General News
22 March, 2026
New sensory perception
FLOOD sensors are now available on the Cassowary Coast Dashboard thanks to an innovative three-year trial designed to provide the community with early warnings for localised flash flooding, especially for areas not traditionally covered by Bureau of Meteorology forecasts.
Sensors are positioned in well-known trouble spots across Innisfail, Mourilyan, Silkwood, Mission Beach, Tully and Cardwell.
“This innovative project is a real step forward in identifying risks earlier and providing timely warnings, enabling residents to prepare and respond before situations become dangerous,” Mayor Teresa Millwood said.
The sensors monitor water levels and draw in river height gauge information from the bureau and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council – sending real-time data to the council’s disaster dashboard.
Community members can view recent water level trends for each sensor’s location and zoom in on a specific timeframe. Council will constantly review the accuracy of the data throughout the trial period and during this time the community should rely on official information sources.
To view the data, visit disaster.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au. On the map, tick the box next to NEW Water Levels then select the blue flood sensor on the map to view the data for that location.
Council plans to roll out new sensors to more locations over the weeks and months ahead, including Ellerbeck, Jarah Creek (Tully Gorge Road) and Whiting’s Crossing (Tully Mission Beach Road).
“We are proud to lead the way in Queensland with this innovative technology and look forward to the positive outcomes of this trial,” Cr Millwood said.
The sensors are part of the council’s extensive works to improve safety, connectivity, drainage capacity and early warning systems to ensure the region is prepared to withstand heavy rainfall and severe weather events.
“We are proud to lead the way in Queensland with this innovative technology and look forward to the positive outcomes of this trial,” Cr Millwood said.
The project is funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), a joint arrangement between the Australian and Queensland Governments.
For more information, contact the Cassowary Coast Regional Council on 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.
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