Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
In the extremely unlikely event that Copperlode Falls Dam fails, it is important that people living in the Redlynch Valley and surrounding areas know what to do. Copperlode Falls Dam is the main supply of water for the Cairns Region. In an emergency dam failure situation, everyone has a responsibility for their own safety.
Council tests the emergency sirens once a year and, as the owner of Copperlode Falls Dam, has a legislative requirement to maintain an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The Copperlode Falls Dam EAP explains roles and responsibilities, communication procedures and dam specific emergency scenarios including how people who live immediately downstream of the dam will be told about a dam emergency.
Copperlode Dam Evacuation Guides
Council’s Evacuation Guide explains how the early warning system works, maps the ‘red zones’ that are immediately downstream from the dam and evacuation points, and provides information about emergency alert services.
Residents and business owners should use this guide to prepare, share and practise their own emergency evacuation plan by following these five key steps:
- Learn about the early warning system and the siren sounds
- Find out if you live in a ‘red zone’ immediately downstream from the dam
- Know your nearest evacuation assembly point
- Plot the fastest clear route to the evacuation assembly point
- Understand that you must walk (not drive) in the event of an evacuation.
Early warning system
The Early Warning system uses the latest technology and a wide range of communication tools to deliver real-time alerts to residents and visitors in the unlikely event of dam failure.
One of the key components of the system is the nine siren towers – also known as Outdoor Warning Stations, which are positioned throughout the Redlynch Valley from Crystal Cascades to Brinsmead. The outdoor warning station sirens transmit automated warning signals and pre-recorded voice messages via speakers mounted to towers.
Messages and warnings are also conveyed in an emergency via text message, phone calls, radio broadcasting, and social media messaging. Cairns Alert is one of several text message alert systems used and requires residents to ‘opt-in’. Visit the Cairns Disaster Dashboard or Council’s website to opt into Cairns Alert
Frequently asked questions
The likelihood of a dam failure is extremely low. Council has measures in place to ensure the integrity of the dam including detailed monitoring and inspection procedures and ongoing maintenance programs. This evacuation guide relates only to an unforeseen non-weather event that results in dam failure
When the Outdoor Warning Stations are activated, there is a voice recording advising that this is a test only. This is followed by the activation of the siren.
The likelihood of a dam failure is extremely low, but the consequences could be severed across a large area from Crystal Cascades through the Redlynch Valley to Freshwater and Brinsmead, as well as some pockets in Kamerunga, Caravonica, and Barron. It is extremely important that if you live in the identified red zone, you and your household understand the potential risk and know what to do if an evacuation is ordered, and most importantly know where to go.
People with disabilities and elderly residents who live in the red zone are responsible for their own evacuation and should prepare a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
The sirens will alert residents and visitors in the area to evacuate only when a dam failure is imminent or has occurred. The safest thing to do on hearing the sirens is to take immediate action and move on foot to a previously identified assembly point on higher ground away from the red zone.
Cairns Regional Council uses several text message alert systems in the case of an emergency.
‘Cairns Alert’ is Council’s communication platform to issue alerts and warnings via SMS, email and voice. Resident details are obtained from the Council rates database for emergency alerts.
Residents can also opt in to the ‘Cairns Alert’ system for information about local disasters, and emergency events. These alerts are official communication from the Local Disaster Management Group.
Warning SMS messages may also be received via the National Emergency Alert System. You do not need to subscribe to this service.
Cairns Regional Council also provides the Cairns Disaster Management Dashboard, which provides disaster news and intelligence via the internet.
As the owner of Copperlode Falls Dam, Cairns Regional Council (Council) has a legal obligation to have an Emergency Action Plan.
This Plan explains the roles, responsibilities and communication procedures used in a dam specific emergency. The plan also identifies the areas and people most at risk. Council’s priority is always focused on the safety of our community and our visitors.
Be aware loud noises can scare your pets. You can help keep them safe by:
- Securing your home and yard so they can’t escape
- Bringing them inside so they can get comfort from being near family members
- Leaving them with a friend or family member in another area of the city for the day
- Booking your dog into doggy daycare for the day
Last Updated: 9 December 2025
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