As the heavy rain continues to pound north Queensland, emergency refuges are being opened to accommodate those stranded by the floods. The PCYC in Bowen has taken in about 80 people, 14 dogs, and two cats, while locals have pitched in to donate goods and services. The coastal town’s motels are turning away dozens of stuck travelers, but the community is coming together to provide support.
Whitsunday mayor Julie Hall reported that the nearby town of Proserpine has also opened emergency accommodation. PCYC manager sergeant Michelle O’Regan said the community has been “inundated by care, compassion, and love” as people seek refuge at the Bowen center. “If you’re going to be stuck, you couldn’t be stuck in a better place than Bowen,” she said. However, O’Regan urged people not to drive until the rains have eased, warning that the highways are treacherous and help may not be readily available.
Bowen motel owner Simon Cross described the chaos as the floods cut off roads, including the Bruce Highway. His motel was booked to capacity, with a mix of locals and travelers seeking refuge. “Yesterday was mayhem,” he said. “All channels were firing off. Booking.com was trying to jump into the space I was filling out, I had a row of cars going across the street and a row of people in front of me outside.”
Queensland Floods AftermathWith torrential falls predicted over coming days, emergency services warned drivers in central and northern Queensland of life-threatening flash flooding possible in the next 24 hours. The Bureau of Meteorology reported six-hour rainfall totals of up to 180mm in certain areas. Despite the warnings, some residents remain unfazed, attributing the floods to the typical wet season. The Grand Central Hotel Proserpine’s publican, Lucy Hayes, said it’s just another normal day in the region.
The three women who were rescued after becoming stranded in flood waters north of Mackay are recovering from the ordeal at Proserpine hospital. While some may view the floods as a setback, many locals see it as an opportunity to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. “It’ll all run off pretty quick,” Hayes said. “And it’ll be good crabbing and prawning and after that.”