Bundaberg Regional Council advises people in the following location(s):
- Bundaberg North
- Bundaberg East
- Bundaberg South
- Bundaberg Central
it is NOT SAFE TO RETURN due to the major flooding and damage to the area.
For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance, contact SES on 132500, 132500.qld.gov.au, or the SES Assistance Qld app on Android or iOS. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises as at 9.42 am the Burnett River at Bundaberg was at 7.40 m and steady, with major flooding. The Bureau predicts the Burnett River at Bundaberg was likely to peak near 7.60 m Wednesday morning, with major flooding. The river may fall below the major flood level (7.00 m) from Wednesday afternoon.
- Flood water may start to go down in coming hours, but it is still dangerous because of potential impacts to infrastructure, including electrical hazards.
- Rapid assessments will be undertaken to determine if there has been significant flood damage to infrastructure and identify any dangerous hazards within the area.
- Be aware of fallen powerlines, trees and other hazards.
- If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to water or are water damaged in any way, they must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.
What you need to do:
- If you evacuated, stay where you are until you are told it safe to go back.
- If you did not leave, stay in your safe place until flood waters go down.
- If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
- Tap water in homes is safe to drink, where available.
- Mobile phones and internet might not work, particularly in Bundaberg South. Telephone calls are prioritised over internet data in this location.
- Power is off in some places. These will be restored when it is safe. There may also be electrical hazards. Even if your property has not been inundated electrical equipment leading into your house or business may have been damaged and this may also cause delays.
- The number of mosquitos can grow after a flood. Protect your health and safety by using repellent, wear closed in shoes, long sleeves and pants, and empty containers that have water in them.
- Share this information with family, friends and neighbors where possible.
- The Bruce Highway remains open and grocery supply to Bundaberg has not been impacted.
- Avoid floodwaters. Sewerage pump stations have been inundated and floodwaters will be contaminated.
Support and recovery help:
- For general relief and recovery information go to the Get Ready Queensland website (After a Disaster).
- Natural disasters can affect your mental health. If you need help, call any of these groups:
- Lifeline: Go to lifeline.org.au or phone 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue: Go to beyondblue.org.au or phone 1300 224 636.
- Kids Helpline: Go to kidshelpline.com.au or phone 1800 551 800.
For more information:
- Follow our local council disaster dashboard here https://disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/.
- Listen to your local radio 100.1 ABC Wide Bay https://www.abc.net.au/widebay
- For power outage information go to ergon.com.au/network
- Check the latest weather, warnings, rainfall, and river heights at the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website.
- For non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance, contact SES on 132500, 132500.qld.gov.au, or the SES Assistance Qld app on Android or iOS.
- Check road closures at the QLD Traffic website or for phone service call 13 19 40.
- Check disruptions to public transport at the Translink website.
