Rockhampton prepares for flood to peak at nine metres

The Bureau of Meteorology has reduced the predicted peak of the Fitzroy River from 9.4 metres to nine metres, based on the river levels recorded at Riverslea.

The BOM stated that the main flood peak in the Fitzroy system was now in the Riverslea area and Riverslea river level station was very near a peak at 26.25m.

The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton is currently at 6.50 metres, expected to reach major flood level of 8.5m tomorrow and nine metres on Wednesday.

The Rockhampton Regional Council has taken measures to protect 400 local homes, building a temporary flood barrier on Ellis and Rodboro Streets as part of the wider North Rockhampton Flood Mitigation Project.

The barrier should prevent back up of flood waters through Frenchmans Creek and overland flow paths with backflow prevention valves on stormwater drains preventing the back up of floodwaters between Queen Elizabeth Drive and Ellis Street.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Cr Tony Williams said the completed works would improve the flood immunity of the area.

“Council crews have finished setting up the 377-metre barrier this afternoon. A steel frame is covered with a plastic membrane which will extend out from the front of the barrier on the ground,” Cr William said.

“It’s really important that everyone understands this barrier isn’t redirecting water anywhere else or to any other properties and has been installed at the location to protect the maximum amount of homes.”

For residents who are still in need of sandbags they can be accessed at: Bridge and Goodsall Street, Showgrounds on Exhibition Road, Gracemere swimming pool car park in Fisher Street and Alton Downs Rural Fire Brigade Hall.

There have been more than 6000 requests for SES assistance, but it is expected to increase as recovery efforts continue and floodwaters rise in Rockhampton.

An Evacuation Centre opened in the Robert Schwarten Pavilion at the Rockhampton Showgrounds on Sunday for locals who reside in flood affected areas.

On Sunday over 60 emergency personnel doorknocked more than 1,800 homes in areas that will have some affect of flooding, advising residents to self-evacuate.

Council encourages residents to initially consider other options such as staying with family and friends that live in an area safe from flood waters. 

If you are preparing to stay at the Evacuation Centre, the following rules are in place: 

The Rockhampton Airport has been closed as of midday today, with additional flights are being added to the Gladstone Airport.

A barrier has been placed around the airport to increase its security from the flooding.

With flood waters are expected to subside by the weekend, the Airport will return to full operations as soon as possible.

The Rockhampton Airport is working with Airline Partners and the Gladstone Airport Corporation to reaccommodate affected passengers.

Road closures around Rockhampton can be found here.