Livingstone issues flood update following LDMG meeting
Published on 16 January 2026
The Livingstone Shire Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) met today to review the evolving flood situation and provide an update to communities across the northern parts of the Shire.
Flooding impacts are likely to be experienced in Yaamba and Nerimbera, where a Watch and Act alert remains in place. Based on current river forecasts, this alert will be extended to other northern areas of the Shire as river levels continue to rise.
Mayor and LDMG Chair Adam Belot said the situation remains dynamic and residents should prepare for the possibility of further impacts.
“We are going to see flooding impacts in Yaamba and Nerimbera, and current forecasts indicate river levels will continue to rise over the coming days,” Mayor Belot said.
“While peak river levels are still being refined, there is potential for impacts to extend further across the northern parts of the Shire, and we want communities to be prepared, informed and ready to act if required.”
The Bureau of Meteorology advises the Fitzroy River at Yaamba is likely to exceed the moderate flood level of 12.0 metres from Saturday, with river heights potentially peaking around 14.8 metres from Tuesday. If this occurs, properties at Belmont, Glendale, Glenlee and Etna Creek fronting the river may be also impacted. Major flooding at Yaamba occurs at 15.0 metres.
“A peak around 14.8 metres would place additional pressure on low-lying riverfront properties Glenlee, Glendale, Etna Creek and Belmont and so a Watch and Act alert will be extended to these areas,” Mayor Belot said.
“For those who were around for the 2017 flood event, that peaked at 16.1m, so this is looking to be lower than those heights.
“These forecasts will continue to be refined as upstream river peaks are observed, and it’s important that residents closely monitor official warnings and advice.”
In Rockhampton, the Fitzroy River is currently forecast to peak near 8.0 metres from overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, with moderate flooding likely.
“For those living in the Rockhampton Region, it’s important to stay up to date via Rockhampton Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard, while Livingstone residents should continue to monitor our local dashboard for the latest information,” Mayor Belot said.
Sandbagging locations are currently available at:
• On Bitumen old section of Dawson Road 540m from Bruce Highway on Dawson Road, Belmont
• SES Shed, 64825 Bruce Highway Yaamba
• Old School, 4 Graff Road Nerimbera
Council has also remained in close contact with the Stanage Bay community, which is likely to remain isolated for some time due to ongoing road closures and conditions.
“We have been working closely with local SES and the Stanage Bay community, particularly around re-supply arrangements for essential items and medication,” Mayor Belot said.
Mayor Belot reminded residents that safety remains the highest priority.
“This is a dynamic situation and conditions can change quickly. For those in areas likely to be impacted, please avoid unnecessary travel, stay well clear of rivers and floodwaters, and never attempt to drive through floodwater,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through:
The Livingstone Shire LDMG will continue to closely monitor conditions and provide further updates as the situation develops.