Douglas Shire Council cyclone guide¶
Douglas Shire Council covers Mossman, Port Douglas and the Daintree. The Douglas Local Disaster Management Group, with the Local Disaster Coordinator, decides on evacuation requests and on opening shelters. Council maps red, orange and yellow storm tide evacuation zones, shown on the Disaster Dashboard. For life threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
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 Douglas Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
What to know in Douglas Shire Council¶
- Council says not to use the Captain Cook Highway or the Mossman-Mount Molloy Road to leave just before, during or immediately after a cyclone, because the range roads are prone to landslips and closures.
- Council says the Port Douglas Storm Tide Cyclone Shelter is a purpose built facility at the rear of Port Douglas State School, with limited capacity, and that pets are not allowed (assistance animals are).
Emergency and information numbers¶
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | 000 | Triple Zero (000), for police, fire, and ambulance in an emergency. Call only when someone's life is in danger. |
| Council office and after hours emergencies | +61-7-4099-9444 | Council line. The council lists this number for after hours emergencies. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm. |
| Council toll free line | 1800-026-318 | Council free call number, also written 1800 026 318. Not for emergencies. |
| State Emergency Service (SES) | 132-500 | For non life threatening flood and storm help, such as a damaged roof or rising flood water. The Queensland State Emergency Service line. |
Official alerts and information¶
- Douglas Dashboard: Council disaster dashboard. Council says to use it to find out whether you live in a storm tide evacuation zone. Website.
- Douglas disaster management and preparedness: Before a disaster, evacuation options, plans and the Australian Warning System. Website.
- Shelter and evacuation options: Evacuation zones, types of evacuation, and shelter information. Website.
Evacuation zones¶
Council describes three storm tide evacuation zones, based on modelling above Highest Astronomical Tide: red (up to 2m above HAT, highest risk), orange (2m to 3m) and yellow (3m to 4.5m). Find out if you live in a zone on the Douglas Dashboard. Prepare to evacuate when Emergency Services issue an evacuation order.
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.
Council says the Port Douglas Storm Tide Cyclone Shelter and any Places of Refuge are a last option for people in an evacuation zone, with very basic amenities. The Douglas LDMG informs the public through the media if any is opened. Council says not to go to any place of refuge unless officially advised that it is open. Check the Douglas Dashboard.
Official list of open evacuation centers
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.