Driver in car swept off flooded Baralaba-Woorabinda Road

Rescue crews leapt into action when a car was swept off a road in Central Queensland. A man has since been issued with an infringement notice for driving without due care and attention.

A man has been fined after his vehicle was swept off a road by floodwater in Central Queensland on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a dramatic rescue mission.

Police allege the man drove around “Road Closed” and “Water Over Road” signs that were situated along Baralaba-Woorabinda Road at Alberta, west of Baralaba, about 4.30pm and tried to drive across more than 100 metres of water that was about two metres deep with a strong current.

The dual cab was quickly swept off the roadway and became wedged against trees a short distance away.

The 23-year-old Mountain Creek man and his dog then waited on the roof until help arrived.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said one crew was on scene and that they were able to rescue the man (and dog) within 10 minutes of arriving on scene.

The vehicle was pulled out of the water a short time later.

The man was issued with a $551 infringement notice for driving without due care and attention.

It comes as heavy rain lashes the Central Queensland region throughout Tuesday, adding to already ballooning waterways.

Bureau of Meteorology rainfall and river condition data shows 59mm has fallen at Goovigen, near Baralaba, since 9am Tuesday.

Banana Shire Local Disaster Management Group road conditions show the road, which connects with Baralaba-Duaringa Road, as closed to all traffic due to flooding since November 24.

The rescue comes after the Queensland Police Service and the QFES urged motorists to drive to conditions as Queensland prepares for a wet 2021-2022 Queensland disaster season.

QPS Assistant Commissioner and Queensland Disaster Management Committee executive officer Ben Marcus said reduced visibility, slippery roads and debris were some of the road hazards drivers could experience during and after a storm, tropical cyclone or flood.

“So far this year, police have already seen drivers taking dangerous risks on wet roads including speeding and driving through flood waters,” Assistant Commissioner Marcus said.

“As we now enter Queensland’s disaster season, police want all motorists to consider what they need to do in order to make it home safe in wet weather.”

Since the start of November, QFES personnel have attended more than 30 water rescues across Queensland.

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach urged motorists to be aware of the risk of flooded roads and reinforced; if it’s flooded, forget it.

“Large parts of Queensland are experiencing heavy rainfall and many catchments are swollen and will respond to further rainfall quickly,” Mr Leach said.

“If motorists are faced with floodwater on the roads, it is never safe to attempt to make it across.

“Too many motorists think they are the exception to this rule and find themselves in a dangerous situation which is also dangerous for emergency services.

“Please be patient, drive to conditions and plan ahead in case your route is flooded.”