Storm may scuttle return to Condamine

Residents of the tiny community of Condamine in southwest Queensland fear a severe
storm will dash hopes of their returning home on Thursday, a week after they were
flown by helicopter to safety amid devastating floods.
The town's entire population of 150 was ordered to evacuate last Thursday as the
Condamine River reached a record 14.25 metres.
Black Hawk helicopters were called in for a rapid response, ferrying locals to
nearby Miles and Dalby.
The waters swamped the town, inundating 42 of the 60 homes.
Nine businesses went under, as well as seven community facilities, including schools
and churches.
"The damage is extremely significant, it's as simple as that," Western Downs
Regional Mayor Ray Brown told AAP.
"On the scale of devastation, on a percentage, it's a massive impact."
Locals are now anxious to go home, to witness the destruction for themselves and
start picking up the pieces.
But a severe storm rolled over the area on Wednesday afternoon, closing highways
around the township.
Mr Brown said it was too early to tell if high-clearance vehicles would be able to
pass - if not, locals may have to continue to play the waiting game.
"It's extremely disappointing," Mr Brown said.
"I think they're very keen to get back.
"But, at this stage, it's still planned for tomorrow morning (Thursday) to try and
get residents on buses."
The buses will be part of a major convoy and residents will have to register with
the local disaster coordinating centre in Miles to get a spot, Mr Brown said.
Septic trucks will also be part of the convoy, as well as trucks carrying portable
toilets, food, water and fuel.
SES vehicles and fire trucks will also go to start the clean-up, as well as
electricians who will help return the town's electricity. Lifeline counsellors will
also offer assistance.
Queensland police will be manning all access to the town.
"There will no entry to the town apart from this convoy," Mr Brown said.
There will be a media black-out on the first day of return as residents want time to
express their emotions in privacy.
"They're coming back to something they might not like to see," Mr Brown said.