Outback Queensland welcomes rain; north coast fears flooding

Residents in the outback of Queensland are celebrating much-needed rain after a hot and dry summer. Stormy weather has brought heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 180 millimeters. Townsville saw the most rain, including 188 mm at Whites Creek. Some remote areas might receive an additional 150 mm of rain in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches across much of Queensland, with concerns for several river catchments. However, the mayor of Boulia, Rick Britton, remains optimistic. He believes that the rain is a welcome relief for drought-stricken areas. Britton stated that while there may be some flooding, residents are more concerned about drought than potential floods. Local cattle grazier Jack Neilson expressed joy at the rainfall, saying it was a dream come true for farmers. Many locals feel prepared for any significant impacts, having stocked up on supplies. However, not everyone is pleased. Jeff Bambrick, a pub owner in Kajabbi, was surprised by the amount of rain, saying it disrupted his business by isolating him from customers. The heavy storms are attributed to a slow-moving weather system near the Northern Territory border, affecting eastern Queensland as well. More rainfall is expected in the coming week.