Flood Crisis Worsens in Outback Queensland
Outback Queensland faces more rain this week as ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne moves east. The region, already struggling with major flooding, braces for further damage. The flood emergency in south-west Queensland has submerged an area larger than Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand combined. Homes are underwater, livestock losses are devastating, and infrastructure is in ruins.
Figure 1: Lower pressure developing near Queensland and NSW [Windy]
Tens of Thousands of Livestock Lost
Figure 2: Producers have been making every effort to relocate their animals to higher ground. (Source: Christie Edwards/ABC)
Floodwaters have killed tens of thousands of cattle and sheep. The federal government has deployed the military to deliver fuel and fodder, hoping to save remaining livestock. Despite efforts, graziers fear more losses as waters continue rising.
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Levee Breached, Homes Flooded in Thargomindah
Many graziers have fled their properties, leaving behind years of hard work. Overnight, floodwaters breached the levee wall in Thargomindah, flooding multiple homes. Many residents had already evacuated, seeking shelter at the airport terminal—the highest ground in town.
Figure 3: The regions surrounding Thargomindah are submerged. (Source: Rob Newsham/ABC)
Rivers and Creeks Overflowing
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne, now a low-pressure system, made landfall on the Kimberley coast on Saturday. It has since weakened but continues moving east, dumping heavy rain into already swollen rivers and creeks. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of major flooding in the Bulloo, Lower Warrego, Langlo, Paroo, Thomson, and Barcoo rivers, as well as Eyre and Cooper creeks.
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Floodwaters could reach levels unseen in over 50 years, possibly rivaling the devastating 1974 floods. Authorities remain unsure when the waters will peak.
Disaster Relief Funding for Affected Regions
The federal and state governments have stepped in with disaster relief funding. Councils in Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Quilpie, and Winton now qualify for recovery aid. Residents hope for swift assistance to rebuild shattered communities.
Townsville Nears Annual Rainfall Record in Three Months
Flooding has caused extensive stock losses and widespread damage across Queensland. Townsville has recorded 2.35 metres of rain so far in 2025. The city is just 50mm shy of breaking its wettest year record, set in 2000.
Winton, known as Australia’s dinosaur capital, has recorded 510mm of rain this year—far exceeding its 387.8mm annual average. With more rain on the way, records may tumble across multiple regions.
More Rain Expected in Flooded Areas
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Dianne’s remnants could bring up to 50mm of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. Already flooded areas could see waters rise again. Floodwaters may take weeks or even months to move downstream into South Australia, threatening Kati Thanda/Lake Eyre.
Figure 4: Current Weather across Australia [Weatherzone]
Hazardous Surf Closes Beaches in New South Wales
While inland Australia battles floods, coastal areas face dangerous surf. Surf Life Saving NSW warns of large waves and swells along the New South Wales coast. Hundreds of beaches may close as rough seas pose risks to swimmers, rockfishers, and even sightseers.
Steve Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, urges caution. “Hazardous surf doesn’t just affect swimmers and boaters. Even watching from rock platforms can be dangerous,” he said.
Perth Swelters as Heatwave Persists
In stark contrast to Queensland’s floods, Perth struggles with a relentless heatwave. The city has endured six consecutive days above 35°C, matching its all-time March heat record. The last time Perth saw such a streak in March was in 1985.
Adelaide Faces Extreme Dry Spell
Adelaide is grappling with its driest December-to-March period since 1963-64. The airport has recorded its driest stretch on record. The city has only received 14mm of rain in 2025—far below the 64mm average.
With no significant rainfall expected in the next 10 days, Adelaide’s reservoirs sit at just 38%. The city’s desalination plant is working overtime, producing its usual monthly output in just two days.
Australia’s Climate Crisis Intensifies
March has brought extreme weather across Australia. Queensland and northern NSW have seen wetter-than-average conditions, thanks to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. However, the Murray-Darling Basin’s storage levels remain 20% lower than last year, leaving many regions still parched.
Australia recorded its hottest March day ever on 1 March, with an average temperature of 38.7°C. The Bureau of Meteorology reports that Australia’s land surface has warmed by 1.5°C since 1910. Extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
The Road Ahead
Queensland’s flood crisis is far from over. More rain could worsen conditions, and recovery efforts will take months. As communities battle floods, heatwaves, and dry spells, Australians brace for an uncertain climate future.
