General News
17 September, 2025
Residents reminded to be mindful of wet weather conditions
RECENT heavy downpours have resulted in significant amounts of fast-flowing water rushing into local systems.
Residents need to be mindful of their surroundings and heed any warning signs or barriers – these have been installed at dangerous locations in the interest of public safety.
If you are driving, be aware that there could be some flooding and subsequent road closures. More information on road closures can be found on the Cairns Disaster Dashboard (disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au).
Residents can also get an accurate picture of the flood status at various locations in the Cairns regions using Council’s flood cameras. Flood cameras can be accessed from Council’s website or from the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.
Council has also moved to close some recreational areas, including the swimming areas at Babinda Boulders and Crystal Cascades.
The areas will be closed temporarily until water levels drop and return to safe swimming levels.
Council will continue to regularly monitor the site in order to determine when it is safe to reopen the access points.
Avoid swollen waterways
With the catchment already saturated, any rainfall is likely to run off quickly and top up local waterways.
Swimming or playing in swollen river and creeks and flooded drains can be extremely dangerous.
People can be quickly swept away, be injured by debris or drown if they become trapped.
There is also the added danger of falling trees along riverbanks and areas that have been eroded by heavy rain and flowing water.
It is also important to note that flood water may also be contaminated by chemicals and sewerage.
Walking through floodwater can therefore present a risk to your health.
If it’s flooded, forget it
Motorists are being urged to be vigilant and take extra care on the road with the wet weather expected to continue for several days.
Some Cairns roads have been interrupted by flooding, including Russel River Bridge at Clyde Rd and Mulgrave River at The Fisheries continues at minor flooding today.
With continuing showers and the occasional storm expected, people in affected areas should monitor the situation and remember “If it’s flooded – forget it.”
Driving in flood water is dangerous.
In Queensland, driving into floodwater is the number one cause of flood-related deaths.
Even the most experienced drivers and high-set cars can lose control quickly when they enter floodwaters.
Water can destroy your vehicle’s motors and the electrics, and it can take as little as 15cm of water for a car to lose traction and be swept away.
Please report any issues with roads or drains via the My Cairns app or our customer service centre on 1300 69 22 47.
Stay informed
The situation is being closely watched by Disaster Management Unit at Cairns Regional Council.
Please keep up to date with BoM warnings and residents are urged to assess their risk, especially in respect to overland flooding associated with heavy rainstorms, which can cause gutters and waterways to overflow into yards and houses.
Sandbagging is an effective treatment to home inundation from overland flows.
For more information:
Visit BoM for more information and updates: www.bom.gov.au
Go to the Cairns Disaster Dashboard for all warnings: disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au
Listen to ABC Far North at 801AM, 95.5FM or 106.7FM.
Find out how to get ready for a flood at getready.qld.gov.au
