Severe flooding has led to the evacuation of residents in western Queensland, with many areas becoming completely isolated. The recent deluge has inundated the outback, causing extensive disruption and potentially resulting in livestock losses amounting to millions of dollars.
The Wide Bay region of Queensland was heavily impacted, receiving a staggering 300mm of rain within just 24 hours. Alerts continue for significant flooding across much of inland Queensland, while a flood watch extends from the Gulf Country to southeast Queensland. Several major rivers, including the Bulloo, Flinders, Georgina, Paroo, Thomson, Barcoo, and Warrego, are under major flood warnings due to fears of overflowing.
Although coastal areas such as the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane experienced heavy rainfall, conditions are expected to improve along the southeast coast. However, the financial implications of these floods are mounting, further complicating the situation. ADF teams are working to construct a temporary bridge to restore access to the flood-stricken towns.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but Nationals leader David Littleproud has indicated that the losses in sheep and cattle could mirror those from the devastating events of 2019, which saw over a million livestock casualties. Littleproud noted the grim outlook for many farmers and the considerable impact on the agricultural sector. As the state grapples with this natural disaster, the community’s resilience will be essential in navigating the ongoing challenges.