Logan Mayor Darren Power talks about the importance of understanding our flood risk.

Logan City Council New Flood Mapping transcript

Understanding flood risk

Logan is a green city. We value our natural environment and the major rivers (the Logan and the Albert River) and creek catchments it includes. Floods are part of our environment, but they can be tough for communities and individuals. Understanding our flood risk helps us to:

• protect people and property
• make better decisions
• avoid making flooding worse
• support our emergency response and evacuation.

Flood risk is different in different parts of the city. How likely a flood of a certain size is, how it might behave, and what impact it might have are important factors we consider when we develop our flood risk maps and policies. We use updated flood information from recently completed flood studies (please refer to the tables below). Please see our Risk-based flood mapping fact sheet (PDF 504 KB).

To help you understand your flood risk you can get a property report from the Logan PD Hub. To learn how please see our Flood report fact sheet.

If you would like help understanding flood risk please call us on 07 3412 3412 or email us at Council@logan.qld.gov.au.

Flood studies and modelling

Logan’s River and Catchment Engineering team talk about how the new flood modelling and mapping is developed so that we can understand flood risk and plan carefully to stay safe in future. 

Why we flood map transcript

Council has a rolling Flood Studies Review Program to help us improve our understanding of the flood risk across Logan’s different catchments. You can find information about our Flood Studies Review Program in our Question and Answer factsheet.

We take into account State legislation, policies and guidelines and a range of factors such as climate change, new rainfall and river level information from recent flood events, growth in our city, catchment conditions, new technology and industry best practice. We work with specialist consultants to deliver updated flood modelling and studies. In line with the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, we share that information with our community to help keep people and property safe. Updated flood studies will be published here, to help our community be flood aware, ready and resilient. Property maps are available in the free online Flood Report in our Logan PD Hub. 

The table below outlines the status of flood studies and provides links to the relevant documents for accepted studies. You can download a Logan Flood Studies map (PDF 3 MB) that shows the extent of the area covered by each flood study. For further information or for help understanding the flood risk on your property, please contact Council.

Listen to what Uncle Terry has to say

Uncle Terry (Chair of Logan Elders, Kamilaroi Man) talks about Flooding, and how it is part of our natural environment and part of Logan’s story for generations.

Uncle Terry video transcript

Past floods

The flood hazard mapping used for planning and awareness purposes does not represent any specific actual flood. It is a prediction based on analysis of the long term rainfall and river level records. When considering the risk of flooding we need to look at long-term trends. Logan experienced particularly large floods in the late 1880s, 1947 and 1974. It is possible some residents have not witnessed floods like those in the time they have lived here. That does not mean a flood like that won’t happen again. When flood models are developed, we simulate historic flood events to ensure that the model predictions match the behaviour of flood water in actual flood events that have occurred. The model is then used to understand what a larger flood may look like. 

There have been a number of significant floods in the City of Logan in recent years. These events are listed in the table below with their approximate size using the scale of Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). A 1% AEP means there is a 1 in 100 likelihood of a flood of this size occurring in any given year. It does not mean that a flood of that size will only occur once in every 100 years. A lower likelihood represents a more serious flood, i.e. flood levels would be higher in a 1% AEP event than those experienced in a 2% or 5% AEP event. Each flood is unique, and any given flood will have different impacts in different areas. Properties impacted by a 1% AEP flood in one year may experience different impacts in a 1% AEP flood in another year.

You can also find more information about the flood warning system and gauges for the Logan River and Albert River catchments operated by the Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology.

Understand your risk and be prepared to stay safe

Logan’s Disaster Management Officers and State Emergency Services controllers talk about their experience helping people during floods, and the importance of understanding your risk and being prepared.

Flooding: Be Prepared, Be Aware video transcript

Before a flood

• find out if you live in a flood-risk area by downloading a Flood Report from Logan PD Hub.
• download the Flooding in the City of Logan brochure (PDF 8.1 MB) and complete the checklist
• consider opportunities to implement flood resilient design features in your home by reading the Logan Flood Resilient Design Guideline (PDF 11.25 MB).
• get to know your neighbours – they may be able to help you understand how flooding affects your neighbourhood
• prepare your business by telling staff and be ready to move stock, equipment, hazardous materials and heavy machinery away from areas that may get flooded
• stack furniture and belongings up high, out of the way of floodwaters
• understand the flood warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology website
• For more tips on how to prepare your home please visit Preparing for an emergency.

During a flood

We have installed a number of Flood Watch Cameras around Logan. You can check the cameras to find out creek levels across the city. They will help you prepare and plan for flooding and find different routes when there are road closures. You can view the cameras 24-hours a day. During the night, the quality of the image may change due to lighting.

Visit our Disaster Dashboard for camera feeds and the latest information on weather warnings, road closures, power outages and evacuation centres.

You should also:

• secure objects that could float away and cause damage
• check social media, listen to your radio or watch television for the latest information and warnings.

If you have to leave your home during a major flood:

• turn off the electricity, gas and water at the mains
• take your emergency kit
• take your pets with you
• consider staying with friends or family in safer areas – wherever you go, let others know.

More information can be found on the Get Ready Queensland website. 

Remember, once you enter floodwaters, you are giving up control of your vehicle. If it's flooded, forget it!

Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the flood camera images are as accurate as possible. There is no validation of this information. It is your responsibility to make decisions about the currency, accuracy and completeness of the information and images. We accept no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage incurred as a result of this information or its use in any way.

After a flood

• visit our Disaster Dashboard for updates on roads re-opening, power outages and weather warnings
• visit our flood support and recovery page for information and assistance if your home or business has been seriously impacted
• be careful when returning to your home after a flood. Do not enter floodwaters
• floodwater can be full of bacteria, so wear shoes at all times and do not allow children to play in or around flood waters
• record details of flood damage by taking photos or video for insurance purposes
• don't use gas or electrical appliances that have been flood-affected until checked by a service provider
• do not eat food that has been in contact with floodwater
• boil all tap water until the water supply is safe.