Burnett River & Tributaries Catchment Flood Study

Introduction

The Burnett River is located in the Wide Bay – Burnett region and has a catchment area of about 33,000 square kilometres that spans across six different local government areas. Major flooding in the Burnett River is relatively infrequent, however, under certain meteorological conditions, heavy rainfalls can result in significant floods.

The Australian and Queensland Governments, via the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), are funding a catchment wide flood study of the Burnett River and its major tributaries - the Burnett River and Tributaries Catchment Flood Study (the Flood Study).

The Burnett Catchment Council’s Working Group (comprising Bundaberg Regional, North Burnett Regional, South Burnett Regional, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire, and Gympie Regional Councils) has been established and the group is working together with AECOM Australia Pty Ltd, who have been engaged to deliver the Flood Study.

The purpose of the Flood Study is to provide all Councils with a better understanding of flood behaviour throughout the Burnett River catchment which, in the future, can be used to improve flood management and response and provide up-to-date information for land-use and infrastructure planning.

Where are we at now with the Flood Study?

The Flood Study is being carried out over the following three phases: 

Flood Study Phases.png

Note: Timelines are indicative only and are subject to change

Phase 1 – Data Collection (Completed)

We shared our historical flood data with the public and asked the community to share anything else they knew. We received photos, videos, and personal stories about flooding experiences.

Phase 2 – Model Development (Completed)

Using the information collected during Phase 1, we developed new flood models of the Burnett River and compared the model results against past flood events, including the 2010, 2013 and 2022 floods. During Phase 2, the community helped us review draft flood maps of these past events and provided feedback on how well they reflected actual flooding that occurred during these events.

Phase 3 – Finalisation (Currently in progress, expected to be completed by October 2026)

The Flood Study is now in its final phase. Final flood maps for the major historical flood events of 2010, 2013 and 2022 have been prepared and are now available for the community to view. These maps show how flooding occurred during these significant events across the Burnett River catchment. Feedback received from the community during Phase 2 was used to refine and improve the flood models, helping ensure the final flood maps accurately represent the flooding experienced during these events.

How to view the final flood maps for the 2010, 2013 & 2022 historical flood events?

There are multiple ways that you can view and explore the final flood maps of past Burnett River floods.  These maps will be available to view from Monday, 24 August 2026:

  1. Online - Scan the QR code or head to our dedicated Burnett River and Tributaries Catchment Flood Study webpage at https://anz.planengage.com/burnettriver.

     

    Flood Map QR code.png

  2. Open Community Consultation Session

If you would like to talk to the project team in person, we encourage you to attend our Open Community Consultation Session.

Where:  Murgon Town Hall, Corner Lamb and Gore Streets, Murgon, 4605

When:   Monday, 31 August 2026, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

What’s next?

The Flood Study is expected to be completed in October 2026. While the historical flood maps are now finalised, design flood event modelling is currently in progress. This involves modelling a variety of potential flood scenarios (including floods larger than the historical events and records) to see how they could affect our region. This modelling will enhance our understanding of flood risks, support flood risk management and land-use planning in the lower Burnett River floodplain, and can be used in the future for:

  • Identifying flood prone areas to help us prepare for, respond to, and recover from future floods
  • Creating flood mapping for Planning Schemes to help guide safe development
  • Developing flood risk management plans to help protect communities from future floods

Support

If you have been flooded before, and are still experiencing emotional stress and need support, contact:

  • Phone Lifeline’s crisis hotline on 13 11 14                             
  • Phone Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349
  • Phone Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
  • If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person call 13 YARN

     

 

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