Local Disaster Information
⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER WARNING – COMMUNITY ADVICE as at 27 December 2025 ⚠️
Residents, graziers, and station managers are advised to prepare for significant weather impacts over the next 2–3 days.
A tropical low has formed over the Northern Territory and is moving into Queensland, bringing monsoonal rainfall and cooler conditions. Current forecasts indicate:
Rainfall:
• Widespread rain totals exceeding 100mm expected
• Heaviest rainfall likely Sunday to Tuesday
• Croydon and Etheridge are on the fringes of the heaviest rainfall areas, but impacts are still expected
Temperature Drop & Livestock Risk:
• Temperatures currently 9–12°C below average
• Further drops expected with wind and rain
• Increased chill factor for cattle, with conditions showing similarities to the 2019 flood event
• Risk of stock losses, particularly for young, weak, or exposed animals
Ground Conditions:
• Soil moisture across NW QLD is already above average, increasing runoff and access issues
Supply & Access Concerns:
• The SDCC is monitoring supply levels for isolated communities and stations
• Travel and access may be impacted over multiple days
What you should do:
• Monitor official updates via the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
• Check Council’s Disaster Dashboard for local information
• Graziers are encouraged to review livestock protection measures, including shelter, movement to higher ground, and access to feed and water
Further updates will be shared as conditions change. Please take care and prepare early.
The objectives of Etheridge Shire's Local Disaster Management Plan are to:
- Strive to reduce the impact effects of disaster events on people, property and the environment.
- Encourage and support local communities to manage disaster risks, respond to events and to be more resilient.
- Promote the concepts of a partnership between the LDMG and the community with community members taking responsibility for their own safety.
- Promoting community resilience and economic sustainability through disaster risk reduction.