The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group has moved to stand up.
Advice from the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that heavy rain with the likelihood of thunderstorms will continue throughout the week with potential to cause widespread localised flooding.
Residents are being asked to stay informed and prepare their properties now ahead of any potential flooding.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group Chair Cr Andrew Robinson said with the catchments around the Local Government Area well and truly saturated, the risk of flooding was far more likely.
"Since the beginning of the year our region has received double the annual median rainfall, in February and again in March we have set highest rainfall records for those months, which means water is much more likely to pool and cause localised flooding," Cr Robinson said.
"With similar conditions to today forecast tomorrow there is a very real chance of more widespread localised flooding, so it is important that residents are prepared to the best of their ability."
Council has activated four sandbag sites across the city where sand and bags will be available for the community, including:
- Lou Litster Park - 30 Boundary St, Railway Estate QLD 4810
- Council Depot Ross Dam Access, Ross Dam Access, Kelso QLD 4815
- Corner Bruce Highway & Mount Low Parkway, Mount Low, QLD 4818
- Bluewater Community Centre, 14 Forestry Rd, Bluewater QLD 4818
Ross River Dam is currently at around 130 percent and undertaking a controlled release through the spillway as per the dam's approved Emergency Action Plan.
Release from the spillway is a standardised practice and undertaken as part of the approved Emergency Action Plan for management of the Ross River Dam. The release will contribute to increased flows in the Ross River.
Councillor Robinson said residents across the Townsville area should keep an eye on the conditions and continue listening to advice as rain lingers in the days to come, across the region.
"Residents can stay informed by visiting the Townsville Disaster Dashboard or the Townsville Disaster Information Facebook page," Cr Robinson said.
"If you live in an area prone to flooding, now is the time to start considering your options, make sure you have your evacuation plan sorted and you aren't at risk of putting yourself and others at danger."
For non-life-threatening emergencies, call the SES on 132 500.
To stay up to date visit the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard, Townsville Disaster Information Facebook page or listen to local radio.
