Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Diamantina River at Birdsville and Diamantina Lakes

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20865) for the Diamantina River. This is the 62nd warning issued for this event, following significant rainfall observed across the Diamantina catchment last week.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station, areas downstream of Diamantina Lakes, and the Diamantina River to Diamantina Lakes. Specific locations experiencing impacts include:

• Moderate Flooding: Birdsville, Roseberth, and Diamantina Lakes.
• Minor Flooding: Monkira and Durrie Station.
• Infrastructure: The Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway is currently impacted by elevated water levels.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected regions are advised to follow these safety protocols:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and all waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded routes.
• 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

Moderate flooding is currently occurring along the Diamantina River. At the Birdsville Police Station, the river level was recorded at 6.95 meters and steady as of 9:00 am Wednesday, which is above the moderate flood level of 6.00 meters. At Diamantina Lakes, the river is at 5.66 meters, well above the 4.00-meter moderate flood level and the 2.10-meter causeway level. Further rises are possible as upstream flows from between Monkira and Roseberth arrive.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:06 pm AEST on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is expected to remain above the moderate flood level until approximately mid-March. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 3:00 pm AEST on Friday, March 6, 2026.