Media Statement - Festive Weather System Update #10

Published on 03 January 2026

The following to be attributed to Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Ramon Jayo, Mayor of Hinchinbrook Shire Council 

• Herbert River is on the rise due to substantial rainfall overnight in the lower Herbert River catchment. Moderate falls have also been experienced in the upper Herbert River catchment.
• For people residing in the lower Herbert, please remember that access to the lower Herbert through the Anabranch Bridge and Halifax Washway will close if river level reaches around 8.9 m at the Ingham Pump Station and around 7.8 m at the Washway.
• The river level at Ingham Pump Station as at 7:00 am was 7.29 m and rising.
• People need to keep a close watch on river levels if proposing to travel to and from the Lower Herbert today.
• For people living north of the Seymour River, I understand that the highway has been closed again or will shortly close. Please check the DTMR website for Main Roads advice on the Seymour.
• Please also be wary of surface water across the road network due to the heavy overnight rain.
• Stay safe.