Get the appSix campers were rescued from floodwater at Leyburn in southern Queensland. A man was found dead in floodwaters at Boompa, and police are investigating the circumstances of his death. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of more thunderstorms across south-east Queensland this afternoon, with some possibly severe. Flooding is easing along the Mary River, though several bridges remain closed. Residents are urged not to drive through floodwater.
Several flood warnings have been issued across Queensland as heavy rain continues. The Mary River at Tiaro is rising rapidly and could reach major flood level. The Gympie Regional Council said the Kidd Bridge into Gympie was likely to close at 5:30pm. The Bureau of Meteorology says the worst of the severe storms could hit south-east Queensland on Monday, bringing large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain. Near Clermont, an Emergency Warning for flash flooding has been lifted, though moderate flood warnings remain for the Warrego and Weir rivers.
A major flood warning has been issued for Tiaro, where residents are preparing for a high and potentially damaging Mary River tonight and into Monday. The Bureau of Meteorology says the river at Tiaro is at 8.19 metres and rising, with moderate flooding, and may reach the major flood level of 12 metres overnight. The Mary River at Miva is near moderate flood levels, while Gympie is experiencing minor flooding. Further storms with heavy rain are forecast for the region, which could cause flash flooding.
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Get the appPolice have released an image of a man who may be able to help with an investigation into an incident at a shopping centre on Gympie Road, Kallangur. The incident occurred at about 4.30pm on 29 September. Police are asking the man, or anyone who recognises him, to come forward. Information can be given to Policelink online or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Flash flooding is already being reported in low-lying areas across Gympie Region, with rain and scattered storms forecast for the rest of the week. Flash floods can arrive quickly and without warning, and not every flooded road is recorded on the Disaster Dashboard. Residents are urged to check local conditions before travelling, obey road closures and warning signs, and monitor the Disaster Dashboard for updates. Hazards, damage and fallen trees can be reported to the council. Authorities advise never driving through floodwater.
Prices rose across all cattle types at Sullivan Livestock's regular fortnightly Gympie Cattle Sale, where 1112 head were yarded. Cattle came from Maryborough, Brooweena, Woolooga, Kilkivan and other nearby areas. Top steers included Charbray steers at $5.48 a kilogram and Brangus cross weaner steers at $6.02. Quality Droughtmaster heifers topped at $5.20 a kilogram. The next sale is on Monday 2 November.
Construction has started on two sections of the Bruce Highway at Gairloch, between Ingham and Cardwell in north Queensland. The Gairloch to Ripple Creek section will be widened and have improved drainage. The Ingham-Halifax-Bemerside Road and Cardwell Range section will also be widened. Both projects aim to improve safety and reduce flood-related closures during the wet season. The works form part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, with 18 projects completed so far.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and ministers have marked the start of upgrade works on the Bruce Highway at Gairloch, near Ingham. The projects are funded under an 80-20 deal with the Federal Government. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the works aim to improve flood immunity and safety, and to reduce closure times. Officials said 150 projects are either completed, underway or in planning along the highway, which is part of a $9 billion program.
Queensland could receive a month's worth of rain within a single week, forecasters have warned. The Bureau of Meteorology says the wettest stretch will be the southeast, from Gympie to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where 100mm to 150mm could fall by the weekend. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said the persistent downpour is unusual for this time of year. Some areas have already been drenched, with Middle Percy Island recording its wettest October day on record. Showers and thunderstorms are also expected to spread to South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales by midweek.
Gympie Regional Council is asking residents to consider the work behind their water supply during National Water Week. Council operates eight water treatment plants around the clock, producing more than 4,095 megalitres of drinking water each year. It also manages an extensive underground network of water mains. This financial year, the council has budgeted $49.6 million for water and wastewater upgrades and renewal projects. Mayor Glen Hartwig said residents can help conserve water by fixing leaks and using water efficiently.
Police have charged two men after several crashes involving stolen vehicles in Chermside on the morning of 17 October. Police allege the pair stole a grey Cupra Formentor after it was involved in a crash at the intersection of Gympie Road and Mermaid Street, then caused further crashes and stole another vehicle. A 19-year-old Park Ridge man was taken into custody at a hospital on Rode Road and charged with armed robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Residents have until 9 November 2026 to comment on a proposed asphalt manufacturing plant at East Deep Creek, Gympie. BlackRoc Group has asked Gympie Council to change the zoning of a 3.310 hectare site on Metal Court Road from Medium Impact to High Impact Industry. Nearby resident Derrick Pagett fears noise, air and water pollution, and falling property values. BlackRoc says its plants are environmentally conscious and will capture air pollution and restrict night-time noise. Council says the community can review the proposal and give feedback before a decision is made.
Saints began the 2026-27 South Burnett cricket season with a decisive win over Kingaroy Services. Batting first, Services were all out for 138 in 31.5 overs. Nathan Trace scored 78 for Saints, who reached the target in the 19th over at 2/141. Nicholas Krauksts took 4/29 and Jack Mines took 3/28. Other round one results and this week's fixtures across South Burnett, Gympie and Dalby competitions were also listed.
The Gympie Music Muster has raised a record $150,880.88 for prostate cancer awareness, beating its previous fundraising total. The money went to charity partner Get Yourself Checked, which was founded by Mark Tobin and Brett Hanly to encourage men to seek early detection. Funds came from unclaimed armband refunds, container recycling, a guitar auction, a boat raffle and donations. The festival also set a container return record of 452,687 cans and bottles through Containers for Change. Mr Tobin said the foundation was proud of the chance to reach men and families about the disease.
Manly West has become Queensland's top home claims hotspot for the 2025-26 financial year, according to new Suncorp Insurance analysis. The leading location has shifted several times over five years, moving between Bracken Ridge, Maryborough, Gympie and Runaway Bay. Suncorp says Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and a giant hail outbreak drove significant claims in Manly West. Queensland SES urged households to prepare before warnings are issued, including clearing gutters and securing loose outdoor items. Suncorp's Future Ready Resilience Program, with a final report due in November 2027, is studying how storms affect Queensland homes.
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Get the appQueensland's storm damage hotspots have shifted over the past five years, according to an analysis of more than 126,000 home insurance claims lodged with Suncorp. Bracken Ridge recorded the state's highest number of home extreme weather claims in 2022, during major flooding in southeast Queensland. Maryborough, Gympie, Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast and Manly West have each topped the list in later years. Queensland SES is urging residents to prepare homes and families before the higher-risk season peaks. Suncorp says no community should assume it is immune to severe storms.
Suncorp claims data shows Queensland's severe storm hotspots have shifted across the state over the past five years. Maryborough and Gympie were the only two regions to appear repeatedly among the state's most affected locations. Bracken Ridge led in FY22, followed by Maryborough, Gympie, Runaway Bay and Manly West in later years. Suncorp's Anna Cartwright urged every Queensland household to prepare before storms arrive. Queensland SES's Danny Baade advised households to know their risk, make an emergency plan and clear gutters.
Queensland property owner Shuying Ding says she found multiple holes punched through the walls of her house in Canina, near Gympie, after evicting a family over repeated rent arrears. She posted photos of the damage on Facebook, along with claims that the adults in the household were responsible. Ding said the matter went before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where she relied on text messages to support her case. Many people who commented on the post said serious rental damage is not always caused by children.
Gympie Regional Council's Water Team has received national recognition at the 2026 WIOA Industry Operations Conference in New South Wales. Bruce Sorensen, the council's Lead Specialist Water Industry Operations, won the 2026 PASS Award for a practical change to chlorine dosing that reduces manual handling risks and exposure to contaminated equipment. The team was named runner-up in the 2026 WIOA National Team of the Year Award. Mayor Glen Hartwig said the awards reflected the team's high standard of work.