Former One Nation candidate James Hansen identified as man found dead in floodwaters on Fraser Coast

A man found dead in floodwaters in Queensland’s southeast has been identified as a local dairy farmer and former Fraser Coast council member.

James Hansen, 57, was found unresponsive in floodwaters by police after they were called out to Smothering Creek at Boompa Rd, Boompa, West of Maryborough, shortly after 11am on Monday. He was declared dead by emergency crews a short time later.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Qld Councillor found in floods

The former Division 1 councillor served three terms on the Fraser Coast Regional Council, and ran as a One Nation candidate in the 2017 state election.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said he served alongside James for 12 years and acknowledged the “many years he gave to representing his community”.

“James served his community in many ways, including a term on the former Woocoo Shire Council from 2004 to 2008 and three terms on Fraser Coast Regional Council from 2012 to 2024,” he said. “As one of the region’s last dairy farmers, James had strong connections to our rural communities and was a passionate advocate for primary producers. He always stood up for his beliefs.

“My thoughts are with James’ family and friends as they come to terms with this sudden and tragic loss.

“On behalf of Council, I extend our sincere condolences to everyone mourning his passing.”

Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding Hansen’s death are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Earlier the same day, six campers were rescued after becoming trapped in rising floodwaters at Leyburn, near Toowoomba.

Three men, aged 71, 47 and 26, two women both aged 68, and another woman aged 26 were collected by swift water rescue teams after waking to find water surrounding their campsite on Tullamaville Rd.

On Monday night, a man was rushed to hospital in a stable condition after his car went into flood water at Talgai, north of Warwick, about 9.18pm.

It comes after torrential rain has persisted over large parts of the states south east in recent days, triggering flash flooding, road closures and major flood warnings.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 148mm of rain at Brooweena in just six hours, 139mm at Biggenden Rd near Munna Creek and 110mm at Fairies Knob.

Some areas across Queensland received more than 200mm in six hours.

A number of flood warnings remain current in Queensland, with the Mary River at Tiaro, near Maryborough, peaked at 11.14m on Sunday evening.

Major flood warnings for the Warrill Creek, near Ipswich, and a moderate flood warning for the Bremer River are also current.

Roads and bridges across the Wide Bay-Burnett region remain closed due to flooding, with authorities warning motorists not to drive through floodwaters.

Severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue into Tuesday across south east Queensland, with forecasters warned that the weather systems could also bring renewed flash flooding.

Storms remain possible for Wednesday across parts of south east Queensland, the Capricornia and up into the Central Highlands.