This report is for Travellers Auto Barn clients, Agents and concerned families of clients.

****NEXT 2 DAYS, DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO STAY SOUTH OF GRAFTON (NSW) AND NORTH OF AIRLIE BEACH****

******NEXT 24 HOURS AVOID DRIVING IN THE BRISBANE – SUNSHINE COAST AREA****************************

******REMEMBER IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS********************

Dramatic reports, images and video overnight of serious flash flooding in Toowoomba. The media is in frenzy and the headlines are frightening and tragic.

We think it’s important to counter the mainstream media message with some advice that hopefully will provide some comfort to our customers, agents and concerned families and friends.

The main focus or all updates have always been the road closures that affect the Bruce Highway, the main North – South route between Cairns and Brisbane and we would like to ask all readers to continue to stay focussed on this issue and not become overly concerned with the broader flood issues affecting other parts of QLD …and now NSW

Apart from those locals directly affected by the floods, homeowners, business owners and farmers we must not forget those regions well North of the flood affected areas that rely on Tourism for their livelihood. Most international readers might have the impression that all of QLD is flooded. That is not the case. Reports of an area the size of Germany and France together being flooded are true but 90% of that area is inland rural Queensland. The Prime Tourist destinations North of Rockhampton all remain flood free and OPEN FOR BUSINESS

FLASH FLOODS in TOOWOOMBA

The flash floods in Toowoomba, were a freak event, they were tragic and our deepest sympathies to all those affected. However from TAB customer’s perspective, these flash floods are over, they occurred in an area not heavily frequented by Travellers. The flash floods in Toowoomba are over and will not have any further impact of our drivers

BRISBANE AREA FLOODING

Heavy rain in the Brisbane area today, combined with a lot of water heading down the Lockyer River will see some areas of Brisbane Flooded today on the high tide and again tomorrow on the high tide.

ADVICE: Avoid the Brisbane area for the next 1-2 days. Because Brisbane is at the mouth of the river most of the flood waters will run out to sea quickly. Road closures in the Brisbane area are not expected to cause significant disruption to travel plans of TAB drivers. If you due to return your vehicle to Brisbane in the next 2-3 days please call us on 1800 674 374 or email info@travellers-autobarn.com.au and we’ll help you work out a plan.

MARYBOROUGH / HERVEY BAY

Gympie is cut off in both directions, and as we said in yesterday’s update this is not a major issue as we expect the roads in this area to be open before the Rockhampton Gladstone area. Hervey Bay was cut off last week for 1-2 days, so it’s bit of Déjà vu.

ROCKHAMPTON / GLADSTONE

The Biblical floods in this area of almost a week ago remain the biggest obstacle and inconvenience to TAB customers. Until the huge body of water around Rockhampton recedes the Bruce Highway will remain closed. The good news is despite all the dramatic headlines and current events around Brisbane, the waters around Rockhampton are going down and the rain has eased and the sun is coming out!!

BYRON BAY and NORTHERN NSW

Grafton has now been touched by floods due to the continued rainfall, and the Pacific Highway – the main North South route between Sydney and Brisbane has been cut. We do not expect the road closure to have a significant impact on our drivers as it should open again in 24-48hrs max.

CAIRNS / AIRLIE BEACH / TOWNSVILLE / CAPE TRIBULATION / MISSION BEACH / MAGNETIC ISLAND

Hot, sunny and desperate to please

QLD Police Facebook site

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/QueenslandPolice

If you would like information regarding changing your pick up or drop off location please read the Queensland Flood update Jan 10^th

Please refer to the previous Travellers Auto Barn Blog www.travellers-autobarn.com.au/dev/wordpress for previous posts for further helpful advice

Once again it must be said the patience and understanding of all our customers has been remarkable. Our focus remains prioritising assistance according to need.

While it must seem that all of Australia is under water and the floods just keep coming….stay calm….it’s going to be alright….soon.

Never thought I’d say this but Melbourne is the place to be right now!!!

Drive carefully,

TAB Team