Fitzroy River continues to rise in Rockhampton

BOM confirmed the forecast was holding steady for a predicted flood peak of around 9.0 metres between 6am and 9am tomorrow morning.

The main flood peak in the Fitzroy River is currently around The Gap.

Chair of the LDMG Councillor Tony Williams said the level is predicted to fall below the major flood level of 8.5 metres by Saturday morning.

“Currently the Fitzroy River is around 8.3 metres and that will rise in the next 24 hours to the predicted peak of around 9.0 metres,’ Cr Williams said.

*Update one: Rockhampton prepares for flooding

*Update two: Rockhampton flood prolonged

“The A1 highway remains open going both North and South and detours are working effectively on Gladstone Road and Lower Dawson Road to keep the traffic moving.

“We would like to thank motorists for their patience and consideration of other drivers during this time. We expect those detours will be in place for about five days.

“I’d like to remind everyone as well that there’s been no impact on our drinking water and there won’t be any impact.

“I’d also like to thank those people who have been checking on their neighbours and seeing how they’re going, especially if they’re elderly, and would ask all our residents to keep any eye out for their neighbours and friends, especially in those more heavily impacted areas.

“The airport remains closed and we will be providing an update later on today,” Cr Williams said.

Rockhamption Regional Council is reminding residents that the Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility is temporarily closed due to local street closures as a result of the flood.

Waste and Recycling Councillor chair, Neil Fisher, said council would reopen the facility as soon as possible once flood waters had receded and access could be gained.

“At this stage, the facility is expected to remain closed until Monday morning 10 April, or as long as access roads are closed due to flooding,” Cr Fisher said.

“In the interim, residents can still access the Gracemere Transfer Station at the corner of Allen Road and Lucas Street, but drivers may be diverted on an alternative route and there may be traffic delays.

“Once the flood has peaked and starts to recede, we’ll be able to gauge road access much better and hopefully get it back open to the public so they can start their own recovery process.

“Our waste and recycling collections are continuing as normal, where accessible, and I’m asking residents to ensure they’re bins are placed on the kerbside at least a metre from parked vehicles so we can access them.”

Council is once again urging residents in flood prone areas to ensure their bins are securely tied to a solid structure to prevent bins and rubbish floating in flood waters.

Laurel Banks Roadside Bin Station and Alton Downs Waste Transfer Station are also closed.