Wide Bay-Burnett Councils Mobilize for Emergency Relief Efforts

Persistent rainfall leading up to Christmas caused flash flooding, road destruction, and temporary road closures in the regions of Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett, Somerset, and South Burnett Regional Council.

A series of trough systems resulted in intense thunderstorms over multiple days, which, along with a low-pressure system on the east coast, produced substantial rainfall amounts for the area.

This encompassed as much as 300mm noted throughout North Burnett, 218mm in Maryborough, and 214mm noted in Gympie.

Saturated catchments rapidly become susceptible to flash flooding, with minor flooding observed along the Boyne River at Cooranga, Barambah Creek at Ban Ban Springs, and Burnett River at Mount Lawless.

Key traffic routes affected by floodwaters included the Burnett Highway at Ban Ban Springs, Isis Highway at the intersection with Gospel Hall Road, Gooroolba-Biggenden Road at the Chowey Bridge intersection, and Maryborough-Biggenden Road at Lower Lakeside.

Road closures impeded transport flow, and considerable damage to vital infrastructure was reported, including roads, bridges, and drainage systems.

In reaction to this situation, both the Australian and Queensland Governments have enacted disaster assistance for the impacted councils via the combined Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Councils may utilize this support to accommodate costs for urgent repairs and the restoration of critical public assets.

Expenses for disaster response operations executed immediately after the storms to safeguard public safety can also be reimbursed.

Disaster assistance enables councils to concentrate on their response and recovery efforts, facilitating a quicker recovery for affected communities.

DRFA funding serves as a vital support mechanism that allows councils to mend damage to their roadways, reducing the effects of isolation and ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents.

Additional information on disaster assistance can be accessed through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website.