Bridge to close as river continues to rise

THE Andrew Nixon Bridge at St George will be closed to traffic later today as the Balonne River is expected to flow over the bridge deck.

The Balonne Shire Local Disaster Management Group made the announcement shortly before 3pm today.

Balonne Shire mayor and LDMG chairman Richard Marsh said the Bureau of Meteorology indicated the river would rise to above 11m this afternoon.

“The Balonne River at St George at noon was at 10.06m and will continue to rise throughout the night and is expected to peak at up to 12.5m at some time during Thursday,” he said.

“The river is expected to remain high for a number of days, so please ensure if you are travelling that you take this flooding information into consideration.

“We don’t want to see anyone getting stranded on the side of the road.”

Cr Marsh said the SES has advised they would use flood boats to transport emergency cases

across the Balonne River while the Andrew Nixon Bridge was closed to traffic.

“If you have an emergency please call triple-0 and they will contact the appropriate people in St George,” he said.

“The SES crews will not transport people for everyday shopping or work purposes.

“SES will have four flood boat operators in St George and another crew on standby for relief

purposes.”

Cr Marsh said BOM advised the group that Wallam Creek at Bollon would peak overnight

(Tuesday 25/2/20) at 1.4m.

“This will be below the height of the levee which surrounds the town,” he said.

Road closures are expected between St George and Dirranbandi. There is not expected to be any flood impacts at Thallon or Mungindi.

For more information listen to ABC local radio or visit www.bom.gov.au; and/or

www.sunwater.com.au. For flood assistance contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

For local road closures visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or phone 13 19 40. Dial triple-0 in an

emergency.

All residents are advised to please stay safe and stay away from flood waters. Remember if it’s flooded, forget it.