Local Disaster Management Group update - Tuesday, January 13

Published on 13 January 2026

Update as of Tuesday, January 13, 3.30pm

The Mackay Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has moved to Alert status following the meeting today.

Eungella community
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) have now opened the Eungella Range with one-lane access to allow residents to travel as necessary.
This will be under traffic control conditions. Residents should expect interruptions as TMR continue damage assessments. No large or heavy vehicles will be permitted.

Visit https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ for live updates.

Free green waste dumping

As of noon today, all transfer stations are accepting green waste free of charge during their normal opening hours until close of business Sunday, January 18. The only exception is Koumala Transfer Station which doesn’t normally accept green waste.

In response to demand, Sarina and Gargett transfer stations will also be offering extended operations and will remain open until close of business Friday.

Closures

Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Track will continue to be closed, but some tracks are expected to reopen Saturday morning.

Sarina Library will reopen tomorrow with some reduction in services.

Walkerston Library will be closed until further notice.

The Bluewater Quay pontoon is also closed following damage from floating debris.

Water updates

Residents across the Mackay region are still being asked to reduce their water usage. It is expected that water conservation measures will be lifted in the coming days as supplies catch up.

The water treatment team are now producing enough water to stay ahead of the demand, but continued conservation will assist with the prompt refilling of council’s reservoirs.

Water supplies have returned to Gargett and Pinnacle, however, the “do not consume” notice is still current while council performs water safety tests. The results of these tests are expected tomorrow morning and residents are encouraged to check on council’s Facebook page and the Disaster Dashboard for updates.

Drinking water is still available at the Gargett store.  Please bring your own container.

Reporting issues

Residents are reminded that they can lodge any road condition issues such as potholes and damages to roads via Snap Send Solve.

Snap Send Solve allows crews to visually assess the damage and schedule repairs and closures appropriately via photos submitted with the incident.

For urgent enquiries, please contact council’s 24-hour Customer Service Centre on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).

Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.

Stay informed

Disaster Dashboard: disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au

SES: 132 500

QPS: Life threatening situation – Triple Zero 000

For further information please contact:
Lee Brake, Corporate Communications and Marketing Coordinator,  4961 9409