Flood and Evacuation Information
Flooding and severe weather are part of life in Hinchinbrook, particularly for communities along the Herbert River.
While these events can be disruptive, understanding how river levels behave locally and knowing where to find trusted, up‑to‑date information can help you make informed decisions and take early action.
This page brings together practical, locally relevant information to help you understand flood risk, monitor conditions as they change, and plan safe shelter or evacuation options when required.
Flood and evacuation advice in Hinchinbrook is coordinated through the Hinchinbrook Local Disaster Management Group, working closely with emergency services and Queensland Government agencies to support community safety before, during and after flood events.
Flood height comparison
Flood height comparison information helps turn river level numbers into real‑world impacts, showing what different river heights are likely to mean for your area.
Separate flood height comparisons are used for:
Each comparison links river gauge readings to known impacts from past flood events. As river levels rise, the charts help indicate:
Flood levels are commonly grouped into minor, moderate and major flooding, giving a simple way to understand the likely severity of impacts as water levels increase.
These comparisons are a guide only, but they help residents plan ahead — such as moving vehicles, securing property, or preparing to leave early if required.
Monitoring floods
Council works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor rainfall and river levels across the Herbert River catchment and provide early warning to the community.
Flood monitoring includes:
River heights recorded at the Ingham Pump Station are used as the main reference point to assess likely flood impacts for Ingham, Halifax and the Lower Herbert area. These readings are compared against known flood height indicators to help predict when impacts may occur.
Because flooding moves downstream, river levels in areas such as Halifax and the Lower Herbert may continue to rise for several hours after levels peak at Ingham.
This means downstream communities can still experience increasing impacts even when water levels appear to be stabilising upstream.
Watching river level trends — not just a single reading — can help residents better understand when to prepare, when conditions may worsen, and when further action may be needed.
Flood cameras
Flood cameras are installed at key locations across the Shire to help residents check creek and river conditions and better plan their response during heavy rainfall and flooding.
Images from flood cameras are available via Council’s Disaster Dashboard and are updated approximately every 30 minutes.
Cameras operate 24 hours a day, noting that image quality may be reduced during night hours due to lighting conditions.
Council will continue to expand flood camera coverage as resources allow.
Flood studies and mapping
To better understand flood behaviour and risk, Council has completed a range of flood and storm tide studies.
These resources support land‑use planning, emergency management and community awareness.
Shelter options and evacuation
Should I evacuate?
For most people, the safest option during a tropical cyclone is to shelter in place at home. Sheltering at home is often more comfortable and allows you to stay with your pets.
However, you should plan to evacuate if:
Planning ahead means you can make calm decisions early, rather than rushing when conditions worsen.
Sheltering in place (Staying at home)
Sheltering in place may be suitable if your home is well maintained, not in an evacuation zone, and able to withstand strong winds.
If this is your best option, you should prepare now:
Identify the strongest room in your home. This is usually the smallest room with the fewest windows and external walls.
You may also choose to shelter trusted family or friends if your home is safe to do so.
Evacuating to a safer place
Evacuation may be necessary if your home is unsafe or located in an at‑risk area.
If you need to evacuate, plan ahead to:
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Prepare an evacuation kit including food, water, medications, clothing, toiletries, documents, cash, batteries and a radio
If you evacuate, you are encouraged to register with the National Registration and Inquiry System (Red Cross) by calling 1800 727 077 or visiting www.redcross.org.au.
Public Cyclone Shelter
The Public Cyclone Shelter is a last‑resort option for residents who live in an evacuation zone, have no other safe place to shelter, and are unable to leave the warning area. It is designed for short‑term use only (up to approximately 18 hours) and provides very basic amenities.
Where possible, residents are encouraged to shelter at home or with family or friends located outside evacuation zones, or in commercial accommodation in a safer location. These options are generally far more comfortable for individuals and families.
Residents who have no other sheltering option will be advised when the Public Cyclone Shelter is activated via ABC Local Radio (AM630) and through Council’s website and official communications.
What to Expect at the Public Cyclone Shelter
The shelter has limited capacity and is intended to accommodate as many people as possible.
As a result, conditions will be basic, and residents should be aware of the following:
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You must be self‑sufficient for the duration of your stay, bringing essential items such as medications, non‑perishable food, water, identification and personal necessities
Planning ahead and understanding the shelter’s limitations will help you make informed decisions and reduce stress during an emergency.
Queensland Flood Website
The Queensland Government Flood Website is the authoritative source of flood information for Queensland. It brings together trusted, up‑to‑date information to help communities understand flood risk, warnings and preparedness.
The website includes:
It is delivered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority under the Queensland Flood Risk Management Framework, which guides flood risk management across the state.
Click here to access the Queensland Flood Website
Helicopter landing zones
Helicopter Landing Zones support emergency response operations during disasters.
Residents should avoid obstructing these areas during emergency events.