Flood impacted north Queensland councils to receive disaster support

Townsville City Council and Burdekin Shire Council are the latest Queensland local governments to be activated for disaster assistance following heavy summer downpours.Flooding in the lower Burdekin and Haughton catchments followed sustained rain in the region late-December 2024. 

Rainfall totals in the Haughton catchment exceeded 300mm, while the Ayr region saw 200mm recorded in 36 hours.

Townsville was hit with its heaviest rains since 2009, with Townsville Airport recording more than 250mm between 19-24 December, a 346mm deluge drenching Toolakea, and surrounding pockets receiving more than 200mm.

With localised flooding along the Bohle River and Bluewater Creek, an emergency alert was issued late on 20 December 2024.

SES crews conducted sandbagging operations in the Burdekin Shire Council area where flooding isolated outer lying suburbs including Giru, Jerona, Jarvisfield, and Rita Island.  

Stormwater caused several wastewater overflows in Townsville, and floodwater significantly damaged several key roads in both council areas, temporarily closing some routes.

After water levels receded, council and SES crews completed emergency repairs to reopen affected roads. 

The Australian and Queensland Governments have activated disaster assistance for Townsville City and Burdekin Shire Councils through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

This latest DRFA activation follows recent activations for several councils throughout the south-west and Wide Bay-Burnett also affected by severe storms and flooding during November and December 2024.

DRFA assistance allows councils to focus on their response and recovery efforts, helping impacted communities recover sooner.

Councils can cover expenses for emergency repairs and the reconstruction of essential public assets like roads and bridges, and also claim the costs of counter disaster operations undertaken in the immediate aftermath of a disaster event.

Further details on disaster assistance can be found via the Queensland Reconstruction Authority website and the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website.