Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Kolan River and Baffle Creek in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning (IDQ20775) for the Kolan River and Baffle Creek catchments. This update, issued at 10:17 am AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026, follows heavy rainfall observed across the region since late Friday. The alert is currently in an update phase as conditions evolve.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically impacts the following geographic regions in Queensland:

• Kolan River: Specifically at the Bucca Weir.
• Baffle Creek: Specifically at the Essendean Bridge.

Additionally, a broader Flood Watch is current for most of Queensland, and a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall remains in effect for the area.

Expected Conditions

Heavy rainfall has resulted in significant river and creek level rises, with further rainfall forecast for the remainder of Monday. Specific conditions include:

• Kolan River at Bucca Weir: Currently recorded at 16.42 m AHD and rising. It is likely to exceed the minor flood level (17.50 m AHD) late Monday afternoon and may exceed the moderate flood level (18.50 m AHD) overnight Monday into Tuesday.
• Baffle Creek at Essendean Bridge: Currently recorded at 5.82 m and steady, already experiencing minor flooding. It is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (6.20 m) on Monday afternoon.

What You Should Do

Residents in the affected areas should take immediate safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous and life-threatening.
• 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 further updates as the situation can change quickly.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately. Moderate flooding is anticipated at Essendean Bridge starting Monday afternoon and at Bucca Weir from overnight Monday into Tuesday. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 4:00 PM AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026.