Innamincka isolated: Queensland rain cuts off SA township
Extensive rainfall in Queensland has made it through the outback river system, triggering floodwaters and an emergency warning for a South Australian township.
The warning message from the South Australian State Emergency Service (SA SES) was issued on Monday evening advising residents of the North-East township of Innamincka to prepare to become isolated within 24-48 hours.
“The Innamincka township is expected to experience record levels of flooding,” the warning said.
The water level at the Cullyamurra waterhole, 10km upstream of Innamincka, is in excess of 11.5m with the peak expected on April 15.
However, flood impacts are likely to be felt in the area from early next week.
Waters at Cooper Creek Crossing, the causeway on the Cordillo Downs Road North-West of Innamincka, have reached heights of one metre with further flows expected to peak at 10.4m, before moving West towards the Birdsville Track and Lake Eyre.
The causeway is likely to be closed for more than a month.
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- The warning applies to the township and surrounding areas. Image: SA SES
- Roads in and out of the township are closed. Image: Department for Infrastructure and Transport
The Strzelecki Track, south of the township, is currently closed to all vehicles except residents.
Outback Communities Authority director Marg Howard told InDaily a local airstrip will supply a consistent supply route.
“There is an air strip at Innamincka that will stay above the flood levels no matter what,” she said.
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Howard explained an emergency zone support team has been preparing for the flood event.
“They had their first meeting the weekend before last, given that there’s lots of people that live in that township and in the surrounding pastoral areas that have lived through floods before,” she said.
“It’s all a co-ordinated, interagency approach to make sure that people are kept safe, that have the supplies they need, and then that stock looked after, and that there are plans in place for recovery once the waters subside.”
The SA SES has deployed 18 personnel to the area, with various equipment transported by road train over the weekend.
An SA SES spokesperson said personnel are creating a flood barrier using the DefenCell technology to minimise flooding impacts on the township and protect high priority infrastructure and services.
The emergency service have advised residents of Innamincka and surrounding stations to monitor conditions, with travellers to the area asked to plan their route carefully.
“You should ensure that you have adequate supplies to complete your journey: include in your plans the possibility that you may have to turn back at any time,” the warning said.
“You should confirm that your accommodation or campsites are open. Do not assume that supplies of fuel, water or food are readily available.”
The next update is expected by 9am, April 11 or as the situation changes.
