Prevention and Risks

Cyclones are intense tropical storms with powerful winds and heavy rain. Storm surges happen when strong winds and low pressure push seawater toward the coast, raising sea levels.

Local Risks:

Being on the coast means we are often in the path of tropical cyclones. We’ve seen the impacts first-hand with Cyclones Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011), which brought destructive winds and storm surges. These events can cause major damage to homes, roads, and the environment. 

What is a Storm Tide:

A storm tide is when a storm surge combines with the normal high tide, creating higher-than-usual sea levels. This can lead to severe coastal flooding.

Local Risks:

Low-lying coastal areas of the Cassowary Coast are especially at risk if a cyclone arrives at high tide. Storm tides are more dangerous than storm surges alone due to the added height of the tide.

Storm Tide Mapping

Floods occur when heavy rain causes rivers, creeks, or drains to overflow.

Local Risks:

The Cassowary Coast gets more rain than anywhere else in Queensland. Tully is known as Australia’s wettest town. During the wet season, heavy rain can cause river and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

Useful Links: 

Check your flood zone: Find Out if You Live in a Flood Prone Area – FloodInform Property Reports

Understanding Floods Bureau of Meteorology

Bushfires are fast-moving fires that spread through grasslands or forests, especially during dry and windy conditions.

Local Risks:

Although we receive a lot of rain, bushfires can still occur in the drier parts of the region or during dry years. Rural and forested areas are particularly at risk.

Useful Link:

Understanding Fire Weather Bureau of Meteorology

What is it?

A heatwave is a period of unusually hot weather that lasts for several days and can impact health, infrastructure, and the environment.

Local Risks:

Our tropical humidity makes hot days feel even hotter. Prolonged heat can affect vulnerable people, increase the risk of bushfires, and damage crops.

Useful link:

What is a Heatwave? Bureau of Meteorology

What is Coastal Erosion?

Coastal erosion occurs when waves, tides, and rising sea levels gradually wear away the shoreline. Over time, this natural process can reshape beaches and dunes.

Local Risks on the Cassowary Coast

Severe storms and rising seas are already changing our coastlines — impacting infrastructure, roads, and vital ecosystems.

Council is taking a proactive approach through the Cassowary Coast Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy(PDF, 13MB) , which includes:

• Sand replenishment works
•  Dune revegetation
•  Ongoing coastal surveys

These actions help protect our coast, safeguard community assets, and build resilience for the future.

Useful link:

What is Coastal Erosion? Geoscience Australia 

What is it?

Landslides occur when large amounts of soil, rock, or debris slide down a slope, often triggered by heavy rain or erosion.

Local Risks:

In steep and hilly parts of the region, intense rainfall—especially after cyclones—can trigger landslides that block roads and damage property.

Useful link:

Landslide – Queensland Government: Get Ready Queensland