Central Highlands wet weather event
Explore Councils by state
Posted on November 26, 2021
More than 140 mm of rain fell in the catchment surrounding the tourist area of The Gemfields over the last 48 hours causing flooding around the towns of Rubyvale and Sapphire.
Retreat Creek between the Capricorn Highway and the town of Sapphire peaked at 9.4 metres just after 2.00 am on the morning of Friday 26 November 2021.
‘Council and SES support crews are now in Sapphire assisting with the clean up from last nights weather events,’ the Mayor Kerry Hayes said.
‘Queensland Police have confirmed a man has died in floodwaters in a single vehicle accident north of Capella.
‘Council is saddened by this tragic news and our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones, as well as the emergency responders.
‘We thank the community for the way they all banded together last night to support each other, it is times like this we see the best from our local communities.
‘The Gemfields Waste Facility will also open for Domestic Waste from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm both Saturday and Sunday this weekend to assist with the clean-up.
‘The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting more rain to fall in the area over the coming week, so we urge anyone in the area to stay alert as the rain returns.’
Further information can be found on council’s emergency management dashboard.