Weather News

Floodwaters still restricting access to towns

Several central Queensland roads are still cut by floodwaters, despite an end to heavy rain.

The weather system has moved north after dumping up to 200 millimetres of rain in 24 hours in some areas.

Agnes Water remains cut off and the Banana Shire Mayor says access to the town of Biloela is restricted.

Ron Carige says SunWater is still releasing water from dams in the shire.

"Yes they're still releasing water at a much reduced rate of course and that will continue until they get the dam down to the acceptable level that they require, which is 81 per cent," he said.

Meanwhile, this week's rain has brought some relief to residents along the Dee River who have been dealing with water quality issues from uncontrolled discharges from the old Mount Morgan mine.

Samples have shown high levels of heavy metals in the water and the State Government has told residents it exceeds safe drinking guidelines for livestock.

Wowan, Dululu Landcare group chairman Neal Johansen says recent rain has been welcome.

"We're hoping that the river will rehabilitate somewhat because we'll have a fresh flow coming in from the upper catchment," he said.

"That will then hopefully flush out the heavy metals out of the system and leave us with a better quality water, at least for the short-term, until of course we get another rain event and the pit overflows again."


- ABC

© ABC 2013

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