By HARRY CLARKE
A MAJOR, long-term flood warning has been issued for the border town of Mungindi, with the local waterway forecast to peak for up to two weeks.
Based on advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, the Balonne Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) issued a warning to residents that the Barwon River could peak as high as 7.8 metres on Thursday.
The river, which runs through the town, reached a similar level during the major flooding event of 2011, however a levee bank higher than 8 metres protected the town from being inundated.
MUNGINDI: PREPARE FOR MAJOR FLOODING
“Based on advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, the Barwon River is predicted to peak in Mungindi between 7.7m and 7.8m on Thursday 9 December,” the statement said.
“This flood peak may continue for up to two weeks. While Carnarvon Hwy (Moree to St George) is not expected to close at this stage, please check road conditions prior to all travel – conditions can change without notice from Council.
“Residents should make the necessary preparations: stock up on essential supplies for all members of your household, including pets.
“For all relevant updates on this flood emergency, subscribe to the Balonne Shire Council Emergency Dashboard: emergency.balonne.qld.gov.au.”
Further advice will be issued over the coming days, the statement said.
The Barwon River is fed by the Macintyre River, which threatened to inundate the town of Goondiwindi over the past week following heavy rain in the catchment throughout November.
South-west of Mungindi, over the QLD-NSW border, the Barwon River is met by Gil Gil Creek, which is currently holding a huge amount of water as a result of rain around the Moree district.
Country Caller has spoken to residents of Mungindi who said while they’re confident the town will be saved by the levee bank once again, landholders in large swathes of agricultural land south-west of the town are expecting major flooding.
Follow the Balonne Shire Council’s Emergency Dashboard for relevant updates, and for flood assistance call the State Emergency Service on 13 25 00.
