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Minister tours flood-ravaged north-west Qld

Authorities say it will be some time before the extent of the damage is known. - ABC

Acting Queensland Emergency Services Minister Andrew Fraser has taken a firsthand look at the flood situation in the state's north-west.

Mr Fraser inspected the Indigenous community of Urandangi, south-west of Mount Isa, this morning before heading to Cloncurry and Julia Creek.

He says the Government's disaster declaration has been welcomed by Cloncurry residents.

"Disaster declared means that they've got a whole heap of water when they were facing just a few short months ago running out of water," he said.

"We've been to Chinaman Creek dam, the town's water supply, which was empty and is now running over the top of the wall."

The State Government has activated disaster relief funding for eight council areas after heavy rainfall caused about $12.5 million worth of damage.

However, authorities say it will be some time before the extent of the damage is known.

Heavy rain has damaged a large section of the Barkly Highway between Mount Isa and the Northern Territory.

The highway is the main freight route to Darwin and will remain closed for at least three weeks while repair work is carried out.

Authorities are still keeping a close watch on rising river levels in the flooded north-west.

Mount Isa police Inspector Dominic McHugh says water has started to inundate Urandangi, but residents are not in danger.

"The pub is now isolated from the school house and the rest of the community over near the airport," he said.

Meanwhile, grazier Geoff Morton from near Birdsville says 47 millimetres of rain was recorded on his property overnight, providing a good boost.

"It'll be a boom both for the grazing industry and the tourist industry," he said.

- ABC

© ABC 2008

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