Record-breaking flooding continues to impact outback Queensland with more rain on the way. Photo: Supplied: Daniel Roy
The sound of rain is not usually unsettling in outback Queensland, but for those displaced from home it could mean even longer before they can return.
As remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Dianne move across the country from Western Australia and into inland Queensland there could be falls of up to 100 millimetres in areas already underwater.
"This event will be different to what we saw last week - it's a very quick shot of rainfall … clearing south-west Queensland on Thursday," meteorologist Dean Narramore said.
Thargomindah in south-west Queensland has been the latest tiny town to be hit by an extraordinary amount of water.
With the river still rising some chose to evacuate, while others found higher ground and sleep in their cars.
Some Thargomindah residents were evacuated to Charleville by helicopter. (ABC News) Photo: ABC News
"Our house is completely under. It's absolutely devastating," Angel McPherson said in tears as she got off the helicopter in Charleville.
"The main thing is that we're all OK. Things are replaceable, but our lives aren't."
James Pike, 18, and a couple of mates flew to a nearby station.
"People are shook up - they don't know where to go from here," he said.
James Pike and friends are helping at Picarilli Station, 30km from Thargomindah. (Supplied: Anthony Glasson) Photo: Supplied: Anthony Glasson
Swimming cattle to higher ground
In towns that have managed to get through this flood disaster relatively unscathed, displaced families take refuge.
Anne-Maree Lloyd and her family left their property between Yaraka and Windorah on Thursday.
Towns and stations across central and south-west Queensland remain islands. (Supplied: Queensland Police Service) Photo: Queensland Police Service
They think it will be at least 10 days before they can go home.
But that was before it started raining again.
"I would love to go home but I know that's just not possible, so I just sit tight," she said.
A rural property in western Queensland completely surrounded by water. (Supplied: Ann-Maree Photography) Photo: Ann-Maree Photography
Her husband and son spent yesterday swimming cattle to higher ground, and in doing so found their four working dogs.
"[The dogs were put] in the plane and they were so exhausted all four of them just collapsed and went to sleep."
Floodwater reaches to the top of trees on a property in Western Queensland. (Supplied: Kylie Smith) Photo: Supplied: Kylie Smith
Long road ahead
Residents of Adavale have spent six nights in a town only 100 kilometres away but could not feel further from home.
"My kids need their routine, a sleep in their own beds, some of those things that make kids feel safe and secure," displaced resident Heidi Cowley said.
The entire town's population of 27 has been meeting at the pub most nights with the council to get updates on the state of disrepair.
But in the very worst of times the best in people is also shining through.
"Ergon has been up there and they found three of our poddy calves, one of our goats, one of our lambs, and they've been bottle feeding them for us," Ms Cowley said.
An Ergon worker servicing Adavale for the past two days lends a hand. (Supplied: Ergon Energy) Photo: Supplied: Ergon Energy
She has been given an estimate of eight days before they can return.
"They're trying to get us back there and understand our want to be back there," Ms Cowley said.
"We'll hose everything down, clean everything. If it works we'll keep it and keep going."
Emily Green says she is tormented by the loss of livestock. (Supplied: Emily Green) Photo: Supplied: Emily Green
Emily Green, from property near Adavale, was in Mount Isa when disaster struck and watched through on her phone as her house, sheds and vehicles, including a helicopter, was submerged.
"It's incomprehensible," the 27-year-old said.
"Millions of dollars' worth of infrastructure, as well as livestock and homes that will wash up.
"As the water is starting to recede we're starting to see the boneyards of our communities and properties.
Ms Green is pushing for more government and military support.
"We need fuel, fodder, and supplies injected into our communities fast," she said.
- ABC
