Clean up begins in Mount Isa after the big wet

Chair of the Mount Isa Local Disaster Management Group, Mayor Joyce McCulloch said council crews have been kept busy throughout the weekend.

“After such a prolonged drought, this weather event is very welcome and has already filled Lake Julius and substantially boosted water levels at Lake Moondarra,” Cr McCulloch said.

“However, the sheer of volume of water coming through the local catchments has forced the closure of all causeways and a number of roads.

The Mayor said signage had been placed at all the affected locations.

See the 5pm Sunday update from the BoM here

“We ask the community to comply with the directives and not to attempt to cross,” she said.

“It is essential for everyone’s safety to remember that if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Cr McCulloch said council crews will move in to clear debris as soon as it’s safe to do so and assess the state of the roads and causeways to determine when they can re-open to traffic.

“Crews will also be assessing damage to city parks and paths and other assets,” she said.

“We are aware of damage to George McCoy Park and Moondarra cycle path.”

See our reader wet weather photos here

The Mayor asked the public especially motorists to be considerate of all emergency workers and to obey road closure signage and other directions. 

“Council staff and emergency workers are doing everything they can to keep people out of harm’s way, not to inconvenience them,” she said.

“We also ask people also to stay clear of the Mount Isa refuse facility as it is currently closed due to the rain.”