Bureau issues minor flood warning for lower Burnett River

After peaking around midnight Friday into Saturday, the Burnett River at Bundaberg is now falling, but the weather bureau has issued a minor flood warning for the lower end of the river. Read the latest:

The Bureau of Meteorology released new information on Saturday afternoon, issuing a minor flood warning for the lower end of the Burnett River.

Up to 480mm of rain has fallen over parts of the the lower Burnett River since 6pm Thursday.

Areas of heavy rain during Saturday and into Sunday are expected, which may result in levels rising across the Burnett River catchment.

The river at Bundaberg is sitting at 2.27m and falling, after peaking at 3.32m around midnight Friday.

While the the bureau forecasts it will remain below the minor flood level of 3.5m during Saturday, a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds is still current for parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett.

Moderate flooding is also occurring along the Burnett River downstream of Paradise Dam.

The boat ramp at Sandy Hook on the Burnett River can barely be seen due to the rising river level.

The Sandy Hook Ski Club flooded after the Burnett River broke its banks at Sandy Hook late on Friday afternoon.

Hinkler Shopping Centre was inundated with floodwaters in 2013, and a flood barricade remains in place in the carpark at the entrance to the centre after the threat of Cyclone Seth in January.

Two people clinging to trees were rescued in Dallarnil, North Burnett, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Their car had been submerged in flood waters when three QFES crews got to Isis District Highway and Gospel Hall Road around 4:20am.

Both people were helped back to dry ground at 6:40am.

Paramedics assessed the people, who were not physically injured.

Water is rushing fast down a drain behind Hinkler Shopping Centre. The shopping centre was flooded in 2013.

The life-threatening weather system impacting parts of the Wide Bay has resulted in two deaths near Gympie, a death in Brisbane and another in Ipswich since it began. A search was underway near Gympie on Saturday afternoon for another man missing since being swept into floodwaters late on Friday night to the northeast of the city.

There are multiple road closures across the Bundaberg region due to flooding (see below for the list).

The weather bureau advises a strong upper low is combining with a deepening surface trough and an embedded low to produce intense and slow-moving thunderstorms.

Burnett River levels high in Bundaberg Central

‘Flood proofing Bundaberg vital’ says MP

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett has criticised the State Government for its “failed approach to flood mitigation in the Bundaberg region”.

Mr Bennett tabled a petition with 5000 signatures in Queensland parliament on Tuesday night, supporting a review of originally proposed flood mitigation options.

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett has criticised the State Government for their “failed approach to flood mitigation in the Bundaberg region.”

“Flood proofing Bundaberg is vital, but it’s important we get it right,” he said.

“Unfortunately, residents are extremely disappointed over the consultation process and the constant delays from this State Labor Government.”

Mr Bennett said the community wanted a review of the flood mitigation options, with more than half allegedly claiming to know very little or nothing about the proposed East Flood levee wall’s location or effects.

“The 2014 GHD report explains though widening only the Millaquin Bend it would reduce flood heights in both the south and north sides of the river, avoiding above floor flooding in 436 properties,” he said.

“It also costs almost half that of the levee.

“It would be completely irresponsible to rule out other viable options without proper consultation and investigation.

“Flood proofing Bundaberg is a serious issue that if handled correctly could save many lives and properties.

“We need the best solution that is properly researched, investigated and discussed.

The NewsMail approached Bundaberg MP Tom Smith’s office for comment, but no response was received by the time of publication.

Mr Bennett’s comments come as the Burnett River remains on flood watch as a coastal trough develops along the southern Queensland coast.

It’s just weeks since parts of the Wide Bay copped up to 650mm of rain from the remnants of Cyclone Seth, which eroded turtle nesting areas and inundated small communities.

The Bureau of Meteorology said the coastal trough and an approaching upper trough were expected to heavy rainfall over the next few days.

Residents living or working along rivers and creeks are encouraged to monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Road closures across Bundaberg

• Causeway Road at Booyal
• Bucca Crossing Road at Bucca
• Walla Road at Morganville
• Zillmann Road at Wallaville
• Loeskows Road at Booyal
• Farnsfield Road at North Gregory
• Gentle Annie Road at Apple Tree Creek
• Foleys Road at North Gregory
• Lambs Road at Abington
• Promiseland Road at Cordalba
• Wallaville Goondoon Road at Wallaville
• Diamond Hill Road at Monduran
• Monduran Road at Monduran
• Duckpond Road at Moolboolaman
• N Bucca Road at Bucca
• Luckes Road at Bucca
• Pine Creek Road at Pine Creek
• Bruce Highway at Takilberan
• Bundaberg Miriam Vale Road (Rosedale Road) at Mullet Creek/ Yandaran
• Isis Highway at Biggenden/ Eureka/ Golden Fleece
• Dallarnil Road at Booyal/ Dallarnil
• Lowmead Road/ Rosedale Road/ Round Hill Road/ Tableand Road (Bundaberg Miriam Vale Road) at Berajondo/ Miriam Vale/ Oakwood/ Rosedale/ Taunton

Originally published as Bureau issues minor flood warning for lower Burnett River