Goondiwindi Region Flood Update #5 – Yelarbon residents to evacuate – 1 December 2021

Flood modelling has indicated that a significant portion of Yelarbon town could potentially be inundated by flood water this evening [1 December 2021].

The Local Disaster Management Group has arranged for Yelarbon residents to be evacuated this afternoon via buses to the evacuation centre at the Goondiwindi Showgrounds.

The Cunningham Highway between Yelarbon and Goondiwindi is CLOSED to all traffic except high-priority vehicles such as the evacuation buses. The Queensland Police Service is permitting only a very small number of high-priority vehicles to travel to Goondiwindi from Yelarbon with an escort over flooded crossings, as well as consideration for the high risk of significant long-term damage to the highway.

ANY flood water throughout the Yelarbon town will result in an immediate health and safety risk for residents, as the town sewage system must be shut off. Residents should evacuate this afternoon.

Queensland Police Service are currently in Yelarbon undertaking doorknocking with local residents. All residents are requested to follow the instructions of police.

The SMS emergency alert to evacuate that was issued today, is relevant for Yelarbon residents only.

Food and water supplies will be provided at the Goondiwindi Showgrounds. Residents should bring the following to the evacuation centre:

• Sleeping equipment - e.g. swag, pillow, blankets, sheets
• Medication
• Spare clothing
• Important documents - e.g. insurance papers
• Mobile phone and charger

Residents should prepare for a minimum of 24 hours at the evacuation centre. While the LDMG is hopeful that this will only be a short evacuation, we won’t know how long is required until the water travels through and damage to the town is assessed.

The Evacuation Centre will be open only to residents of Yelarbon at this time.

• If you need assistance or have questions about the evacuation, please contact SES on 132 500.
• For Life Threatening Emergencies – telephone triple zero (000) • Keep up to date with rainfall and river conditions at http://www.bom.gov.au/qld
• For the latest road conditions and weather warnings for the Goondiwindi Region, visit http://dashboard.grc.qld.gov.au

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it.