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Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Evacuation orders issued for parts of the Byron Shire

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Flooding in Main Arm Monday morning PIC: Aslan Shand

The SES says widespread flooding on the Northern Rivers is life-threatening.

State emergency services issued an urgent warning as of 7.30 this morning advising anyone living in low-lying areas near creeks or rivers anywhere between the Queensland border and the Clarence Valley to shift to higher ground.

Major flooding alerts were in place for every major river system in the region including Brunwick River and Marshalls Creek, Richmond River, Tweed River, Wilsons River and Clarence River.

Residents in OS, New Brighton, Brunswick, SGB, Mullum and Billinudgel ordere to evacuate

Residents in Ocean Shores, New Brighton, Brunswick Heads, South Golden Beach, Mullumbimby and Billinudgel were ordered to evacuate or find higher ground this morning.

An evacuation centre was opened at the Ocean Shores Country Club.

Where to get sandbags

Sandbags were reportedly available in the Byron Shire via the Mullumbimby State Emergency Services branch at 33 Coolamon Scenic Drive.

The branch was asking anyone in need to phone ahead on 132 500, but the SES has since advised that it is inundated with phone calls for help and there are delays answering.

People were asked to call 000 for life-threatening situations if the SES line dropped out.

How to report road hazards

The Byron Shire Council said flooded roads, trees across roads or damage to council infrastructure should be reported to the council by phoning 6626 7000 or via the Report It tab on the council’s website.

Mullum residents warned over weekend, communities cut off

Over the weekend, residents in low lying areas of Billinudgel and The Pocket were given an evacuation warning 6pm Sunday after residents in Mullumbimby received a warning around 3.30pm.

Evacuation warnings were a level below evacuation orders, the SES said, and again: Billinudgel residents were ordered to evacuate this morning.

Moderate flooding had been reported in Brunswick River catchments with minor flooding of Marshalls Creekbut the warnings were upgraded to major flood alerts Monday morning.

Residents in Main Arm, Upper Main Arm, Mullumbimby, Upper Wilsons Creek, The Pocket and Billinudgel were cut off by weekend floodsand Myocum Road was under water.

The SES Northern Rivers Facebook page was one of the quickest ways to find the latest updates on flood risks in the region.

Stay off the roads, off boats and away from the fishing rods

Most Northern Rivers schools were either closed or running on limited resources today.

Anyone needing to drive anywhere was advised to check my roads info or NSW live traffic for the latest on road closures and conditions.

Authorities said conditions could change suddenly without warning.

Marine Rescue was advising boaters to stay off flooded rivers.

The agency said flooded rivers may have swift currents and large amounts of debris, channels and sand and mud banks may move, navigation markers may be submerged or damaged, and boat ramps may be affected by debris or under water.

Authorities were also warning people against swimming in creeks, rivers, waterholes and the ocean and against fishing.

Local government services such as tips and kerbside collections have also been impacted by the weather.


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