A surface trough developing along the east coast of Queensland may deliver some much-needed rain to the Bundaberg Region but is not expected to seriously impact the area.
Mayor Cr Mal Forman said the Bundaberg Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is currently maintaining a ‘watching brief’ in response to the current weather patterns and projections and was keeping in regular contact with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
“BOM has advised us of the likelihood of the Bundaberg Region experiencing thunderstorms over coming days until at least Friday,” Cr Forman said.
“Because of the wide range of the area expected to be affected by the trough, which stretches from Mackay right through to Agnes Water, there is uncertainty around just how much rain may fall.
“The LDMG will continue to monitor data from our river and rain gauges and reconsider the activation level as updated advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and the State Disaster Coordination Centre is provided.”
Cr Forman said with the anniversary of the 2013 flood event approaching, he understood that significant rain events could cause some anxiety but urged residents to remain alert, not alarmed.
“Residents should keep up-to-date with weather warnings through TV and radio broadcasts and the BOM website www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.
“A precautionary ‘Flood Watch’ has been issued by BOM for a number of rivers in Queensland – including the Burnett and Kolan Rivers and Baffle Creek – however I would remind residents that this is not a cause for concern and is simply a new initiative introduced by BOM to provide a heads up on possible flooding for disaster planning based on forecast rainfall, not actual rainfall.
“While it appears unlikely at this stage that Bundaberg will be negatively impacted by this rain event the LDMG remains vigilant and is prepared to activate if required.”
ENDS