Cassowary Coast Leans Forward due to flood, tropical low risk
Published on 07 January 2026
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
The Cassowary Coast Local Disaster Management Group today moved to Lean Forward as the Bureau of Meteorology warns of flood risk associated with a tropical low across North Queensland, including for the Cassowary Coast.
A renewed period of heavy to locally intense rain will occur about the tropical east coast from later this week and is expected to continue into the weekend.
The Cassowary Coast is expecting continued and increasingly heavy rainfall across the region over the next few days, influenced by a tropical low offshore that has a moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.
With the ground already saturated, further heavy rainfall will increase the risk of dangerous flash flooding later this week and over the weekend. A Flood Watch is current for parts of the North Tropical Coast.
Locally damaging wind gusts, in excess of 90km/h, may develop during Friday and Saturday along the tropical east coast of Queensland, depending on the movement and development of the tropical low.
The community should monitor conditions closely, stay informed, and be prepared.
Self-service sandbags are available in locations across the region:
- CARDWELL: SES, Gregory Street, Cardwell
- INNISFAIL: Leichhardt Street, Goondi Bend (Footy field top area)
- MISSION BEACH: Frogs Hollow, South Mission Beach
- MOURILYAN: Mill Road, Mourilyan (Old Mill)
- SILKWOOD: Cnr Cassar Road & Margaret Street, Silkwood (behind the old SES shed)
- TULLY: Tully SES, 3 Murray Street, Tully
- TULLY HEADS: Tully Heads SES Shed, Acacia Close (next to community hall)
Residents are reminded to bring their own shovel. If residents are unable to do their own sandbags, or supplies have run out, please call 132 500 for SES assistance.
Residents should check the Council’s flood maps to understand their flood risk and to prepare. The flood maps are available through the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard.
Roads can deteriorate quickly, and water can appear over roads with little warning. If it’s flooded, forget it. Avoid unnecessary travel, check conditions before heading out, and drive safely and to the conditions.
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council and the Local Disaster Management Group are prepared and working together to prioritise community safety.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Teresa Millwood:
“The Cassowary Coast LDMG has moved to Lean Forward status to allow formal precautionary measures to be put in place to deal with the likely impact of heavy rain and flash flooding.”
“With catchments already wet, further heavy and locally intense rain will increase the risk of flash flooding.”
“Please review your emergency plan; have your emergency kit ready with enough water, medications, baby formula, food, pet supplies, batteries, and your important documents; and be prepared to leave if required.”
“Stay informed, look out for one another, take care on the roads, and keep checking the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard https://disaster.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au for updates.”
“I want to thank our community for being so prepared. Weather like this is something we face almost every year, and being ready makes a real difference.”
“Some of our residents have already been impacted by recent weather, and we know how challenging that can be. We are actively supporting these residents to ensure they are connected to available assistance.”
“Any residents who are experiencing drainage issues or safety concerns, or would like to report an issue, please contact the Council. You can report an issue online at www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au, call 1300 763 903, or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au”
Video: Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Mayor Teresa Millwood announces that the Cassowary Coast Local Disaster Management Group has moved to Lean Forward
More information
If it’s flooded – forget it:
- Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater – it’s dangerous.
- Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
- Obey road closure signs and plan ahead to avoid driving on flooded roads.
If you live in a flood-prone area:
- Know where you’ll go if you need to evacuate.
- Pack your car early and fill up the tank.
- Move valuables to higher ground.
Stay informed and be prepared
The situation can change quickly, so it’s important to stay informed.
- Visit the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard for the latest weather warnings, road closures, power outages, rainfall and river height information, weather observations, and emergency news
- Follow the Cassowary Coast Regional Council on Facebook.
- Know your property’s flood risk.
- Check the ABC and local media for updates. The frequencies are 630 AM for Cardwell, 95.7 FM for Innisfail, 89.3 FM for Mission Beach, and 95.5 FM for Tully. Live streaming is available through www.abc.net.au/northqld/live and www.abc.net.au/farnorth/live
- Get Ready Queensland has resources to help residents make an emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit.
- For the latest flood and weather warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s website www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts and for the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
- For road alerts and closures, visit QLD Traffic.