QUEENSLAND FLOOD RECOVERY
Widespread flooding in 2025 has impacted Central-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
MAPPING SUPPORT
Our team can provide free property mapping for landholders impacted by floods in Western Queensland.
We know mapping helps plan restoration, rebuilding, insurance claims and funding applications.
Q: How much will mapping cost?
DCQ can provide this mapping free-of-charge for flood-impacted landholders.
Q: What can you map?
We can map infrastructure, property boundaries, fence lines, waterpoints, land type (including soils), RE (regional ecosystems), groundcover and topography.
Q: What information do I need to provide?
We will need 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.
Alternatively, you can fill out our online form and a team member will reach out to you.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Our field team is currently assessing flood damage to our region’s soil, pasture, water and biodiversity resources.
You can report flood damage directly to DCQ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Doug Allpass (0427 427 090). Damage may include: topsoil scouring, track erosion, fencing, water infastructure, suspected weed spread, wildlife loss and feral animal activity.
Topsoil scouring on a property near Quilpie, Wendy Sheehan
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.
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 injury
- 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.
Desert Channels Queensland is supported by the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and the Queensland Government
