A community tested and a community united

When Tropical Cyclone Jasper made landfall in December 2023, Cairns and the surrounding region faced one of the most severe weather events in recent memory. It became the wettest tropical cyclone in Australian history, with more than 2.2 metres of rain falling in the Cairns catchment. The Barron River rose higher than it had in 1977, flooding hundreds of homes and cutting off communities.

From washed-out bridges to school closures, power outages and business disruption, Jasper was a stark reminder of why preparation matters – and of the resilience Queenslanders show when the unexpected strikes. Almost two years on, Cairns is still rebuilding, but with a strong focus on innovation and long-term resilience.

The road to recovery after Cyclone Jasper

Cyclone Jasper crossed the coast near Wujal Wujal on 13 December 2023 as a Category 2 system. While the winds were damaging, it was the prolonged rainfall and flooding that caused the greatest impact to the region. The Barron River reached a record 4.4 metres, more than 900 homes were inundated, and the city’s treated water supply fell dangerously low. Flood-damaged waste quickly piled up, and vital sections of water and sewer infrastructure had to be rebuilt.

Entire neighbourhoods were cut off, including 55 homes at Holloways Beach. Within days, Council crews built a temporary causeway to reconnect the community. 

Economic impacts still being felt

The scale of disruption to businesses was significant. A Council commissioned report estimated losses of almost $390 million within the Cairns Local Government area, and more than $649 million across the broader region. Most businesses were forced to close temporarily, with a small percentage unable to reopen.

Despite the severity of the disaster, Cairns’ businesses bounced back quicker than expected, with the average recovery time just over three months – much faster than neighbouring regions.

Building back stronger

In 2024, Cairns Regional Council released its two-year Cyclone Jasper Recovery Plan. It set out priorities across infrastructure, the environment, social recovery and economic resilience.

Major works are underway, including repairs to landslips on Lake Morris Road, extensive drainage upgrades, and construction of the new Holloways Beach Bridge with improved bike and pedestrian access. These projects are supported through joint funding by local, state and federal governments.

Recovery has also been about people. Mental health programs, community engagement initiatives and targeted business support have all played a part in helping Cairns get back on its feet.

Case study: Holloways Beach

When floods from Richter Creek cut off Holloways Beach, more than 50 homes were suddenly isolated. Council responded within days, restoring access with a 100-metre temporary causeway that allowed residents and emergency services to move freely again.

That stop-gap solution is now being replaced with a permanent two lane bridge that includes a footpath and cycleway. It’s being built higher and stronger to withstand future floods, offering both improved access and long-term resilience for the community.

What Cairns learned

The response to Cyclone Jasper showed the importance of strong local leadership and coordination. The Cairns Local Disaster Management Group worked closely with state and federal agencies to secure funding and ensure projects were delivered quickly.

Data also played a critical role. Economic assessments and community surveys helped identify the true cost of the disaster, allowing recovery partners to target support where it was needed most.

Local schools, businesses and organisations adapted quickly, supported each other, and were recognised nationally for their innovative disaster responses.

How to prepare for the next cyclone or flood

Cairns’ experience is a reminder that preparedness makes a difference. You can take simple steps now to reduce the impact of the next extreme weather event.

Start by knowing your risk. Check your local council's website to find out if you live in a flood-prone area.  Make an emergency plan with your household, include meeting points and communication methods, and put together a disaster kit with essentials such as food, water, medication, a torch, power bank and important documents.

Stay connected to trusted sources. The Cairns Disaster Dashboard provides live updates on warnings and road closures, while the Queensland Disaster Alerts app and the Bureau of Meteorology’s Weather app offer free, reliable forecasts and alerts.

Protect your property before storm season by clearing gutters, securing loose items and checking your roof. If you’re in a flood-prone area, raise valuables and electricals where possible, and review your insurance to make sure you know what is and isn’t covered.

What you can do today

Preparedness doesn’t need to be complicated. Four quick actions can make a big difference:

1. Complete your online emergency plan. 

2. Set up severe weather alerts on your phone.

3. Talk with your household or workplace about your cyclone and flood plan.

4. Take photos of your home and belongings and check your insurance cover.

Get Ready Queensland Week is just around the corner, running from 6–12 October 2025. Now’s the perfect time to start building your resilience to severe weather! 

Visit the Get Ready Queensland Week event page to find events happening near you. It's the perfect opportunity to chat with your local council and emergency services to learn how to best prepare your household.