Minor Flood Warning Issued for Diamantina River at Birdsville and Surrounding Catchments

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20865) for the Diamantina River. This update, issued at 1:40 pm AEST on Sunday, March 8, 2026, follows significant river level rises caused by recent rainfall across the Diamantina catchment.

Affected Areas

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

• Birdsville: Minor flooding is occurring at the Birdsville Police Station.
• Diamantina Lakes: Moderate flooding is occurring downstream of the lakes.
• Roseberth: Moderate flooding is currently observed.
• Monkira: Minor flooding is occurring as a flood peak moves through the area.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning zones should take the following precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

River levels are currently elevated across the catchment:

• Diamantina Lakes: The river was recorded at 5.32 meters and steady at 1:00 pm Sunday, which is above the moderate flood level of 4.00 meters and well above the Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway level of 2.10 meters.
• Birdsville Police Station: The river was 5.90 meters and falling as of 9:00 am Sunday. It is expected to remain above the minor flood level (4.00 meters) for the next several days.
• Monkira: A flood peak is currently upstream near Monkira, which may cause renewed river rises at Birdsville over the coming week as flows move downstream.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately, with the river at Birdsville expected to stay above minor flood levels for the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next warning update by 3:00 pm AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026.