December 17, 2020
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has offered his condolences to the family of a farmer killed in floodwaters on Wednesday night.
The 69-year-old man died after being swept away by flash flooding in Killarney.
A police spokesperson said preliminary investigations indicated the man was moving cattle to higher ground at a property along Condamine River Road when his vehicle was washed away by rapidly rising water about 8:30pm.
Emergency services were called to the scene and immediately began a search and rescue operation.
The man’s body was found inside his vehicle, about 100 metres downstream, at 12:20am on Thursday.
“I am shocked by the news this morning, and I offer my deepest condolences to the family,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This is a tragic reminder of just how quickly weather systems can turn, and I urge all Australians to stay up to date with warnings, have a plan for an emergency, but above all remember if it’s flooded, forget it.
“It is also a reminder to all of the country’s primary producers of the inherent risks they face daily producing our food and fibre and I encourage them to think about their own farm safety.
“Can I also thank the emergency service personnel who have responded to this tragedy and to all natural disasters this year.
“They have put their lives on the line for us in such a selfless way.
“With more rain forecast … over the weekend, this is a serious situation and I urge all residents to heed the warnings and listen to the advice of emergency service personnel.”
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Three people were assessed and transported to Kingaroy Hospital for observation after a two-vehicle crash on the D’Aguilar Highway near Moore.
Emergency services were called to the incident just after 6:00pm on Wednesday.
