Flood Sensors Set to Transform Cassowary Coast’s Emergency Preparedness

Cassowary Coast Regional Council is taking proactive steps to enhance flood resilience by trialling advanced flash flood sensors across the region. This innovative three-year project aims to provide early warnings for localised flash flooding, particularly in areas not covered by traditional Bureau of Meteorology forecasts.

Installation of the sensors began in late November, with the Council’s Asset Maintenance Team already completing 12 of the 18 trial sensors. The project is fully funded through DFRA Category D, covering the cost of 18 sensors, two spare units, and three years of ongoing monitoring and communication expenses.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Teresa Millwood highlighted this step forward in helping advise our community from the devastating impacts of flash flooding.

“These sensors will allow us to identify risks earlier and provide timely warnings, enabling residents to prepare and respond before situations become dangerous.

“We are proud to lead the way in Queensland with this innovative technology and look forward to the positive outcomes of this trial", said Mayor Millwood.

The sensors have been strategically placed at known trouble spots across Innisfail, Mourilyan, Silkwood, Tully, and Cardwell. These units monitor water levels and send real-time data to the Council’s system.

While the data won’t initially be public during the trial phase, the long-term goal is to develop a flood portal where residents can subscribe to receive direct text alerts.

For now, flood warnings will continue to be communicated through a combination of Council’s Disaster Dashboard, social media, radio, and emergency services messaging.

Council urges residents to support the initiative by protecting the sensors, which play a critical role in public safety. The sensors are solely designed to monitor water levels at their locations and do not have cameras or any other functions.