Residents of Bundaberg in Queensland have been told to evacuate immediately as the Burnett River is expected to peak at 7.5 metres by midnight, causing major flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued the warning, with the river already exceeding 7 metres on Tuesday afternoon.
The Bundaberg Local Disaster Management Group issued an emergency alert, warning that lives are at risk and advising residents to “leave immediately” ahead of property inundation and isolation. Bridges are expected to close by 3pm, and the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct has been set up as a place of refuge.
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Helen Blackburn said about 280 homes and 120 businesses are expected to be impacted. “This is a difficult time for many people and mental health comes into it as well, with those people impacted in previous floods feeling anxiety,” she said. The area previously flooded in 2010 and 2013.
The BoM reported that major flooding is occurring for at least 15 rivers across Queensland. While the rain has cleared over the worst affected areas, rivers will remain elevated for some time. Tropical low 29U has moved offshore, but flood watches remain for much of the state.
Further inland, Mundubbera and Gayndah are also facing major flooding. The BoM warned the Burnett River at Mundubbera is expected to pass the major flood threshold of 18 metres. Gayndah residents have been urged to take shelter at the local community hall.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged people to prioritise safety and not drive through flood waters. “If it’s flooded, forget it – we can’t say it too many times,” he said. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory is also experiencing severe flooding, with a boil water alert issued for Darwin and surrounding areas due to flooding at the Darwin River Dam.
