ONE YEAR ON
From late January through to February 2025, authorities issued frequent warnings to residents across the Hinchinbrook Shire, providing updates through the official Hinchinbrook Disaster Information Dashboard as weather conditions intensified.
On 30 January, the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group (HLDMG) convened to assess the developing system and resolved to commence preliminary preparations in anticipation of potential flooding.
“Whilst there still remains some uncertainty as to the movements of the present low, what is certain is that the Hinchinbrook district can expect a fair bit of rain one way or the other, both in the lower and upper catchment areas,” HLDMG Chair and Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said at the time.
“Given the amount of rain that we have experienced over the past few days, our drainage systems are at capacity, so it is reasonable to expect that some flooding will occur throughout the district, or in parts of our district at least.”
HLDMG advised residents there was a 25 to 35 per cent chance of a tropical cyclone developing in the Coral Sea or Gulf of Carpentaria, while also warning that tides were forecast to reach the highest astronomical levels along much of the Queensland coastline. As a precaution, sandbags were made available in Halifax, Cordelia, Taylors Beach and Ingham, with residents urged to monitor official updates closely.
On Saturday, 1 February, Hinchinbrook Disaster Information confirmed heavy to locally intense rainfall was expected to continue, with warnings issued for potentially dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds across the region. Power outages were also reported in Halifax and Taylors Beach, with Ergon Energy crews dispatched to affected areas.
Later that afternoon, a fifth major flood warning was issued for the Herbert River, advising residents in Halifax, Gairloch, Ingham, Abergowrie and Glenegle of escalating flood conditions. At the time, major flooding was occurring along the river to Nash’s Crossing, with forecasts indicating river levels would exceed 14 metres at downstream gauges overnight.
A severe weather warning remained in place across the Herbert and Lower Burdekin regions, as well as parts of the North Tropical Coast, Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders districts.
On 7 February, Queensland Police Service, supported by Defence Australia, delivered essential supplies to isolated residents in Ingham via Chinook helicopters. Queensland Ambulance Service crews also confirmed they were well positioned to support flood-affected communities.
Additional major flood warnings were issued throughout early February as river levels fluctuated. On 11 February, Ergon Energy crews replaced a damaged transformer pole on Abergowrie Road, restoring power to more than 300 residents across surrounding localities. Further works continued as water levels receded across other affected catchments.
Emergency alerts were issued on 12 February for areas between Lannercost, Lucinda, Taylors Beach and Ingham as floodwaters rose again, with residents urged to remain vigilant and prepared.
In the days that followed, Transport and Main Roads Queensland confirmed the staged reopening of flood-affected roadways, including Ollera Creek Bridge on 12 February, Gairloch and the Seymour River route on 14 February, and Anabranch Bridge on 15 February.
In the aftermath of the disaster and throughout the year that followed, extensive recovery programs and financial assistance were made available to homeowners, small businesses, primary producers and community organisations. Hinchinbrook Shire Council worked closely with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and State Government agencies to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Residents were encouraged to access Community Recovery Hubs across the shire or contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for assistance with grants and support services.
“We know it’s been tough for everyone, but we’re tougher than what the weather has thrown at us,” Mayor Jayo said.
One year on, the 2025 floods remain etched in the history of the Hinchinbrook Shire as a once-in-a-generation event that tested the region in unprecedented ways. Yet from the devastation emerged a community defined not by what was lost, but by its resilience, standing as living proof that while the weather pushed the region to its limits, it never broke it. The strength, compassion and determination of its residents continue to inspire, leaving a legacy of endurance that will shape the shire for generations to come.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this event and may be feeling distressed, support is available. Readers are encouraged to contact Lifeline’s Community Recovery Lifeline Hotline on 1800 116 671 to speak confidentially with a trained disaster counsellor, available 24 hours a day.
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