Prepare now for the extreme weather season
Vessel owners are urged to take action now, with Queensland’s 2025–26 extreme weather season officially underway.
From now until April 2026, the Queensland coastline faces an increased risk of severe weather. We're calling on boat owners to prepare early: have a plan, check your vessel, secure your moorings, and always monitor forecasts before you head out on the water.
The regional extreme weather contingency plans for ports and pilotage areas across the Queensland coast give clear, localised guidance on what to do when severe weather threatens.
Vessel owners are encouraged to review these plans and follow Maritime Safety Queensland’s seasonal safety reminders, which include vessel checklists, weather updates, maritime situation updates on the Maritime Safety Queensland Dashboard, and advice from Regional Harbour Masters and Marine Officers.
Early action saves lives. Don’t wait for the first storm warning. Plan now, act early, and stay safe.
- Find your local extreme weather contingency plans specific to ports and pilotage areas across the entire Queensland coast.
- View tips on how to prepare your vessel for extreme weather.
- Follow Maritime Safety Queensland on social media and stay informed using the Maritime Safety Queensland dashboard for regular updates and resources.
How to prepare, region by region
Brisbane region
Stay updated via VHF Channel 16 and local emergency dashboards.
Review the Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan.
Always check the latest weather updates directly with the Bureau of Meteorology BoM MetEye.
Gladstone region
Waterways in the Gladstone region are particularly susceptible to flooding, so ensure you monitor local weather forecasts and flood advisories.
Watch out for increased water levels, stronger currents and hazardous floating debris.
Many rivers are equipped with water flow rate monitoring stations, so vessel owners are encouraged stay informed by visiting the water monitoring information portal.
Mackay region
Plan, prepare and practice your response to an extreme weather event in the Mackay and Whitsundays region now.
Stay informed by monitoring Mackay and Whitsunday VTS on VHF Channels 10 and 16 – Maritime Safety Queensland on social media and monitor the Maritime Safety Queensland dashboard.
Townsville region
Make sure your crew knows your plan and that your vessel can handle heavy weather.
Follow all directions from Maritime Safety Queensland’s Regional Harbour Master—you may be asked to move or leave your vessel early.
Cairns region
Vessels in the Cairns region are required to follow the relevant Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan available from the Maritime Safety Queensland website.
When advised under the plan, smaller vessels in Cairns should move to the upper reaches of Trinity Inlet and adjacent creeks. Other ports in the Cairns region must check their local plan for instructions.
Owners should moor their vessels safely and avoid blocking access across creeks. It is always better to monitor conditions and advice, and act early.
Maritime Safety Queensland’s Vessel Traffic Services continuously monitor VHF channel 16 and your local Cairns region port frequency.