Disaster management in Queensland is led locally so that decisions reflect what communities need. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) supports councils and communities before, during and after disasters through planning, training and coordination.

Before the 2024-25 higher risk weather season, QPS worked with local councils, state agencies and community groups to build local skills and readiness. This included helping update disaster plans, providing training, and running practice exercises at local, district and state levels.

In December 2024, AFAC and the Bureau of Meteorology warned that early 2025 was likely to bring very hot conditions, heatwaves and above‑average rainfall across much of Queensland. Warmer ocean temperatures also increased the risk of severe tropical systems. Queensland’s disaster management arrangements were activated in response to the North and Far North Queensland Tropical Low event in early 2025.

What happened?

Between 27 January and 12 February 2025, two tropical lows (known as 13U and 20U) and an active monsoon trough caused days of heavy rainfall across northern Queensland.

Communities between Cairns and Proserpine prepared for intense rain and flash flooding. Flooding risks were made worse by very high tides along the coast during this time.

Extremely high rainfall was recorded in several locations. Paluma Ivy Cottage, in the upper Burdekin catchment, recorded 2,984.8 mm of rain over the event period. Many rivers reached major flood levels, including the Bohle, Ross, Haughton, Herbert, Burdekin, Flinders, Murray and Johnstone rivers. Flood levels were close to historic peaks at places such as Ingham, Giru and Mt Bohle.

Major roads and highways along the North Tropical Coast were closed for long periods. Homes, businesses and critical infrastructure were damaged, including the Ollera Creek Bridge north of Townsville.

Although no tropical cyclone formed, the long‑lasting rainfall fell on already wet ground. Some areas recorded more than one metre of rain in February, including near Townsville Airport. Severe flooding occurred in several river catchments, particularly the Herbert River at Ingham, Haughton River at Giru, and Burdekin River at Sellheim.

Preparedness 

Several state agencies moved resources into high‑risk areas before the heaviest rain began. This included:

• vehicles and heavy equipment
• generators and mobile communications equipment
• supplies such as fuel and water
• specialist staff, including emergency crews, power workers and telecommunications technicians

Hospitals in at‑risk areas reviewed their patient lists and contacted people who might need extra help, including dialysis and maternity patients.

State level working groups were also set up before the wet season. These brought together emergency services, government agencies and industry groups to improve coordination and response planning.

Response

Two Disaster Declarations were issued for the Innisfail and Townsville disaster districts under Queensland legislation.

The State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC) operated from 31 January to 17 February (18 days). During this time, 218 staff from 13 organisations worked together. Extra meteorologists, government agencies and non‑government organisations supported operations.

Local councils were responsible for issuing warnings and public information. During the event:

• 119 official warnings were published by 12 local governments
• 27 emergency alerts were issued by 7 local governments

Messages were written in clear language and coordinated across agencies. Lessons from this event later helped improve warning messages during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Impact and consequences

There were two deaths linked to the flooding, both in separate incidents in the community of Ingham.

A major health impact was a rise in melioidosis in flooded areas. Reporting in the event material notes 237 cases and 35 deaths up to July 2025.

The event caused widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. More than 500 properties had severe or moderate damage, and around 33,000 households were without power by the second day.

Transport disruption was widespread. About 7,885 km of roads were closed or had restricted access, including parts of the Bruce Highway, and the North Coast and Mount Isa rail lines were temporarily closed due to damage. Road closures also slowed power and telecommunications repairs, and some water and sewage treatment plants were disrupted.

Environmental impacts included large amounts of debris, sediment and contaminants moving downriver. Primary industries were heavily affected, with estimated damage of over $800 million, including major impacts to sugarcane areas (notably around Giru) and other farming and fishing industries.

Transport and supply impacts

The event exposed weaknesses in Queensland’s transport and supply networks. Major roads, including the Bruce Highway and Gregory Developmental Road, were closed for long periods.

On 2 February, floodwaters washed away the Ollera Creek Bridge, cutting the main road link between Townsville and Cairns. The alternate inland route added more than 10 hours of travel time, and was also affected by flooding. As a result, supply chains to Far North Queensland were severely disrupted, including deliveries to Cape York communities.

Local disaster groups provided food, water and hygiene supplies to people stranded in remote areas, including truck drivers.

Helicopters were used to resupply isolated towns such as Ingham and Halifax when weather allowed. A rail bus carried essential supplies across a nearby rail bridge, while the Australian Defence Force and Queensland agencies built a temporary road bridge on 6 February. The permanent bridge reopened on 10 February, with emergency vehicles and freight trucks given priority access.

This response showed the importance of local, state and federal agencies working together.

Impact and consequences

Fatalities and health

• Two people died in separate flood‑related incidents in Ingham
• Flooding led to a rise in melioidosis, a soil‑borne disease
• By July 2025, 237 cases and 35 deaths had been reported across affected areas

Damage

• Widespread damage occurred to homes, businesses, roads, rail, utilities and community facilities
• More than 500 properties suffered moderate to severe damage
• Around 33,000 households lost power within the first two days

Infrastructure

• About 7,885 km of roads were closed or had restricted access
• Parts of the Bruce Highway were closed
• The North Coast and Mount Isa rail lines were temporarily shut
• Flooding affected water and sewage treatment plants, making power restoration a high priority

Economic and environmental impacts

• Large amounts of debris, mud and contaminants flowed downstream
• Damage to agriculture and fishing industries is estimated at over $800 million
• Sugarcane regions, especially around Giru, were badly affected
• Farmers reported damage to crops, pasture, farm roads, fences and machinery
• Ongoing wet conditions and transport delays continued to affect producers for months

Relief and recovery

The Australian and Queensland governments activated the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for this event.

• 40 local government areas received assistance for emergency response and rebuilding public assets
• 10 LGAs received help through loans and grants for primary producers, small businesses and essential capital works
• Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) was made available across many affected LGAs
• The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGRDP) was available in parts of six LGAs, including Hinchinbrook and Townsville

Recovery efforts focused on helping communities clean up, reopen businesses, restore essential services and rebuild safely.

PLEASE NOTE 

Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reporting combines losses from the February 2025 North Queensland floods with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and does not separate a standalone total for this event.

ICA data indicates approximately 11,000 insurance claims totalling about $230–250 million relating to the North Queensland floods, but this figure is claims-based, not a confirmed final insured loss, and is reported alongside other events. Read more here on the ICA webpage 2025 extreme weather costs reach $1.5 billion - Insurance Council of Australia