Media Release - Low Pressure System Update

The Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Core met this morning to consider any potential threat posed to Hinchinbrook Shire by the current low pressure system situated in the Gulf.

The purpose of the meeting was to check and ensure that response personnel and equipment are in readiness to immediately activate if necessary.

LDMG Chair Ramon Jayo said that ‘at this stage forecasting did not anticipate riverine flooding for the Herbert.  Modelling suggests that the most likely scenario is the Herbert River peaking around midnight Thursday 30 December 2021 and Friday 31 December 2021 below minor flood levels.’

However as we all know, circumstances can change in a heartbeat so it is imperative that we remain vigilant and closely monitor the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website and Council’s Disaster Dashboard for any changed circumstances. For those residents who have not signed up to Council’s Disaster Dashboard, please visit disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/.

Sand and bags will not be distributed at this stage having regard to the current forecast.

Cr Jayo reminded people to exercise extreme caution on roads if travelling around the district. Whilst we are not expecting riverine flooding at the moment, we do know that extended periods of heavy rain will cause table drains to overflow onto road surfaces in various areas for short periods of time.

Drivers need to remain alert to this possibility at all times.

For further updates and information please continue to monitor the BOM website, www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings  and the Hinchinbrook Disaster Dashboard.