By Jeremy Sollars
Warwick’s Leslie Dam has been significantly bolstered following last week’s rain associated with Cyclone Debbie, just in time for water-based Easter holiday activities.
As of the middle of this week the dam held 20,336ML in storage, representing just under 20 per cent of its full capacity, following good inflow from its catchment.
The Condamine River and surrounding tributaries, such as Bracker, Rosenthal, Swan, Emu and Farm creeks continue to run well, having had a much-needed ‘flushing out’ after an extended period of stagnation.
There are minimal reports of crop damage as a result of last week’s flooding and by all accounts local agricultural producers are happy with the region’s inundation.
Flood damage in the Warwick area as a result last week includes significant damage to the Lyndhurst Lane bridge in Warwick’s west.
The bridge, which was constructed around 12 months ago, remains closed for the foreseeable future while repairs are carried out.
The Southern Downs Regional Council awarded a tender for construction of the bridge – which replaced the original lower crossing – in April 2015 to Casino-based firm Ozwide Bridge Rail and Civil Pty Ltd for $1.12 million.
The construction of the bridge itself was completed in April 2016 and the council completed the new approaches to the bridge last July.
A council statement released on Monday of this week said staff were “currently assessing” all the damage from ex-Cyclone Debbie.
“This is a slow process but it is vital towards finding all the damage as well as protecting council funds,” the statement said.
“The event qualifies for disaster recovery funding which means ratepayer risk is controlled.
“An outcome though is that works may seem to take a long time to be done.
“Council staff are making roads and bridges trafficable, but not immediately carrying out final repairs.
“Council needs to do this to ensure that we receive the disaster recovery funding.
“Council urges the public to be patient.”
A statement released by the council on Tuesday said the Department of Communities had advised that people who were affected by the disaster associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, but are outside the targeted activation zone, can call a hotline – 1800 173 349 – for referrals to non-government organisations, such as the Red Cross, Givit and Lifeline for in-kind support, including counselling and emotional support.
