Moderate Flood Warning Issued for Western River and Diamantina River in Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Moderate Flood Warning for the Western River and a Minor Flood Warning for the Diamantina River. This alert (IDQ20865) was issued at 10:07 am AEST on Monday, March 9, 2026, following moderate to heavy rainfall observed across parts of the Western River catchment since Sunday afternoon.

Affected Areas

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

• Western River: Specifically at Winton.
• Diamantina River: Including Birdsville Police Station, Diamantina Lakes, Monkira, and Roseberth.
• Infrastructure: The Springvale Diamantina Lakes Road Causeway is currently affected by high water levels.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to take the following precautions:

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

Expected Conditions

• Western River at Winton: River levels are currently below the minor flood level but are expected to rise. Minor flooding (1.50 m) is possible during Tuesday, with moderate flooding (2.00 m) possible from late Tuesday.
• Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes: The river is currently at 5.28 m and falling, which remains above the moderate flood level of 4.00 m.
• Diamantina River at Birdsville: Minor flooding is occurring. The river was recorded at 5.90 m on Sunday morning and is expected to remain above the minor flood level (4.00 m) for the next several days. Renewed rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.
• Other Locations: Moderate flooding is occurring at Roseberth, while minor flooding continues at Monkira.

Timeline

The alert is effective immediately. River level rises at Winton are expected to begin Tuesday, March 10, with peak moderate levels possible late Tuesday. The Diamantina River at Birdsville is expected to remain in minor flood status for the next few days. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next warning update by 3:00 PM AEST on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.