Queensland rallies after monsoon and TC Koji swamp the north

30 January 2026

Once again, a significant weather event has devastated communities, families, primary producers and businesses in north, west, and central Queensland.

The North Queensland Monsoon Trough, which began on Christmas Eve and brought Tropical Cyclone Koji in its wake, has severely impacted communities across north, west, and central Queensland.

Record-breaking floods have inundated homes, displaced families, and dealt a devastating blow to primary producers and small and family businesses.

Graziers have suffered significant livestock losses estimated to exceed 100,000 head and vast paddocks have been transformed into an inland sea. Entire road networks have been cut, leaving communities isolated and vulnerable.

In response to the latest disaster to hit our state, the Queensland Government has acted swiftly to activate the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to deliver vital support to flood-affected regions.

45 local councils are receiving financial assistance for activities including emergency road repairs, sandbagging, and reconstruction works.

Personal Hardship Assistance has been rolled out to eligible residents in areas like Carpentaria, Cassowary Coast, Etheridge, Flinders, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay, McKinlay, Richmond, Whitsunday, and Winton.

To date, more than $450,000 has already been distributed to almost 2,300 people, enabling access to essential items like food, clothing, and medicine.

Residents can check eligibility at www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Targeted support totalling over $66 million is also being deployed to rebuild livelihoods in primary production, small businesses, and mental health services.

Grants of up to $75,000 help primary producers with essential recovery measures such as replacing equipment, restocking, and land rehabilitation.

Small businesses can receive up to $25,000 to repair damages and restart operations.

QRIDA oversees these initiatives, with applications available at www.qrida.qld.gov.au or by calling 1800 623 946.

To mitigate the impact of severe flooding on livestock, $7 million has been allocated for fodder purchase and transport.

Farmers in communities such as McKinlay, Cloncurry, Croydon, and Winton can access this critical support through the Queensland Department of Primary Industries by contacting 13 25 23.

Cloncurry is also seeing rapid recovery progress as repairs to the airport facilities move forward at record speed.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) teams remain on the ground across impacted areas, working shoulder to shoulder with local councils, inspecting damage and identifying priority actions.

The Queensland Government is committed to helping communities rebuild, ensuring every impacted resident can look forward to a stronger future and brighter days ahead.

Excessive rain flooded rivers and cut highways causing isolation and extensive damage, such as here in Carpentaria.

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The wild weather brought down trees and power lines and caused landslips throughout the north, such as here at Alexander Drive, Mission Beach.

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When the highways are inundated in Cloncurry, it's good to remember: If It's Flooded, Forget It!

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The Cloncurry Airport suffered massive damage as a result of the floods. The Queensland and Australian Governments have committed $11.5 million towards it's recovery and renewal under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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The Flinders River in Carpentaria in flood. Up to 100,000 head of livestock are thought to have perished in the deluge and its aftermath.

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Resupply efforts were hindered by ongoing floodwaters that cut highways and vital transport routes.

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Unfortunately, the message that 'if it's flooded, forget it' has not got through to everyone in the community.

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QPS and SES volunteers had to make an emergency swiftwater rescue to save the occupants of this vehicle after they attempted to cross a flooded crossing at Urandangi.

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Queensland Fire and Rescue know if it's flooded, forget it.

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Even out west, if it's flooded, forget it.

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The Queensland Government is stepping up efforts to manage feral pig populations during the state’s flood recovery as part of an $11.32 million Primary Producer Support Package, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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The tiny township of Einasleigh in Etheridge shire suffered inundation from flash flooding in late January 2026.

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Flash flooding in Einasleigh in Etheridge Shire caused severe damage to the local rail network (Photo credit: QPS).

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Personal Hardship Assistance has been made available to flood affected residents across northern, western and central Queensland (Photo credit: QPS).

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Residents in Clermont in Isaac Shire had to be evacuated by helicopter as floodwaters inundated the township.

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An aerial view of Clermont shows the extend of flooding in January 2026.

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The Hoods Lagoon Bridge in Pioneer Park in Clermont (Isaac Regional Council) was overtopped by floodwaters in January 2026.

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The SES received more than 1300 calls for assistance during the floods, including to help clear out a flooded premises in Clermont.

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Essential public assets such as the Ted Cunningham Bridge near Collinsville in the Whitsundays suffered extreme damage as a result of the 2026 floods. 45 councils are receiving assistance through the DRFA to enact repairs.

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Boats at Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays were ran aground during the massive wind gusts brought by Tropical Cyclone Koji.

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The floods turned the outback into an inland sea in January 2026. The Queensland and Australian Governments have established $66 million under the DRFA to rebuild livelihoods in primary production, small businesses, and mental health services.

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