Georgina Catchment Resilient Local Knowledge Map Queensland Reconstruc�on Authority Catchment Overview Climate & Rainfall The catchment takes in a vast expanse of the State's border and extensive Weather and climate characteris�cs in the Georgina River Basin in the Township (037010) (037043) 1200 1000 areas of the . There are more than 36 tributaries which flow into the 1000 800 last 30 years from 1989 - 2018 (BoM, 2018): 800 600 Georgina River including the Georgina River itself, , Hamilton River, Eyre Creek and 600 400 Annual rainfall has been rela�vely stable - increasing by around 20mm over 30 years while s�ll naturally fluctua�ng. 400 Wills Creek. It rises to the north-west of Mt Isa with three main tributaries - the Buckle, Sander 200 200 0 0 4 4 4 8 0 6 2 4 4 2 6 0 8 4 4 4 4 44 4 3 3 and Ranken . The la�er two have their headwaters in the Northern Territory. Further 3 3 4 44 4 2016 2012 2008 200 2000 1996 1992 1988 198 1980 1976 1972 1968 196 1960 1956 1952 19 19 19 19 19 1928 192 1920

Dry years have occurred six �mes and wet years 11 �mes with the balances remaining in the average range. 1920 192 1928 19 19 19 19 19 1952 1956 1960 196 1968 1972 1976 1980 198 1988 1992 1996 2000 200 2008 2012 2016

inflow occurs from numerous creeks and rivers, the main tributaries being the Burke and Camooweal Township (037010) No Data Available Urandangi (037043) No Data Available Hamilton Rivers which find their headwaters in the Selwyn Range and flow south. It is home to Wet season rainfall averages have increased in some areas, however rainfall in Boulia during the wet season has decreased by 9mm from 207mm in 1959-1988 to 198mm in 1989-2018. Boulia and Camooweal in the far north. Glenormiston (038010) Boulia Airport (038003) Rainfall has been unreliable in the south-west part of the region around and moderately reliable around Boulia 800 1000

The Burke joins the Georgina to the north of Marion Downs, whilst the Hamilton joins it to the during monsoon season. Rainfall during the early wet months is unreliable across the region. 600 800 600 Useful rain events have occurred an average of twice a year. As of 2019, there have only been 13 summer seasons since 400 south. At Marion Downs, the Georgina spreads into braided channels - expanding across vast 400 1900 that have not had 50mm rain event, represen�ng a 5% risk of occurring any year. 200 floodplains on its travels to Bedourie. It is at this point where glorious meets 200 0 0 4 2 6 0 8 4 4 4 4 4 4 8 0 6 2 4 3 3 4 44 4 4 44 4 3 the . Decreases in winter rainfall were offset by increases in Spring and early Summer at Boulia. 3 1920 192 1928 19 19 19 19 19 1952 1956 1960 196 1968 1972 1976 1980 198 1988 1992 1996 2000 200 2008 2012 2016 2016 2012 2008 200 2000 1996 1992 1988 198 1980 1976 1972 1968 196 1960 1956 1952 19 19 19 19 19 1928 192 1920

Georgina River Gauge Analysis Glenormiston (038010) No Data Available Boulia Airport (038003) No Data Available The Georgina River catchment stretches across four local governments including Cloncurry, Mt 1200 1000 Isa, Boulia and Diaman�na, before making its journey across the South Australian border to 800 600 Sandringham (038025) Marion Downs (038014) Ka� Thanda-. 400 500 800 200 400 0 600 Camooweal Urandangi Glenormiston Boulia Airport Sandringham Marion 300 Township (037043) (038010) (038003) (038025) Downs 400 (037010) (038014) 200 200 Annual Lowest Annual Mean Annual Median Annual Highest 100 0 0 4 4 4 8 0 6 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 44 4 3 30 Southern Oscilla�on Index and Interdecadal Pacific Oscilla�on Modeling of ’s Annual Rainfall (1890 - 2019) -3 3 2016 2012 2008 200 2000 1996 1992 1988 198 1980 1976 1972 1968 196 1960 1956 1952 19 19 19 19 19 1928 192 1920 20 -2 1966 1968 1970 1972 197 1976 1978 1980 1982 198 1986 1988 1990 1992 199 1996 1998 2000 2002 200 2006 10 -1 Sandringham (038025) No Data Available Marion Downs (038014) No Data Available SOI 0 0 IPO -10 1 -20 2 -30 3 1890 1895 1900 1905 1910 1915 1920 1925 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 (, Ecosciences Precinct, ‘Australia’s Variable Rainfall with Tropical Cyclone Tracks’, 2019) How to use this guide: The informa�on below provides local knowledge on landscape characteris�cs and flood behaviour. This is provided for local land managers, Council staff, and Government Agencies to be�er understand the Georgina River Catchment and its unique characteris�cs. This guide has used the best available informa�on at present derived from upda�ng a previous map developed and significant local input from a series of community mee�ngs with locals in 2019. It is intended to help you assess what type of flood is likely to occur in your area and indicate what amount of feed you might expect. You may wish to record your own flooding and landscape characteris�cs on the map.

Sandy country.

76-127mm of widespread rain at Camooweal will give a useful flood at Marion Downs. 101-127mm in a week could cause a moderate-major (Handy) flood at Marion Downs.

k BAR e KLY Camooweal e HI r GHW C AY a C ek e Sag re ni ek a Cre r ca w n o I N Hard earth country. 20hrs for Wills Creek and Burke River to reach Boulia. This is k e The impacts from Cyclone Elrose Sta�on: 152mm+ rain is a good year. re however dependent on whether

C Larry (2006) lasted for N ) a 75mm in December and March may last

n r 10-12 weeks here. the catchment is wet or dry. A wet o

o

e r un�l September. Depending on the rain

i o catchment will take less. l o

W r pa�erns and if there is good or bad rain,

a 127mm of rain in January and nearly 75mm e Monsoon troughs are the

Small creeks north of Boulia

O s main rain source in this in June can carry Elrose for two years. Water G

y I region. are fast flowing.

L a V from Peak and Mucklandama Creeks is light I

d y Ri E

Sandy B uckle ver P I brown in colour, foamier and comes off

L P R 65mm of rain fell in this area during the 2019 3 A

country. H A - N harder country. Water from these creeks

R A flood event. This caused the creeks Rainfall is sparse across the

2 G N

E surrounding the Stockport Sta�on homestead can also smell, which is suspected to be e G landscape. Different combina�ons

E

v D from all the Gidgee leaves in them. i to rise and flood the homestead itself. C of rainfall events and river levels will

u r A

c r D reek M C h create varying flood styles through OO a

a n k

dba E j e e l G a

W N ing s R l M the catchment.

SM A era r

E R C r

e s i T I r N T H eek Burke River Indicator - listen to reports of rain between r

A I v A i a

UL S

w R Dajarra and . If there is water on the bridge, then

R n

, A r to N The Burke River at 2.8/2.9m at the Nine Mile Creek will

D l e there may be good flow. 50mm of rain at Alderly Creek will run h

A mp

N e

8 tle T be a Channel Run. G t Limestone Creek. This will hold back the Burke River if the

Li

I 4 R

Elrose Station The Burke River at 3/3.2m will put the Nine Mile Creek

O Georgina River is in flood and may cause a large flood in

n

A

i D will start to flow over the Winton Road.

Te Boulia. If there is water up to the roadhouse in Boulia, then mpleton River

m there may be a good flood in the Burke River. When Burke The Burke River at 3.4/3.6m will increase flow heights at

m River is running two-thirds of its banks (3.5m for 12hrs), it will the Nine Mile Creek to 3.4/3.6m and close the Winton

4 road. 5 flow down Nine Mile Creek. If there is 3.9m flood waters at a Creek

2 ring The Burke River at 3.7m for 24/48hrs will run the Five

Ya Boulia for 12hrs, then flood waters will flow through the

f k i e Mile Creek over the Winton and Roads. e

( r swamp and back into Nine Mile Creek. The Burke River will

C i Big Toby C reek The Burke River at 3.8/3.9m for 24/48hrs will run the

m g flow down 15 Mile Creek if it is running a banker (4.9m flood u n

n Goodwood Swamp past Goodwood Sta�on and flow back o waters). The 15 Mile Creek was full in 1974. Creek Mile Fi�een

g a

y

l into Sandy Channel.

o

d P Burke River

n The Burke River at 4m will flow all floodways over the a

r ek Winton Road from Boulia to Paton Mailbox.

re U C k e i c r The Burke River at 4m for 24/48hrs will have the Nine

a

l o u

B t o Mile Creek bring the Fi�een Mile Creek down upon the d l e a B Winton Road.

e M Nine Mile Creek Mile Nine O BLACK MOUNTAIN w k U ee N 565 M 250mm of rain in the region o Cr T y I b S W

o o T A between Duchess and Dajarra il D ls reek U C C m Gr een C will produce a good flood at r a Hard Country H e E e k

C Goodwood Sta�on. S S

- RO

A Two main channels

ree s The land in this area D Bull C k A widespread 100mm in y can capture and BOUNDARY HILL flow here. Ab this area will be a good 381 M a a dabad store water. D

a A flood and will run the 9 Duchess d

C RO Mile creek east of Boulia. r e 0 MCPHEE HILLS Hard earth e Bur k 442 M k

1 D e R

- A country. i O The whole system in this v

9 e R C r area will flood if there is erly ree k MOUNT ERLE Y Wav Gordon L sufficient rain. 407 M Northern Territory Northern C reek G

N

I

D Burke River: The Burke can push the AD PLUM MOUNTAIN A O THR D 395 M E Georgina back and cause flooding to the I NOR A H NG k O A widespread 150mm of rain DA e R 8 Mile Crossing on the road from

N e ek D URA r Cre Ashover Station A in this area will run the 15 C h A Jaya R P Herbert to Marion. 100-125mm will run h O il a A lot of the mountains and hills R Mile Creek east of Boulia. gr R i the Burke. The Burke and Georgina will n A MOUNT BIRNIE m o in this area were formed J L Cr Urandangi o 450 M L e hold back Limestone Creek water on the Urandangi: Floods are 1m lower at M A I e through tectonic movements D Roxborough than at Urandangi. 3m at H k Mount Isa to Boulia Road. 6 S which pushed up a lot of old S E - Cr MOUNT APLIN T Urandangi would be a good flood at plit eek E If the Burke River is running then it 8 S 496 M A granite. H

H Hard earth d Roxborough. About 1.5m at Urandangi will P is likely that Wills Creek is also

Dajarra C D S A a inundate roads at Roxborough. Urandangi U running. Selwyn Range country. O y O R D S Mitchell grass R s probably will not get a river height un�l H country is harder E E P D - MOUNT BRUCE

R 3-4 days a�er Camooweal (if there is no G 411 M S than the area

downs through U S Chatswood Sta�on is situated in O E

B r other rains in the headwaters). N THE MONUMENT around Dajarra. H the northern part of the catchment I a A

this country. 379 M G M n C N o d ranch Big rain around Dajarra and R and more water can enter the A o a et B U MOUNT MURRAY D n W The Monument D

n H N ta g reek Sulieman Creek will run 368 M Burke River before Boulia. A h C i St Ronans C R re t into Wills Creek. r e o IS PHOS H U k P ve D CHATSWORT H A t Ri BIG RED BLUFF r A

D T o

R M

n E O The big waterhole at Linda Downs will run N 338 M o PINNACLE KNOB MOUNT MERLIN

LITTLE RED BLUFF R o

x 276 M A 314 M R clear as floodwaters push the clear T

330 M O Y b � STEAMBOAT HILL S A

A L

o waterhole waters out. It takes four days to 301 M a K

D N t o S l I

r push waterhole water out. New Linda ar an d K

o Sandy Creek: S S Good Mitchell Country C y u r C

Downs is near Jimboola. eek C g If Sandy Creek (at Linda Downs) is running from rain at u d M

Creeks in this area can be h l ie re m o a e C

Dajarra and the Georgina is not running, the Sandy SIGNAL HILL k B

U D n o Good Mitchell Country pushed backwards. The k C 307 M u o e Creek water can go backwards up the Georgina past r D s B

e A t E w e w O a Georgina is slower than the r e R L

Linda Downs. There are five creeks named Sandy in k r n C d A I d O Diaman�na and Cooper. s s L

C O S n this 200km area and more elsewhere. o SWIFT HILLS U

This area will usually ta a y O re T � on ok Cree k o 310 M B e

on tR m H k

grow a lot of feed S S G RT

(5 SWO

following a flood event. d o AT

t H a y If there is no rain at Roxborough and C DIGBY PEAKS

Manners Creek captures western s Smoky Creek is not running, the Georgina This whole country n 301 M k o

i Ma

e f k was burnt during � b

e water but far west running water w will run clear for 3-4 days as it pushes clear

r B a a W

a arb the 1974-75 fires. t t

C will flow down Field River and water out of Lake Katherine. The water can O u

t C rto

S n Creek

k e

into the sandhills where it is be bad smelling. Smoky and Mineyalla U r c r r e

h L Toolebuc Station u e I e k

soaked up. o Creeks are on hard country and only 50mm A D

le v

of rain will get them running. M o

Pituri Creek: is O h

Mindyalla Creek runs fast s n f U Windsor Park

u A o

Joins the Georgina at Glenormiston. Toko Range runoff

N �

l but slows when it enters the -

l n a T

flows into Pituri and around 25-50mm will create flow and ) s t

main Georgina River o S

y I

S n Alderley: a

help fill the lake at Glenormiston. 25-50mm on the hard channel. � o

A m a

d m Co�on Bush Creek can give a channel flow out of

red country of the Toko Range can also run the Mulligan. t a

H g

S

0

Alderley. 80-100mm is needed to make this y

Pituri Creek is important to Marion Downs especially if I l

G l 1

d o

the Burke is flowing and can flow backwards up the happen. Co�on Bush Creek can flow back up the H eek

o Cr P

W Six ile

Georgina. If Pituri is high and Georgina is high, they will Georgina. Co�on Bush Creek is not as important o M o

t D A k n A e

w

back each other up. Pituri Creek comes up quickly as others but can hold up the Georgina. Y re o O C d R a because it comes off hard country. k LESLIE PEAK � y e a o a C n re 244 M i t gu a C l U il all P o S dy Alderly Station u B W Min Li�le growth from the 2007 flood at Roxborough. First e E o c a G L k LONGSIGHT PEAK C B u O This area is good flood since 2000 to covered most of the country re b o O 269 M e o MOUNT UNBUNMAROO Pituri Creek k t T t e

Roxborough Downs Station n considered to be with gu�er floods in between. Water from the 387 M l

o n o

k t

k o a good floodplain.

r e s Cre north-west is a smokey colour and water from the o

lly i

e � T K a

) k

c ee m r

s - C

north-east is a red colour. The big waterhole at the P

n

r i

ian s

r s

o h u ri

t j y a

homestead will fill if Smokey Creek runs prior the o n P

D e e k s MOUNT NINMAROO a LINDA HILL O l L

e

g d

N Georgina. Smokey and Mineyalla Creeks are on hard im d

O G 312 M 203 M H n e e

U n r

E 4

HIGHWAY o a 7

s i country. A couple of inches of rain will run both and - t C There will be a decent h t

c o s 6

Handy Catchment Tips s d n e l n n they can hold up the Georgina. Waterholes near l flood at Cluny if flood

C i a

w a r W c e

e o Roxborough will turn clear at the end of the year and

W k y waters are up to the

k k -

D

, e k

ree e r

C s e

s h

A flood in March is ideal as it will grow more feed (grass and herbs) when it is warm. da e smell bad. It does not worry the ca�le. r Pollygammon house.

e r g

in y

v

C - C

L u

i

a

i

o

Badalia: The last winter flood at Badalia R a k

r R

Grass fires are rare in this r

k d

e D d e e a Elrose Station e o e n r

r A o

u was in 2010. Old Linda Downs had sheep k e C country, but they follow b 4 Pollygammon Station t C r r Where floods occur in succession, the second flood will travel slower due to vegeta�on that O x i n x a o v h u years when there is been o s one year and they washed up against the R MOUNT DATSON m a b u B P m MINNARITCHIE HILL R W olly r g a T b 264 M - - N

has grown from the first flood. The second flood will o�en flow clearer, because of the a n fence at Badalia. Pituri Creek will only give a

good flooding due to an 200 M o o

P s Y

t s

( y t

y W a r o channel flood at Badalia. Around 5m at L

abundance of vegeta�on. a Georgina River Catchment Bioregions

vegeta�on filtering more sediment out and slowing water flow. k d

O ree o C E C d 4 r

n Roxborough will be an indicator for Badalia. S

- u 4 a 2 Co�onbark Creek is e POODYEA POINT iv Local rain is important to pre-wet the ground before the flood waters arrive. The soil is soaked K m g R 256 M ela capable of having large he h on O OODATRA POINT W floods. ilt and the waterholes and swamps are filled, thus allowing the floods to spread further. Rain k m 249 M D e Ha e TEN MILE HILLS o r before a flood does not really speed up the flow but stops it fla�ening as many fences. A 215 M w C Flood waters from the NEEYAMBA HILL Glenormiston Station 5-6 WINTON ROAD d n Boulia le R a i moderate-major (handy) flood is made be�er if there is local rain a�er the flood; a lot more 209 M ys - s Badalia Goodwood Station 2019 event came from G M A PULATERA HILLS le S Hamilton River and kept 222 M no t e

feed will grow. rm a� vi F to the eastern channels. N is o Goodwood Swamp. t F SUN HILL o n Mulligan Creek can run into MOUNT IDAMEA n i t f 171 M S o t 200-250mm of rain in the Georgina headwaters plus local rain downstream will produce a 178 M e G ta B WARA HILL without Glenormiston: � ad ) e o alia (i 2018 is) n 199 M joining the Georgina at all. Longreach channel will flow backwards (North) into n n th

major (good) flood. M to ge E M G rgi n u the Georgina. 50mm of rain from Camooweel to M eo n a i llig a ch l an R ari River can e iv o Sandy Channel Flood travel �mes are dependent on many different variables. These include when and where er n k C T Glenormiston and 127mm a bit over two weeks later s Do ri Cree w tua re n i k O will back up the first rain and spread out. 25-40mm at s (Parav Marion Downs D the water hits the catchment, how wet the catchment was beforehand, whether there is A e e e k O Glenormiston and some rain at Carlo when it is really Marion Downs: O r R C vegeta�on in the catchment, recent modifica�ons to the channels and throughout at the M dry will only make it to Ethabooka Sta�on. A quick single rain event in the headwaters are not very useful, E e

l I DINGO HILL even 50-76mm will fla�en out by Glenormiston. i B There were large R catchment, and water flowing in from other places. 163 M M 1m of water at Marion will stop traffic on the homestead road U Hamilton River:- Hamilton River adds to A fires in this country e

O n in 2010/11. but not the main road. Flood defini�ons vary in Marion Downs i flooding on Coorabulka. Outside Country: D Mulligan Creek drains N and are defined as by the following heights: Bucket Creek can E - Hamilton River can cause good floods R

B The pastures in the outside country are dominated by deep-rooted perennial grass and MOUNT KATE waterholes north of the 2.25m Gu�er Flooding starts. flow to 3km wide. at King Creek

A A 244 M creek. 3.75m Gu�er Flood. I - If the Hamilton and the Georgina perennial browse species, some other perennial and annual herbage species. Addi�onal L N MOUNT HARRIET The 1974 fires 4.2m Channel flood U waters meet, the flood can be up to species may include: Mitchell grasslands; Spinifex grass; Mulga woodlands; and Gidgee 244 M O G 4.8m at Marion Downs will mean a pre�y good flood, and run 32km wide in the flood out area north of spanned from this B out onto the Lake. Bedourie. Mitchell grass and woodlands. Pasture produc�on in these areas are influenced primarily by local rainfall E area to Lake Eyre. 5.15m Handy flood MOUNT TOBIN Canary Creek

receiving an annual rainfall average less than 175mm per year, but is subject to wide varia�on. 232 M clay pan flats.

5.55m Good flood that starts to run faster. n

MOUNT WHELAN Marion Downs Sta�on is o MOUNT ALFRED 183 M

235 M Mulligan Creek broke its

Mitchell Grasslands: MOUNT GERALD 3.1 million acres. Of this �

235 M banks and flowed into Duck area, 10% is wooded a The Hamilton River jumped into Eyre

Mitchell grasslands are treeless or sparsely �mbered, and occupy cracking clay soils where Point Waterhole during the t Creek during the 2019 flood event

ridge, 45% is floodplain S 2010 flood event. which is not common. Flows from the average annual rainfall is between 200-550mm. Average annual rainfall decreased from east to BARRINGTON PEAK and 10% is sand hills.

125 M y Hamilton River generally travel down

west, but it is s�ll highly variable, affec�ng both pasture yield and composi�on. The dominant Bellevue Creek has good floodplains n the eastern side of the Georgina River

u that grow na�ve sorghum. The l and flows south along King Creek.

perennials in these pastures are the desirable Mitchell grasses. Barley Mitchell grass is Floodwaters widen out here, Sylvester Creek: C bitumen road has changed the k dominant on pebbly clay soils. fills waterholes and comes B TWELVE MILE MOUNTAIN ree

Water from Kidmans Bore (above Lake Pulchera) has floodplain as the water is held up by ellevue Creek 161 M ngah C o o previously seeped through the sandhills and flowed around the sand hills. It takes a This is the main ige

the slight rise of the road. The eastern t e P

channel. i Gidyea Woodlands: good flood to get down THE KNOB into Sylvester Creek. Sylvester Creek does contribute a side of the road is now drier and r . 172 M n Georgina Gidyea and the closely related Gidyea are associated with western rivers such as the sizeable amount of water, however this water flows grows less feed. THE SISTERS u 208 M o ee o C r k onto floodplains and is soaked up. o2 d N Georgina. Gidyea is usually found on clay soils, although it can grow in loams, earth types and Big rains will flow into Lake Pulchera and can spread to � reek e a C B Field River Mulligan Creek. Cooper clover can grow on the er t duplex soils. Georgina Gidyea is the most common Gidyea found throughout the Channel st ylve S Mulligan and where Sylvester Creek floods out near S o t Country. Kidman Bore. Pulchera is not a flood out but a C s oo s ra n Coorabulka: (measured at the Marion Downs gauge) waterhole. The flood out is located above it. ma rina Cree n 3.2m - No water enters Coorabulka Spinifex Pastures: k w G w

n o 3.35m - Channels star�ng to fill a o Spinifex pastures occur either as a naturally open grassland, or as an understorey within l

la D D 4m - Limited flooding

n - 4.6m - Good useful flood (Handy flood, less than 70%

eucalypt and acacia woodland. Spinifex pastures generally grow in infer�le acid sand, loam or A Gnallan-A-Gea Creek is channelised and n n - G o of flood country covered) Legend

it does not flood out here. Even though i o

duplex soils and are present throughout much of Australia’s dry interior. Spinifex pastures e r i Mitchell Grass Einasleigh

a 4.9m - Will be a Handy Flood (more than 70% of The Eyre Developmental a r Major Watercourse Brigalow Belt C it covers a large area, water is soaked up Downs Uplands

occur in the Georgina catchment on the eastern edge of the Simpson and Sturt Stony Deserts. Sandy r a flood country covered) e by the sand country and does nothing Bedourie: MOUNTM PROUT Road acts as a dam here and e

MOUNT TARLEY 135- M 5.2m - Will be a Good Flood (80% or more of Towns Channel Country Mulga Lands

country. k for Kamaran Downs. This creek also 1974 flood cut off Bedourie for 3-4 months. There were good M This area is a

183 M s floodplains covered). reduces flow to the Western The Georgina River can run crystal clear a�er large flood events. The river ran clear for eight - rarely flows into Lake Torquine. floods in Bedourie in 1991 and 1997. You could smell the y

a shortcut for flood algae during the 1997 flood. 2007 flood cut off Bedourie for s waterhole. Boundary Desert Uplands Northwest Highlands

months following the 2010 flood event. P d y a only five weeks. A big flood will cut Bedourie off for 3-4 These are the water to flow west. l 8

li months if ongoing rain occurs in the Barkly Tablelands. - a Gallopoli Outsta�on is at the headwaters for the Georgina. 50mm of rain in the region will o flood channels.

u 7 d C Bedourie listens for reports of 75-100mm of general rain re

start a run if there is no other rain. e above Glenormiston and if it is s�ll raining at Camooweal. 0 Water spreads out k Tips for Graziers 3-4m that lasts for three months will get to Muncoonie Lakes. 1 The Georgina catchment has a broad mix of geologies caused from folds which bring different here. Compacted and wet blacksoil can limit tree matura�on and is generally a poorer quality soil that can cause cracks o�en metres deep. Blacksoil C King Creek ran a lot in the 1970s, o geologies to the surface like Basement rocks which usually do not rise to the surface. Despite o B may also inhibit plant and root growth, foster drier soils and expose tree roots. soils are moderately fer�le, but limited by the high r but has ran less frequently since. e at ou The creek flooded for the first d clay content, cracking and high alkalinity. the different geologies, the harder geologies are more widespread in the catchment and la o C �me since 2010 during the 2019 u cause fast run-off and li�le infiltra�on. Sandringham water goes into re r e flood event. i If Urandangi, Glenormistorn and Marion Downs all have about 50mm of rain on the same day then all the waterholes will fill and give a good ‘run’. k Lake Wickamunna. 127mm in MOUNT WONEEALA e THE BROTHERS 132 M It is good for stock water, but it does not grow feed. Sandringham can fill a third of 147 M Lake Wickamunna, Palliou and 8 Flood waters can inundate Mile Creek. Lake Wickamunna the road here. Swamp gu�ers may last for two years when it is Eradica�ng Prickly Acacia and overall weed control requires upstream to downstream treatment methodologies. filled. redistribu�ng Bedourie Braided gu�ers within Cluny: A winter flood does not grow as much feed as a summer flood and the feed does not last as long, but it usually has higher protein and lasts over the green zone. floodwater at flood 4.9m at Marion Downs will be a Major Flood in bullock paddock (500-600 bullocks) k the full winter un�l hot dry winds start in early summer. Winter rain along the Georgina River does not grow much, but will grow herbage in the stage. ree 3.96m at King creek = reasonable flood C ing outside country. The river country will green up when it warms up later. Lake Torquini will go a bit salty 2.13m of water at the Cluny house will run the Toko Channel K over the road and onto Lake Macha�e. late in the year but ca�le will s�ll E Ca�le will be fat a�er a winter flood, but will have so� hides and hooves. They will need to be put on the outside country to harden them up before drink it. A good 25mm will fill 4.57m of water at Cluny will spread out of King Creek onto the y Gu�ers (or re�culate re sale. Cooyeanna waterhole. Pulchera floodplains above Glengyle and onto Lake Macha�e. C Cluny Station Lakes here are very shallow Large and moderate r Georgina, Burke and Hamilton need to all flow to get a e channels) help waterhole can be filled from local e and a part of the wider basin sized channels rain and the Mulligan River. reasonable flood. k When the Georgina is up, ca�le will not graze in the waters because the flies and sandflies are overwhelming. As the waters recede, ca�le will move distribute floodwaters BLACK HILL with 1.5m clay pans. distribute the water Eyre Creek’s flow can vary 94 M into the waters to feed. If the ca�le have a diet of only waterweeds then they can some�mes lose their hair. Ca�le will not normally feed in just out from the main depending on whether the during ini�al flooding. E flooded areas, they will s�ll feed in the sand dunes. channels. Mulligan River floods. Y R Eyre Creek The Toko Channel has a lot of silt. E Flood waters flow hard Waterholes that turn clear and smell are best avoided by ca�le as they can get black scours from the salt water. Ca�le already grazing around During the 2019 flood event, Eyre D waterholes that have over�me become salty (and o�en smell) should be immune to ge�ng scours as they have become used to the water as it has Development Road was covered by E and fast, before then Floodways carry water during overbank V 300mm of silt 80-100m wide. EL slowly changed. Ca�le brought in a�er the waterholes have gone salty will get scours and die. There has recently been dropping off in this stage, with floodwater flow cu�ng across PAMPRA HILL O a lot of sil�ng of the 97 M P floodplain country. Lake In periods of drought, Hereford ca�le will travel up to 15km out into the Simpson Desert and fill up on water only every third day and will s�ll hold anabranching channels as the water channels in this loca�on. M Koolivoo E reasonable condi�on. assumes a more direct downstream flow N Lake Mipia These previously permanent Lake Macha�e: If the Georgina runs for three T A path. waterholes have recently months it will fill either a quarter to a half of Lake L Evacua�ng ca�le prior to a flood is not always important as the Georgina is not that wide. There is enough high country at Roxborough for the R

dried up on mul�ple Macha�e but there is no depth to it and soon dries O

A ca�le to find for themselves. Ca�le may however perish if they are exposed to cold and windy condi�ons. Marion Downs has to shi� ca�le during occasions and are now more up. It needs King Creek and the Georgina to fill up. D Ca�le grazing in this area put on intermi�ent. Once full, Lake Macha�e will take 18 months to two flood events while Glenormiston does not have to shi� ca�le. years to dry up. A moving feed line will appear good weight as there was limited A 4m flood at Adria Downs will get to across 70,000ha as the water recedes in this area. nutrient loss during the 2019 flood. Feral pigs are a problem as they are a�racted to permanent waterholes. They will erode and degrade the soil surrounding these waterholes. Legend Muncoonie Lake. If waters are over 5m at The western end grows good na�ve sorghum and Glengyle and hold for: na�ve verbena with Cooper cloves all round the lake. A good variety of feed and herbage - three weeks, will flood to Adria Downs Tidal flats and beaches Flood related informa�on - six weeks, will run flood water through into thrive here. Water needs to hold up at a decent (gauge) height for a sustained period of �me to create a ‘good’ flood. This helps water more country and grow South Australia and join with the Diaman�na. Country outside of more feed. Less frequently flooded ridges provide refuge and feed during flooding events. Coastal dunes Agriculture/Feed informa�on End of the line for this floodplain has gu�er floods. Agriculture prac�ces influence the sediment in waterholes and the water infiltra�on in the area. Sediment can also impact groundwater infiltra�on. Alluvial river and creek flats Vegeta�on related informa�on sweeter feed. Ca�le and water are also mainly responsible for the spread of weeds and seeds. Adria Downs

Clay plains Pinpoint between loca�ons Grasshopper plagues o�en occur a�er floods to feed on new growth. They generally come from north of the catchment and travel south.

A flood will usually make it to Muncoonie Lake Old loamy and sandy plains Community related informa�on every three years and every six years will flow further south (spills). The roadworks near Cu�aburra crossing have affected the smaller General Risk Awareness Informa�on General Landscape Knowledge Inland dunefields Water behaviour related informa�on Nutrients se�le in the surrounding lakes here. floods in Muncoonie Lake, maybe takes longer Floodplain soil is self-mulching. It cracks open and crumbles, before falling back inside the cracks created. These cracks are deep and as the flood than it used to. There is usually significant flooding upstream if the Georgina River is full and both the Burke and Wills Creeks are s�ll running. These provide good feed. arrives, the cracks will close up while keeping the soil moist. Floodwater which disappears into these cracks will re-emerge up to 300m downstream. Ironstone jump-ups Fire related informa�on This area can grow The transi�onal limestone belt between the flood country and the hill country is where most of Georgina Gidgee grows. This area seems to good feed. From 2008 Mitchell grass Rain in the Mount Isa region is important for flows in the Georgina. Basalt plains and hills Infrastructure related informa�on to 2011, 7,000 bales of have more poison. Georgina Gidgee grows mostly on the eastern side of the River. hay were harvested downs through this country. There is a lot of variability in rainfall for what will create a flood in the Georgina. 200-250mm of rain in the Georgina headwaters plus local rain Undula�ng country on fine grained around the lake. Drought can be observed to increase sil�ng and scouring during future flood events. Sil�ng is par�cularly more evident during more intense sedimentary rocks Climate related informa�on flood events as rainfall and flow behaviour scours watercourses and topsoil. downstream will produce a major (good) flood. The volume of rainfall in one area also does not reflect the whole catchment.

Consolidated sediments Road and Transport related informa�on Fires in spinifex, sandhill country can be blown by the wind and jump from the top of one sandhill to another. Some�mes fires will jump The Georgina system is locally considered to be one of the most undisturbed and possibly cleanest rivers in the world. between sandhills without burning in between. Mitchell grass must be at least 300mm to burn to reduce fuel load. L

There is o�en limited is Sandstone ranges Severe weather related weather ensland to Floodwaters can flow anywhere when it hits sand in the sandy country which is unique. r awareness on whether this e area has flooded or not. C Rain around the Ranken River in the Northern Territory creates a recipe for flooding in the Georgina. r

e Creeks and tributaries provide a sizeable input into the system. Gu�ers (or re�culate channels) also help distribute floodwaters out from the main e

Hills and lowlands on metamorphic rocks Property related informa�on k ue channels. Isolated proper�es may have to wait several days before having access to a sealed road in some cases. A couple of inches on any of the creeks will get them running. 50mm across the en�rety of the Mulligan River will make it flow all the way through,

Hills and lowlands on grani�c rocks Topography related informa�on Q During the 2011 flood event, however the sandhills will soak up a lot of the water. 60mm of quick rain will flood the swales. Eyre Creek and Mulligan River will back each other up Listore Creek filled Lake There are many variables which may contribute to a flood event before the catchment receives heavy rain. E.g. Prior to the 2019 flood event, Manual Gauge Ac�ve spring Nappanerica. This was the first through the sand dunes. The Mulligan River normally floods at about walking pace and will flow for a long �me. �me this lake was filled and the ground was already wet, there was no sun, and the wind was blowing non-stop. stayed full for three years. All red country is Spinifex grass country. Automa�c Gauge Inac�ve spring Flooding can occur in the absence of local rains, with floodwaters origina�ng the upper able to travel hundred of kilometres downstream before evapora�ng, soaking into the floodplain soils or being diverted into swamps and lakes. Grass seeds will lie dormant and are self-regenera�ng a�er a flood event. If there is no rain, there will be no Mitchell grass. Gidgee grows near water Boulia would rarely see a flood if only the Burke River is running. If both the Burke and Wills River catchments receive good rain (75mm+), then courses and Mulga grows in the harder country. they will meet at the Two Rivers Sta�on where the faster flowing Burke will hold up the Wills River and can extend the length of �me the flood can be covered by a single sheet of floodwater spread as wide as 70km during major floods. The 2010-11 floodplain was 65km wide and downstream towards the town may last. If the Mort River (a tributary to the Burke north of Digby Peak) also floods, it can add a lot of water to the about 1.82m deep at the deepest point. Water will o�en disappear into sand dunes and run quickly off the hard country. South Australia Burke and further widens and extends the dura�on of the flood downstream. An example being the 2019 flood event where if the Mort River had of had a big run as opposed to a moderate run, Boulia would have seen a further rise in flood waters in the town. Cow vine and other herbage o�en dominate occasionally flooded plains following summer floods in the Channel Country.

Good feed, such as that pictured to the le�, is made even be�er when local rains follow flooding. Rains alone grow li�le, if any Produced by Queensland Government, drawn from informa�on authored by David Phelps, Ben Lynes, Kirsten Forrest, Peter Connelly & Darrell Horrocks September 2006. Original map available from David Phelps. feed because the heavy clay soils of the Channel Country are so thirsty. Disclaimer: While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Environment and Science, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Desert Channels Queensland, Geoscience Australia, Bureau of Meteorology, NR&W, CSIRO, UQ nor their representa�ves, make no representa�ons or warran�es about its accuracy, liability, incompleteness or suitability for any par�cular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limita�on, liability or negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequen�al damage) and costs which might be incurred as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. This map is not to be resold or re-made as part of a commercial product.