Southern Downers are being praised for their efforts locally and further afield, as the impact of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred was felt last weekend and into this working week, commencing March 10.
Regional Mayor Melissa Hamilton said she commends the local volunteers who "mobilised to areas in South East Queensland that need extra assistance".
"I know that your commitment is greatly appreciated by the Queensland Government and the councils of South East Queensland," she told our newspaper, amid sending updated reports to the region.
"I would also like to thank all of the local showgrounds and facilities that offered refuge to those campers coming out of the Scenic Rim and Brisbane, showing the true sense of being a great neighbour. Hopefully these visitors have enjoyed our wonderful Southern Downs hospitality, and will spend some extra time enjoying our region before heading back home."
As we head to print, there are creek rises throughout the north of the region in response to high rainfall over the eastern escarpment, with minor flooding possible for Warwick, late on March 10 and for Pratten on March 11.
"Storm cells are continuing to move through the wider region and any localised intense rainfall may impact these assessments," Mayor Hamilton qualified to the T&CJ. "There are already some road and highway closures in response to flooding."
Mayor Hamilton said that minor flooding is anticipated to not impact buildings "though they may affect crops and fencing for local farmers".
A "recovery phase" was enacted from March 11 across the region.
"Unlike many of our neighbours, schools have remained open throughout the Southern Downs," Mayor Hamilton further said. "I would like to thank all of our emergency and essential workers for their efforts over the last week, and for keeping all of our residents safe and well informed."
