Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Diamantina River; Minor Flooding Easing at Winton

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for the Diamantina River and a Minor Flood Warning for the Western River. This alert, identified as Warning Number 59, was issued at 11:50 am AEST on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Rapid river and creek level rises are currently occurring in the lower Diamantina catchment.

Affected Areas

The warning covers several key locations and river systems within Queensland, including:

• Diamantina River: Birdsville Police Station, Roseberth, Monkira, and areas downstream of Diamantina Lakes.
• Western River: Winton and surrounding areas.
• Infrastructure: The Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway is currently impacted, with river levels well above the causeway height.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the warning areas are advised to follow these safety protocols:

• Avoid Floodwater: Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay Clear: Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey Road Signs: Respect all road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
• Emergency Assistance: For emergency assistance, call the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
• Stay Informed: Monitor the ABC, local media, and visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

Significant rainfall observed across the Diamantina catchment over the last few days has resulted in rapid river level rises.

• Birdsville: The Diamantina River at Birdsville Police Station is currently at 7.20 meters and rising. It is expected to reach approximately 7.70 meters during Monday with moderate flooding.
• Diamantina Lakes: The river is currently at 5.53 meters and rising, which is above the moderate flood level of 4.00 meters.
• Winton: Minor flooding is easing along the Western River at Winton. The river was recorded at 1.50 meters and falling as of Sunday morning, and is likely to fall below the minor flood level during the day.
• Roseberth & Monkira: Moderate flooding is occurring at Roseberth (5.18m and rising), while minor flooding is occurring at Monkira (3.65m and falling).

Timeline

The alert is currently active as of Sunday, March 1, 2026. Further rises are expected at Birdsville as upstream flows arrive. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 12:00 PM AEST on Monday, March 2, 2026.