Key Takeaways
- A central west Queensland town is preparing for a "major" flood level this weekend as water moves through already swollen river systems.
- Low-lying properties have been sandbagged, and swift-water rescue and SES teams have been deployed to the area.
- Stranded tourists have been making the most of each other’s company in Winton, with some having spent the last six days in the town.
- The McKinlay Shire has been worst hit with stock losses, with some graziers expecting to have lost half of their cattle.
- Fodder funding has been announced for affected areas, and forecasters are warning of potential flash flooding and riverine flooding in coastal areas.
Introduction to the Flood Situation
Residents and stranded travelers in a central west Queensland town are preparing for a "major" flood level this weekend, as water moves through already swollen river systems. The town of Winton has been affected by the floodwaters, with low-lying properties being sandbagged and swift-water rescue and SES teams from Rockhampton and Gladstone being deployed to the area. The town’s mayor, Cathy White, has stated that the water is expected to continue flowing through the area, but hopes that it will soon make its way down to the Diamantina River.
Efforts to Secure Homes and Businesses
SES crews from Rockhampton and Gladstone are working to secure homes and businesses in Winton, with a focus on protecting properties from the floodwaters. The town received another downpour on the evening before, and a moderate flood warning remains in place. The road to the east between Longreach and Winton reopened on Saturday afternoon, but the western side of the town remains surrounded by water, blocking roads. The town’s mayor has stated that roads may not be opened for a couple of days, but that the situation is evolving and that roads will be opened as soon as they are passable and safe.
Stranded Tourists
Tourists who were traveling through the area have been stranded in Winton, with some having spent the last six days in the town. Sam Gould, who was on her way home to Darwin after spending the holidays with family in Hervey Bay, Queensland, has been stuck in Winton. She has stated that she and other stranded tourists have been making the most of each other’s company, and that many people are in the same situation. The tourists have been sandbagged into their motels, with some having to watch the floodwaters flowing by from their rooms.
Stock Losses in the McKinlay Shire
The McKinlay Shire has been worst hit with stock losses, with some graziers expecting to have lost half of their cattle. The shire’s mayor, Janene Fegan, has stated that the losses will be significant, especially for baby calves who are not likely to survive the flooding. The full extent of the losses is not yet known, as graziers are still trying to take stock of the damage and feed the stock that they can. The constant daily rainfall totals are not helping the situation, with the ground already saturated and limited ability for water to drain away.
Fodder Funding and Weather Forecast
Fodder funding has been announced for affected areas, which will help to support graziers who have lost livestock and feed. The weather forecast is also a concern, with senior meteorologist Harry Clark stating that any further heavy falls on the north Queensland coastline could increase the risk of flash flooding and riverine flooding. A tropical low is forming off the coast, and while the chance of it becoming a tropical cyclone is low in the short term, it increases slightly by Thursday. The weather system that has drenched the north-west region over the past week is expected to slowly contract out of the state’s west and move towards the coast.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the central west Queensland town of Winton is preparing for a "major" flood level this weekend, with water moving through already swollen river systems. The town’s residents and stranded travelers are working together to secure homes and businesses, and to support each other through the difficult time. The McKinlay Shire has been worst hit with stock losses, and fodder funding has been announced to support affected areas. The weather forecast is a concern, with the potential for flash flooding and riverine flooding in coastal areas. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and to follow the instructions of local authorities to ensure safety and minimize damage.