Charleville family evacuated after floodwaters rose to 6.72 metres

Floodwater is starting to recede in some parts of the state, but in others, the worst is yet to come. STAY UP TO DATE.

A family has narrowly escaped disaster after the Warrego river rose to 6.72m at Charleville on Saturday night.

Queensland Fire and Emergency services were called to the Foley St property after flood waters surrounded the house at 7.30pm on Saturday.

Swift water crews worked quickly to rescue the family of three, and had everyone safe on dry land by 8.15pm.

A Charleville family was evacuated from their property after the Warrego river peaked at 6.72 meters.

The Warrego river peaked in Charleville on Saturday night, reaching a height of 6.72m.

The rural township is protected by a levee for exactly this purpose, which can hold back water up to 8 metres.

Mayor of Murweh Shire, Shaun Radnedge, said the levee has saved the town six times.

The floodwater levee in Charleville has protected the southwest Queensland township from flooding.

Mr Radnedge said this flood was the third-worst Charleville had seen, and that without the levee there would have been severe inundation and destruction.

The levee was put up on Friday April 5 about 3pm, and was taken down on Monday April 8 at 8am.

Mr Radnedge said the pavement and bridge structures were being examined by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and if everything is still structurally sound, the Sturt highway will reopen by lunchtime.

The levee was raised at 3pm on Friday April 5, and was taken down at 8am on Monday April 8.

While the Warrego river at Charleville is receding, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts floodwaters will inundate the downstream town of Cunnamulla later in the week.

The BOM predicts the Warrego river at Cunnamulla will peak near 10m on Thursday or Friday.

The levee can protect the township from floods of up at 8 meters.

With some roads expected to close and remain closed for some time, authorities are urging road users to remain vigilant and never drive through floodwaters.

This terrifying video shows the moment a car lost traction on the road and was inundated by water near Goondiwindi during floods in 2022.