Drivers risk death as flooded Mackay roads left open without signage

Mackay police officers reportedly had to keep watch over flooded roads overnight as there was not enough council-issued equipment to adequately shut them to traffic.

Facebook user William Missin shared this photo of flooding over Farleigh Habana Rd in the Mackay region, January 12, 2023.

Mackay police were forced to divert traffic from numerous flooded roads overnight as the council reportedly ran out of safety signage.

It is understood police officers came across fast-flowing water over the Gooseponds bridge along Malcomson St in North Mackay on Thursday night while the road remained open to traffic.

The officers had to remain on site to ensure drivers did not risk crossing floodwaters.

It is understood police officers were also dispatched to several other roads across the region, including Sugarshed Rd and Bald Hill Rd in Glenella, as they waited on Mackay Regional Council officers to erect signage and officially shut the roads.

Facebook user Leanne Allford shared this photo of drivers taking a risk driving through flooded waters at the Gooseponds bridge along Malcomson St, North Mackay, January 12, 2023.

It comes after numerous drivers were spotted risking their lives as well as first responders as they dared to drive through flooded roads.

This included along Glenella Rd in Glenella where youth on boogie boards attempted to reach the trapped driver before emergency services arrived and managed to get him to safety.

A man became trapped in rising flood water at Glenella, Mackay, on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Picture: Zoe Devenport

Emergency services have rescued a male driver after he became trapped in rising flood water in Glenella, Mackay. Picture: Zoe Devenport

The Mackay region is known for flash flooding and extreme weather like cyclones, with MRC regularly promoting its Emergency Dashboard, which is designed to give up-to-date information on road closures and water levels.

But residents were taking it upon themselves to warn of dangerous roads, as they shared photographs warning others which arterial roads were under water, and detours they could take to get home safely.

Facebook user William Missin shared this photo of flooding over Farleigh Habana Rd in the Mackay region, January 12, 2023.

MRC Engineering and Commercial Infrastructure acting director Graeme Hawes said the council was ready and prepared for flood events.

“Council has the staff and equipment ready and on standby to respond to, and close, a high percentage of flooded roads with appropriate signage at any given time,” Mr Hawes said.

“We have permanent road closure devices, which include drop-down gates, onsite at all our identified high-risk areas and our crews are on standby ready to be dispatched in response to reports from the public and emergency services.

Facebook user Naomi Luzon shared this photo of flooding behind her house at Alligator Creek, Mackay, January 12, 2023.

Mr Hawes said crews had responded to a call about flooding at the Gooseponds Thursday night and had moved quickly to install signage, but had received no calls about Sugarshed Rd or Bald Hill Rd.

Mackay residents are being urged to brace for more wild weather ahead as parts of Queensland could have 400mm of rain over the next week.

Mr Hawes encouraged residents to report any road looking to be under a substantial amount of water by phoning council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Queensland police are urging Mackay region residents to stay out of flooded roads.

“If it’s flooded, forget it,” it posted to Twitter.

“Heavy rainfall is seeing localised flooding throughout the district, particularly in Northern Beaches and Eton.