Community Update: Flood Recovery in Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook

Published on 28 March 2025

We understand the significant impact that the recent flooding has had on the Cardwell community. We want to inform the community and provide you with an update on key areas of interest regarding recovery efforts.

What Council Has Done: Immediate Disaster Response and Recovery

• Completed over $1 million in immediate disaster response and recovery operations.
• Conducted initial damage assessments, estimating over $15 million in damage to drainage and transport infrastructure.
• Worked with contractors Haslin Construction to restore operations at the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant
• Awarded a Contract to AMA for Debris Removal from One Mile Creek and the Commercial Basin
• Following enforcement action under the planning Act 2016 Council has received consent to make safe the cabins situated in Port Hinchinbrook
• Funding has been secured under the Community Relief Fund, jointly supported by the Australian and Queensland governments.

What Council Is Continuing to Do: Drainage and Infrastructure Recovery

• Submitting funding applications for future reconstruction of essential public assets.
• Reviewing Cardwell’s drainage system to assess improvements and mitigation strategies, including levee height adjustments and increased culvert capacity.
• Collaborating with multiple stakeholders, including Queensland Rail, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and private landowners, to address drainage challenges that are not on Council land.
• Continuing to advocate for Betterment funding to implement flood mitigation improvements at the Port Hinchinbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant.
• The removal of debris and hazardous materials from One Mile Creek will be undertaken in April, ensuring safer navigation.
• One lane of the the Port Hinchinbrook Boat Ramp will be closed until the end of April for AMA to undertake the debris cleaning.
• Engaged Girringun Rangers to undertake a cleanup of small flood related debris that have been displaced by the flooding event.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed as recovery efforts progress. We appreciate your patience and resilience as we work together to restore Cardwell.