Flood Studies
Since 2018, Townsville City Council has been carrying out flood studies to create new flood models. Flood studies help us understand how rainfall events are likely to affect flooding across the landscape.
Townsville Recalibrated Flood Modelling and Mapping Project (TRFMMP)
The many rivers and creeks across Townsville form distinct catchment systems where rainfall can flow towards the ocean. The Townsville Recalibrated Flood Modelling and Mapping Project (TRFMMP) has now undertaken flood studies for nine of these major catchments.
The studies have produced flood models, help us to understand how flooding is likely to affect these catchments under a variety of different rainfall scenarios. These models have been peer reviewed by an independent third party to ensure their accuracy. Some further models are now being completed for the Bohle River catchment, which will help give us further understanding of how flooding affects that area. Council will release these models and update risk mapping for the Bohle once complete. Please note, this will not change the new 1% AEP Depth Mapping.
What are the catchments?
The TRFMMP study catchments are listed below. Expand the catchment name to access the technical flood study reports.
Important note: Some of the below reports are very large files. Please read the file size details before downloading.
Ross River and Stuart Creek
Black River, Althaus Creek, Deep Creek, Healy Creek and Bluewater Creek
Bohle River
- Bohle River Flood Study Vol 1 (PDF, 215 MB)
- Bohle River Flood Study Vol 2 (PDF, 2.7 GB)
Alligator Creek and Whites Creek
- Townsville Recalibrated Flood Modelling and Mapping – Alligator Creek Report Part 1 (PDF, 2 MB)
- Townsville Recalibrated Flood Modelling and Mapping – Alligator Creek Report Part 2 (PDF, 50 MB)
- Alligator Creek and Whites Creek Addendum Report Vol 1 (PDF, 31 MB)
- Alligator Creek and Whites Creek Addendum Report Vol 2 (PDF, 81 MB)
Rolling Stone Creek and Hencamp Creek (Balgal Beach)
Arcadia
- Arcadia Flood Study Baseline Flooding Assessment Vol 1 (PDF, 70 MB)
- Arcadia Flood Study Baseline Flooding Assessment Vol 2 (PDF, 472 MB)
Horseshoe Bay
- Horseshoe Bay Flood Study Baseline Flooding Assessment Vol 1 (PDF, 101 MB)
- Horseshoe Bay Flood Study Baseline Flooding Assessment Vol 2 (PDF, 662 MB)
- Horseshoe Bay Flood Study Addendum Report (PDF, 50 MB)
Nelly Bay
Picnic Bay
In addition, other Council projects have produced further flood studies which have been used to plan for flood resilience in Townsville.
Lansdown Station Flood Study – Baseline Flooding Assessment
The Lansdown Station flood study was completed in 2018 and assisted the formation of the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct at Calcium, which rezoned to High Impact Industry in 2020. This study has already been published and the model was used to create the current flood hazard mapping for Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct. As with the other flood models, we are now using the data to create risk mapping.
Download the:
- Lansdown Station Baseline Flooding Assessment (PDF, 45 MB)
Sleeper Log Creek Model
In 2023, a separate Council study on environmental flow paths required a flood model to be produced for the Sleeper Log Creek catchment. This model is also being used to create new flood mapping and planning for flood resilience.
Download the:
- Sleeper Log Creek Flood Impact, Resilience and Risk Study Vol 1 (PDF, 18 MB)
- Sleeper Log Creek Flood Impact, Resilience and Risk Study Vol 2 (PDF, 41 MB)
What are flood models?
Flood models contain likely flooding extent, depths, and velocities for different flooding scenarios. The TRFMMP models include present-day scenarios and climate change scenarios that account for climate change impacts to the year 2100. These scenarios include:
- 50% AEP
- 20% AEP
- 10% AEP
- 5% AEP
- 2% AEP
- 1% AEP
- 0.2% AEP
- 0.05% AEP
- PMF – Probable Maximum Flood
- 2% AEP with climate change
- 1% AEP with climate change
AEP – Annual Exceedance Probability is the probability that a flood of that magnitude or larger will occur in a given year. For example, a 1% AEP has a one percent chance of a flood this size or larger occurring any given year.
How are flood models calculated?
Flood models are created using a variety of data inputs including:
- Hydraulic and hydrologic modelling tools
- Updated rainfall data
- Stream gauge data
- Topography data (LiDAR)
- Satellite imagery
- Land use data
- Survey data
- Bathymetric
- Drainage channels
- Stormwater drainage structures
- Flood level data
- Plans for recent developments
The flood models are based on on-ground data for a particular moment in time. The new development and natural processes change the landscape, this can change the nature of flooding. When planning for flood, larger new developments will have to consider these changes. Council will periodically update its flood studies to reflect these changes.
Previous Flood Studies
Council’s new flood studies have the best and most accurate information about how flooding is likely to affect Townsville; however, Council’s previous flood studies are still available to be viewed. While Council wants the community and industry to use the new flood studies, these previous flood studies still inform the current hazard overlay mapping in the Townsville City Plan. Until the overlay maps are updated it is necessary to ensure these older models are available.
Council is taking steps to update the flood maps for ensuring better building and planning decisions in our city.
General Information about Flood Studies
Flood studies are technical reports that are used to develop flood mapping. Digital copies of flood study reports are available below. Guidelines for how to undertake flood studies are included as part of the Flood Hazard Policy within the City Plan.
Disclaimer
The flood modelling contained in these reports does not in itself indicate whether any particular property has or has not been affected by floods.
Council considers that the information presented in the reports is the best available at the time of the report’s preparation. However the modelling contained in this report is based upon projections, assumptions and analysis about circumstances that may not eventuate, or may eventuate in different combinations and with different outcomes.
Because of that, the information in the report is not provided with the intention that persons will rely upon its accuracy or completeness for the purpose of making decisions with financial or legal implications. Neither Council nor its officers will be liable in contract, negligence or otherwise for the consequences of any deficiency, inaccuracy or error in the report or for the consequences of any person relying upon the report.
File size note: These are large files and it is recommended that files be downloaded using a broadband connection to the Internet. Some files may be too large to download satisfactorily and may best be viewed in person. Some of these documents contain a large number of images and diagrams, and may be incompatible with interpretive software.
2016 – Eastern Alligator Creek Flood Study
- Eastern Alligator Creek Flood Study (Part 1) (PDF, 815.9 KB)
- Eastern Alligator Creek Flood Study (Part 2) (PDF, 6.2 MB)
- Eastern Alligator Creek Flood Study (Part 3) (PDF, 13.1 MB)
- Eastern Alligator Creek Flood Study (Part 4) (PDF, 14.6 MB)
- Eastern Alligator Creek Flood Study (Part 5) (PDF, 1.2 MB)
2016 – CBD Hydraulic Model
- CBD Hydraulic Model (Part 1) (PDF, 11.3 MB)
- CBD Hydraulic Model (Part 2) (PDF, 17.5 MB)
- CBD Hydraulic Model (Part 3) (PDF, 14.6 MB)
2014 – Douglas and Annandale Flood Study
- Douglas and Annandale Flood Study – Volume One (PDF, 4.2 MB)
- Douglas and Annandale Flood Study – Volume Two
- Douglas and Annandale Flood Study – Volume Two (Part One) (PDF, 8.7 MB)
- Douglas and Annandale Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Two) (PDF, 9.5 MB)
- Douglas and Annandale Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Three) (PDF, 8.7 MB)
- Douglas and Annandale Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Four) (PDF, 3.3 MB)
2014 – Gordon Creek Flood Study
- Gordon Creek Flood Study – Volume One (PDF, 7.0 MB)
- Gordon Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (PDF, 7.1 MB)
2014 – Louisa Creek Flood Study
- Louisa Creek Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 8.2 MB)
- Louisa Creek Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 9.6 MB)
- Louisa Creek Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 10.1 MB)
- Louisa Creek Flood Study (Part Four) (PDF, 1.1 MB)
2014 – Black River Flood Study
- Black River Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 6.2 MB)
- Black River Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 10.1 MB)
- Black River Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 1.8 MB)
2014 – Captains Creek Flood Study
- Captains Creek Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 5.0 MB)
- Captains Creek Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 2.2 MB)
- Captains Creek Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 6.0 MB)
- Captains Creek Flood Study (Part Four) (PDF, 3.6 MB)
- Captains Creek Flood Study (Part Five) (PDF, 2.7 MB)
2014 – Lower Bohle/Stony Creek Flood Study
- Lower Bohle/Stony Creek Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 3.3 MB)
- Lower Bohle/Stony Creek Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 5.8 MB)
- Lower Bohle/Stony Creek Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 6.0 MB)
- Lower Bohle/Stony Creek Flood Study (Part Four) (PDF, 6.7 MB)
2014 – Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study
- Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 3.3 MB)
- Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 3.2 MB)
- Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 6.2 MB)
- Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study (Part Four) (PDF, 5.8 MB)
- Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study (Part Five) (PDF, 10.2 MB)
- Upper and Middle Bohle Flood Study (Part Six) (PDF, 7.3 MB)
2014 – Althaus Creek Flood Study
- Althaus Creek Flood Study – Volume One (PDF, 8.2 MB)
- Althaus Creek Flood Study – Volume Two
- Althaus Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part One) (PDF, 9.6 MB)
- Althaus Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Two) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Althaus Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Three) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Althaus Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Four) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
2013 – Ross River Flood Study
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume One
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume One (Part One) (PDF, 8.9 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume One (Part Two) (PDF, 3.4 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part One) (PDF, 10.0 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Two) (PDF, 9.6 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Three) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Four) (PDF, 9.6 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Five) (PDF, 9.7 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Six) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Ross River Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Seven) (PDF, 8.3 MB)
2013 – Bluewater Creek Flood Study
- Bluewater Creek Flood Study Report (PDF, 9.7 MB)
2013 – Ross Creek Flood Study
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume One
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume One (Part One) (PDF, 9.8 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume One (Part Two) (PDF, 9.7 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume One (Part Three) (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part One) (PDF, 9.5 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Two) (PDF, 8.3 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Three) (PDF, 9.7 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Four) (PDF, 10.0 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Five) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Six) (PDF, 9.9 MBB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Seven) (PDF, 10.0 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study –Volume Two (Part Eight) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part Nine) (PDF, 9.8 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part 10) (PDF, 10.0 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part 11) (PDF, 9.7 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part 12) (PDF, 10.0 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part 13) (PDF, 9.9 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part 14) (PDF, 9.7 MB)
- Ross Creek Flood Study – Volume Two (Part 15) (PDF, 4.0 MB)
2011 – Horseshoe Bay Flood Study
- Horseshoe Bay Flood Study (PDF, 9.4 MB)
2011 – North Ward Flood Study
- North Ward Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 7.9 MB)
- North Ward Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 7.9 MB)
- North Ward Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 7.9 MB)
- North Ward Flood Study (Part Four) (PDF, 3.9 MB)
2011 – Upper Bohle Plains Flood Study
- Upper Bohle Plains Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 6.6 MB)
- Upper Bohle Plains Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 7.8 MB)
- Upper Bohle Plains Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 7.8 MB)
- Upper Bohle Plains Flood Study (Part Four) (PDF, 7.9 MB)
- Upper Bohle Plains Flood Study (Part Five) (PDF, 5.7 MB)
2011 – Little Bohle River Flood Study
- Little Bohle River Flood Study (Part One) (PDF, 7.7 MB)
- Little Bohle River Flood Study (Part Two) (PDF, 7.8 MB)
- Little Bohle River Flood Study (Part Three) (PDF, 2.9 MB)
2008 – Alligator Creek Flood Study
- Alligator and Whites Creek Flood Study (Sections 1-3) (PDF, 4.6 MB)
- Alligator and Whites Creek Flood Study (Sections 4-7) (PDF, 1.4 MB)
- Alligator and Whites Creek Flood Study (Appendices) (PDF, 4.4 MB)
2005 – Townsville Regional Flood Hazard Assessment Study
Flood study results from the Townsville Regional Flood Hazard Assessment Study are only current for Picnic Bay, Arcadia, Nelly Bay and Cungulla.
- Flood Hazard Assessment Executive Summary (Phase Two)
- Flood Hazard Assessment Executive Summary (Phase Two) (PDF, 24.7 KB)
- Flood Hazard Assessment Full Report (Phase Two) (PDF, 6.0 MB)
- Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Analysis Executive Summary (Phase Three)
What about areas outside the flood studies?
The flood study areas cover mostly the urban areas of Townsville; however, there are some locations outside of these flood study areas that may still be susceptible to flood. While we have less detailed flood information about these areas, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority has mapped them, and they are also shown in Council’s Flood Information Portal mapping.
How are the flood models being used?
Our flood models are used to create the flood depth maps and flood risk maps for Townsville. They are a powerful tool for our City Planners, enabling us to make better planning decisions to improve the resilience of our community.
Flood Maps
Using the data from the flood models, Council has created maps to show how flooding affects the Townsville area. You can find these maps on the Flood Information Portal.
Risk Assessment
A floodplain risk assessment combines models, with other information such as building flood levels, planning zones and land uses, warning times, roads and evacuation routes, vulnerable uses, and critical infrastructure. Using this information, the risk assessment calculates the levels of risk in different locations.
Better Planning
With new flood models we can make better planning decisions to improve the resilience of our community. Council and developers can access the flood models to ensure large new developments achieve an appropriate level of flood immunity and do not make flooding worse to surrounding areas. Additionally, with new flood maps, new buildings can be built with appropriate floor levels.
Based on the modelling and the floodplain risk assessment, Council has proposed planning policies to respond to flood risk in the Townsville City Plan. Council is seeking community feedback on these responses via our Have Your Say website.
Requesting flood models
Flood models can be requested by developers to help inform development scenarios and understand the impact on flooding. Requests can be made by completing the Flood Model Request Form below.