Police have made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) in relation to flooding around the township of Saint George.
An emergency declaration encompasses the Balonne River between E J Beardmore Dam to the Queensland, New South Wales border until revoked.
Police are requesting residents to avoid the use of personal watercrafts, as there is an increased likelihood of damage and loss to property by any person who uses a personal watercraft on the river system.
Local police are urging community members to be vigilant and update themselves with the emergency services contacts in case of an emergency: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/campaigns/get-ready-queensland-annual-campaign
Some simple safety tips
- Slow down and drive to the conditions;
- Drive with your vehicle lights on in reduced visibility;
- Ensure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition; in particular check tyres, windscreen wipers and demisters;
- Do not ignore road closure signs, even if you consider your vehicle capable of passing the flooded roads (the signs are likely protecting motorists from hidden dangers);
- It is an offence to ignore road closure signs;
- Plan your trip, seek information from the Department of Transport and Main Roads and;
- Report road hazards by phoning 13 19 40.
For further information
- Bureau of Meteorology for up-to-date weather information, including up-coming forecasts, severe weather and flood warnings;
- Department of Transport and Main Roads for road closure and travel information;
- Monitor local councils and local radio stations for local information and updates;
- Queensland Police Service social media sites at https://twitter.com/QldPolice and https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandPolice/
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Service social media sites at https://twitter.com/QldFES and https://newsroom.psba.qld.gov.au/
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.