High Severity Flood Warning Issued for Pioneer River and Mirani in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Flood Warning (IDQ20755) for the Pioneer River and Pioneer River at Mirani. This is the fourth update regarding elevated river levels and localized flooding occurring across the catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Pioneer River catchment and its tributaries. Specific locations reporting rising or elevated levels include:

• Pioneer River at Mirani Weir, Marian Weir, and Mackay
• Blacks Creek at Whiteford
• Cattle Creek at Gargett
• Pioneer River at Sarich and Hospital Bridge
• Teemburra Dam and Dumbleton Rocks

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take the following 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 roads.
• Monitor local media and the ABC for updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.

Expected Conditions

Moderate rainfall was observed across the catchment overnight Saturday into Sunday. Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the next few days, which may result in additional river rises. Current observations show the Pioneer River at Mackay is at 3.75 meters and rising, while the Pioneer River at Mirani Weir is at 3.83 meters and rising.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 12:00 pm AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Elevated river levels and renewed rises are possible for the remainder of Sunday and into Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 1:00 pm AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026.