Sapphire Gemfields News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Premium Content Subscriber only A handful of Gemfields residents have shared their stories and experiences from the recent major flood, which left many families stranded. On March 17, fast-moving flood waters swept across the Gemfields following the rapid rise of Retreat Creek in the early hours of the morning. More than 200mm of rain fell in the catchment surrounding the tourist area of Sapphire Gemfields and Retreat Creek, between the Capricorn Highway and the town of Sapphire, peaked at 9.8 metres. Following the flood event, many community members raised concerns that while the warning si...

The couple’s property backs on to Retreat Creek, which they watched rise rapidly throughout the morning. “We’re stranded and we can’t go anywhere except up Graves Hill,” she said. “It’s a little scary. We could be in trouble but we’re prepared to evacuate.” Mrs Willcott said she woke at midnight to pouring rain, thunder and lightning. The rain gauge was already full at 130mm when she checked it at 3am on Wednesday, March 17. Retreat Creek floods mining claim at the Gemfields: Sandy Willcott captured the footage from her mining claim at G...

Premium Content There is a silver lining to the Sapphire floods – rain means good fossicking. More than 200mm fell in the small township of Sapphire west of Emerald on Wednesday morning. Sapphire Caravan and Cabin Park owner Victoria Bentham was woken by the sound of the heavy rain and when she checked her phone, she was shocked to see all of the emergency warnings. Warning sirens were activated in Rubyvale but did not deploy in Sapphire, due to suspected technology complications. “We just heard the rain but we didn’t realise it was as bad as it was until we saw it,” she...

Premium Content Subscriber only A syringe with blood inside, marijuana capsule and methamphetamines were just a few things police found after executing a search warrant at a home in Sapphire Central. Stephanie Lee Mackay, 28, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 7 to two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of fail to properly dispose of needle and syringe and possess utensils or pipes that had been used. Police prosecutor Julie Marsden said police executed a search warrant at an address in Sapphire Central at 11.25am on November 6, 2020. Ms Marsden s...