A Townsville woman says she alerted authorities about dangerous conditions at a north Queensland waterhole days before a suspected double drowning. Emergency services could not revive a 58-year-old Ingham woman and a 74-year-old Coolbie man after they were pulled from the water at Kaluna Creek, near Crystal Creek, about 70 kilometres north of Townsville.
Townsville mother Jordan Pryce said on January 18, four days prior to the incident, she witnessed multiple near-drownings at the swimming hole. Her partner and six-year-old daughter struggled in the water and were rescued by family members. She also saw a young boy slip into the water while walking along a culvert, and her brother jumped in to save him.
Ms Pryce said her brother contacted police on Sunday, and she lodged a report with the Townsville City Council via the Snap Send Solve app. She also contacted a councillor and was told the matter would be investigated. She has since launched a petition calling for immediate action to warn the public and fix any damage to the causeway.
A Townsville City Council spokesperson said temporary warning signs were installed on Tuesday, with permanent signage to be installed today. Mayor Nick Dametto said the council had acted on complaints through signage warning of strong currents, and that the council and state departments were investigating the causeway and creek system.
Steve Upton from Balgal Beach was at the swimming spot on Sunday when his two 13-year-old grandsons got into trouble. He described the current as like a washing machine, and said his son-in-law managed to push both boys to safety. Mr Upton called Councillor Paul Jacob that afternoon, warning that someone would die if action was not taken.
