Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is asking residents to be extra vigilant on the roads as unseasonal wet weather looks set to impact the region across the weekend and well into next week.
With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting reasonable falls for the region during the next seven days, TRC is making preliminary preparations and the Local Disaster Management Group is ready to respond if and when required.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said while no severe weather warnings had yet been issued, the general outlook was for reasonable falls across the region during the next week.
“The LDMG is coordinating with relevant emergency services and will monitor advice and information from the Bureau of Meteorology,” Mayor Antonio said.
“If residents were impacted during the March/April rain event they should make preparations now for this predicted event.
“Due to the large amount of rainfall we’ve had this year already, our ground remains saturated which means any extra rainfall will now build up, rather than soaking into the ground.
“During the March/April rain event we tragically lost two lives in the Toowoomba region with people driving through flooded water.
“We don’t want to see a repeat of this should the predicted wet weather flood roads again so we ask motorists to please obey the signage. It’s impossible for Council to sign every defect and danger on the roads so be alert and drive to the conditions.
“I cannot stress this highly enough – if it’s flooded, forget it.
“As we continue to monitor the situation, I would simply ask residents to be alert and not alarmed,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Property owners who need assistance are advised to contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500.
Self-service sand is available at Jondaryan, Oakey, Crows Nest, Goombungee and Pittsworth for residents to fill their own bags. Sandbags or alternatives such as garden soil bags can be sourced at local hardware and landscaping businesses.
Listen to ABC Radio for relevant disaster information updates and warnings.
Advice about TRC road closures, disaster warnings and alerts will be notified at http://disaster.tr.qld.gov.au/