Jindalee, the river and the motorway
One of the Centenary suburbs
Planning began in 1959, Queensland's centenary year, and building started in 1960 on old grazing and dairy land. West of the motorway it's mostly houses; east of it are two large shopping centres and a newer townhouse estate running down to the river.
1974 and 2011
In 1974 floodwater went through many houses, and a gravel barge rammed the Centenary Bridge, leaving it one lane for two years. The 2011 floods badly affected the suburb as well, so it's worth knowing what to do if the water comes up again.
Buses at peak times
There's no railway, and most of the bus routes through Jindalee run only at peak hour or on weekdays. Outside those times, getting around is mostly down to the car.
A boat ramp on the river
A riverside park on the north-western edge has a boat ramp. If your car tows a boat down to it, RACV counts towing among the reasons a car may need servicing more often.
If your car has been in floodwater
Leave the key out
Don't try to start it. RACQ says cranking a flooded engine can draw water in and lock it, bending rods and valves.
Hybrids and EVs need extra care
RACQ warns that a flooded hybrid or electric car shouldn't be started at all because of the risk of fire or electrocution. Have it towed, and tell the tow operator it's been in water.
Get it inspected
Water can contaminate the fuel and the oil, and rust can get into moving engine parts. If water reached the engine, RACQ says it should be dismantled and inspected.
Call your insurer
If the car is insured, ring the insurer before any work starts. If it isn't, RACQ's advice is to contact your mechanic.
What we'd do
Never drive into floodwater, however shallow it looks. If a car's been sitting in it anyway, we'd leave it exactly where it is and have it towed. For everyday driving in Jindalee, a battery test before summer and a service on the maker's schedule look after most of the rest.