TRC Local Disaster Management Group monitoring rain overnight, across weekend

Toowoomba Regional Council’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is monitoring the rain event overnight (Friday, February 25, 2022) and across the weekend.

LDMG chair, Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio, said Council staff and emergency services representatives would keep a watching brief on the rain overnight and would respond to any emerging situation.

“Following a heavy thunderstorm around 10am today (February 25), Toowoomba city and most of the Region have experienced steady rain,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Falls up to 200mm have caused localised flooding and closed more than 90 Council-controlled roads.

“If the rain continues, we expect to see more road closures, especially in rural areas across the weekend.

“Please avoid travelling unless it is urgent. Our main concern is to ensure public safety.

“Motorists are reminded to heed the simple message, ‘If it’s flooded, forget it’. Please observe any warning signs and drive to the conditions, however not every hazard will be signposted.

“Wet weather creates many hazards on the roads, such as water over the road, potholes, washouts and slippery surfaces. These conditions persist after the rain has stopped and motorists need to exercise caution.

“We are monitoring rainfall forecasts to gauge where any potential problems could occur. Our flood mitigation measures are working to their design specifications.”

Mayor Antonio said one bright note was an increase in the Region’s dam levels.

“The saturated ground means the runoff is running into our dams,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Readings at 2pm today (February 25) show Perseverance Dam has risen to 61.9%, Lake Cooby has risen to 47.5% and Lake Cressbrook has risen to 46.5%. These levels will continue to rise while it keeps raining.

“Please consider checking on elderly or isolated neighbours.”

In a life-threatening emergency call 000 and for emergency flood or storm assistance, call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Listen to ABC Radio for relevant disaster information updates and warnings.

Advice about TRC road closures will be notified at http://disaster.tr.qld.gov.au/

For Bureau of Meteorology updates and warning, please visit, http://www.bom.gov.au/

Council facility notifications/closures:

Waste facilities: The Kleinton Waste Management Centre and the Reviva Recycle shop are closed due to heavy rain affecting the site; Kleinton School Road has water over the road.

There is limited access to the Toowoomba Waste Management Centre, due to water over Hermitage Road. Commercial customers can visit the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Centre at O’Mara Road.

Access to Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Centre is restricted with water over O’Mara Road on the Eastern side. Access is available from the Cecil Plains Road end.

Crows Nest, Millmerran, Goombungee, Greenmount and Clifton Waste facilities are also closed until further notice due to the extensive rain and localised flooding.

Toowoomba Animal Management Centre: The Toowoomba Animal Management Centre at Anzac Avenue is closed to the public until further notice.

TRC Recreation facilities: The Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre will be closed from 2pm (February 25).