Cairns Regional Council cyclone guide¶
Cairns Regional Council runs disaster management for the Cairns region, and says the Cairns Disaster Group keeps residents informed through its website, the Cairns Disaster Dashboard and local media. The council says evacuation advice in a cyclone is about storm surge, and that people in storm surge areas may be advised to evacuate. Look up your storm surge zone by address on the council website.
Checked on October 10, 2026
Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from Cairns Regional Council and the Cairns Disaster Group. In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
What to know in Cairns Regional Council¶
- The council says the ABC is the official broadcaster of emergency information.
- Past event: the council has recovery information for people and businesses affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.
Emergency and information numbers¶
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 000 | Triple Zero, for police, fire, and ambulance in an emergency. Call only when someone's life is in danger. |
| Cairns Regional Council | 1300-692-247 | Main line, also written 1300 69 22 47. The council contact page also lists this number for after hours emergencies, 24 hours, 7 days. |
| Disaster Coordination Centre | 1300-396-102 | The council contact page lists this number for when the Centre is activated. Also written 1300 396 102. |
| State Emergency Service (SES) | 132-500 | For non life threatening flood and storm help, such as a damaged roof or rising flood water. |
Official alerts and information¶
- Cairns Disaster Dashboard: Council dashboard. The council says the Cairns Disaster Group keeps residents informed through it. Website.
- Cairns cyclone information: Council page on cyclone warnings, categories, and what to do before and after. Website.
Evacuation zones¶
The council says that if storm surge is predicted, people in storm surge areas may be advised to evacuate. It offers a storm surge search where you enter your home address to find your storm surge zone, and a Storm Surge Evacuation Guide.
Evacuation centers¶
Open only when announced
Evacuation centers open only when officials announce them, and not every center opens for every storm. Check the official list of open centers before you leave home. Bring your own bedding, food, water, and medicines.
The council page on cyclones has a section called Self evacuate or shelter in place, and the Cairns Disaster Group names the Cairns Disaster Dashboard as a source of information. Do not assume any shelter is open. Check the dashboard and follow official announcements.
Related guides¶
- Should I evacuate?
- What to expect at a cyclone shelter
- Cyclone supply list
- After a cyclone: the first 24 hours
- Insurance claims and disaster aid
Sources¶
Checked on October 10, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.