Requests for sandbags unnecessary

SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council has knocked back requests for sandbags, saying there is no need to stockpile the flood mitigators as yet.
Council’s local disaster co-ordinator Peter See said the SES had sandbags at most centres, however at present, council and the rescue service had not been activated for a disaster.
“There is currently no flooding in any of our areas and the situation remains unknown as to what will develop,“ Mr See said.
“Rainfall has been sporadic and at relatively low falls to date. As such, there is currently no need to be sourcing sandbags.
“People should keep an eye on ABC media and council’s website and Facebook page to see if things change.“
Mr See said the forecast remained the same for the Southern Downs as at 3.30pm this afternoon.
“The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised that Cyclone Marcia, now a category three, continues to move south over the northern Capricornia district and is expected to impact Rockhampton during the next couple of hours,“ he said.
“It is then expected to continue a southerly movement through today while slowly weakening.
“There is no reported major flooding at this stage on the Southern Downs and so far we have experienced only light to moderate rainfall in parts of the Condamine catchment and also in parts of the Quart Pot Creek catchment.
“Any further effects for the Southern Downs will depend on the movement of the cyclone in the coming hours and overnight.
“We will keep residents informed and we also ask that everyone listens to ABC radio for the most up-to-date information as well as checking the BoM website.“