A week of relentless, torrential downpours has unleashed a new wave of major flooding across Queensland, triggering dramatic rescues, cutting off towns, and prompting a significant expansion of government disaster assistance. The severe weather event has also raised the alarming possibility of a tropical cyclone forming off the state's far north coast in the coming days.
Emergency Rescues and Isolated Communities
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded more than 200 millimetres of rainfall across parts of northern Queensland in the week leading up to Sunday. This deluge led to over a dozen separate flood events, creating dangerous conditions statewide.
In one of the most perilous operations, emergency services were forced to navigate crocodile-infested waters to reach and save seven people who became stranded on Hinchinbrook Island, north of Townsville.
Inland, communities have been severed from surrounding areas. The town of Winton in central Queensland was cut off after the nearby Western River surged to a major flood level of 3.51 metres on Sunday night, submerging key roads. Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White confirmed recovery operations are underway, even as the river continues to rise and threaten the town.
"I sincerely thank our Council team members and all responding agencies for their professionalism, commitment and tireless work over recent days," Mayor White stated. "Their efforts on the ground have been critical in supporting the community."
Major Warnings and Critical Safety Advice
Significant flood warnings remain current for the Western and Flinders Rivers, with flooding expected to move downstream towards Cloncurry and the Diamantina Shire. The BoM forecasts the Flinders River at Richmond will stay above 8 metres into Monday, while levels at Walkers Bend are predicted to keep rising well into the week.
Authorities have issued urgent safety directives for residents. "Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous," the Bureau warns. The public is advised to stay clear of flooded drains and waterways, obey all road closure signs, and avoid any travel on inundated roads.
Expanded Disaster Support and Cyclone Watch
In response to the extensive flooding over the Christmas period, both the federal and Queensland state governments announced a major expansion of disaster recovery payments on Sunday. Funding for essential public assets has been granted to the Burke, Cassowary Coast, Croydon, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Winton, and Yarrabah councils, with Townsville City Council receiving support for counter-disaster operations.
A $2 million Coordinated Emergency Support Package for North Queensland has been extended to help farmers in Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, and Richmond shires get feed to isolated livestock. Primary producers in several local government areas can also now access low-interest Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 and Essential Working Capital loans.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the support would ensure affected councils have the resources needed for recovery. "These monsoonal conditions have had a huge impact on communities, livestock, roads and infrastructure," McBain said.
Compounding the crisis, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of a moderate risk of a tropical cyclone developing off the far-north Queensland coast by the end of the week. A slow-moving low-pressure system is expected to form in the northern Coral Sea before potentially tracking towards the coast. The BoM currently rates the chance of cyclone development at 25 per cent, with strong winds likely if the system approaches.
"Residents along the north Queensland coast should monitor forecasts for updates," the bureau advised.
