Townsville residents likely allowed back home today

Swollen rivers wrapping around Townsville and Ingham in far north Queensland have begun to recede to the relief of residents who are waiting to return to their homes in low-lying ‘black zones’.

Premier David Crisafulli and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie. Picture: Adam Head

Swollen rivers wrapping around Townsville and Ingham in far north Queensland have begun to recede to the relief of residents who have been allowed to cautiously return to their homes in low-lying “black zones”.

Townsville Council has allowed locals back to their properties in Cluden, Hermit Park, Idalia, Oonoonba, Railway Estate and Rosslea now that the Ross River has moved from a major to moderate flood warning.

On the ground on Tuesday morning, Premier David Crisafulli said the city had “dodged a bullet” after parts of the region were drenched by record-breaking rain of more than a metre over the past week.

“There is no doubt that the city has dodged a bullet,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“If you reflect that nearly six years ago to the day, people were picking up the pieces, and to think that in many cases, has been spared, is certainly a relief.”

A monsoonal tropical low pressure system has brought devastating widespread flooding to North Queensland and parts of Far North Queensland, with over 1000 millimetres of rain recorded in some areas. David and Tracy Ebert's flooded home on Clitheroe Street, Cardwell. Picture: Brendan Radke

More heavy rain is expected around Caldwell on Tuesday, but Townsville will be spared. Damage assessments have begun in black-zone area of Townsville, with minor damage reported.

Townsville acting mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the council was better prepared for the recent flooding, compared to the similar event in 2019.

“We’ve learned lessons from 2019,” she said. “We didn’t have to pull people out of the water in this event. From that perspective, I’m completely relieved.”

“We might get some backlash from people who say, ‘well, my house wasn’t affected, why did you make me evacuate my home?’

“Our aim during a disaster … is that we experience no loss of life. So, to move out of your home and have a little bit of inconvenience for a few days is something that I think that we have to live with.”

A 63-year-old woman died in the neighbouring council area at Ingham on Sunday, after the State Emergency Services raft she was in flipped.

Mr Crisafulli said his hometown of Ingham remains a concern despite the Herbert River coming back from its peak.

“I remember my parents talking about the 1967 event and how devastating that was, and the fact that we may never see another one again,” he said.

“Well, this event has proven that another one did come, and the river heights were very, very similar.

“The devastation is, quite frankly, incredible”

Defence force helicopters will airlift generators to the agricultural town on Tuesday to provide power and address significant issues, including getting the water treatment plant working and fuel for residents.

The substation, which has been offline after being completely underwater, is being assessed by Ergon workers in the hopes of getting 7000 households back online. A further 3000 homes in the northern region do not have power.

Flooded electricity substation in Ingham, North Queensland on Monday, Feb 3 2025 Picture: Ergon Energy

At Palm Island, Ergon workers are working to resupply power following a landslip on Sunday. The community is also dealing with water treatment issues.

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said there has only been one reported looting offence. He also warned people about road safety as the clean up continues.

“It’s not just back to normal as the water goes down,” Mr Gollschewski said.

“We know that the roads can be damaged. We know that there can be dangerous environments. All of our community has to be aware about road safety. We don’t want to lose people on the road unnecessarily because the conditions are bad, and also they could be walking into really risky environments.”

Additional army personnel will arrive from interstate later in the week to provide a break to those already on the ground.

Mr Crisafulli will travel to Ingham and Cardwell in the coming days. He said the clean-up would be hot, humid and difficult, reinforcing the need to get people back in their homes for a good night’s sleep as soon as possible.

“You are a very, very resilient group of people, but resilience doesn’t mean you should be left on your own,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“I’m here to make sure that the things that are promised to be delivered will be delivered, and I intend to see that through.

“I won’t be going back to Brisbane until I’ve had the chance to be on the ground in places like Ingham, and Cardwell, and I want this community to know we will keep coming back until the job is done.”