QUEENSLAND FLOOD SUMMARY 1960 - 1969

Some 150mm of rain caused severe local flooding in the Proserpine area on 24th and heavy rains caused moderate flooding on the far north coast on 28th and 29th. Considerable disruption of road traffic was reported . The Herbert River peaked at North Gairloch on 28th.

The main flood period occurred from 19th to 23 rd when heavy rain on the central coast , [ Bloomsbury 375mm , Calen 350mm in 48 hours to 0900 22nd ] , caused general disruption of road rail and air services. Moderate flooding was reported in the Pioneer River catchment , with Mirani peaking at 0130 on 22nd . Bridge crossings were affected on the O’Connell and Proserpine rivers but the major disruption of traffic was on the Bruce Highway between Prospect and Funnel creeks , where motorists were trapped. North eastern parts of the Fitzroy catchment reported moderate flooding , with water well over the Prospect Creek bridge.

Slight flooding affected northern tributaries of the Burdekin basin from 21st to 27th , and the Herbert River from 21st to 25th where North Gairloch [Ingham] peaked on 24th. Slight flooding was also reported in the upper Einasleigh River on 23rd and the upper Flinders River on 26th. Storms rains produced sharp rises in Theresa Creek [western Fitzroy] on 26th and 27th.

Falls of 50 to 125mm of rain over the south-west quarter of the State from 22nd to 25th produced appreciable flows in most south-western and western streams. Some stock losses of drought weakened sheep were reported along the Bulloo River , where the peak passed Quilpie on 27th , but in general flooding was slight ,although many river crossings were impassable. Reported peaks were the Thomson River at Jundah on 24th and the Warrego River at Murweh on 27th.

In the Burdekin River catchment a fresh in the Belyando River from 1st to 3rd and moderate flooding in the upper Burdekin on 11th and 12th resulted in some rises in the lower Burdekin from 11th to 15th. Peaks in the upper Burdekin were Green Valley and Clarke River , both on 12th.

Heavy rains in the Townsville area on 10th and 11th caused dislocation of road and rail traffic , Townsville being isolated for a time. The Bohle River reached its highest level since 1946 and the Haughton River was well over the bridge at Giru. Disruption to traffic was also reported on the Bruce Highway south of Sarina at this time , with water covering the Prospect Creek bridge.

Heavy rain on the coastal section between Daintree and Cooktown on 19th , with 420mm in 8 hours at Cape Tribulation , caused considerable flooding ,the worst reported being in the Annon River where wash-outs on the Mulligan Highway occurred.

Storm rains on 14th caused the postponement of salvage operations on the train wreck at Midway Creek near Bogantungan. Local flooding was also reported at Coolangatta on 15th and Kuranda on 28th.

In the Flinders River basin washways on the Townsville to Mt.Isa railway at several points , near Julia Creek and Richmond , held up traffic for several days. At Cloncurry 185mm of rain caused the most severe local flooding for 50 years in the township with water inundating the streets and entering business premises. Damage was also caused to the new bridge construction works. The Flinders River at Hulberts Bridge peaked by 30th , well over bridge height. The superstructure of a rail bridge south of Einasleigh was damaged when the Einasleigh River rose above flood level.

The Burke River at Boulia and the Diamantina River at Kynuna burst their banks on 26th , whilst local flooding was reported at Winton. Blackall was isolated on 26th when the Barcoo River rose over the bridge. Run-off moved down the Barcoo and Thomson rivers and by the end of the month the Barcoo peaked at Isisford and the Thomson peaked at Jundah , submerging both bridges. Run-off was also reported in the upper reaches of the Bulloo River.

As the rain influence moved out to sea , flash flooding was reported at Cairns and other coastal stations from heavy falls of up to 200mm in 8 hours.

A good body of water moved down the Cooper Creek system , disrupting traffic until the end of the month. The Barcoo River at Isisford peaked on 3rd and the bridge was either submerged or the approaches impassable until 11th. Landsborough Creek at Muttaburra and the Thomson River at Longreach both peaked on 4th. The crest reached Jundah by 9th and Currareva on 11th. River crossings in downstream areas were impassable until 18th.

Though detailed information is not available , reports were received of flooding along the Burke River at Boulia , and of a body of water moving down the Diamantina River. On the Bulloo River low level flooding was reported at Adavale on 6th and 7th. At Quilpie water was just under the rail bridge by 9th. The Paroo River at Eulo peaked on 3rd and was above flood level until 6th.

The Flinders and Cloncurry rivers , already high from the Christmas rains , rose again. Peaks were recorded at Marathon and Richmond on 3rd and Hulberts Bridge on 4th. Floodwaters fell by 7th , and flooding was not generally serious , though traffic was disrupted in the area. Railway washaways marooned trains in Cloncurry , and tracks were submerged at other points along the Mt Isa to Townsville line.

As the rain influence moved out to sea , 75 to 125mm falls over the upper reaches of the Burdekin River catchment caused a fresh which temporarily submerged bridges. At Sellheim the road bridge was covered on 5th when the river peaked , but rail communications were unaffected. Other peaks occurred at Green Valley , Clarke River and Dalbeg.

The most severe local flooding occurred in the upper reaches of the Condamine River . Water entered the town of Allora to a depth of 1 metre , and parts of Killarney were flooded ,damaging crops on the river flats. The river peaked at Killarney on the morning of 19th. Most stations on the Balonne River system reported freshes , with local flooding in some areas. Freshes were also reported in Laidley and Warrill creeks in the Brisbane system , and along the Burnett and Kolan rivers.

The passage of the fresh down the Warrego River caused slight flooding at Charleville with a peak on 19th , and more extensive , though temporary flooding at Murweh , where the river peaked on 21st. Freshes were also reported in the Bulloo , Thomson and Barcoo rivers. Some traffic dislocations occurred when the Thomson covered the traffic bridge at Currareva on 27th and 28th , whilst the Barcoo was over the bridge at Isisford from 19th to the end of the month , except for short periods. Isisford peaked on 22nd.

Freshes were reported on most streams in the Fitzroy system , particularly in the Dawson River. At Taroom a peak occurred on 20th , some 3 metres above the bridge , and Baralaba peaked on 27th with some flooding. Central coast streams running into the Isaacs River cut the highway at several points for short periods.

Flash flooding in the Bundamba Creek at Booval on 25th swept a car off a culvert , killing two people. Flash flooding in the Mary River on 28th caused traffic dislocations.

While a rise was reported in the Pioneer River at Mirani on 1st , more important situations arose in other areas. In the Fitzroy River basin the more serious flooding was confined to tributary streams. At Emerald on the Nogoa River a peak was recorded on 1st , while Taroom and Baralaba peaked on 2nd. At Theodore the peak was on 6th. At Riverslea and Yaamba ,on the Fitzroy proper , peaks were recorded on 6th and 8th respectively , but did not approach flood heights.

In the Mary River basin bridges were cut at Lone Pine on Munna Creek till the 3rd , and at Bauple East on Tinana Creek. At the latter station flood waters reached a peak on 3rd. This was still below flood height , but well over the bridge . Flooding in the countryside was quite minor.

Flood situations were more serious in the Condamine and Balonne rivers and western basins. At Condamine town and Eldnarvale on the Condamine , peaks were recorded 3rd. At Warkon , on the Balonne , the river approached dangerous levels on 5th , and Surat was subject to minor flooding. Elsewhere in this and the Warrego River basin , flooding did not rise to serious proportions.

The Barcoo River , after a peak on 28th February , cut the bridge at Isisford until 4th , and generally maintained a high level until 6th. At Currareva , the Cooper Creek peaked on 1st , and traffic was held up until 2nd when the river began to fall slowly.

Creek rises were remarkably rapid. Gin Gin Creek rose 1 metre in 15 minutes and 2 to 3 metres per hour at Moolboolamon, whilst St.Agnes Creek rose so rapidly that it caused the Burnett River to flow backwards past Wallaville. Near record levels were reached in many streams and in the Mt. Perry area creeks were reported to be the highest in living memory. Major peaks were Kolan River at Toweran and Monduran on 7th , at Smiths Crossing on 8th [ highest since records commenced in 1949 ] and Gin Gin Creek at Bruce Highway on 7th [ highest for 50 years].

Some local flooding with little or no damage resulted from 75 to 150mm rains over north-west parts of the Darling Downs in the 24 hours to 0900 7th. The most important rises were in Charleys and Dogwood creeks resulting in moderate rises in the lower Condamine River from 9th to 13th and a fresh in the Balonne River from 12th to 19th. The peak reached Warkon in the early morning on 12th.

Rapid stream rises were reported in the Logan and Nerang catchments on 21st , following rainfalls of up to 125mm in two hours. The Pacific Highway was damaged and the traffic bridge across the Pimpama River at Ormeau flooded, with resulting traffic disruption. Many Southport shops and homes were inundated briefly by run-off from the heavy rain , and other resorts along the coast were also affected , but to a lesser extent. Many roads in the Springbrook-Beaudesert-Southport district were cut by local flash flooding . The Plunkett Bridge was submerged some 2 metres , stopping traffic on the Beaudesert to Tamborine highway.

On 21st very heavy rain , 110mm in 90 minutes , was experienced in the Moree district. The Brisbane Valley Highway was cut between Esk and Toogoolawah , due to flash flooding of Gallanani Creek , and rail traffic was slowed because of erosion. Heavy rain in the Bremer catchment on 17th , followed by further falls in the next few days , caused a rise in the river , submerging the bridge at Rosewood for some days. Freshes in other tributaries of the Brisbane River resulted in a slight rise in the main river in its lower reaches. Freshes were reported in the Condamine , Balonne and Bulloo rivers , and in the Burnett and Fitzroy systems.

In the Dawson River flood water reached a peak at Taroom on 16th , and at Theodore on 21st. Flooding of low lying lands and much traffic disruption was reported for several days. Flood levels were exceeded at Baralaba and minor flooding occurred further downstream.

In the Balonne system , slight flooding occurred in the Miles district on 16th , and again on 20th following further storm rains. As the water moved downstream , peaks were reported Warkon on 19th , Whyenbah on 20th and Dirranbandi on 23rd. Extensive traffic disruption was experienced.

In the same period freshes , with some minor local flooding , were reported in the catchments of the Brisbane , Mary and Logan rivers , whilst the Bulloo River rose to bridge height at Quilpie on 19th. A fresh was also reported in the upper reaches of the Leichhardt River.

Following heavy rain in the Severn , Macintyre and Moonie catchments in the first week of the month , the Severn River rose well over the traffic bridge at Texas on 9th , whilst at Yelarbon water entered some parts of the town.

Minor flooding with extensive traffic dislocation occurred in the Balonne , Warrego , Paroo , Bulloo and Barcoo systems. In the Diamantina River good flows were reported at Birdsville in the last week of the month.

Slight flooding occurred in the Brisbane , Mary and Dawson systems , whilst flash flooding after storms was experienced in many districts.

In the Gulf Country , monsoonal rains from January 28th swelled the Gilbert , Norman , Einasleigh and Mitchell rivers. Homesteads were isolated and communications cut as the rivers spread over the flat countryside.

This condition of swollen streams and widespread traffic disruption , which extended along the north coast as far south as Mackay by 20th , continued throughout the month. The Fitzroy , Belyando and Burdekin systems were all affected , whilst flooding in the Herbert River from 27th submerged traffic bridges at Long Pocket and North Gairloch. Flooding however was only minor.

With continuing widespread rains in the south-east in the first ten days of the month , reports were received of flooding in the Dawson , Mackenzie , Condamine , Macintyre , Moonie and Weir rivers. Traffic disruptions were widespread , and in some cases prolonged , the worst affected areas being along the Condamine - Balonne , Moonie and Weir rivers. The bridge at Riversdale was cut by the Moonie River for six days to 18th , while Yandilla township was isolated for two days to 14th by the Condamine River.

Floodwaters moved downstream disrupting traffic , but widespread flooding was not experienced , except along the Weir River in a 65 kilometre stretch in the Goondiwindi area , where large scale stock losses resulted.

Reports of falling streams were received in the last week of the month , from all areas.

Very small rises were noted in the Mary and Barcoo rivers on 6th and 7th. Stream levels in the Dawson River remained above bridge height at Taroom from 7th to 17th. This run-off was noticed downstream where at Baralaba the bridge was submerged from 19th to 21st. Flooding of the countryside was as elsewhere negligible.

Following heavy rain in central and southern districts from 8th , flood levels were exceeded in the Comet River , with Rolleston district being isolated from 9th to 18th. In the Warrego River , Charleville was isolated on 12th , and in the Mary River , where heavy rains fell in the headwaters , Gympie was also isolated on 12th.

Further rain in the 3rd week of the month continued the run-off in the south-western streams and kept traffic immobilised. Affected streams were the Balonne , Maranoa , Barcoo and Bulloo rivers. At this time , flooding , with similar road and rail traffic disruptions , was experienced in the Nogoa , Comet and Mackenzie rivers , and in the central and far-north coastal area.

As the month closed , high discharges from heavy storm rains were reported in the Flinders and Leichhardt systems. The traffic bridge at Mt.Isa was damaged on 30th , while extensive rail wash-outs were experienced along the Julia Creek to Cloncurry railway on 31st.

Frequent heavy rains in the north-east tropics produced freshes and some flooding in Gulf rivers and in the Herbert and Burdekin systems. Clare was inundated briefly on 8th ,whilst bridges were cut on several days during the month. Widespread traffic disruption was reported , but little damage from flooding. Proserpine experienced flash flooding on 19th after 150mm of rain were recorded in a few hours.

From 13th to 18th heavy rain in south-east districts produced 250mm totals with some totals up to 500mm. Local flooding and traffic disabilities were reported in the Mary and Brisbane rivers as well as the shorter Moreton streams. The Stanley River at Peachester reported peak flows as did the Brisbane River at Murrumba and Wivenhoe Bridge. In the Mary River catchment , water entered low lying parts of Gympie when the peak was recorded at midnight on 17th , and both Gympie and Kenilworth were isolated for a few days.

Widespread rain , with some 24 hour totals up to 150mm , affected the central and southern interior on 21st and 22nd causing stream rises in the Fitzroy , Thomson and the southern inland catchments. Torrential rainfall in the Mackay area on 25th and 26th , [ 725mm in 2 days ] , caused moderate flooding and traffic disruptions in the Pioneer catchment as well as adjacent parts of the Fitzroy and Burdekin systems.

The major period of flooding occurred towards the end of the month , when record rainfall affected the central interior from 25th to 31st. Many daily falls exceeded 100mm , and some 200mm , resulting in the heaviest March rainfall this century for most of the central lowlands. Flooding in the Barcoo and Bulloo river systems reached serious proportions , whilst stream floods in the Thomson River were only just below the 1955 levels. The highest flood since 1910 in the Barcoo system inundated Blackall and Isisford , the river being up to 35 kilometres wide in places. At Blackall flood levels were above the highest gauge board and water was 150mm deep in the main street , whilst at Isisford the Barcoo was still rising on 31^st. The heavy flood run-off from both the Thomson and Barcoo was already affecting the Windorah area at the end of the month. Traffic disruptions were widespread and the loss of stock reported to have been in the thousands , has not yet been fully assessed.

Torrential rain in the headwaters of the Bulloo system caused unprecedented rises in Blackwater Creek , the peak almost completely submerging Adavale on 30th . Many rescues were made from roof tops by helicopter , and a number of buildings were damaged and a church washed away. Huge volumes of floodwater were also affecting Quilpie at the end of the month.

The heavy rain period near the end of the month produced moderate rises in other rivers over a wide area of the State. In the Fitzroy River catchment large volumes of water moved down all tributaries with the highest levels being recorded in the western parts of the catchment. Other systems affected were the Flinders , Belyando , Condamine , Balonne , Moonie , Maranoa and Paroo rivers. Huge volumes of flood run-off , with rivers up to 35 kilometres wide in places , were moving south towards New South Wales and South Australia at the end of the month , particularly in the Cooper Creek and Bulloo systems.

Floods in the Burdekin , Fitzroy , Condamine and Balonne systems were mostly receding by 6th , having reached heights which in all cases were well short of record proportions , yet serious enough to cause considerable traffic disabilities and local flooding.

Up to 125mm of rain , and in some cases 250mm , fell in some Carpentaria regions in the first five days of the month , giving rise to further flooding. The Flinders River at Hulberts Bridge reached its highest level since 1951. By 10th , however , most of the danger had passed.

In the lower western and south western rivers run-off extended through to the second half of the month. Along the Bulloo River serious flooding occurred as the river spread out. Adavale , [ Blackwater Creek ] , and Quilpie were cut off , necessitating the use of helicopters in flood rescue work. The Barcoo River experienced the highest flood in 50 years , while in the Thomson River flooding was aggravated by further falls in head water regions in the first few days of the month.

Cooper Creek at Currareva [ near Windorah ] reached a peak on 6^th , just below the 1955 level and the second highest since 1906. The total flood discharge at this station was estimated to have exceeded 5 million acre feet and part of this huge run-off has already entered South Australia. Heavy stock losses and widespread traffic disruptions were reported from the whole of the Cooper Creek catchment.

Floodwaters in the Bulloo and Warrego rivers were receding southward from Quilpie and Cunnamulla respectively by the 8th. Towards the end of the month the Diamantina River at Birdsville peaked , but the flood was receding by 28th.

Flooding was otherwise confined to the south-east corner of the State. Heavy rain fell over eastern Darling Downs and Moreton districts on 6th and 8th , and further moderate rain fell on 20th. Local flooding and traffic disruptions occurred along coastal streams between Brisbane and the border on 8th and 9th as a result of daily falls of up to 125mm , and in some cases 250mm. The Pacific Highway at Beenleigh was cut for 24 hours , delaying hundreds of motorists.

Other flooding was generally slight , and streams affected were the Brisbane , Logan , Albert and Nerang rivers as well as the upper Condamine and Macintyre rivers.

In the Bulloo catchment , serious flooding occurred south of Ardoch as a result of 150 to 225mm rainfalls late on 13th. At Thargomindah the river spread to a width of 6.5 kilometres , and started to enter the town when a near record peak was reached on 16th. Over half the 7000 sheep on one property near Thargomindah were lost.

Up to 285mm of rain fell in 24 hours in the Eulo area and on 14th the Paroo River reached a peak , the highest since 1942 and the second highest on record. By the 18th flood waters had reached Hungerford on the New South Wales border and had spread to over 35 kilometres wide in places.

Properties on the Warrego River between Cunnamulla and the border recorded from 125 to 250mm in 24 hours to 0900 14th. The resultant flooding in this catchment caused considerable stock losses and widespread disruption to traffic.

Throughout these three catchments road traffic was almost brought to a standstill whilst in the lower reaches stock losses were heavy , and kilometres of fencing were washed away.

In the north-west of the State , the Cloncurry , Leichhardt and Gregory rivers reported considerable run-off , and local flooding caused widespread traffic disabilities , including the closure of airfields. In western districts , less serious flooding was reported in the Diamantina River , with Birdsville reaching a peak on 29th.

Up to 150mm of rain fell in the upper reaches of the Flinders River and the resulting flood reached a peak at Hulberts Bridge late on 6th. In the lower reaches totals over 375mm were reported , and these , combined with 250mm falls in the Cloncurry and Corella catchments , produced a near record flood which peaked at Milgarra on 14th.

Up to 225mm of rain fell on the catchments of the Gregory and Albert rivers , and Burketown [ on the Albert ] was surrounded by water during the resultant flood. In the Leichhardt River the biggest flood in the memory of local residents followed falls up to 350mm. At Augustus Downs the river spread to 8.5 kilometres wide , as compared with its normal width of 165 metres.

In the catchment of the Norman River up to 500mm of rain were recorded , and by 8th the river at Normanton was in high flood , with the floodwaters entering the town itself. The level reached was just below the record 1951 flood level. Cyclone "Dora" was reported as leaving a sea of water 165 kilometres wide stretching from Normanton to Burketown.

Associated with the heavy falls , serious road and rail traffic disruptions occurred throughout the Gulf Country. By the 12th the Townsville to Mt.Isa line was open but as late as the 21st many areas were still impassable to road traffic. In the Burke Shire many dams were burst by the floods , and kilometres of fencing washed away. Stock losses throughout were reported to be high.

Moderate to heavy rainfall associated with Cyclone "Dora" also fell in the catchments of the Herbert , Burdekin , Thomson and Diamantina rivers , and freshes and slight flooding occurred along these rivers. The Burdekin River at Sellheim peaked on 11th , while Thomson catchment falls of 225mm , near Longreach , produced a slight flood which moved downstream until Currareva , [ near Windorah ] , reported a peak in Cooper Creek at the end of the month.

Heavy rain in the catchments of the eastern Gulf rivers in the first half of the month produced major flooding in the Mitchell River system.

Heavy rain , over the period 7th to 9th , falling on the upper reaches of the Condamine River , caused sharp rises in the upper tributaries and a moderate flood in the main river. In the Pittsworth district , paddocks were flooded and roads closed by falls of 175 to 200mm. As the flood wave moved downstream , large areas of low lying land were inundated and low level roads and bridges closed. Two families were evacuated near Cecil Plains. The flood peaked at Tummaville on 9th , at Eldnarvale on 15th and at St. George on 24th.

The same rainfall situation caused small rises in the upper Brisbane River and Lockyer Creek. Traffic delays were experienced in the Southport and Nerang areas. Other rises reported in the Fitzroy catchment.

Falls of up to 500mm of rain in the Cairns and Innisfail areas on 15th and 16th forced the Mulgrave River into flood . Approximately 5.5 metres of water was reported over the railway line at one spot. The main northern highway was blocked in many places. Floodwaters damaged railway lines and flattened sugar cane crops.

The South Coast received further heavy falls over the period 26th to 31st with falls exceeding 250mm in some areas. Rises in the smaller streams cut the Bruce Highway at Beerwah and at the Caloundra turn-off , leaving many Easter travellers stranded. Both the Stanley River and Mary River showed sharp rises. The Mary River peaked at Gympie on 29th. Local flooding in Brisbane suburbs caused temporary inconvenience. By the 30th only one road in the State was cut by floodwaters.

On the coast , the heaviest rain fell at Townsville , where 250mm was reported. Roads were cut in many places , and rail and air transport was suspended for some time. Associated falls in the upper reaches of the Burdekin River caused a fresh which peaked at Sellheim on 31st.

Flooding in the Cloncurry , Corella and Gilbert rivers followed general rainfalls of 50 to 100mm in Carpentaria districts between 8th and 12th. The area of rain also extended south into the central lowlands , where freshes were produced in the Thomson , Barcoo and Belyando rivers , and west into the Northern Territory , where a moderate flood occurred in the Georgina River. Associated heavier falls on the northern catchment of the Burdekin River produced a slight flood which peaked at Clare on 14th .

Further scattered heavy rain fell in eastern Carpentaria districts between 15th and 17th. Georgetown recorded 225mm in one day , giving rise to a flash flood in the Etheridge River , while further to the west the Gilbert River also experienced some flooding. Associated heavy falls in tropical coastal districts produced local flooding in the Herbert River catchment. Heavy falls in the northern catchment of the Burdekin River produced a fresh which peaked at Clare on 19th.

Later in the month , 75 to 100mm of rain fell in the central highlands on 26th and 27th. The resulting fresh in the Mackenzie River caused a peak at Honeycombe on 29th.

Local flooding as a result of local heavy rainfall was reported in Brisbane suburbs and some local flooding was reported at Warwick on the Condamine River. Flooding was responsible for removing large quantities of water hyacinth from the Bremer River and its tributaries. No major damage or loss of life was reported.

Heavy rainfall on 5th and 6th over the central and southern interior and far south-west of the State caused good rises in the western and Carpentaria rivers. River levels tended to fluctuate throughout the month due to run-off from further rainfall , and to the effects of local inflow from tributaries. Around the middle of the month flooding occurred in the Thomson , Barcoo , Warrego , Diamantina , Georgina and Flinders rivers and Cooper Creek.

Heavy rainfall on the central coast on the 24th and 25th produced rises in the northern tributaries of the Fitzroy River system and the southern tributaries of the Burdekin River system. Near the end of the month flooding occurred in the Mackenzie , Isaacs , Belyando , Bogie and Burdekin rivers.

Throughout the State , stream rises caused only local traffic disabilities and no loss of life or property was reported.

Late in the month , falls up to 325mm associated with Cyclone "Dinah" produced substantial rises in the Mary and Kolan river systems and freshes in the south coast rivers. King tides combined with the effects of the cyclone to erode and flood beach frontages , particularly in the Sandgate area.

The first few days of February saw good falls in Carpentaria districts , where a moderate flood moved quickly down the Flinders River. Associated rain in western districts gave rise to a small flood in the Georgina River , which peaked at Marion Downs on 17th.

From 20th to 23rd , Cyclone "Barbara" produced moderate falls in southern coastal districts extending west to the fringe of the Darling Downs. A fresh in the Logan River peaked at Macleans Bridge on 24th , while minor stream rises were reported on the eastern edge of the Downs.

Towards the end of the month , good moderate falls in parts of the central and south-western districts produced slight flooding in the Thomson , Bulloo and Warrego rivers.

During the first week however , a rain influence moved across from the west and produced heavy falls in some western and south-western districts. Resultant flooding reached serious proportions in the Bulloo River , where Quilpie peaked on 11th , and the Paroo River , where Eulo peaked on 9th.

The Warrego River and Cooper Creek catchments were not so seriously affected , but further west flooding verged on the serious in the Georgina River, where peaks were reported at Marion Downs on 11th and 23rd. The Georgina and Diamantina rivers were still running strongly at the end of the month , but floods had then subsided in most other south western streams. The area of rainfall also extended north to the western portions of the Flinders catchment , giving rise to moderate flooding in the Cloncurry River at Cloncurry with a peak on 6th , but the river fell fairly quickly.

On 18th falls of up to 150mm associated with Cyclone "Elaine" were recorded in the south-eastern corner of the State. Minor flooding and traffic disabilities occurred as a small flood moved down the Brisbane River , while the Logan River peaked at Macleans Bridge on 19th. Lighter associated falls in the Mary catchment and on the eastern edge of the Darling Downs produced minor flooding in the Mary and Condamine rivers , the latter reaching a peak at Cecil Plains on 23rd.

The major feature of the months flooding was the record flooding in the Herbert River and associated far north coastal streams towards the middle of the month. Falls of up to 1300mm in 4 days in the Barron and Herbert districts produced the highest flood on record in the Herbert River , with widespread damage and loss of property. The Bureau’s river height observer at Glen Eagle station was forced to evacuate his homestead , shortly before it was washed away in a flood which reached the fantastic level of 6.85 metres above the previous record in 1927.

Further downstream at North Gairloch the river gauge was completely submerged on 14th , and at Long Pocket a record height was recorded at 1500 on 14th. The bridge at Long Pocket linking Abergowrie and Ingham was washed away after being almost 15metres under water , and the population of Abergowrie was isolated for weeks. Ingham itself was almost completely submerged in the flood-waters which were 17 kilometres wide at the peak. Road and rail traffic were brought to a stand-still , and Hinchinbrook Shire Council is reported to have estimated road and bridge damage alone at about $7.5 million.

Near record flooding was also reported in the Barron , Johnstone and Tully rivers. The Tinaroo Dam [ Barron ] and Koombooloomba Dam [ Tully ] were both filled to over flowing by the heavy run-off , after being at low levels for the previous twelve months. The damage to sugar mill tramlines and bridges was severe , but a reliable estimate of crop losses is not available. Huge fields of sugar cane were washed out and in some places cane has been covered by 2 metres of silt. Cars were washed into raging flood-waters and costly farm machinery inundated. Thousands of people had the heart-breaking experience of flood damage due to knee deep water in their homes and when this receded , 300mm of mud. Some people were rescued from roof tops and there were many reports of bravery under very difficult conditions. Helicopters were used in some of the rescue work.

The rain influence also extended inland and affected some Carpentaria rivers , these being the Mitchell , Palmer , Einasleigh and Walsh . The Lynd River was reported as "higher than any known flood". By 18th most of the flooding had subsided , but the full extent of the damage was still being assessed at the end of the month.

Rainfalls averaging 200 to 250mm in the South Coast Moreton district during the week ending 14th resulted in moderate flooding in the Brisbane and Mary rivers and adjacent coastal streams. The Brisbane River peaked at Vernor on 12th , the highest recorded since 1955 , and the Mary River peaked at Gympie on 11th , the highest since 1963. Worst flooding was in the Nerang River , which peaked at Numinbah Valley early on 12th , highest since 1954 , and flooded some residential areas on the Gold Coast . Traffic disabilities occurred throughout the Moreton district , but were worst in coastal areas south of Brisbane.

Serious local flooding in Brisbane itself on the night of 11th , inundated many houses and severely restricted traffic movement. Flooding in this area however was not as serious as in 1931.

The rain influence also extended west to the fringe of the Darling Downs , where falls averaging 50mm produced minor flooding in the upper reaches of the Condamine River. Further drenching rain fell in the same districts on 21st and 22nd , and again on 26th and 27th , but flooding was generally at a lower level than earlier in the month. The exception was in the Condamine basin , where the rain was more widespread than earlier and resulted in moderate flooding at Loudoun Bridge on 27th. At the end of the month flood reports were still being received from stations on the middle and lower Condamine River and the Balonne River.

Flood reports were also received during the month for the Macintyre River , a few sections of the Fitzroy , Kolan and Burnett catchments , and for western and south-western rivers , where associated rainfalls gave rise to slight flooding.

Widespread light to moderate rainfall in the south-eastern corner of the State on 6th was followed by moderate to heavy falls from 7th to 13th. The resulting run-off produced flooding in all coastal streams from Bundaberg to the border , and in the Condamine River. Seven day totals of over 750mm were common in the headwaters of the Mary River , while slightly lower totals were recorded in the headwaters of neighbouring coastal streams and in the headwaters of the Stanley River.

The Mary River peaked at Gympie on 10th , and all coastal roads from Brisbane to the north of Bundaberg were impassable to traffic for a few days as the flood peak moved downstream. Many people in Gympie and other centres downstream were forced to evacuate their homes as flood waters approached , and at least one life was lost.

Slightly lower rainfalls in the Brisbane River sub-catchments other than the Stanley were sufficient to cause minor to moderate flooding in parts of the Brisbane Valley , while moderate falls on the border ranges produced only minor flooding in coastal streams south of Brisbane.

The lower Burnett and Kolan rivers also experienced moderate to serious flooding when falls totalling 350 to 400mm were recorded over 3 days to 0900 10th , and traffic was seriously disrupted on the Bruce Highway.

Associated rainfalls of 25 to 100mm on the Eastern Darling Downs produced a minor flood in the Condamine River , while lower totals in the Maranoa District produced some low level flooding in the Balonne River. At the end of the month the water from the upper Condamine was approaching Dirranbandi , [ on the Balonne ] , having caused minor traffic disabilities as the peak moved downstream.

Further west , good falls were received in the catchments of the Paroo , Bulloo , Warrego and Thomson rivers on 15th and 16th , resulting in minor to moderate flooding in all streams except the Paroo , where the situation verged on serious. A peak was recorded at Eulo on 18th with some water reaching the township. Good falls in some parts of western districts also produced low level flooding in the Georgina and Diamantina Rivers.

Moderate to heavy falls in central coastal districts about the middle of the month produced minor flooding in parts of the Fitzroy and Burdekin catchments. Further to the north , moderate to serious flooding resulted in the lower Herbert River , following 3 day totals averaging 125 to 250mm to 0900 17th.

Heavy rain over parts of the Carpentaria , Central Lowlands and Central Coast [ West ] districts from 11th to 16th was the major flood producing influence , whilst associated falls in the Central Highlands from 11th to 13th , and again on 16th , were a further contributing factor.

Moderate flooding resulted in the Flinders and Burdekin rivers , and the northern and western sub-catchments of the Fitzroy River. The Flinders reached a peak at Hulberts Bridge on 16th , while the Burdekin peaked at Inkerman Bridge , [ Home Hill ] , on 17th. Water from western parts of the Fitzroy basin took a little longer to get away , and a peak was not recorded at Riverslea in the lower Fitzroy until 23rd.

The heavy falls in Carpentaria and Central Lowlands districts were also sufficient to cause very serious flooding in the Thomson River , which reached its highest levels since 1963. A peak was recorded at Jundah on 23rd , but by the end of the month the flood waters had moved past Windorah in Cooper Creek , and were heading for the South Australia border . Traffic disabilities were common as the kilometres-wide flood moved downstream.

Good associated falls also produced a moderate flood in the Diamantina River , while further to the south minor levels were reached in the Barcoo , Bulloo and Warrego rivers. The Mary and Herbert rivers also experienced minor flooding about the middle of the month.

Major flooding was experienced in the Paroo and Bulloo rivers , Quilpie peaking at 0900 on 2nd. Moderate flooding occurred in the Diamantina and Georgina rivers , and minor flooding was experienced in the Thomson and Barcoo rivers , Cooper Creek and Warrego River.

Further flood rains of up to 100mm on 10th to 13th in the upper Georgina and Diamantina rivers increased the flooding , producing a peak at Marion Downs on 30th . Floodwaters were still rising at Birdsville at the end of the month and are expected to continue rising well into June.

Rains of up to 110mm on the 11th and 13th increased the major flooding on the Paroo and Bulloo rivers. Eulo peaked on 15th ,[ equal to January 1964 and third highest since records commenced in 1890 ] , and Quilpie peaked on 13th , [ the second highest since records commenced in 1950 ].

The Paroo River at Eulo peaked on 18th. Flooding was reported in the Bulloo River with peaks at Adavale on 17th , at Quilpie on 20th and at Thargomindah on 28th. Slow run-off can be expected to continue into April in this river system.

The Diamantina River peaked at Diamantina Lakes on 31st. On the Georgina River , Marion Downs reported at peak on 28th which was below flood height , but sufficient to render the Boulia-Bedourie road untrafficable for three days from 27th to 30th.

Minor flood reports were also received from stations on the Bulloo River where Adavale peaked on 27th and Quilpie on 31st. Stream rises with the possibility of minor flooding mat be expected in the extreme lower reaches during early June.