By Dominique Tassell
A storm over the weekend led to significant flooding in the region, with locals keeping their eyes online at all times to stay updated.
The Condamine River swelled from all the rain, with residents gathering down at Madsen Bridge to take in the sight.
It was expected to go under overnight on Monday 4 April, though remained open.
It is not yet known how much damage the flooding has caused to roads in the region, with multiple reports of locals being flooded in or unable to get into town due to the condition of gravel roads after the water had receded.
A resident in Emu Vale was unable to leave their house due to damage after the water receded, stating that SDRC comes out every two years to grade the road and no one can get up or down it due to the current damage.
They said they had received no contact from any authorities, and their next-door neighbour was resorting to helping out with their bobcat.
The resident stated it would probably be more convenient for SDRC to bitumen the road instead of letting it fall into disrepair and then fixing it every two years.
“It’s quite disgraceful on Council’s part,” they said. “Considering I’m paying rates.”
Locals can report any damage to roads on the Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) app and can find regular updates on road access via disasterdashboard.sdrc.qld.gov.au/
SDRC stated that Council crews were assessing roads affected by the recent floods throughout the day on Tuesday 5 April and, where conditions permit, reopening roads and bridges when it is safe to do so.
They thanked the community for their patience and reminded residents to stay safe and never drive, walk, or ride through floodwaters.
Southern Downs Regional Council was contacted for comment but had not replied at the time of print. If a comment is received after our deadline, we will include it in our online version of this article.
