The ongoing rain events in the state’s central west are starting to break records, and more could tumble this week.
Longreach and Winton have each had their September totals surpassed.
So far this month local residents have received 103.6mm, well over the 2008 total of 70mm for the month.
Further north at Winton, they’ve had 85.6mm so far, breaking the September 2010 total of 51mm.
Barcaldine is close to doing the same, recording 116.2mm for the month already, not far off their 2010 record of 152.6mm for the month.
Blackall, Isisford and Tambo still have a way to go to exceed their September records. Blackall is up to 105.4mm – in 2010 it recorded 201.8 mm, while Isisford has had 72.8mm (134.3mm in 2010), and Tambo has had 124mm (257.4mm in 2010).
Minor flooding is being experienced in the Barcoo River at Tambo, Blackall and Isisford, and at Stonehenge in the Thomson River.
Meanwhile, in his monthly Yaraka News email, the change in the weather had publican Chris Gimblett waxing lyrical as he described to readers the scene from the hotel verandah last week.
“Over 24 hours (and) another 25mm in the rain gauge,” he said.
“Above is a thick slate roof of varying shades of grey. The Yang Yang Ranges and Mt Slocombe have a blanket of mist covering them, showing only their bases.
“Puddles of water lying on the flats reflect grey sky. The great sweeps of wild flowers are bending their yellow, white and purple heads as if to keep their faces from getting wet.”
Chris reported that on the unsealed road to Jundah, about 8km west of Yaraka, three desolate road trains with trailers had been bogged for a time, while a motor home and a caravan remained in the caravan park, “their doors and windows closed with waterfall curtains pouring from the annexes”.
He added that although more rain was forecast this week, no-one was minding.
“The roads may be closed, supplies might be running short, footwear and clothes are built up with mud, clumps of dried mud fall onto clean floors and walkways but no one minds.
“Mud brings hope, mud brings revival. Properties around here have had more rain this year than they have totaled over the last six.”
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
