Good news yesterday greeted many locals in the small Southern Queensland town of St George following severe flooding in the town.

Authorities were given the go-ahead for evacuated residents to return to St George. 
Many have been staying in emergency accommodation in Dalby and Brisbane during the town’s flood crisis but with water levels dropping, the bridge has been reopened and problems with the sewerage system have been fixed.

Mayor Donna Stewart said a convoy of buses took the residents home late yesterday.

About 2,000 of the town’s residents left on Sunday under the threat of a potentially catastrophic flood, but the Balonne River peaked about a metre below the highest forecast.The level of the river is now falling slowly.

Premier Anna Bligh says it has been a long, hard week for St George residents.”I just think they’ve shown terrific guts and a lot of spirit,” she said.

Extra Army, police and SES personnel have been in the town to manage the return home. 

Both La Nina sumeers have had a big impact on Southern Queensland over the last couple of years with flooding rains and at times strong winds and forecasters and residents  are hoping for a more neutral season next summer.

WeatherWatch.co.nz and Weatherzone