Lockyer Valley flooding: Flood warning issued for Grantham as siren started, emergency alert made by council

Residents in the Lockyer Valley town of Grantham have been handed an urgent warning to seek “higher ground” after the flood siren was issued. Here’s when it’s expected to peak:

UPDATE: Residents have been urged to move to higher ground immediately after the Grantham flood warning sirens were sounded by the Lockyer Valley Council.

The council released an update on Monday at 1pm, warning residents of dangerous flooding in Grantham and urging residents to relocate to friends and family on higher ground.

“Do not wait for further direction to relocate – this is an emergency warning,” the update read.

The warning offered the Grantham Butter Factory and Gatton Shire Hall as safe places to shelter.

If relocating, residents are urged to limit time on the road and bring essential items with them.

The peak for Grantham is expected to be reached at 5pm.

Darling Downs district disaster co-ordinator Superintendent Douglas McDonald said floodwaters would likely start to recede as the rain calms down.

“I’m very pleased to say that, after a very hectic day, we are seeing some of those flood levels start to drop, including around Sandy Creek Rd which indicates that the flood water, dependent on further rain, is also dropping,” he said.

He added Grantham residents had responded well to the evacuation order.

“We have a number of people in our evacuation centres at the moment and also many people who have evacuated themselves to stay with family and friends,” he said.

“It’s still unfolding down there of course, but nothing has been brought to my attention about any urgent rescues; for the most part, that is because people have listened to our messaging and done the right thing.”

The Grantham warning comes as a dozen people have evacuated from towns across the Lockyer Valley, including nine in Gatton and three in Laidley.

Lockyer Valley acting mayor Chris Wilson said residents had been given plenty of warning, with police doorknocking the homeowners still within the flood zone.

Grantham's Railway Bridge flooding, March 10, 2025.

“The big change from previous events is a lot of those people have been relocated permanently — we’re literally not left with that many people on lower ground,” he said.

“The other good thing is we’ve had lots of preparation, we’ve got a swiftwater rescue crews there, we’ve never been better prepared.”

– For life threatening emergencies phone triple-0. Listen to local radio or visit disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au.

– For flood assistance contact the SES on 132500.

– Stay up to date with the latest warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology via bom.gov.au/.

Railway Bridge at Railway Street, Grantham, March 10, 2025.

EARLIER: An urgent warning has been issued for residents of the Lockyer Valley on Monday morning,

The alert has been issued for the whole council area, advising people to take shelter, and stay off the roads.

It comes as a severe storm warning was issued for the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, and later cancelled.

On Sunda night, residents were issued a similar warning as the region continues to be pummelled with significant rainfall from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Queensland Police Service and Lockyer Valley Regional Council issued the warning about 10pm on Sunday.

“Council advises dangerous flooding is likely to occur in the area in the coming hours, and urges Laidley residents to Take Shelter Now,” the warning read.

“Warn neighbours, secure belongings and take safe shelter, go to higher ground or leave the area.”

Constant downpours of heavy rain in the Lockyer Valley dumped more than 100mm in certain part throughout Sunday and in the evening.

That rain has continued well into Monday.

Evacuation Centres are open at Laidley State High School, via Edward Street and Gatton Shire Hall at 52 North Street.

It is reported police are doorknocking in the area to warn residents.

Schools across the Lockyer Valley will be closed tomorrow in response to the flooding.

– For life threatening emergencies phone triple-0. Listen to local radio or visit disaster.lvrc.qld.gov.au.

– For flood assistance contact the SES on 132500.

– Stay up to date with the latest warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology via bom.gov.au/.