Floodwaters have passed the township of St George and are continuing to travel down the Balonne River, with the river peaking at 5.3 metres in Dirranbandi on Monday night.
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Dirranbandi remains isolated with the water surrounding the district expected to remain at the major flood level (4.8m) until at least Friday.
Balonne Shire Council Mayor Richard Marsh said river levels had fallen from 5.13m to 5.1m since the peak, but the water was rising along the Castlereagh Highway to Hebel and the Dirranbandi-Bollon Road.
"The Castlereagh Highway is closed and being inspected twice a day to ensure signage is correct and it will be opened as soon as possible," Cr Marsh said.
"We have been advised farmers in Dirranbandi were getting low on fuel supplies, but the town has adequate supplies until Monday.
"We advise residents to use supplies wisely.
A food resupply is expected in Dirranbandi on Friday if the highway is accessible.
- Cr Richard Marsh
"A food resupply is expected in Dirranbandi on Friday if the highway is accessible."
The border town of Hebel can expect rises to the major flood level of 2m later in the week, and the predicted peak and timing of the floodwaters in the town would depend on the level reached upstream.
The Balonne Shire will start mosquito fogging as soon as council is able to access flooded areas.
"Fogging is most effective five days after water has stopped flowing," Cr Marsh said.
He said the Bureau of Meteorology has advised there may be isolated showers from ex-tropical cyclone Esther in the Wallam Creek catchment, which due to saturation may lead to flash flooding.
"Our council officers in Bollon have not removed all of the levees in the town, so the levee can be put back in place pretty quickly if there is heavy rainfall and flash flooding," Cr Marsh said
"Bollon residents are advised to restock food and fuel supplies as a precaution."
As Queensland Country Life went to press on Wednesday, landholders were reporting rainfall at Thargomindah, Boulia and Betoota.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
