Bundaberg Braces for Major Flooding, Evacuations Underway
Central Queensland’s Bundaberg is on high alert as rising floodwaters from the Burnett River threaten to inundate the community with a ferocity not seen in nearly two decades. Residents have been urged to evacuate immediately, with fears that homes could be cut off for days as the river approaches levels comparable to the devastating 2010 natural disaster.
The Bundaberg Regional Council issued a stark warning on Tuesday afternoon, stating, “Your life is at risk.” The looming floodwaters have placed more than 400 homes and businesses under direct threat. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, speaking from Bundaberg, acknowledged the gravity of the situation but expressed confidence in the community’s resilience, noting that Bundaberg has faced similar challenges before.
Preparations are in full swing, with door-knocking campaigns and emergency alerts being dispatched to warn residents of the imminent danger. The Burnett River is forecast to peak at a critical 7.6 metres, a level only marginally below the 7.92-metre mark recorded 16 years ago. That earlier flood event saw widespread inundation of homes and businesses, forcing hundreds to flee the city of over 70,000 people.
The closure of Bundaberg’s two main bridges, Tallon and Burnett bridges, was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. This closure is expected to isolate approximately 10,000 people, potentially for an extended period.
Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn implored residents to take the threat seriously. “If the floods of 2010 impacted you, then you need to consider leaving immediately and finding safe haven,” she advised. Mayor Blackburn emphasised the community’s past experience with such events, stating, “We’re not new to this, we’ve done it before.” She underscored the irreplaceable nature of human life, adding, “We can replace possessions. We can’t replace people.”
An evacuation centre has been established at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct to provide shelter for those displaced. The Burnett River is anticipated to reach its peak early on Wednesday morning.
Mayor Blackburn noted that residents have had ample warning, with five consecutive days of rain preceding the current flood threat. “It (being isolated) is certainly something that I would hope that people are prepared for,” she said. She stressed the importance of preparedness, urging residents to ensure they have adequate clean water and to evacuate if they are not in a safe location.
In anticipation of the unfolding crisis, water rescue crews and additional emergency services, including over 30 police officers, have been deployed to the Bundaberg region.
Wider Flood Impact Across Queensland and the Northern Territory
The flooding crisis is not confined to Bundaberg. The flood-prone town of Gympie and its surrounding communities are also facing significant risks, with a major flood warning in effect for the Mary River as waters continue to flow downstream. While the North Burnett region experienced some flooding, the impact upstream was less severe, with the river peaking just short of inundating homes in Gayndah and Mundubbera. North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Les Hotz reported that the water levels were lower than in previous flood events.
Across Queensland, the aftermath of a tropical low has resulted in extensive disruption, with nearly 800 roads cut off by floodwaters. The natural disaster has also led to the tragic loss of approximately 1,000 livestock.
The Northern Territory has also been hard hit by severe flooding. On Tuesday, the federal and NT governments announced further disaster assistance funding for Katherine. The town has experienced a surge in floodwaters following overnight rain, forcing around 700 people to seek refuge.
Earlier in the weekend, hundreds of residents from the inundated NT communities of Daly River, Palumpa, Beswick, and Jilkminggan were airlifted to safety, with most being transported to Darwin. The NT capital itself is feeling the strain, with residents being urged to conserve water as authorities work to repair a pump station at the Darwin River Dam, which was forced to shut down due to flooding.
