Living in NQ - Important Facts
 North Queensland is a great place to live, work and play, and one of the most enjoyable aspects of the region is its natural flora and fauna.
However, there are a number of risks in this area that are not present in other parts of Australia and the following information will provide a brief overview of some ‘need to know’ information. Council encourages all new residents to access more comprehensive information available on this website or from Queensland Health’s website.
Sun safety
Did you know it takes as little as six minutes of sun exposure to cause burns in North Queensland? Nowhere is it more important to slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, slide on some sunglasses and seek out some shade.
Ultraviolet radiation is intense all year round, not just in summer, so it’s important to be sun safe.
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 Wet season flooding
Heavy rainfall tends to occur in North Queensland between January and March. Townsville is a coastal city, set on a river delta and some older suburbs are susceptible to flooding and king tides. You should expect some disruption to road and rail transport over the annual ‘wet season’. Visit council’s website for more information on preparing for extreme weather conditions.
Road flooding
In most instances, flooding on our roads is short-lived. This is because most of the city’s roads have been designed to act as drainage channels that direct flows to local lakes, creeks and the marine environment. Residents should avoid driving in extreme weather and move cars from roadsides to avoid inundation. Once floodwaters recede, road damage can be reported to council.
Flooding through homes
Before buying, renting or carrying out renovations, residents should seek professional advice to ensure flood risks are fully considered. Differences in building standards over the years mean flooding tends to occur only in specific parts of the city. Contact the Customer Service Centre to find out if your property may be vulnerable.
Avoid stormwater drains
Heavy downpours mean flooding can happen quickly and storm water drains can quickly turn into fast-flowing flooded rivers. Teach your children to avoid playing in storm water drains – they’re not the place for adventure.
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Cyclones and severe storms
 The most likely time for cyclones in North Queensland is between the months of December and April. The severity of expected damage from a cyclone will depend on its category, size, speed of travel, wind gusts and direction of approach. When a cyclone poses a threat to communities within 48 hours, the Bureau of Meteorology will activate a public warning system.
During a cyclone (or any disaster), the Local Government Disaster Coordination Centre will coordinate the disaster response. Updated information is provided through the media. One of the biggest threats in the cyclone season is complacency. Ensure your family is prepared, including having an emergency kit at the ready. Find out more about disasters in North Queensland.
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 Fire
The risk of bushfires increases between May and October when grass and undergrowth dries. In the period leading up to bushfire season, controlled burns are conducted and firebreaks cleared. Fire bans may be put in place if the risk of bushfires is high. If you live in a semi-rural part of Townsville, make sure you know the contact details of your Rural Fire Service, or better still, become a volunteer with this valuable service.
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Wildlife risks
The following information provides a brief introduction to being safe in North Queensland. More information is available
from Queensland Health’s website.
Mosquitoes
 Mosquitoes are one of the less desirable aspects of outdoor living in the Townsville. They are not just a nuisance – they can also transmit mosquito-borne diseases.
Council has a program for controlling mosquito breeding on state and council owned land, but the responsibility for controlling mosquitoes breeding at your house lies with YOU.
Your vigilance is particularly important because the type of mosquito that transmits dengue fever only breeds around the home — stop the mosquito breeding and stop the disease. Find out more about mosquito management.
Stingers/jelly fish
Marine stingers are usually present in North Queensland waters between October and May. Surf patrols conduct regular checks and may close beaches at other times. First aid treatments for various types of jelly fish do vary, so take the time to find out more before you visit the beach. As a general rule, don’t enter the water when beaches are closed, swim only in swimming enclosures and wear a stinger suit to minimise the risk of being stung.
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Snakes and spiders
 There are a number of venomous snakes and spiders in North Queensland. Never approach or handle them – for information about the removal of snakes and other wildlife from your home contact the North Queensland Wildlife Care (ph. 0414 717 374) or EPA’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (ph. 4722 5227).
Crocodiles
 Around Townsville, estuarine and freshwater crocodiles can be found in the upper Herbert River and Burdekin River catchments and Ross River. Estuarine crocodiles also live in tidal reaches of some rivers. Yellow warning signs are installed at access points to waterways, but you should be aware that crocodiles may be present, even if there are no warning signs.
Poisonous plants
A number of exotic garden plants and native species that grow in North Queensland can pose a danger if eaten or handled. Plant toxins work in different ways, some causing stings, rashes, vomiting and other more serious symptoms. Council recommends residents take the time to get to know local plant species – a visit to the city’s botanical gardens is recommended.
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