North West Qld councils responding to widespread flooding across the region
North West Queensland councils are actively responding to flooding caused by monsoonal rainfall over the past week.
Councils across the region have been preparing for the wet season and are now fully engaged in response operations as significant rainfall has resulted in flooding, widespread road closures, regional isolation and impacts to critical infrastructure.
Image: Carpentaria Shire Council flood camera at Brannigans Creek on the Karumba Development Road - 30/12/2025
North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) has welcomed the activation of Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) by the Albanese and Crisafulli governments for five impacted local government areas – Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond. The funding will support councils and their communities to response, clean-up and recovery activities, including emergency roadworks and repairs to essential public assets.
NWQROC Chair and Mayor of Etheridge Shire, Cr Barry Hughes, said councils are well prepared and working closely with state agencies to manage the situation.
Image: Carpentaria Shire Council flood camera at Brannigans Creek on the Karumba Development Road - 31/12/2025
“Local councils and their Local Disaster Management Groups are leading the response on the ground and are focused on the safety and wellbeing of their communities,” Cr Hughes said.
“While it’s still early days, we are hopeful that damage to infrastructure and livestock will be minimal as conditions begin to ease.”
“Floodwaters will take time to move through the catchment, and it will take several days before councils can fully assess impacts. The priority will be restoring roads, and essential infrastructure and services as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.
“Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor, the message is simple - if it’s flooded, forget it. People need to stay out of floodwaters, remain aware of conditions and please look out for one another,” Cr Hughes said.
“We acknowledge the significant efforts of emergency services and volunteers, including the Queensland State Emergency Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Police Service and other agencies supporting local responses across the region.
“We also thank Premier David Crisafulli for visiting the region to see firsthand the impacts of the flooding and response underway.”
Mayor of McKinlay Shire, Cr Janene Fegan, said councils are ready to move quickly into further recovery once conditions allow.
“Our councils are prepared to get to work once access is restored,” Cr Fegan said.
“Our focus will be on clean-up, repairs and supporting our communities through the recovery process.”
“We know it’s the wet season, and we do expect rainfall and roads to be cut at times, but it’s always a challenge to know just how these things will evolve. That’s why all of our councils put so much effort into planning, getting prepared and ensuring the Get Ready message is out in our communities.”
Cr Fegan said this significant event once again underlined the importance of continued investment in improving connectivity as well as flood monitoring infrastructure like the roadside gauges and cameras delivered through the Flood Warning Infrastructure Network program following the 2019 floods.
“As the rain and flooding unfolded, having this information at hand highlights just how critical essentials like flood cameras are to keep our communities and visitors informed and safe.
“Whether you’re sitting in your car or in a council office, it’s proved invaluable, providing real-time information to support safer travel decisions and more effective disaster response,” Cr Fegan said.
With many communities and properties set to have a soggy and isolated New Year, Cr Fegan stressed the emotional toll such events can bring, particularly for those who experienced the 2019 floods.
“Staying connected and looking after mental health is critical during times like this,” Cr Fegan said.
“Support is available for you, your family and business, and we encourage anyone who needs help to reach out.”
While some community New Year’s Eve celebrations planned by councils have been cancelled due to wet conditions, other communities such as Mornington Island are set to ring in the new year with fireworks and festivities.
NWQROC wishes all North West Queenslanders and visitors a safe and happy New Year.
For disaster recovery information and links to support services visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies
Media contact: Aleisha Domrow - 0423 116 865
