Communities across central and north Queensland are facing the grim prospect of being marooned for months after torrential rains linked to ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji triggered severe flooding. In some areas, more than a year's average rainfall fell in just one week, overwhelming catchments and cutting off vital road access.
Homes Under Threat and Supplies Running Low
Ashleigh Brieffies stood on the steps of her property outside Clermont on Monday afternoon, watching knee-deep water surge across her land. The show-horse owner and cattle breeder warned that if the water rose another two feet, her home would be underwater. "I think we'll be looking for a boat or a chopper," she said, having already stocked up on essentials like baked beans and spaghetti before her property was completely isolated.
Brieffies reported that over 250mm of rain fell on her property in a matter of days, with the heaviest deluge occurring on Sunday. "The Bureau of Meteorology predicted we were gonna get a fair bit of rain," she admitted. "But I don't think anyone realised how bad it would get." Her sentiment echoes across the region, where emergency services issued flash-flood warnings for Clermont, located roughly 300km inland from Rockhampton.
Roads Washed Away, Military Assistance May Be Required
The damage extends far beyond individual properties. Entire towns are now isolated, with key access roads severely damaged or completely destroyed. The situation in Eungella, perched on an escarpment inland from Mackay, is particularly dire. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson stated that the town of over 200 people could be cut off for months.
Some localities received a staggering 700mm of rain within 48 hours, leading to significant flash flooding and landslips. Mayor Williamson confirmed that the main road into Eungella is "seriously damaged" and a back route is now impassable. Initial resupply efforts for essentials like generator fuel, milk, bread, and medical supplies will likely depend on helicopters, prompting the mayor to suggest that military assistance may be required.
Other communities are also suffering. In the Pioneer Valley, the towns of Pinnacle and Gargett have lost their potable water supply after ground movement drained a reservoir. Meanwhile, the inland coal mining hub of Dysart, home to nearly 3,000 people, was cut off on Monday and could remain an island for days.
Swollen Catchments and Further Rain Threaten Northwest
While Queensland Premier David Crisafulli offered some relief by announcing the weather system was "breaking up," major flood warnings remain active for several rivers, including the Connors, Isaac, Flinders, and Georgina. The Gulf Country catchments are also on flood watch.
The Premier highlighted the extreme rainfall totals, noting some areas had seen "more than a year's fall in a week period." He expressed grave concern for the state's northwest, where further rain on already saturated ground could be "devastating." The town of Richmond, for instance, was forecast to receive up to 100mm of rain over three days from Tuesday, an unwelcome prospect for an area where tens of thousands of cattle have already perished in floods since Christmas.
The Queensland Police Service reported 158 requests for assistance from the State Emergency Service in a single day, underscoring the scale of the crisis. As residents like Ashleigh Brieffies wait anxiously, pushing through with tears, the full duration of their isolation remains uncertain, with recovery efforts expected to span months.
