Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Bulloo River at Quilpie and Thargomindah

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20855) for the Bulloo River. This update was issued at 7:08 am AEST on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, following recent localized heavy rainfall over parts of the upper Bulloo catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning impacts several sections of the Bulloo River in Queensland, including:

• Quilpie and surrounding river reaches
• Thargomindah
• Bulloo River downstream of Quilpie
• Bulloo River to Quilpie

What You Should Do

Residents in the warning area are advised to take the following safety precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment has caused significant river level rises at Milroy and downstream locations.

• Quilpie: The river level was recorded at 3.86 meters and rising as of 5:00 am Tuesday. It is expected to reach the moderate flood level of 4.00 meters on Tuesday morning. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.
• Thargomindah: While currently steady and below the minor flood level, the river is forecast to reach the minor flood level of 4.00 meters starting late Thursday.
• Autumnvale: The river level was recorded at 2.35 meters and steady as of 6:00 am Tuesday.

Timeline

• Quilpie: Moderate flooding is likely beginning Tuesday morning, 17 February 2026.
• Thargomindah: Minor flooding is possible starting late Thursday, 19 February 2026.
• Next Update: The Bureau of Meteorology will issue the next warning by 2:00 PM AEST on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.