Far North Queensland flooding

Far North Queensland flooding

*Updated April 2025*

Banana growers in North Queensland have faced extreme weather challenges this year. Severe storms affected growing areas south of Tully in January, and extreme rainfall from tropical lows caused major flooding in the Tully, Johnstone and Herbert and Burdekin River catchments. The prolonged wet conditions and lack of sunshine will likely affect banana production and quality in the coming months. Many farms are still in recovery mode, dealing with infrastructure damage— particularly to roads and crossings.


February saw record-breaking rainfall, with Townsville recording 1,033mm in just the first eight days of the month. Other areas, including Rollingstone, Cardwell, and Halifax, experienced their highest-ever monthly rainfall, with totals ranging between 1,500mm and 1,700mm. Flooding led to repeated closures of the Bruce Highway and caused significant transport delays throughout February and into March, as the Seymour River south of Cardwell flooded multiple times.

Disaster assistance 

North and Far North Tropical Low, 29 January – 28 February 2025

Grants of up to $75,000 are now available to those impacted by recent flooding in Far North Queensland (29 January – 28 February).

Eligible replanting is now also included in this grant.

Disaster Assistance Loans and Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans are also available to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations with re-establishing normal operations.

Closing date: 14 February 2026 

VISIT QRIDA

Reminder – please report damage via the QLD DPI survey

Report damage via the Queensland DPI Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey  

This survey is not a direct request for help but does support the Government in making a case for further disaster funding activations.  

The Australian Government has activated the Commonwealth’s Disaster Recovery Allowance for the LGAs of Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island and Townsville. Details here: North Queensland Floods, January – February 2025 – Services Australia   

ABGC disaster survey

ABGC conducted a survey of randomly-selected grower members across Far North Queensland to gauge how this natural disaster has affected individual farms, and industry more broadly.

Larger areas of crop losses were experienced on farms from Tully south, while all respondents reported transport disruptions forcing packing sheds to stop operations for a period of time. Members can view more detail on the Members’ Portal and ABGC will use this information to inform advocacy going forward.

Getting growers heard: ABGC advocacy

ABGC Chair Leon Collins and Advocacy Manager Kathryn Dryden discussed flood impacts, road infrastructure and disaster support with Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and other visiting Federal and State Politicians.

It was a valuable chance to speak with Peter Dutton, Senator Susan McDonald, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and FNQ representatives Hon Bob Katter MP and Nick Dametto MP.

ABGC’s advocacy team also recently had productive discussions with Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett and Food Farmers’ Commissioner Charles Burke.

To read ABGC’s media release on the importance of weather resilient road corridors, visit this link.

Thanks to the ABGC members who invest in the industry to ensure growers’ voices are heard.

Resources