The Country Caller

EXCLUSIVE: Wagners’ aerospace vision for Wellcamp

By HARRY CLARKE

ROBOTIC manufacturing plants, research and development laboratories and the construction of cutting edge military aircraft are set to revolutionise Darling Downs industry, as the Wagner Corporation lays out its bold vision to make Wellcamp Airport a thriving hub of aerospace and defence development.

Speaking to stakeholders at a business networking event held by Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), Wagner Corporation director Denis Wagner said the arrival of Boeing Australia at the company’s private airport outside Toowoomba would be a game changer for the region.

Boeing announced in September it had chosen Wellcamp Airport as its base to build its first military combat aircraft designed, developed and manufactured outside the US in half a century.

With the first of Boeing’s state-of-the-art, unmanned “Loyal Wingman” Aircraft Teaming System products to begin flying off the Wellcamp runway in 2025, the Caller can reveal more detail about the company’s plans to engage and build local industry as part of its operations for years to come.

WATCH: Boeing’s unmanned Aircraft Teaming System

Expected to create 300 jobs during construction and generate $1 billion for the Queensland economy over ten years, the Boeing project will involve building, patenting and testing the Aircraft Teaming System, before supplying it in numbers to the Royal Australian Airforce and allied airforces around the globe.

Boeing Australia’s production capability manager, David Stilianos, said the unmanned aircraft would be developed from an advanced factory using state-of-the-art robotics and factory management technology.

“We require a broad range of skills sets to support the facility from manufacturing engineers, industrial engineers, programmers, quality inspectors, skilled assembly operators, flight test engineers, warehouse and fitting workforce, not to mention the skills sets that our suppliers will bring into the region,” he said.

Boeing Australia’s “Loyal Wingman”, similar to the Aircraft Teaming System aircraft to be manufactured at Toowoomba. IMAGE: Supplied

“Because it’s being designed in Australia, we’re not limited to some of the normal restrictions we have with US data, so hopefully that enables us to create greater export opportunities across the globe.

“The Wellcamp Airport gave us the opportunity to develop our footprint over time and also give us the opportunity to have our key suppliers co-located with us, if they wish to do so.

“It’s great to see the broader plans to enable the industry to grow around what we’re doing on our site and the opportunity to attract key suppliers to the region as well.”

WATCH: Wagners’ aerospace vision for Wellcamp Airport

Animation of plans to create a leading aerospace hub at Wellcamp Airport. VIDEO: Wagner Corporation

Denis Wagner said the Wagner Corporation’s vision was for Wellcamp Airport to play host to a world-leading hub for defence and aerospace research, innovation, development and manufacturing.

“The opportunities that this precinct will create at this airport, for the city of Toowoomba, for our region and for Queensland are enormous,”Mr Wagner said.

“To have Boeing establish their first aircraft manufacturing facility outside North America right here at Wellcamp will give us the impetus to attract a multitude of support industries and organisations for this region.”

He said the aim of the project was to drive industrial development in the Toowoomba region, and generate opportunities for new and exisiting major contractors and small-medium enterprises.

“We have commenced meaningful discussions with an additional 22 potential organisations interested in establishing a base here in Toowoomba,” he said.

“The companies include advanced manufacturers, suppliers to the aviation and defence industries, research and education organisations, aviation maintenance and freight operations.

“As a community and a region we need to ensure we foster these new industries and make sure Toowoomba is ready for the influx of people who will bring new skills for industries.”

Boeing Australia’ production capability manager David Stilianos, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport, and Wagner Corporation director Denis Wagner. IMAGE: TSBE

Water skiers revved up over water reserve closure

By HARRY CLARKE

HOLIDAY makers and water sports enthusiasts on the Western Downs are furious that one of the region’s most popular recreational areas remains closed, nearly two weeks after flood water caused damage to an adjacent roadway.

Parklands and campgrounds at the Chinchilla Weir remain closed to the public because of engineering concerns with the Chinchilla Tara Rd bridge, which crosses the Condamine River near the public area.

The roadway is managed by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), which promises to fully assess the bridge and open it to one-way traffic “by Christmas” pending safety approvals.

But instead of blocking the bridge alone, TMR staff have erected a blockade on Chinchilla Tara Rd at the Greenswamp Rd turnoff – nearly 3km from the bridge and preventing access to the Weir.

TMR road closures have prevented public access to the Chinchilla Weir

Several users of the Chinchilla Weir’s recreational area, including members of the Chinchilla Ski Club, are baffled as to why damage to the bridge should deny access to the parklands, boat ramp and camp grounds.

“It just seems bizarre,” one ski club member said.

“Fair enough if they need to inspect the bridge and make sure it’s safe before opening it up to traffic again, but it’s ridiculous that they’ve blocked off all access to the weir.

“We’re ready to go and start cleaning up the ski club area and it would be nice to be able to use the weir this weekend, when a lot of people are around for the Christmas holidays and want to go out and enjoy themselves.

“It’s not often that we’ve got so much great water, and people want to make the most of it.”

The Weir’s recreational facilities last year underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade by the Western Downs Regional Council to improve the amenity and safety of public areas.

The Caller understands council staff have begun cleaning up flood damage to the area, despite public access remaining closed.

In a statement, TMR staff gave no clearer indication on when Chinchilla Tara Rd would be open again, other than to say “before Christmas”.

Full TMR statement:

We identified damage from erosion at the abutment of the Chinchilla Weir bridge on the Chinchilla-Tara Road last month (November).

One lane on the bridge was closed to reduce the impact from traffic on the damaged section while repairs were organised.

In anticipation of the Condamine River flooding last week, the bridge was closed for the safety of road users.

Unfortunately, floodwaters have caused further erosion and we have kept the bridge closed while the damage is assessed.

We aim to undertake interim repairs so at least one lane can be opened to traffic before Christmas.

More comprehensive repairs will be scheduled next year.

For the safety of drivers, the Chinchilla-Tara Road is closed between Greenswamp Road and Avenue Road while we assess the damage from floods. This is temporarily preventing access to the Chinchilla Weir camping grounds.

Leichhardt House student hostel marks 25 years

By HARRY CLARKE | ADVERTORIAL

PROPER celebrations of Leichhardt House Student Hostel’s 25th anniversary have been on hold for some time, but in 2022 there will never have been more reason to celebrate the renowned student accommodation facility’s rich history.

For more than a quarter of a century, Leichhardt House has served as a convenient, ‘home away from home’ for high school students from throughout the Western Downs region of South East Queensland.

For eligible students (according to Centrelink criteria) the hostel provides Monday-Friday boarding at no cost, allowing those living the region’s more remote areas a place to stay during the schooling week.

Managers China and Shaun Hall and the hostel’s governing body, Chinchilla Student Accommodation Association Inc., are embracing how, despite significant changes across the social demographics and regional profiles of traditional ‘feeder schools’ and communities, the original educational objectives to remain intact.

In 1994, Leichhardt House Student Hostel was established by a driven group of like-minded parents seeking a mainstream school experience for their children who were, due to distance and isolation, largely limited to home-schooling scenarios.

Leichhardt House has a fully equipped study area, supported by tutors from Chinchilla State High School

“As has happened over the past 25 years, the Monday to Friday boarding structure at the hostel allows students to undertake their studies and partake in sporting and other social and arts programs during the week,” China Hall said.

“It’s also allowing them to help out at home on the weekends, which proves especially valuable to families during peak times such as harvesting and mustering seasons,” China said.

“Weekly boarding also provides the opportunity for camp drafting and rodeo families to train and compete throughout their seasons.

“Children of farmers and property managers and staff still make up a significant percentage of the boarders we look after, we continue to operate along the same principles as the original hostel guidelines but have had to adjust our model of boarding operations to meet both social and legislative changes.

“For example, the whereabouts of our boarders is paramount. We employee QR code systems for signing in and out and our facility is fully alarmed, camera monitored and security patrolled.”

Shaun and China’s own three children are now adults, but between Monday and Friday of each school term, the couple plays a unique kind of parenting role for up to 32 Year 7-12 students boarding in Chinchilla.

The Halls began managing Leichhardt House in 2010 after having extensive and varied careers in residential education and residential care since 1989.

Between them, the couple has three university degrees and worked for three state governments in education, family services and youth justice departments.

After school, Leichhardt House resident have fully flexibility to attend sporting and social engagements, or enjoy the hostel’s array of recreational facilities

There’s a healthy routine for teenagers at the Hostel with systems and structures in place to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

In the morning it’s having breakfast, getting ready for school, packing lunches, and making the short walk for the school day at Chinchilla State High School or the bus to Chinchilla Christian College.

Upon returning home from school, the boarders enjoy a hearty afternoon tea before having free time to socialise with friends, attend sports or music practice, enjoy the hostels variety of recreational facilities, or any necessary appointments.

Mobile phones are put aside for daily homework time in the hostel’s fully equipped study areas, with formal study sessions are facilitated by teachers from local schools.

Students at Leichhardt House hostel are fully catered for from Monday to Friday

As the Leichhardt House community looks forward to holding its 25 year celebration in 2022, another sentimental milestone has been reached at the hostel.

For the first time next year, a second generation hostel student will be moving in, as Chinchilla local and Leichhardt House alumni Jodi Ellem sends her youngest daughter to the hostel where she lived during school, 25 years ago.

“Leichhardt House has been such an integral part of education in Chinchilla, and we want this to continue for another 25 years and more,” China Hall said.

“It can be a lot of fun. The kids are living with their friends, but they’re also learning to get along with people who they otherwise might not have even talked to.

Leichhardt House provides Monday to Friday accommodation for more than 30 students from Monday to Friday

“And that’s what ends up happening – some of the kids don’t have much to do with each other at school but when they come back here at the end of the day, they’re all playing sport, studying and having dinner together.”

“We really do have a lovely bunch of kids here at the moment and very supportive parents who we always keep open lines of communication with”.

“We’re also really proud about how they benefit as students and grow as young people. It’s great to see the kids go on after school to enjoy traineeships and apprenticeships in the area and to study universities in the city.”

By 2023, students will enjoy direct access to an exciting new Trade Training Centre, which is being built on Leichhardt St over the road from the hostel on land owned by Chinchilla State High School.

“We are expecting a lot of interest in places for Trade Centre trainees at the Hostel and until we understand fully the dynamics and the demographic of exactly who will be attending the centre, and make appropriate changes and upgrades to the Hostel infrastructure, we are expecting the demand for places to exceed our availability,” China said.

Students of Leichhardt House benefit educationally and socially

Out with the old, in with the new for Tara pool

By HARRY CLARKE

THE construction contract to carry out a controversial $7.9 million redevelopment of Tara’s local swimming pool has been awarded to Townsville-based firm Taylor Builders, the Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) has revealed.

Plans to replace the historic 50m Tara Memorial Swimming Pool with a modern 25m aquatic facility have been the subject of fierce backlash from a vocal section of the community.

The Facebook group Save Tara Memorial 50m Swimming Pool has close to 800 members while a Change.org petition amassed more than 2,400 digital signatures.

The old pool, built in the 1960s by community volunteers and funded by residents themselves, had deep sentimental connection to locals. Many were also unhappy the new pool would be half the length of the old one.

The community-funded Tara Memorial Swimming Pool during its construction by volunteers in the 1960s.

But a council-commissioned engineering assessment last year revealed the memorial pool had reached “an extremely poor condition”, and was a significant safety risk due to “deflection and subsequent concrete spalling of the concourse”.

Council is forging ahead with the redevelopment, which has increased in cost from an initial estimate of $6 million up to $7.9 million.

An artist impression of the new Tara swimming pool

“Council has approved Taylor Builders to construct the pool, which will see a new 25m pool and facilities delivered to meet a range of needs for the whole community including Learn to Swim, squad training, representative meets, and recreational swimming,” said WDRC Mayor Paul McVeigh.

“With a disability access lane, heating, pool blankets, a brand-new swim club room, tiered relocatable seating, relocatable shades, brand new kiosk, new amenities and new filtration systems, this project ticks so many boxes for the community.”

The current children’s splash area and toddlers pool will be retained with improved self-watering grassed areas and shaded seating that enhance the experience for supervising adults and families.

“The existing pool is over 60 years old and has reached the end of its life,” Mr McVeigh said.

“The new aquatic facility will ensure the Tara community can enjoy their pool for the next 50 years, and will deliver modern, accessible facilities the whole community will enjoy.”

Construction is expected to commence in the new year and be completed during the 2022/23 swim season.

The Caller receives international award recognition

AN investigate news story produced and published by the Country Caller has received international recognition, being named runner up in the Digital Media category of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) awards.

The story, published in August 2020, exposed a concerning phenomenon occurring on agricultural land south of Chinchilla, where salty coal seam gas water began spilling from legacy coal bore holes onto prime cropping land, as well as leaking into a major Condamine River tributary.

Journalist Harry Clarke during production of the Country Caller’s multiple award winning news investigation

The story won the Digital Media category of the Queensland-based Rural Press Club awards, and subsequently won the the Australian Star Prize for Rural Broadcasting by the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists.

It has now been named runner up in the prestigious IFAQ awards, which takes entries from more the 50 countries around the world. The winner of the Digital Media was Laura Kold of Denmark.

Within less than 18 months of operation, the Country Caller has now won four industry awards.

In October the news service was named winner of the Lockyer Bean Ticehurst memorial Journalism Award from the Local Government Association of Queensland.

For the full list of IFAJ winners, visit the organisation’s official website.

Watch and read the full Country Caller story by clicking here:

The $3 million training centre in heart of Surat Basin

By HARRY CLARKE

THE Queensland Government is forging ahead on an election promise to build a state-of-the-art training facility in Chinchilla that will give local high school students the trade skills needed to forge careers directly in the region’s industries.

In details provided exclusively to the Caller, Education Minister Grace Grace (pictured) said construction of a $3 million Trade Training Centre would begin on land owned by Chinchilla State High School at the southern end of Leichhardt St in the first half of next year.

“The new building will include a state-of-the-art design space, engineering fabrication centre, material and cleaning stores, data and plant rooms, and a wet bench area,” Ms Grace said.

“These projects are all about linking students with local industry and giving them the skills they need to secure well-paid jobs in their local area.

Construction, which will to support about seven local jobs, is scheduled begin in Term 2 of next year and is expected to be completed by the beginning of Term 1 one of 2023.

The new building will provide new learning spaces for the school to hold engineering classes to support training opportunities in the local mining, gas and electrical industries.

Concept image of Chinchilla State High School’s new Trade Training Centre

Map showing the location of the Trade Training Centre on school-owned land on Leichhardt St

The block of land on which the Trade Training Centre is being built is situated on Leichhardt St adjacent to Chinchilla State High School’s student accommodation facility, Leichhardt House, and within a few hundred metres of the school grounds.

CSHS Principal Ian Insley said the school community was “very excited” by the government’s committment, and that the facility would compliment its agricultural education program which is carried out on the same block of land.

“As a school we have needed something like this for a while,” Mr Insley said.

“The fact that the education department has identified the need for us to create a link, between what we’re doing in the school and what’s needed in the local industry, is exciting.

“It will be responsive to community needs. For example, if the industry needs kids coming kids coming out of school who know how to poly weld, then we’re able to respond to that.

“It’s a great thing to be able to keep our kids employed in the community. It’s great for all of the big companies in the area to be able to source their employees from our students.

“It’s going to allow us to also support our agricultural program as well. Currently we don’t have a teaching facility over there. We’ve got sheds and we have a lot of machinery, but we currently don’t have anything as far as a teaching space.

“The ability for our staff to deliver practical components as well as the theoretical components on site is a real benefit for us.”

The project is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $45 million “Local Schools Local Jobs” commitment.

Bob Katter’s Christmas message

By BOB KATTER | IMAGE: Scott Radford Chisholm (Image digitally altered)

Finding happiness in the simple things; the bush, the pub or a simple game of touch

MY station, when I was heavily involved in mining, cattle, and other enterprises, was called Saint Francis.

And I had taken to reading Saint Francis Assisi prayers; “O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”

I have some difficultly with the pardon part, I’ve never been that good at being pardoned or pardoning.

On occasion, I ask the question ‘Why are our young people so unhappy with life that they just leave this life? What is wrong?”

I feel it is a complete lack of understanding of what are the important things in life.

I recently had dinner with two people that live for their Christianity.

They are handing out 10,000 little books of Saint Luke’s Gospels. For what does a profit mean if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his immortal soul? Mark 8:36

All the beautiful Christmas trees, decorations and presents – all can be found in our bushland. The beautiful wildflowers, the yellows, purples, oranges, and greens – the magnificent 90ft gum trees.

So let us enjoy the glitter and fun.

One of my greatest joys when I get down and depressed is to simply go down to the pub, team up with a few mates and tell a few funny stories (I don’t tell the naughty ones and try not to laugh at the ones I hear).

And then you realise in those moments, what does it matter if you have no money? What does it matter if you get laid off? Or you end up in the school of hard knocks? These are just things that happen.

We Australians, down the pub, we couldn’t care less about all of these things. We just enjoy the company of others. That’s what’s important.

Jesus came to give the message of eternal life: that there is something bigger than me and this thing we call existence. And that is a wonderful message whether you are an atheist or a believer.

For me, this Christmas, I’ll find joy in a game of touch football with my son, daughters, grandsons, and my aggressive, cheeky granddaughters.

May God’s Christmas blessings be upon you all.

Region’s aged care secured with $12m acquisition

By HARRY CLARKE

IN a major development which all but secures a future of high quality aged care for Western Downs residents, leading provider Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ) has formalised an arrangement to acquire ownership and management of all council aged care facilities.

A $11.88 million deal between SCCQ and the Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) will see council-owned aged care assets in Tara, Miles, Jandowae and Meandarra, as well as the council’s home care services, being transferred completely to SCCQ.

The acquisition plan comes on top of a commitment by SCCQ to spend more than $28 million on a complete rebuild of its Illoura Aged Care facility in Chinchilla, which will include 81 beds, separate affordable housing and a staff training facility.

Of the $28 million, $14 million has come from a record investment by the Federal Government announced in August by local MP David Littleproud.

An artist impression of the $28 million redevelopment of the Illoura aged care facility in Chinchilla.

WDRC mayor Paul McVeigh said it was a huge achievement by all stakeholders to essentially secure support for the region’s elderly into the future.

“This transfer is pivotal to achieving council’s long-held vision to establish a quality aged service in the Western Downs that delivers a wide range of care options for the future of the region,” Mr McVeigh said.

“This transfer of assets will impact our budget result this financial year, however Council views this as significant investment in the future of the aged care in the Western Downs.

“We are delighted to be transferring these services to a highly accredited, specialised provider like SCCQ. This is an investment in the future of aged and community care for the region and ensures our residents can age in place.”

The transfer process will be finalised by April 2022.

The future of Tara’s Tarcoola Retirement Village’s is secure following its acquisition by Southern Cross Care

Under the contract, the council has agreed to invest $11.88 million in SCCQ which includes capital expenditure and service maintenance costs. All facilities, plant and equipment will also be transferred to SCCQ at no cost.

The development comes less than six months after aged care in Tara was thrown into turmoil by a council decision to close the local Tarcoola facility due to a lack of staffing and training resources.

Mr McVeigh at the time told ABC radio that the decision to close, which affected 33 aged care residents, signalled “one of the toughest days” of his local government career.

SCCQ Chief Executive Officer Jason Eldering with WDRC mayor Paul McVeigh and CEO Jodie Taylor

SCCQ employs more than 1000 staff across Queensland and provides services to more than 1400 elderly residents in 11 aged care facilities and five retirement villages, as well as those receiving in-home care.

SCCQ Chief Executive Officer Jason Eldering said he was delighted to confirm the arrangement and excited about establishing strong aged care services in the Western Downs for years to come.

“We know this partnership will support those in our communities with aged care needs through residential and community care,” Mr Eldering said.

“We have already begun and will spend the coming months meeting with and listening to each community we will serve in the Western Downs and as a not-for-profit provider of quality, compassionate aged care services for more than 40 years, we are looking forward to becoming part of the Western Downs.”

Maranoa MP David Littleproud said: “It’s a tragedy when our seniors are forced to move away from their rural community – and everything they’ve ever known – to a larger town or city to receive care as their needs change.”

“Southern Cross Care’s commitment to the Western Downs means our seniors can remain in our region as their needs change, close to the support of family and friends and with the necessary facilities to ensure the best of care,” he said.

EXCLUSIVE: Western Downs council appoints new CEO

By HARRY CLARKE

FOLLOWING a rigorous, three month recruitment process, the Western Downs Regional Council (WDRC) has formally appointed Jodie Taylor as the administration’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Taylor, who has served as Acting CEO since the resignation in August of her predecessor Ross Musgrove, was formally inducted into the role by unanimous vote at a council meeting in Dalby.

The process of recruiting the WDRC’s new CEO was outsourced to an external, Brisbane-based agency by a special committee established by the council.

A resolution was made at today’s council meeting that Ms Taylor would serve in the role for five years, overseeing a local government with more than 700 employees.

“I’m absolutely honoured and really proud to be given this opportunity,” Ms Taylor said.

“I was born here and I have a real passion for this area. This is my home. To be here and given this opportunity to drive the region and the economy and also lead such an amazing team, I’m overly excited.”

Ms Taylor has extensive experience working for the WDRC, having served the past five years as the administration’s General Manager of Community and Liveability.

She previously worked for the Wambo Shire Council before amalgamations, and before that worked for the Moree Plains Shire Council and as a management consultant for the local government industry.

Ms Taylor said diversification and sustainability would be her focus for the role, both for the council and for the Western Downs Region.

“We’ve got to continue to diversify our region and that’s something that I’m going to be quite driven in,” she said.

“We’ve got to continue to look at other industries coming into this region. With the gas sector potentially slowing down in the future, we need to make sure that we’re a sustainable region.

“We’ve also got to be sustainable as a council and continue to deliver those services, and focus on liveability.”

Newly appointed Western Downs Regional Council CEO Jodie Taylor with Mayor Paul McVeigh

Comments from Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh:

“Council’s very excited about today. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, to be able to recognise talent that’s been developed within council.

“Jodie, as our new CEO, not only brings her knowledge of council and council procedures, but it’s her energy that council’s been looking at and the things that she can achieve.

“We’ve seen her already doing that in her first three months as Acting CEO and we’ve seen her deliver as General Manager for Community and Liveability for many years.

“We’re excited about what the council is going to look like in the future.

“We’re excited that we have someone in that capacity who can engage with our community and can communicate with our community and has the energy to drive our community and drive our council.

“This is a big job and Jodie can do it.”

Major flood warning for Mungindi, on par with 2011

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.

Banks of the Barwon River submerged at Mungindi during the 2011 floods. IMAGE: ABC

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.