‘Power will be cut’: Residents urged to plan ahead

SOME St George residents are being advised their power will be cut when the Balonne River reaches it's peak tomorrow.

The Balonne River is expected to peak in St George between 12.3-12.5m late Wednesday, February 26, and remain at a high level into Friday.

The Balonne Shire Local Disaster Management Group was at Stand Up as of 11am this morning, based on advice from SunWater and the Bureau of Meteorology.

According to Balonne Shire mayor and LDMG Chairman Richard Mash, Ergon Energy will cut power when the river reaches 12m, and has urged those residents to plan to evacuate.

"Ergon Energy have advised that power outages will occur in this area once the river reaches 12m," he said.

"Ergon has advised those living in the flooding zone who want their entire electrical supply disconnected for the duration of the flood please call Ergon Faults at 13 10 46 and that way your request will be logged.

"Please secure any valuables and/or take them with you. It's also a good idea to take photos of remaining items of value for insurance purposes or in case of damage. Please notify the St George police if your premises will be vacated so that patrols can monitor the area."

Cr Marsh said this flood level would exceed the Andrew Nixon bridge decking height of 11m across the Jack Taylor Weir on the Balonne Highway resulting in the closure of the highway.

"Properties in Albert Street outside of the levee are likely to experience minor to moderate flooding," he said.

"Residents in these areas are asked to warn neighbours, secure their belongings and relocate as soon as practical.

Sandbags are available to residents requiring them by calling Council on 07 4620 8896.

Cr Marsh said Council has placed a stockpile of sand at the St George Showground's Wool Pavilion for residents to fill sandbags.

"Residents on St George's Terrace with a block wall levee, may experience flooding and/or restricted access to driveways," he said.

"Should the flood reach 12.7m flood gates will be installed in your driveway entrance. Council will assist you to install the gates as we monitor flood heights.

"In preparation we recommend you warn your neighbours and move vehicles to higher ground should you wish to travel. Vehicles, trailers, boats or caravans may be stored in the Rowden Park carparking area."

Cr Marsh said properties on the dry side of the levee were not expected to experience flooding.

"However please be advised that emergency services and/or council will be entering the levee to perform inspections and/or routine maintenance in preparation of the flood event," he said.

"Access may also be restricted at Mitchell Street as LDMG continues to monitor the situation."

People requiring accommodation assistance can contact Care Balonne on (07) 46255450 or mobile (0417) 193504.

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.

We advise all residents to please stay safe and stay away from flood waters. Remember if its flooded, forget it.

Please provide your preferred contact details to the Queensland Police who will be door knocking in the area.