Watch and Act – Burdekin Falls Dam

Update 1 – Sunday, 22 February 2026, 3:32pm

PREPARE TO LEAVE – Excess water spilling from Burdekin Falls Dam into the Burdekin River has increased significantly.  

Warning level: WATCH AND ACT 

Warning area: Downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam  

Excess water spilling from Burdekin Falls Dam into the Burdekin River has increased. Water flows from Burdekin Falls Dam may contribute to flooding downstream of the Dam. Expect increased river flows to exceed the minor flood level in the coming days. If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately. For flood help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app. 

What you should do 

• Prepare to leave now so you can go quickly and safely if flooding occurs or gets worse. 
• Decide where you and the people you live with will go – a safe place away from flooding. This could be with family or a friend. 
• Decide how you will get to your safe place. 
• Do not enter floodwater, rivers or creeks. 

Stay informed

Stay informed because conditions are changing: 

• monitor Burdekin Falls Dam level bit.ly/BurdekinFallsStorageLevels 
• tune in to ABC North Queensland 630 AM
• check local updates, road closures and evacuation information at Burdekin Shire Council http://disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au/, Charters Towers Regional Council http://getready.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/ or Whitsunday Regional Council http://disaster.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/ 
• monitor river and rainfall conditions at bit.ly/3M3d6Ju or visit www.bom.gov.au/qld 

An update will be issued if further action is required.