Mackay has been hit by significant flooding over the past week, with flash flooding closing roads, cutting off access to the airport, and inundating homes and businesses. The heavy rainfall is part of a broader weather event affecting communities from Mackay to Cairns and especially from Townsville north in the Hinchinbrook region, including Cardwell, Ingham, and Giru.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the local governments of the Dawson region had been responding to a severe flooding event that had impacted much of North Queensland.
"Heavy rain moved across the electorate of Dawson, bringing more than 120mm of rainfall in Mackay over a short period," Mr Willcox said.
“A number of roads in Beaconsfield, Walkerston, Calen, Kuttabul, North Eton, and West Mackay have been cut by rising floodwaters. I urge everyone to stay vigilant and to regularly check your local disaster dashboard for a full comprehensive list of roads that are closed due to flooding.”
Heavy rainfall led to rising water levels, cutting off access to Mackay Airport and resulting in all flights being cancelled. Passengers were urged to contact their airlines for the latest flight details. Emergency services worked tirelessly to conduct evacuations, provide assistance to those in need, and ensure public safety.
Moderate to heavy rainfall had been observed across the Pioneer River catchment in the days leading up to the flooding, with minor flooding expected in Mackay due to a king tide.
Mr Willcox, who had been scheduled to fly to Canberra this week, chose to remain in the electorate to assist where possible with the flooding disaster.
“My top priority is the safety and well-being of all residents in the electorate of Dawson. This is a serious weather event, and I want to ensure that residents have access to accurate information and necessary support. I will continue to monitor this dangerous weather and am ready to provide any federal assistance I can in the coming days,” he said.
“Please stay safe and take care, and remember—if it’s flooded, forget it.”
The situation was closely monitored throughout the weekend, with warnings updated as required. Mackay then experienced another significant flooding event on February 4, particularly in South Mackay, again forcing the closure of the airport. Homes and businesses around the Juliet and Shakespeare Street areas were affected, with some businesses urging people to stay home.
Mackay Regional Council asked residents to share photos of localised flooding to help their Strategic Planning team understand stormwater behaviour during the intense rainfall.
“The team is especially interested in flash flooding that occurred on Saturday morning (February 1) in the areas around Bridge Road, Fourways, Ooralea, and the airport,” Council said in a statement.
“Any images or videos residents have would be appreciated.”
Due to heavy rain and road closures, several council facilities in Sarina were also shut until further notice, including the Sarina Customer Service Centre, Sarina Neighbourhood Centre, Sarina Youth Centre and Library, and Sarina Rural Transfer Station. Some school bus services were also cancelled, disrupting the second week of the school term.
Mackay Regional Council also reminded residents that emergency sand stockpiles were available at 14 locations across the region.
Meanwhile, the broader North Queensland region faced ongoing challenges, with authorities warning of more significant rainfall to come. Dams and river catchments from Mackay to Cairns remained swollen from a week of torrential rain, which dumped more than 1.2 metres in some locations.
More than 400 people—mostly in Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell—were in evacuation shelters after being advised to flee, and entire towns were left without power and isolated by floodwaters. The Bruce Highway, the only connection between central, north, and far north Queensland, was rendered impassable after a bridge was washed away at Ollera Creek, between Townsville and Ingham. Emergency services performed 11 water rescues on Sunday night, while a woman in her 60s from Ingham tragically died during an attempted rescue.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said authorities “remain prepared for the ongoing prospect of more rain and the likelihood of more flooding.”
Floodwaters inundate streets in and around Mackay, with localised flash flooding affecting homes and businesses across the region.
Farleigh-Dumbleton Rd. Photo credit: Nicole Mills
Heidi Street, Paget. Photo credit: Naomi Tancred
Sophia Street. Photo credit: Jess Davie
Boundary Road, near Mackay Airport. Photo credit: Brent Hewlitt
Juliet Street, South Mackay. Photo credit: Andrew Payne
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