Minor Flood Warning Issued for Diamantina River at Birdsville and Diamantina Lakes

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20865) for the Diamantina River. This alert is an update to previous warnings and was issued at 3:14 pm AEST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key locations along the Diamantina River in Queensland, including:

• Birdsville Police Station
• Roseberth Station
• Monkira
• Diamantina Lakes and areas downstream
• Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway

What You Should Do

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

• 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.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Localised heavy rainfall is forecast over the southern parts of the Diamantina River catchment. This is expected to result in renewed river level rises and localised flooding downstream of Diamantina Lakes starting Tuesday evening.

Specific river observations include:

• Diamantina Lakes: Currently at 4.68 m and steady, which is above the moderate flood level of 4.00 m.
• Birdsville Police Station: Currently at 4.25 m, above the minor flood level of 4.00 m. Levels are expected to remain around the minor flood level during the coming week.
• Roseberth Station: Recorded at 4.70 m and falling as of Monday morning.
• Monkira: Currently at 3.98 m and steady.

Timeline

The alert is currently in effect as of Tuesday, March 17, 2026. River levels at Birdsville are expected to remain elevated throughout the coming week. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:00 PM AEST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.