THE Fraser Coast Regional Council says residents who need to get out of their homes before floodwaters rise even further must ensure they are ready to do so.
Council warned people to stay out of the expanding flood zone.
Flood levels are expected to reach similar heights to those recorded in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013.
Current flood levels are already similar to those experienced in January and the peak is only expected to be reached this evening.
Mayor George Seymour said residents in areas likely to be affected by the rising floodwaters must prepare properly to ensure they keep themselves and their families safe tonight, tomorrow and in the coming days.
“The flood waters are already at similar levels to what they were in the January floods, so it is important everyone who needs to get out of their homes has done so by now,” he said.
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Residents can check flood mapping to see if their property might be affected, here.
People who need to leave their homes should shelter with family or friends where possible.
An evacuation centre is also open at the Madcota Community Hub (Maryborough Senior Citizens Hall) in Alice Street.
Self-serve sandbagging stations are open in the Maryborough Bunnings car park, the Granville Hall and the Davies car park at 101 – 105 Bazaar Street .
“The Maryborough CBD is closed to both cars and pedestrians. The flood levee, which is designed to hold back a flood up to 11.4m from entering some parts of the Maryborough CBD, is being monitored closely but has been working well so far,” Cr Seymour said.
“Please avoid sightseeing and please stay out of the flood zone so Council workers and the various government agencies can continue to do what they need to do to mitigate the impacts of this flood.
“This is a stressful and difficult time with a number of businesses and residents now flooded twice in a matter of weeks. Please look after yourselves and check in on your friends and neighbours to make sure they are doing okay.”
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Cr Seymour said a number of key local roads had closed – including the Maryborough to Hervey Bay Road, Alice Street at the Ululah Lagoon and Schultz’s Bridge at Tinana.
About 100 road closures or warnings are listed on Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
“Stay off the roads unless essential and remember if its flooded forget it,” Cr Seymour said.
Visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ and https://roadconditions.racq.com.au/ for road information.
Meanwhile, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said people across South East Queensland should stay off the roads unless travel is essential.
Mr Bailey said more than 1,000 roads across Queensland were closed in connection with the current weather event.
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He said the message was to stay safe by staying at home.
For flood assistance, please contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500. For all life-threatening emergencies please call 000.
If the current weather event is causing any distress or anxiety, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 to speak to someone.
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