Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, National Water Operations Major Flood Warning For The Pioneer River Issued at 04:05 PM AEST on Sunday 11 January 2026 Flood Warning Number: 5 RIVER LEVELS RISING AT MIRANI WITH MAJOR FLOODING ABOVE MARCH 2025 LEVELS MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT MACKAY FROM SUNDAY EVENING Heavy to intense rainfall has been observed across parts of the Pioneer River catchment since Saturday morning. Further heavy to intense rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Sunday and into Monday as Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji continues to track southwest and inland. This rainfall is resulting in rapid river and creek level rises, which are expected to continue for the remainder of Sunday and into Monday. Major flooding is continuing to rise at Mirani, with the river level now above the March 2025 flood level. Minor flooding is likely at Mackay Sunday afternoon, and further rises to the moderate flood level are possible from Sunday evening. This situation is being closely monitored, and this warning will be updated as required. A Severe Weather Warning for heavy, locally intense rainfall is current for the Pioneer River catchment. Pioneer River: Major flooding is occurring along the Pioneer River at Mirani. Moderate flooding is possible at Mackay. Rapid river level rises are occurring across the catchment. No observations are currently available for the Pioneer River at Mirani, however, based on the nearby automatic gauge the river level is expected to be above the major flood level (9.00 m) and rising. The Pioneer River at Mirani is expected to remain above the major flood level (9.00 m) into Sunday evening. The Pioneer River at Mackay is currently at 4.80 m (1.86 m AHD) and rising, below the minor flood level. The Pioneer River at Mackay is likely to exceed the minor flood level (6.30 m) Sunday afternoon. The river may exceed the moderate flood level (6.90 m) Sunday evening, with the high tide. Further rises are possible overnight Sunday into Monday. Flood Safety Advice: Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous. Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways. Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads. Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed. For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings.} For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. Next issue: The next warning will be issued by 09:00 PM AEST on Sunday 11 January 2026. Latest River Heights: Teemburra Dam,0.20,rising,3:00 pm Sun 11/01/26 Blacks Creek at Whiteford,8.24,rising,3:00 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Sarich,11.16,rising,3:20 pm Sun 11/01/26 Finch Hatton Creek at Gorge Road,3.22,falling,3:20 pm Sun 11/01/26 Cattle Creek at Finch Hatton,3.60,falling,3:55 pm Sun 11/01/26 Cattle Creek at Gargett,9.51,falling,3:15 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Mirani Weir HG,51.52,rising,3:03 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Mirani Weir,12.83,rising,3:59 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Marian Weir,4.44,rising,3:04 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Marian Weir,6.65,rising,3:58 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Dumbleton Rocks,18.23,rising,3:20 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Hospital Bridge,6.80,rising,3:54 pm Sun 11/01/26 Pioneer River at Mackay,4.80,rising,3:54 pm Sun 11/01/26 Outer Harbour Tide,4.34,rising,3:39 pm Sun 11/01/26 This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood.