QUEENSLAND FLOOD RECOVERY
Widespread flooding in 2025 has impacted West and South-West Queensland.
WESTERN QUEENSLAND FLOODS
Unusual and widespread flooding across Central-West and South-West Queensland has damaged properties, destroyed infrastructure and eroded land, posing a threat to the condition of resources in the Lake Eyre Basin.
In many places, floodwaters exceeded the 1974 level.
At Desert Channels Queensland, we will do all we can to help our region build back, and build back better. On this page, you’ll find information on:
- Free mapping services
- Natural resource damage assessments
- Latest information on flood recovery in our region
- Other tools and resources to help you build back
FREE MAPPING
DCQ can provide free property mapping for flood-impacted landholders in Western Queensland in the DCQ region.
We know mapping helps plan restoration, rebuilding, insurance claims and funding applications.
Q: What can you map?
Infrastructure, property boundaries, fence lines, waterpoints, land type (including soils), RE (regional ecosystems), groundcover and topography.
Q: How much will mapping cost?
This mapping is free-of-charge for flood-impacted landholders.
Q: What information do I need to provide?
A lot plan number if possible. Otherwise, a property name will do.
Q: Will you need to visit my property to create a map?
Most of our mapping can be done without property visits. Our team can work with you to understand whether a visit is needed.
Q: How do I get my property mapped or mapping updated?
Email info@dcq.org.au or call 07 4658 0600 with information on what you need mapped, or fill out our online form below.
Request a map:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
More than 13 million hectares of Western Queensland were directly inundated during the March rainfall event – equivalent to 25% of the Desert Channels region. That’s the size of Belgium, Switzerland and Denmark put together.
So far, we have observed:
- Major gully erosion requiring significant earthworks to fix
- Sediment deposits 20-40cm deep on key wetland and agricultural land
- Severe loss of topsoil, grasscover and seedbank – without soil, grass won’t grow back
- Weed and invasive animal spread (including Prickly Acacia, Parkinsonia, Rubber Vine and invasive cacti).
- Damage to water infrastructure (fencing, piping, pumps, etc)
Have you witnessed environmental damage?
Our field team are assessing flood-related damage to soil, pasture, water and biodiversity resources in the Lake Eyre Basin.
You can report damage directly to the DCQ Team (07 4658 0600), such as topsoil scouring, fencing damage, water infrastructure damage, suspected weed spread, wildlife loss and feral animal activity.
Topsoil scouring on a property near Eromanga.
Creek channel substantially eroded near Yaraka.
LATEST INFORMATION
The flood situation is constantly changing in our region. We’ve collated some of the most recent advice we’ve received for landholders.
Disaster recovery information sessions
If you’re looking to access disaster recovery grants or loans and would like to speak to someone in-person, the QRIDA are hosting sessions across several towns in our region this month.
Tambo – Friday, 16th May 9-11am
Blackall – Friday, 16th May 1-3pm
Muttaburra – Tuesday, 20th May 2-4pm
Yaraka – Thursday, 22nd May 9-11am
Isisford – Thursday, 22nd May 1-3pm
For venue details and further information, see this flyer.
Disaster grants and loans
There are opportunities to apply for grants and low-interest loans, if you are flood-impacted primary producer in Western Queensland.
- Exceptional Disaster Recovery Assistance Grants of up to $75,000 are available to help primary producers with clean-up and recovery activities including replanting, disposing of damaged goods and injured or dead livestock, fencing, and repairing buildings.
- Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 are available for primary producers directly impacted by the disaster to resume normal operations, including purchasing livestock to replace those lost in the disaster and meeting carry-on requirements such as paying rent or rates. Loans have a concessional interest rate of 2.14% fixed for up to 10 years.
- Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans of up to $100,000 are available for producers indirectly impacted by the disaster with working capital expenses like salaries, paying creditors, rent, and purchasing necessary goods, such as fuel. Loans have a concessional interest rate of 2.14% fixed for up to 10 years.
These grants are issued by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to flood-impacted producers in Western Queensland.
More information, including how to apply, on the QRIDA website.Â
Clearing vegetation after severe flooding
In March 2025, the Queensland Government declared a disaster situation in Charleville and Longreach districts. This means landholders are exempt and can clear native vegetation and trees to support disaster recovery efforts.
You can undertake clearing if it is necessary to prevent or minimise:
- loss of human life, or illness or injuryÂ
- property loss or damage
- damage to the environment
On freehold and leasehold land, this also includes necessary clearing:
- to maintain existing infrastructure (buildings, fences, roads,
stockyards and vehicular tracks), including fallen tree removal. - to create a necessary road or vehicular track up to a maximum 10 metres wide in a ‘least concern’ regional ecosystem.
- to bury livestock carcasses.
Exemptions apply automatically for one year (until 28 and 29 March 2026) to all landholders in the Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Bulloo, Longreach, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Winton council areas.
Take photos with date and location
Taking photos is important to support insurance claims and future grant applications that will help you recover and build following flood events.
Damage to environment, infrastructure (fences, roads, bores, tanks, troughs, etc), plant/machinery and livestock (including carcasses) is essential.
Your phone will capture important metadata including timestamps, and GPS location (if this feature is switched on). The DCQ team can help you ensure your device is setup for photos via (07) 4658 0600 and info@dcq.org.au.
Complete the DPI Flood Impact Survey
Report damages and losses to your property through the Department of Primary Industry’s disaster impact survey. The DPI collect this information to help with the activation of disaster recovery funding.
The scale of silt deposition near the Barcoo.
Thick layers of sediment that will kill grasscover underneath.
Desert Channels Queensland is supported by the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and the Queensland Government
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