Flood Warning Issued for Pioneer River Catchment in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued Flood Warning Number 3 for the Pioneer River Catchment. This high-severity alert follows moderate to heavy rainfall observed across the region since Saturday morning, resulting in significant river level rises in the upper catchment area.

Affected Areas

Elevated river levels and minor flooding are currently occurring in the following specific geographic regions:

• Cattle Creek: Finch Hatton and Gargett
• Pioneer River: Mirani Township

Additional monitoring is ongoing for locations including Teemburra Dam, Blacks Creek at Whiteford, Sarich, Marian Weir, Dumbleton Rocks, Hospital Bridge, and Mackay.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas should adhere to the following safety advice:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater; it is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and other waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan routes to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for the latest updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For local emergency management advice, visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.
• For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Moderate to heavy rainfall has been recorded since Saturday morning. While further rainfall is forecast over the next few days, meteorologists do not expect it to cause further significant river level rises at this time. Current observations show the Pioneer River at Sarich is rising (3.66 m), while levels at Finch Hatton and Gargett have begun to fall.

Timeline

This warning was issued at 11:00 am AEST on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:30 am AEST on Monday, 2 March 2026.