Flooding in North Queensland: A Simple Guide to Stay Operational

Flooding in North Queensland: A Simple Guide for Businesses to Stay Operational

If you’re in North Queensland, you’re likely already seeing the impact — heavy rain, flooded roads, and changing conditions across the region.

Weather events like this can escalate quickly. Even if your business hasn’t been affected yet, now is the time to stay informed and prepared.

This article explains:

• Where to find official flood and disaster updates
• Why flooding affects businesses, not just homes

• Simple steps you can take to protect your operations

Stay Informed: Official Disaster & Flood Dashboards

For the most accurate, up-to-date information, always rely on official government dashboards. These are updated in real time as conditions change.

Regional Dashboards

If you operate or have staff in these areas, bookmark the relevant dashboard:

• Townsville Disaster Dashboard
  https://disaster.townsville.qld.gov.au/

• Hinchinbrook Shire Disaster Dashboard
  https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/

• Cairns Regional Council Disaster Dashboard
  https://disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au/

• Queensland Disaster Dashboard (Statewide)
  https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/

These dashboards provide:

• Flood warnings and river levels
• Road closures
• Power and service outages
• Evacuation and safety alerts

We strongly recommend checking these regularly during severe weather.

Why Flooding Matters for Your Business

Flooding doesn’t just impact buildings — it can disrupt how your business operates day-to-day:

• Power outages stop computers, phones, and EFTPOS
• Internet and mobile services may drop out
• Offices may be unsafe or inaccessible
• Staff may be unable to travel
• On-site servers or equipment can be damaged

Businesses without a basic IT continuity plan often take much longer to recover.

Simple Actions You Can Take Today

You don’t need a complex disaster plan. Start with these practical steps:

1. Check Your Data Backups

Ask yourself:

• Can I access my files if the office is unavailable?
• Are my backups stored offsite or in the cloud?

If you’re unsure, your data may be at risk.

2. Protect Physical Equipment

If flooding is possible at your premises:

• Move computers, servers, and networking gear off the floor
• Unplug non-essential equipment
• Avoid leaving systems running in flood-prone areas

Water damage happens quickly — prevention is key.

3. Prepare for Remote Work

If staff can’t safely reach the office:

• Ensure email and files can be accessed remotely
• Use cloud tools like Microsoft 365
• Confirm staff know how to log in from home

Even short-term remote access can keep your business running.

4. Communicate Clearly

Keep customers informed if conditions affect your services:

• Update your website or social media
• Send email or SMS updates if needed
• Set clear expectations early

Clear communication builds trust during disruptions.

5. Prioritise Safety

Always follow official warnings and advice from:

• Local disaster dashboards
• Queensland Disaster Management
• Emergency services

No job is worth risking lives or safety.

Flooding Is Part of Life in North Queensland — Preparedness Is a Choice

Floods, cyclones, and severe weather are a reality for our region. The businesses that recover fastest are the ones that prepare before something goes wrong.

At National PC, we help North Queensland businesses:

• Set up reliable, offsite backups
• Move critical systems to the cloud
• Build simple, practical IT disaster plans
• Ensure staff can work securely from anywhere

You don’t need enterprise-level systems — just solid foundations that work when you need them most.

👉 If you’re unsure whether your business would cope with flooding or an outage, now is the right time to check.

Contact National PC and let’s make sure your technology is ready — whatever the weather brings.