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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 siren at Rubyvale went off, the one located at Sapphire failed to, which Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes told