The flood emergency gripping Queensland is far from over, with northern parts of the state bracing for further heavy rainfall even as some battered communities begin the monumental task of cleaning up. The lingering effects of ex-tropical cyclone Koji are keeping many areas, particularly in the far north, on high alert.
Record Deluge and Isolated Communities
The weather system has dumped days of significant rainfall across the region. The outback town of Clermont, located roughly three hours west of Rockhampton, was reportedly isolated after enduring its wettest day in 110 years of records. One local family watched in despair as their dream property was inundated in minutes, with floodwaters damaging fences, infrastructure, and destroying $22,000 worth of hay in a single day.
In a stark illustration of the long-term impact, the small highland community of Eungella, west of Mackay, is expected to be cut off from access for up to three months due to major landslips blocking mountain roads.
Ongoing Flood Warnings and Livestock Crisis
The Bureau of Meteorology has maintained major flood warnings for several river systems, including the lower Flinders, Georgina, Connors-Isaac, and Mackenzie rivers. Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury warned that several low-pressure troughs are continuing to generate unstable conditions.
"Through the north, our low-pressure trough is generating areas of showers and thunderstorms, mainly focused through Queensland, with a risk of flooding ongoing," Bradbury said. She noted that while the risk of intense falls has been downgraded, heavy rainfall and the threat of flash and riverine flooding persist for central areas and the Central Highlands.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli revealed the severe challenge in the state's west, where some catchments have received more than a year's worth of rain in just one week. He confirmed that the region has already suffered devastating livestock losses, with preliminary estimates exceeding 50,000 head, a number expected to rise. "Any further rain there would really, really hamper their ability to get those beasts to a safe space," the Premier stated.
Faulty Gauges Hamper Warnings
The crisis has been exacerbated by failures in critical flood warning infrastructure. Grazier Ashley Gallagher, who owns Sawtell Station near Normanton, said four nearby river gauges were out of action, leaving him without vital information ahead of the latest deluge. "The Norman River runs right through my property so it's vital you know what's coming," he told AAP.
Gallagher expressed frustration, noting the gauges also failed last year and were not repaired, forcing him to spend hours on the phone seeking information from upstream. The Bureau of Meteorology acknowledged that with over 4,500 rain and river gauges in Queensland managed by numerous organisations, damage during significant events is not uncommon, but stressed it uses multiple sources like satellites and radar for warnings.
While rainfall has eased slightly, the situation remains precarious. Resources have been pre-positioned for the recovery, but with catchments saturated and more rain forecast, the full cost of ex-tropical cyclone Koji's path is still being tallied across Queensland.
