Livingstone Shire Council Calls for Community Input into Yeppoon Flood

Published on 01 October 2025

Livingstone Shire Council is undertaking a Flood Study for the local catchments of Figtree Creek, Ross Creek, and Yeppoon Creek to better understand flood risk and improve future planning across central Yeppoon.

The study will measure the nature and extent of existing flooding conditions, taking into account development changes and updated industry practices since the last studies were completed back in 2012. Importantly, it will also examine how local flooding interacts with storm surges to provide a more comprehensive picture of risk.

Development and Environment Portfolio Co-Lead Councillor Pat Eastwood said the study would play a vital role in shaping Council’s long-term approach to flood management.

“Flooding can have a significant impact on our community, and it’s crucial that our decisions are guided by the best available data and real experiences from the people who live here,” Cr Eastwood said.

“By combining technical modelling with first-hand community knowledge, we can build a stronger understanding of how flooding behaves in these catchments and ensure we are making well-informed planning and infrastructure decisions.”

Council is encouraging residents to contribute their personal experiences with flooding in the three catchment areas. This includes information such as:

• Flooding experiences at individual properties or in the local area

• Details on floodwater height, extent, and rate of rise

• Observations about the behaviour and characteristics of floodwater

• Photos that show flooding impacts

• Any additional information relevant to the catchments.

Cr Eastwood said local insights were critical to validating and strengthening the study’s technical findings.

“Community knowledge is a powerful tool in flood planning,” he said.

“Photos, observations and local stories help us test the accuracy of our models and build a clearer picture of what actually happens on the ground during a flood. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help strengthen this study.”

Residents can provide their input through Council’s engagement platform and are encouraged to share their experiences as soon as possible to help shape the study’s outcomes.

Visit Council’s Get Involved platform here: https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/figtree-ross-yeppoon-creeks-flood-study