Cairns’ disaster prep in focus following record Far North flood event

Cairns’ disaster management has come under fire with a councillor declaring the city got “a few things wrong” prior to Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the unprecedented December flooding.

Cairns Regional Council Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne says council must do more to mitigate the impact natural disaster have on Cairns and surrounding regions. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns Regional Council’s disaster management has come under fire with a councillor declaring the city got “a few things wrong” prior to Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the unprecedented December flooding.

A report compiled by Conus Business Consultancy Services – which surveyed more than 500 businesses across the Far North – found the floods caused almost $650m in impacts across the region and around $390m within Cairns alone.

The Barron River in Cairns, Far North Queensland, reached a record flood peak, with roads closed and homes flooded in the catchment area on Sunday, December 17. Flood waters lapped at the Kamerunga Bridge on the Western Arterial Road, and despite the bridge remaining open, road access was cut to the northern beaches of Cairns. The record flooding was caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall on December 13. Picture: Brendan Radke

Three per cent of businesses who participated in the survey folded.

In order to better protect residents from future natural disasters the council must accept extreme weather events will increase as a result of climate change, Division 5 councillor Rob Pyne said.

Cairns Airport closed flights as flood water from Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused severe flooding at the approach and departure zones as well as the taxi strip on the runway on Sunday, December 17. Picture: Brendan Radke

“I think in the lead up to last summer we did get a few things wrong,” Mr Pyne said.

“I always smile to myself when I hear the mayor, state politician or the Premier talk about how well prepared we are.

“Where we live means we can never be prepared for something like a cyclone or a storm surge coming through. We just have to do the best we can.”

Mr Pyne said it was a fact the world was in the midst of a climate crisis where cyclones were becoming more intense and sea levels were rising.

“Whether it’s cyclonic winds, flooding or extreme heat, we can’t be complacent,” he said.

“Council can’t change a lot of this stuff but we can have a more strategic approach with our people in sustainability, working on climate adaptation … and working with the best minds in industry and academia.”

Councillors and executives in the Cairns Regional Council sit for an ordinary meeting in the council chambers on Spence Street, Portsmith.

A two-year plan has been unveiled to guide the region’s recovery with the stinging criticism coming amid a shake up within the council’s Woree-based disaster co-ordination centre.

An advertisement was issued recently for a new disaster co-ordinator to take on the critical role.

It’s understood the previous co-ordinator had been seconded to the role following the resignation of their predecessor in late 2022.

The incoming local disaster co-ordinator will “lead, develop and maintain prevention, preparedness, response and recovery programs” according to the job description.

Cairns’ businesses have seen an estimated 3.6 per cent loss in annual revenue following the floods, Council said.

There are currently 27 jobs advertised on the council’s website.

Originally published as Cairns’ disaster prep in focus following record Far North flood event