Burdekin LDMG: potable water source secure in Giru

Burdekin Shire Council officers have travelled to Giru to check the quality of potable water and top up chemicals at the Giru Water Treatment Plant after the Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) mobilised a helicopter at approximately 10am this morning.

Mayor and Burdekin LDMG Chair Lyn McLaughlin confirmed Council officers assessed the facility, determining that the potable water source was secure.

“The Giru Water Treatment Plant remains operational, the reservoirs are currently full and all tests have come back clear,” Cr McLaughlin said.

“Whilst in Giru, our officers also delivered critical medicine for residents. The Giru SES crew in cooperation with Queensland Fire Emergency Service and Queensland Ambulance Service facilitated the transfer of one patient.”

A major flood warning remains in place for the Haughton River. The latest recordings show that the Haughton River is now slowly rising at Piccaninny and Powerline, whilst slowly decreasing at Major Creek.

The Haughton River is currently recording 3.1 metres in Giru and water continues to inundate much of the town and surrounding areas.

Cr McLaughlin advised residents to stay safe and keep out of floodwaters.

“I’d once again like to remind everyone, if it’s flooded forget it.

“Giru and the surrounding areas have been inundated for quite a while now. Not only is flooding a risk for motorists, there is also the risk that some residential sewerage systems may begin to fail and the risk of hygiene related issues may increase.

“I urge everyone – do not enter floodwaters.”

Current Bureau of Meteorology models do not predict any immediate flood inundation for Groper Creek and Anabranch Bridge, Rita Island Road.

Cr McLaughlin said Ayr, Home Hill and surrounding areas residents concerned about the impact of floodwaters can continue to collect sandbags at the Ayr and Home Hill SES depots.

Ayr SES: McCathie Street, Ayr

Home Hill SES: Eleventh Avenue, Home Hill

Any person who is seeking accommodation for tonight is encouraged to contact Burdekin Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre on (07) 4783 9800 to receive a list of local accommodation options available at varying prices.

In addition to the closure of the Bruce Highway between Sandy Corner and Alligator Creek, the following local roads are currently closed:

Ayr Ravenswood Road at Scott’s CreekAllen RoadBarratta Road at the intersection of Hall RoadBeachmount Road, WunjungaBrown Road at the intersection of George Bundy RoadCromarty Creek Boat Ramp RoadJerona RoadKirknie Road, Alligator CreekMulgrave RoadSheep Station Creek closed between Fiveways Intersection and Sandy CornerSibson Road at Koolkuna Road endViv Cox Bridge on Barratta Road

Rita Island Road at Anabranch Bridge has recently reopened.

A conserve water notice continues to be in place for Giru and surrounding areas.

For up to date flood warnings please visit http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.

For updates on disaster information please visit http://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/ and follow the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Coordination Centre on Facebook.