North-west Queensland's New Year's celebrations were dampened by heavy rain and lingering floodwaters, with some residents and travelers stranded in unexpected locations. Mark Boreham, one of the stranded motorists, found himself in the central west town of Winton, celebrating the new year in an impromptu holiday. The town's population, however, was happy to welcome the unexpected visitors, with the local pub bustling with activity. Meanwhile, in the tiny Gulf town of Gregory, the expected New Year's revellers never arrived due to road closures, but the community made the most of the situation by inviting nearby station owners for a drink. The flooding is expected to linger for weeks, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting slow-moving flood warnings and a significant amount of water on the ground. A tragic reminder of the dangers of flooding came when a man in his 70s was found dead in a submerged vehicle at Normanton. The heavy rainfall has also impacted livestock, with graziers taking choppers to check on their cattle. Despite the concerns, some graziers like Kimberley Wilson remain hopeful that the impact on their cattle will be minimal. The tropical communities along the coast have also been affected by the heavy rainfall, with vital highways cut off and crops flooded. However, some residents like Tennison Auld have found ways to enjoy the wet season, even if it means fishing in less-than-ideal conditions.
