THE REGIONAL REPORT

Emergency Flooding Hits Clermont as Recovery Efforts Begin

An emergency flash flood warning was issued for Clermont on Monday, the 12th of January as rapidly rising waters inundated low-lying areas of the town, prompting urgent safety warnings and the establishment of a place of refuge for residents.

At 1.38pm on Monday, Isaac Regional Council issued a Flash Flood Emergency Warning, advising that flooding was occurring in Clermont and conditions could change quickly. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to closely monitor conditions, prepare to move to higher ground if required, and warn neighbours where it was safe to do so. A place of refuge was established at Clermont State Primary School on Hetherington Street.

Queensland Police Service reiterated the warning later that afternoon, advising residents to seek immediate assistance by calling Triple Zero (000) in life-threatening situations, or the State Emergency Service on 132 500 for storm or property damage. Locals were also encouraged to stay informed via local radio, the Isaac Disaster Dashboard and Bureau of Meteorology updates.

Overnight and into Tuesday morning, heavy rainfall continued to impact Central Queensland, with Queensland Fire Department swiftwater rescue crews responding to multiple incidents across the region. Authorities again urged the public not to drive through floodwaters, warning that doing so placed both motorists and emergency responders at serious risk.

By Tuesday, January 13, floodwaters surrounding Clermont had begun to recede, allowing the town’s main access road to reopen to light vehicles and recovery efforts to commence. SES teams and the Queensland Fire Department were deployed across the town, conducting rapid damage assessments and assisting residents with clean-up efforts, including hose-outs of affected properties.

Mayor Kelly Vea Vea confirmed Sandy Creek Bridge would be assessed for heavy vehicle access once water levels dropped sufficiently for structural inspections to take place.

“Residents will soon be able to visit the old front desk at Clermont Council Office to get connected with services. We will keep the community updated on opening hours,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

She also urged residents and businesses to prioritise safety during the clean-up phase.

“Now the water is subsiding, the last thing we want is for people to get sick or injured. Make sure you’re wearing PPE, wash your hands often, and always keep out of flood water,” she said.

“Our community is doing a fantastic job supporting each other. Neighbours are opening their homes and paddocks, businesses are providing equipment, and the local footy team are rolling up their sleeves to clean up.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue checking the Isaac Disaster Dashboard for the latest updates on road conditions, flood mapping, weather warnings and power outages as recovery continues across the region.

‍

Photo source: Fraser Coast Community News
Photo source: Fraser Coast Community News
Photo credit: Damian Freiberg
Photo credit: Tyler Sutton
Photo credit: Damian Freiberg
Photo credit: Maddie of Hide to Tide
Photo credit: Maddie of Hide to Tide
Photo credit: Maddie of Hide to Tide
Photo credit: Maddie of Hide to Tide
Photo credit: Lynette Fry
Photo source: David Crisafulli MP
Photo credit: Jay Harwood
Photo credit: Jay Harwood

‍