It was the night before Christmas and all the region wanted was rain, and this time Santa delivered.
Over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Canungra, Beechmont, Lower Beechmont and Tamborine Village reported falls of up to 70mm.
Illinbah resident, Julie Hughes, said they had over 70mm.
“We have four tanks three-quarters full, the big one is about half full. Thankful for answered prayer,” said Julie.
At Sarabah, Virginia Duncan said they had 40mm, and over 50 in town.
“A real Christmas blessing,” she said.
Illinbah resident, Maxine White said it was the best Christmas Eve and morning possible.
“Thunder, rain … the cracks in the dirt are wet this morning. We have mud! Not enough to revive the creek but enough to grow some pick for the cows. We are feeling so very grateful this morning,” she said.
The rainfall was also enough to provide some much needed flow in Canungra Creek.
The rainfall and cooler temperatures also enticed tourists back to Canungra. Paula Nihot and her family travelled from Southport to enjoy some family time at Canungra Creek.
“It looks so green after the rain and it is great for the kids to be able to enjoy the Creek,” said Paula.
More Rain Desperately Needed
Not all residents were so fortunate, with some buying water days after the rainfall.
More rain is needed throughout the region and further water restrictions will come into place for Scenic Rim towns on 5th January. Water restrictions remain in place for Canungra township and further significant rainfall will be needed before the water treatment plant can be reopened.
Ray Hickson, who records the Wonglepong rainfall for Canungra Times, provided rainfall averages for the past 21 years, against rainfall from 2019. The total rainfall for 2019 in Wonglepong was 669.5mm, the average over the past 21 years was 1,169mm.
These figures include 2002 when Canungra Creek last stopped flowing. At that time, Canungra was on water restrictions for several months prior to having water tankered in to fill the Appel Street reservoir.
