Minor Flood Warning Issued for Lower Balonne River and St George in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20833) for the Lower Balonne River. The alert was issued at 1:15 pm AEST on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as floodwaters from upstream continue to move through the system.

Affected Areas

The warning primarily affects the Lower Balonne River region, including:

• St George
• Whyenbah
• Lower Balonne and Bokhara Rivers
• Beardmore Dam area

Major flooding is currently occurring upstream at Werribone on the Upper Balonne, which is contributing to the rises downstream.

What You Should Do

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

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

Expected Conditions

Minor flooding is currently occurring at St George. While no significant rainfall is forecast for the catchment over the next few days, river levels are rising as upstream floodwaters arrive.

• St George: The river level is expected to be above the minor flood level of 6.0 meters and rising. It may reach approximately 7.50 meters during Thursday or Friday.
• Whyenbah: Minor flooding is currently occurring, with the Culgoa River recorded at 4.07 meters and rising as of midday Tuesday.
• Other Observations: As of 12:00 pm Tuesday, the Balonne River at Jack Taylor Weir was steady at -0.11 meters, and the Bokhara River at Hebel was steady at -0.02 meters.

Timeline

The current warning is effective as of March 17, 2026. Further river rises are expected in the Lower Balonne as upstream peaks progress. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 3:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.