Minor Flood Warning Issued for Diamantina River; Western River Flooding Eases

Alert Details

A Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20865) has been issued by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology for the Diamantina River. Simultaneously, a Final Flood Warning has been issued for the Western River as conditions there improve.

Affected Areas

The warning affects several locations along the Diamantina River and Western River systems in Queensland, including:

• Diamantina River: Birdsville Police Station, Diamantina Lakes, Monkira, and Roseberth.
• Western River: Winton and surrounding areas.
• Key Infrastructure: Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are urged to follow these safety 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 routes.
• Stay informed via local media and the ABC.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

• Diamantina River at Birdsville: Currently at 4.25 m and falling, but remains above the minor flood level (4.00 m). Renewed rises are likely in the coming days as upstream flows arrive.
• Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes: Currently at 4.78 m and falling, which is above the moderate flood level (4.00 m) and significantly above the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway (2.10 m).
• Western River at Winton: Flooding has ceased. The river level is estimated to be below the minor flood level (1.50 m) and is expected to remain below this threshold.
• Other Locations: Moderate flooding is occurring at Monkira. Minor flooding is occurring at Roseberth.

Timeline

This warning was issued at 2:44 pm AEST on Monday, March 16, 2026. Minor flooding is expected to persist at Birdsville throughout the coming week. The next official update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 3:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.