Floods cut roads, threaten livestock in far north Queensland
The premier told Queenslanders the region was seeing heavy rainfall, but added: “We’ve got every confidence in locals being able to handle that.”
Heavy rainfall, life-threatening flash flooding and widespread riverine flooding have continued across far north Queensland, with more than 30 roads cut on Tuesday afternoon.
Communities were told to prepare for prolonged impacts, as the government assured them it was ready for these types of disasters.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the Bruce Highway had reopened after being briefly cut by the Seymour River between Ingham and Tully, but would likely be closed again if heavy rainfall persisted, given the tidal nature of the river.
More than 30 roads are cut in Far North Queensland due to flooding.Credit: Carpentaria Shire Council
He urged those affected and anyone travelling to use the government’s disaster dashboard page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
“Google Maps doesn’t know where the local impacts are – they’re headquartered a long, long way away,” he said.
Crisafulli said his main concerns were the impact of the severe weather on roads and agriculture.
In 2019, hundreds of thousands of cattle died as floods ravaged north-west Queensland, but the premier said livestock were going into the potential disaster in better condition this year.
“Many people will remember those images from 2019, they were harrowing, and at this stage it appears that the impact on stock will be far less,” he said.
He said there would still be an impact, and the government is ready to step in to provide fodder. “We stand ready to assist in any way, shape or form.”
The Queensland Disaster Management Committee gathered on Tuesday morning to speak with affected local councils, and disaster relief has been activated for five north Queensland councils.
Loading
Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond shire councils have all been approved for financial assistance by the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements scheme.