News.com.au
GET OUT NOW: Force used if flood-hit residents don't go
Sun February 5, 2012 7:03pm
MANDATORY evacuations have been declared for the inland Queensland town of St George as it braces for a record flood to hit.
A mandatory evacuation order was declared after Queensland Premier Anna Bligh and Mayor Donna Stewart met with local disaster management groups today.
The order has since been made public via email, media outlets, online and through social media.
Police and SES crews have doorknocked every home in St George to let people know the situation and that they have to leave.
Under state legislation, police and other emergency workers are given extra powers in a disaster, including the use of reasonable force to make people leave.
It is an offence to refuse a request from a police officer or emergency worker to evacuate.
Authorities made the call this afternoon based on modelling by the Bureau of Meteorology.
The modelling shows that upstream rivers are rising quickly and the Balonne River is now expected to peak in St George anywhere between 14 and 15 metres.
The devastating flood that tore through the town in 2010 peaked at 13.5 metres.
Residents are being told to leave town along the Moonie Highway before it is cut by floodwaters, which is expected early tonight.
Buses will also leave from the St George Showgrounds for evacuation centres set up in Dalby.
Extra police will patrol the town to deter looters.
Air evacuation to Brisbane is being organised so evacuations can proceed after the Moonie Highway closes.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has urged residents to follow directions.
"This is a very serious situation and I urge people to cooperate," she said.
Mayor Donna Stewart said residents should evacuate willingly for their own safety.
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