more people arrive. He and his partner were driving from the Gold Coast to Mount Isa when the roads closed, forcing them to spend an impromptu holiday in the quiet country town.
Celebrating the New Year in Unexpected Circumstances
Despite the challenging circumstances, some stranded revellers are making the most of their situation. At the Gregory Downs Hotel, Susie Shultz invited nearby station owners to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and the pub was filled with people enjoying a drink. The bridge into the township had cleared, allowing some people to attend the celebration. However, many others were unable to reach the town due to the closed roads. The Winton population is benefiting from the unexpected influx of visitors, with many businesses experiencing a boost in trade.
Flooding to Linger for Weeks
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, floodwaters in the north-west are expected to peak in the coming days, with a gradual easing trend in the weather. Senior meteorologist Harry Clark said that despite the easing trend, rivers would continue to rise, and a major flood warning is current for the Flinders River. The flooding is likely to continue for some weeks in the lower part of the Gulf, with parts of the north-west recording their annual rainfall over the past seven days. Gulf towns, including Doomadgee, Burketown, Gregory, Normanton, Karumba, Julia Creek, and McKinlay, are cut off, and communities expect to be isolated for up to a week.
Assessing the Impact on Livestock
As the heaviest of the rainfall starts to ease, some graziers have taken choppers out over paddocks to check on their livestock. Julia Creek grazier Kimberley Wilson said she was "quite hopeful" the impact on her cattle would be minimal. With over 650 millimetres of rain falling on her property, she was relieved to see her smallest weaners up and grazing. However, many graziers with stranded cattle are still waiting for the floodwaters to recede. The key to minimizing the impact is having a break between now and any further rain, which would allow the water to get away and the grass to grow, enabling the cows to strengthen up.
Tropical Communities Impacted
Queensland’s tropical coast has copped the highest rainfall in the state, with Bingil Bay and South Mission Beach recording between 1.1 and 1.3 metres of rain over the past seven days. Innisfail had 700mm, Ingham recorded 600mm, and Townsville had just under 300mm in that period. Although tropical communities are used to wet season weather, this week’s deluge has cut vital highways, flooded crops, and impacted tourism. Barramundi farm owner Ryan Sprague said visitors cancelled after 1,100 millimetres of rain fell over the last week, affecting his business. However, some people, like Tennison Auld, were undeterred by the severe weather and still managed to enjoy their annual fishing trip.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the flooding in north Queensland is expected to continue for some weeks, with major flood warnings current for several areas. The impact on livestock is being assessed, and tropical communities are feeling the effects of the flooding. While some people are making the most of their situation, others are waiting for the floodwaters to recede. The Bureau of Meteorology is continuing to monitor the situation, with heavy rainfall forecast to continue in some areas. As the situation develops, it’s essential to stay informed and follow the latest updates from authorities to ensure safety and minimize the impact of the flooding.
