The ARA has received an update on supply chain disruptions in North Queensland at the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) briefing on severe weather. The briefing was attended by emergency response personnel, government representatives and industry bodies, including major supermarket chains, logistics providers, and sea freight operators. 

The Bureau of Meteorology provided a weather update, highlighting major flood warnings in place between Cairns and Rockhampton, particularly for the Herbert, Murray, and Cape Rivers. The Bureau also shared an outlook for the weekend following the meeting. 

NEMA outlined the significant damage caused by flooding to infrastructure and freight services, including the shutdown of the Bruce Highway due to the loss of key bridges. Most rail lines in the affected area were temporarily closed. The Townsville-to-Cairns corridor was expected to take longer to restore due to severe infrastructure damage, including washed-out tracks. 

NEMA emphasised its priority of re–establishing critical supply chains to support Queensland communities. Efforts were underway to explore alternative freight routes, including increased use of ports, to maintain essential supply flows.