Impact of flood event

Financial impact

While the assessment of the full impact of the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper Flooding event on Council’s financial position continues, the latest estimates put the cost of the weather event at $131 million of which $102 million is expected to be recovered from external funding, resulting in a net cost to Council of $29 million.

Council continues to work closely and collaboratively with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to advocate for funding.

Damage

• The Barron River peaked at 4.4m, well above the 1977 record of 3.8m
• 6,800 cubic metres of water passed the river gauge at Myola every second at the height of flooding
• 2.2 metres of rainfall was recorded in the Cairns catchment
• Treated water supply fell to 3% (equating to two hours of normal consumption)
• 941 properties damaged by flood waters
• 100-metre temporary causeway built in five days to reconnect 55 isolated homes at Holloways Beach
• 1000 tonne of flood affected hard waste collected directly from homes
• 475 metres of water piping and 237 metres of sewer main replaced or installed