North Queensland emergency response update
We are closely monitoring the state-controlled road network in North Queensland. There are numerous road closures throughout the impacted regions.
We urge motorists in impacted regions to limit all road use for non-essential travel as conditions are constantly changing and can deteriorate rapidly.
If travel is necessary, road users are reminded to drive to conditions and follow the directions of traffic controllers and temporary signage.
If it’s flooded, forget it!
Disaster support
The Australian and Queensland Governments have activated Personal Hardship Assistance for residents in defined areas of Townsville and for targeted Gordonvale addresses through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Check your eligibility and apply online for DRFA Personal Hardship Assistance or phone the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Those who live or garage their car in activated areas are eligible for transport and motoring assistance including:
- no administration surcharges for 3 or 6 month renewal periods
- no registration renewal reinstatement fees for late registration payments
- replacement of lost or damaged number plates
- replacement of lost or damaged driver licences
- 2 month extension to Certificate of Inspection (COI) for heavy and public passenger where the certificate expires within 3 months of the disaster declaration. This applies to vehicles being inspected by either NHVR or AIS.
For more information about DRFA assistance and how it’s helping disaster-impacted communities, please visit the Disaster Assist or Queensland Reconstruction Authority websites.
Road closures
Visit QLD Traffic for all traffic alerts, road closures and condition updates for major roads in Queensland. You can also download the QLD Traffic app or call 13 19 40 for real-time information.
For detailed information on road closures broken down by district, please visit the district road reports.
Reopening roads
Our teams are dedicated to ensuring that when roads are reopened, they are safe for public use. Main roads will be reopened when water has subsided to safe levels and our team of inspectors and engineers have deemed them safe for public use.
Whilst roads may appear safe, sometimes the damage lies underneath with significant support structures having washed away. Safety is our top priority for motorists and inspection crews and assessments will take place only when it is deemed safe for our crews to access and evaluate affected areas.
Public transport
For the latest public transport network service information, please visit Translink.For information on long-distance travel train impacts, please visit Queensland Rail Travel.
Taxi and rideshare services are still operational at this stage, although there are some availability issues due to localised flooding and road closures.
Boating and waterways
Stay informed by using the Maritime Safety Queensland dashboard.
Maritime Safety Queensland has prepared an Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan to help you plan now for what you will do if a warning is issued. The plan includes an overarching document containing critical information for all areas and separate appendices for each port or waterway area, containing relevant local information.
Stay safe by keeping up-to-date on the latest weather and marine conditions via the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Air travel
Some flights and airports are currently impacted. Check with your airline if travelling to affected regions.
Weather conditions
Monitor weather conditions via the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Online services
If you are unable to access your local Customer Service Centre, we offer more than 60 online services.
- Last updated
- 11 February 2025