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Roads cut and sales cancelled as big rain moves to Qld

Eric Barker, 16/01/2023

Flooding at Desmond Station, which has recorded 198mm since Friday. Photo: Christian Stanton Cormack

THE wet season has well and truly reached Queensland, with some stations recording falls of more than 200mm across the weekend.

Weekly sales at Charters Towers, Gracemere, Emerald and Sarina have been cancelled and dozens of roads, including the Flinders and Capricorn highways, have been cut.

The Flinders is shut between Charters Towers and Hughenden and the Capricorn has been closed between Emerald and Blackwater, according to the Queensland Traffic website.

Big falls have been spread out across a large area, with the biggest falls coming close to Mackay and Bowen in the central area of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology has measured some huge falls closer to the coast in the past 24 hours – particularly around the Proserpine area with the Dittmer alert measuring 318mm.

Parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria have received more than 100mm.

Central and North Queensland has seen some significant falls over the past week. Photo: BOM. Click to enlarge

Christian Stanton Cormack of Desmond Station, near Bowen River, told the ‘Who got the rain?’ Facebook page his gauge has measured 198mm since Friday. Further south, Elwynne Graffini of Carmila West measured 285mm in five days.

The rain has also fallen in the western part of the state, with Ali Donnelly of Dunraven Station, near Barcaldine, measuring between 150-175mm of rain over the past six days.

Mostly good rain

Rockhampton-based livestock agent Richard Thomson said the rain was mostly a positive for producers in the area, who he said had already enjoyed a good season.

“I don’t think there will be too many complaints from the cattle guys around here,” Mr Thomson said.

“Most of those guys from Clermont up to Charters Towers have several good falls over the last couple of months.

“There have been some dry patches in the area at times, but there has never been any desperation.

“Even the grain and hay farmers have had a good run, every time they are looking for a bit of rain they seem to get it.”

More rain to come

The weather bureau is forecasting more rain in Central Queensland in the coming days, with major flood warnings in place for the Pioneer and Don Rivers, which flow through Mackay and Bowen respectively.

High rain totals are expected between Bowen and Mackay, potentially exceeding 300mm, have been forecast along the coast. Cape York could also see another 50-100mm.

The significant rain is expected to clear from western Qld in the coming days, with exception of the gulf country – which could have another 25mm. Up to 25mm has been forecast in the New England area of New South Wales, which is evidently looking for a top up after a wet winter.

More rain is expected in Central Queensland in the coming days before largely clearing later in the week. Photo: BOM. Click to enlarge

Rain follows Kimberley and Barkly

North Qld’s drenching has followed recording flooding in the Kimberly region of Western Australia and significant falls in the Barkly region of the Northern Territory.

BOM says some parts of the Barkly have received more than 300mm this month and the Top End have received more than 400mm.

For the Kimberley, the focus has turned to repair effort from the floods. The Kimberley Pilbara Cattleman’s Association said on Facebook that many of roads are still underwater. The organisation told Beef Central last week that pastoralists in the area will need long-term assistance.

“The effect of this flood will be felt long after the flood waters recede,” CEO Mick Sheehy said.

“The impact to future production losses, the financial burden on livestock businesses, rebuilding infrastructure, road access and the emotional and mental health of producers are just some of the challenges the industry will face for many years to come.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Garrey Sellars, 20/01/2023

    the effect of flood is much less mentaly stressfull than years of NO or LIttle rain I.E drought Dont over drarmitise it so much
    the positive affects will also be a benifit

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