Cairns Regional Council is legally required under the Water Supply (Safety & Reliability) Act 2008 to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for each of its referable dams.

Council owns three referable dams:

  • Copperlode Falls Dam (Lamb Range)
  • Moody Creek Detention Basins 1 and 1A (Kanimbla)
  • McKinnon Creek Detention Basin (Edmonton)

An EAP sets out the steps Council and emergency services will take is a dam-related emergency occurs. It identifies possible dam hazards, shows which areas may be affected by each hazard, and guides the coordinated emergency response.

To support community safety, Council has also developed:

  • an Evacuation Guide for residents in the Red Zone of Copperlode Falls Dam
  • Emergency Flood Information Guides for residents in the Hazard Zones for Moody Creek and McKinnon Creek Detention Basins

These guides explain what actions community members should take to stay safe in the event of a dam-related emergency.

You can access each EAP, digital copies of the Evacuation and Emergency Flood Information Guides, and an interactive map to check if your property is in an affected area on the pages linked below.

Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan

As the Copperlode Falls Dam owner, Council is required under Queensland law to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

Moody Creek Detention Basin spillway looking towards Manunda

Detention Basin Emergency Action Plans

As the owner of two stormwater detention basins (Moody Creek and McKinnon Creek), Council is required under Queensland law to have Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).

Last Updated: 31 March 2026

Latest News > All News

What's happening in your suburb this month?

Friendlier and safer community spaces, coastal protection and smart water meter upgrades are being delivered across the Cairns region....

Council Projects & Services
22 October 2026

2027 Australia Day Awards nominations open

Every year, Cairns Regional Council recognises how important it is to acknowledge the people around you who are making a...

General Updates
22 October 2026

Young innovators lead the way on sustainability

Cairns' next generation of environmental leaders have presented innovative sustainability projects directly to Councillors, showcasing practical solutions to challenges ranging...

Environment & Sustainability
20 October 2026