The Honourable Paul Lucas
27/12/2010
WORSE TO COME FOR SODDEN QUEENSLAND: LUCAS
Acting Premier Paul Lucas has warned the big Christmas wet was far from over and urged Queenslanders to prepare for worsening conditions.
Mr Lucas, who visited flood-affected areas of the Central Highlands with Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts today, said a severe weather warning remained in place over much of the state.
"Heavy rainfall has already been experienced across inland areas in the past 24 hours.
Heavy falls are expected to saturate southern and inland areas of the State over the next few days," he said.
"We spoke today with officials of the Banana Shire and Central Highlands Regional councils, pledging government support.
"State, district and local disaster management groups are working together to prepare residents throughout the Queensland.
Theodore, Chinchilla, Jericho, Alpha, Barcaldine, Killarney, Taroom, Eidsvold and Emerald are experiencing flooding or expecting to be flooded.
"Other towns could be added to the list, depending on how much rain falls over the next couple of days, and where."
Mr Lucas said the Dawson River at Theodore was at its highest level for 50 years and the town was isolated.
"Authorities have now called for voluntary evacuations.
"If the advice is to take the unprecedented step for mandatory evacuation of the entire town, I have indicated that the Government will support that."
Mr Lucas and Minister Roberts were told while in Emerald that heavy rain overnight would flow into already saturated catchments.
"We are closely monitoring river heights and flows but further flooding is certain.
"Many of Emerald's residents, including the Mayor, remember the last serious flood in 2008."
"We are also closely monitoring the flooded rivers that flow into the Fitzroy, with the possibility of flooding in Rockhampton either this weekend or early next week."
Rain continues and water levels continue to rise at isolated Chinchilla and Dalby.
"Many houses and businesses in low-lying areas were cut off by floodwaters as water levels rose above the 6.6m level of the 1983 flood," Mr Roberts said.
"An evacuation centre has been established in at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre.
"For the second time during these most recent floods, the emergency alert will be used tonight in Dalby.
"The alert will enable all affected residents to be warned, as the Myall Creek rises rapidly.
We are also closely watching the situation at Dalby and Roma, but the major threat seems to have passed in Charleville."
A severe weather warning is in place for the east coast between St Lawrence and the NSW border, extending inland to the southern central highlands and Coalfields, the northeast Maranoa and Warrego and northern Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service swift water rescue personnel have responded to more e than 50 incidents since December 17. They have been involved with police and SES volunteers in 20 incidents in the past 24 hours.
"Thirteen people have been rescued from floodwaters," Mr Roberts said.
"With 21 flood-related deaths over the past two seasons, we again highlight the dangers poses by floodwaters.
"We appeal for people to keep out of floodwaters - they can be deadly."
More than 1500 calls have been made to the SES 132 500 number in the last 24 hours. The majority of calls have been for advice and assistance with flood operations.
SES jobs have included assisting with leaky roofs, sandbagging and transporting of people and supplies across flooded waterways.
Emergency services are on standby throughout the State to assist residents, for storm and flood related assistance contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 and for assistance in a life threatening emergency call Triple Zero (000).
