Final Flood Warning Issued as Waters Recede in Lower Dawson and Lower Fitzroy Rivers

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a final flood warning (IDQ20765) for the Lower Dawson and Lower Fitzroy Rivers. This is the 27th and final warning for this event, issued at 10:32 am AEST on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several locations along the Lower Dawson and Lower Fitzroy river systems in Queensland, including:

• Dawson River: Baralaba, Beckers, Knebworth, and areas downstream of Theodore.
• Fitzroy River: Riverslea, Yaamba, and Rockhampton.

What You Should Do

Residents are advised to remain cautious as river levels remain elevated.

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500.
• In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for further updates.

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding has officially eased at Baralaba and Yaamba. No significant rainfall is forecast for the next few days.

• Dawson River at Baralaba: The river is currently below the minor flood level of 4.00 meters and is falling. It is expected to remain below the minor flood level.
• Fitzroy River at Yaamba: The river is estimated to be below the minor flood level of 9.00 meters and is falling slowly.
• Fitzroy River at Rockhampton: Levels peaked below the minor flood level (7.00 meters) on Tuesday and are expected to remain below this threshold, though levels will stay elevated for several days.

Timeline

This alert was issued on Friday morning, March 20, 2026. As conditions have stabilized and flooding has eased, this is the final warning for this event, and no further updates are expected from the Bureau of Meteorology.