Flood evacuees urged to be patient

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AUTHORITIES are pleading with about 2500 flood-hit St George flood evacuees to be patient as they try to return to their southwestern Queensland town.

Residents and emergency services breathed a sigh of relief last night as the swollen Balonne River rose close to the top of St George’s levee before slowing.

It was expected to peak around 14m, just 0.5m under the cotton town’s levee but hydrologists warned that major flood levels would persist probably right through the weekend.

Dirranbandi and Hebel downstream appear to be safe. A flood peak of 5.4m is expected to reach Dirranbandi tomorrow or Friday, just below its 5.5m levee.

With most of the town evacuated to Dalby, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, St George was quiet. Those left were tired but smiling and anxious to have family home.

A police spokesman said people could return after water and power supplies and the sewerage system were checked and roads opened.

Weather bureau hydrologist Jimmy Stewart said a long, slow flood was expected.

“That’s because there’s a huge volume to get through from the Maranoa and Balonne so river falls will be barely noticeable for the next 24 hours,” he said.

Kate Lergessner, of the Talwood Hotel southeast of St George on the Barwon Highway, said they had been cut off from St George for nearly a week.