Advice | Kinchant Dam – excess water releases now ceased

Update 4 – Sunday, 22 February 2026, 4:58pm

Kinchant Dam has returned to regular operating conditions. Releases from the dam have now ceased.

Stay informed. Check the Kinchant Dam storage level at bit.ly/KinchantStorageLevels and river and creek levels at bit.ly/2UBXUa8

Update 3 – Thursday, 19 February 2026, 8:30am

Due to observed rainfall in the Kinchant Dam catchment overnight and forecast rainfall in the next 24 hours, Kinchant Dam will increase water releases to maximum of 1750ML/day from 8:30am 19 February 2026.

These increased flows may contribute to localised flooding which has been occurring since Tuesday morning. These releases will continue through to Friday 20 February to bring Kinchant Dam back to its the maximum operating level (87%).

People downstream of Kinchant Dam should STAY INFORMED and MONITOR CONDITIONS.

What you should do

Decide what you will do if flooding starts.
Do not enter floodwater, rivers or creeks.

Stay informed

Stay informed because conditions could change rapidly:

monitor Kinchant Dam level bit.ly/KinchantStorageLevels
tune in to ABC Tropical North 101.1 FM
check local updates, road closures and evacuation information at Mackay Regional Council http://disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au/
monitor river and rainfall conditions at bit.ly/2UBXUa8 or visit www.bom.gov.au/qld
call Triple Zero (000) if your life is in danger
for flood help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

An update will be issued if further action is required.

Update 2 – Wednesday, 18 February 2026, 7:03pm

Due to observed rainfall in the Kinchant Dam catchment today and forecast rainfall in the next 24 hours, water releases from Kinchant Dam will increase to approximately 1250ML per day.

These increased flows may contribute to localised flooding which has been occurring since Tuesday morning.

Excess water releases of approximately 648 ML per day commenced at 8:45am on Wednesday 18 February 2026 after the dam reached its maximum operating level (87%).

What you should do

Decide what you will do if flooding starts.
Do not enter floodwater, rivers or creeks.

Stay informed

Stay informed because conditions could change rapidly:

monitor Kinchant Dam level bit.ly/KinchantStorageLevels
tune in to ABC Tropical North 101.1 FM
check local updates, road closures and evacuation information at Mackay Regional Council http://disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au/
monitor river and rainfall conditions at bit.ly/2UBXUa8 or visit www.bom.gov.au/qld
call Triple Zero (000) if your life is in danger
for flood help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

An update will be issued if further action is required.

Update 1 – Tuesday, 17 February 2026, 11:01am

STAY INFORMED – Kinchant Dam is likely to reach its maximum operating level (87%) with excess water releases expected into Sandy Creek later today.

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Downstream of Kinchant Dam

Kinchant Dam is likely to reach its maximum operating level (87%) with excess water releases expected into Sandy Creek later today. People near Sandy Creek, Mirani and Eton should STAY INFORMED and MONITOR CONDITIONS.

Water flows from Kinchant Dam may contribute to impacts at Antoneys Crossing and Curran’s Crossing and may contribute to localised flooding. Expect increased flows in 6-12 hours.

What you should do

Decide what you will do if flooding starts.
Do not enter floodwater, rivers or creeks.

Stay informed

Stay informed because conditions could change rapidly:

monitor Kinchant Dam level bit.ly/KinchantStorageLevels
tune in to ABC Tropical North 101.1 FM
check local updates, road closures and evacuation information at Mackay Regional Council http://disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au/
monitor river and rainfall conditions at bit.ly/2UBXUa8 or visit www.bom.gov.au/qld
call Triple Zero (000) if your life is in danger
for flood help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

An update will be issued if further action is required.