How Cyclone Larry reshaped Queensland's approach to cyclone safety

On 20 March 2006, nearly 20 years ago, Cyclone Larry tore through Far North Queensland as one of the most severe tropical cyclones in our state's history. Making landfall near Innisfail as a Category 5 system with wind gusts reaching 240 km/h, Larry left a trail of destruction that forever changed how Queenslanders prepare for cyclones.

The devastation was overwhelming: 10,000 houses damaged, up to 80% of buildings in Babinda impacted, over 80% of Australia's banana crop destroyed, and economic losses adding up to over $1.5 billion. But, remarkably, as a direct result of the cyclone, only a small number of injuries were reported – an extraordinary testament to community preparedness and the lessons learned from previous cyclones.

For all Queenslanders, Larry's legacy offers four critical lessons that could save  lives and property when the next big cyclone approaches.

What made Larry so destructive

Cyclone Larry wasn't just another weather event – it was a perfect storm of power and timing. The system intensified quickly before crossing the coast between 6:20am and 7:20am, giving time  for communities to make last-minute preparations.

Larry’s impact went far beyond wind damage:

• A storm surge saw the ocean reach 2.3 metres above sea level at Clump Point

• Infrastructure losses added up to over $500 million

• The banana industry was devastated, affecting employment across the region

• Thousands of families faced months of displacement and rebuilding.

What made the situation more challenging for many residents was that, despite living in a region who were used to the threat of cyclones, this was the first Category 5 system they experienced. Larry showed that even well-prepared communities could face unprecedented destruction when nature unleashes its full fury.

Lesson 1: Modern building standards save lives and property

Older buildings were no match for Larry's ferocious winds, while newer structures built to updated cyclone codes survived remarkably well.

It was a stark contrast, and impossible to ignore. In areas where buildings met modern cyclone standards, families rode out the storm with minimal structural damage. But older homes and poorly maintained buildings were torn apart, leaving families homeless and communities shattered.

This wasn't just about age – it was about engineering standards that had evolved through experience with previous cyclones.

What this means for you: If you're building, renovating, or buying property in a cyclone risk area of Queensland, building standards aren't just bureaucratic red tape – they could, one day, be what saves you. Larry proved that the difference between a repairable home and total destruction often comes down to how well your property was built to withstand extreme weather.

Lesson 2: Community knowledge and preparation matters

Larry could have killed dozens of people, but it didn't, because Far North Queensland communities were well-prepared.

Surveys after Larry revealed something remarkable: most residents had prepared effectively for the cyclone's arrival. Their knowledge came from previous cyclone experiences, community networks, and local understanding of cyclone risks. This preparation resulted in minimal human casualties despite massive property damage.

The communities that fared best weren't necessarily the wealthiest – they were the ones with strong local knowledge, clear emergency plans, and neighbours who looked out for each other.

What this means for you: Community preparedness isn't just about individual household emergency kits; it's about collective knowledge, shared responsibility, and local networks that activate when disaster strikes. Larry's remarkable outcome of zero deaths proved that informed and prepared communities can weather the most severe cyclones without loss of life.

Lesson 3: Rural self-sufficiency builds resilience

Rural communities showed remarkable resilience during and after Larry, which can be largely attributed to their self-sufficiency.

Urban areas struggled with supply chain disruptions and infrastructure failures, but many rural communities were better equipped to manage independently for an extended period of time. They had water storage, food supplies, generators, and the practical skills they needed to cope on their own – or along with their neighbours – until life returned to normal. 

This self-reliance didn't happen by accident – it was built into rural lifestyles through necessity and planning.

What this means for you: Whether you live in town or in a rural setting, building your household’s resilience means you’re reducing your dependence on external systems that may fail during cyclones. Larry showed us that communities with greater self-sufficiency recover faster and need less emergency assistance.

Lesson 4: Coordinated response and local leadership mean faster recovery

Larry's aftermath showed us the power of coordinated emergency response combined with strong local leadership.

The Queensland Government's whole-of-government approach meant resources flowed quickly to affected areas. Defence Force personnel, emergency services, and relief organisations worked together. But what made the difference was the delivery of recovery efforts primarily from Innisfail. The State Disaster Co-ordination Group and Operation Recovery Task Force shifted a large portion of their operations from Brisbane to North Queensland for local, on-the-ground management.

Local decision-making, combined with external resources, created a recovery model that has since been adopted for other disasters across Queensland.

What this means for you: Effective disaster response includes communities that work with emergency services, local councils, and volunteer organisations to coordinate recovery efforts efficiently.

Queensland's cyclone future

Cyclone Larry wasn't a once-in-a-lifetime event. We know that natural disasters will continue to hit Queensland, causing threats to our people and property. While we can’t stop disasters from happening, we can learn from the past and prepare for our future. 

Since Larry, the Queensland Government has invested heavily in better forecasting, improved building standards, enhanced emergency communications, and community education programs. These improvements demonstrated their worth in subsequent North Queensland cyclones, like Yasi (2011), Ita (2014), Marcia (2015) and Debbie (2017).

But the most important lesson from Larry remains unchanged: being prepared saves lives and makes recovery faster.

Your next steps

Don't wait for the next cyclone watch to start preparing. Cyclone season begins on 1 November, but your preparation should start now:

Cyclone Larry changed how Queensland prepares for tropical cyclones. The communities that learned from Larry's lessons are safer today, and their experience helps protect all of us.

There is no time like the present, to prepare yourself for severe weather season, wether you are at risk of a cyclone or not. Get out in your community and visit one of the many Get Ready Queensland events on across the state. Talk to your local emergency services and your local council to find out what your risk is, and how you can best Make a Plan for severe weather.