Rockhampton flood prolonged to Thursday

The Fitzroy River at Rockhampton is currently at 7.75 metres and rising, with river levels expected to exceed the major flood level of 8.50m on Wednesday morning.

Despite earlier reports of floodwaters peaking on Wednesday, the Bureau of Meteorology has stated Fitzroy is currently at peak between Riverslea and The Gap.

Riverslea rose to 26.32m on Monday afternoon and is currently 25.93m and falling slowly but remains above the major flood level of 24m.

The Fitzroy River at Yaamba is currently at 15.20m and expected to rise to 15.90m overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

Road conditions have changed in preparation for rising floodwaters.

Lower Dawson Road and a section of Gladstone Road will be closed today, with motorists being detoured onto Upper Dawson Road as flood waters continue to rise.

Chair of Rockhampton’s Local Disaster Management Group Councillor Tony Williams said motorists using the highway need to be aware of the changed traffic signage and to expect delays.

“Transport and Main Roads will close Gladstone Road and Lower Dawson Road with detours in place this afternoon ahead of the expected flood peak of nine metres on Thursday morning,” Cr Williams said. 

“It’s not unusual for major roads to be cut off with this level of flooding and we’re fortunate that we can now detour people via the Yeppen Floodplain bridge and Upper Dawson Road.

“We’re asking drivers to be patient, drive to the conditions, expect delays, stick to the reduced speed limits, and always remember – if it’s flooded, forget it; we really want people to be safe at all times.

“Police will have a heavy presence with officers on foot patrol in the area, as well as the Police helicopter monitoring the situation from the sky,” he said.

Local road conditions will be updated via Facebook, the council website and for travel outside the region motorists can refer to the Queensland Traffic website.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, is overjoyed at Central Queensland remains open for business after she delivered the Yeppen South floodplain bridge in 2015.

The bridge means that for the first time in Rockhampton’s recent history, the city won’t be isolated by major flooding on the Fitzroy River.

“This bridge is already proving to be a game changer for our region,” Ms Landry said.

“This flood will clearly have a major impact on our region. But this time, we won’t run out of fuel. We won’t run short of fresh food. Shops are being fully supplied, and travellers can still fly into Rockhampton via Gladstone.

“It was only in 2013 that the highway was cut at the Yeppen floodplain for nearly two weeks, causing millions of dollars of economic loss to our economy.

“With this new bridge, access to Rockhampton is assured throughout this flood event.

“Yeppen Bridge is currently open to four lanes. When the flood rises, this will be reduced to one in each direction, ensuring a smooth flow of traffic in and out of Rockhampton.”

Rockhampton Regional Council is reminding residents sand piles are located around the city for them to fill their own sand bags.

The locations include: Showgrounds on Exhibition Road, Gracemere at the swimming pool car park in Fisher Street, Queens Park, Glenmore Road (moved from Bridge and Goodsall Street due to detour on Lakes Creek Road).

The Queensland Ambulance Service has set up a tactical medical centre at the Rockhampton evacuation centre staffed by paramedics deployed from areas across Queensland along with local staff.

With medical equipment, eight beds, and a casualty room housed in our tactical support caravan, the QAS is well prepared to provide medical assistance to the community during the predicted flood event.