Communities across Queensland are on high alert for major flooding as heavy rain continues to lash the state in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. The system, which was downgraded to a tropical low after crossing the coast on Sunday, has left a trail of disruption, with thousands of properties without power and a mounting agricultural disaster in the state's northwest.
Storm Downgraded but Flood Threat Escalates
After days of intense anticipation, ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji made landfall early on Monday, with Hamilton Island recording wind gusts of 113km/h. While the cyclone warnings were subsequently cancelled as the system lost power, the threat swiftly shifted from wind to water. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast persistent, heavy rainfall for the central Queensland coast, with isolated totals of up to 340mm possible within 24 hours over already saturated catchments.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, speaking from Bowen on Monday, warned residents to remain vigilant. "There is the risk in that next 24 to 48 hours of some really significant rainfall in patches," he stated. Crisafulli will chair a state disaster meeting from Proserpine to coordinate the response to the unfolding situation.
Widespread Warnings and a Devastating Livestock Toll
Flood watches and warnings are active for numerous river systems, including the Herbert, Burdekin, Proserpine, Pioneer, and the Channel Country catchments. This comes as the far north-west of Queensland is still reeling from a devastating monsoon earlier this year, which left towns isolated and caused catastrophic livestock losses.
The economic impact on western Queensland is expected to be severe. Conservative estimates suggest over 45,000 head of livestock are missing or dead following the previous floods, with the latest rain hampering recovery and raising fears of further losses. "The economic impact for western Queensland, because of how important agriculture is to underpin those communities, will be large," Premier Crisafulli acknowledged.
Authorities are responding with ongoing fodder drops and are stockpiling antibiotics and veterinary supplies to treat surviving animals and prevent the spread of disease.
Recovery Efforts Underway Amid Power Outages
Emergency crews are working to restore power to thousands of affected homes and businesses. The immediate focus for communities from Airlie Beach to the far north is on preparation and safety as the rain continues. Residents are being urged to follow official advice, avoid floodwaters, and finalise their emergency preparations.
Premier Crisafulli expressed confidence in the community's resilience but issued a sobering reminder: "The last thing we want to see is more rainfall in areas that have copped more than a year’s supply in less than a week." The state now faces a dual challenge: managing the immediate flood threat from ex-Cyclone Koji while supporting the mammoth, ongoing clean-up from the earlier disaster.
