Flood Warning for Lower Condamine River and Charleys Creek: Flooding Easing at Cotswold and Chinchilla

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Warning Number 15 (IDQ20829) for the Lower Condamine River and Charleys Creek. The warning was issued at 11:59 am AEST on Monday, March 16, 2026. While flooding is currently easing in several locations, the alert remains active as moderate flooding continues downstream.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following geographic regions and waterways in Queensland:

• Lower Condamine River: Downstream of Oakey Creek to Cotswold, including Condamine Township.
• Charleys Creek: Including Chinchilla and Burncluith Bridge.
• Specific Locations: Cotswold, Condamine, Chinchilla, and Burncluith Bridge.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid Floodwater: Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
• Stay Clear: Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Follow Directions: Obey all road closure signs and plan travel ahead to avoid flooded roads.
• Stay Informed: Monitor the ABC and local media for updates. For local emergency management warnings and advice, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• Emergency Contacts: For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Flooding is currently easing across the catchment, and no significant rainfall is forecast for the next several days.

• Cotswold: Moderate flooding is occurring. The river level was recorded at 10.40 m and falling as of 11:00 am Monday.
• Condamine Township: The river has fallen to 4.50 m and is falling. This is below the minor flood level of 5.0 m, and the river is expected to remain below this threshold.
• Burncluith Bridge: Minor flooding is continuing to ease, with the level recorded at 2.38 m and falling.
• Chinchilla: The creek level is at 3.76 m and falling, which is below the minor flood level of 4.0 m. It is expected to remain below the minor flood level.

Timeline

The current warning was issued on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:59 am AEST. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 1:00 pm AEST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.