Scenic Rim's disaster response highlighted in report

Published on 26 February 2026

A report on the region's response to the Tropical Cyclone Alfred disaster of March 2025 has been adopted by Scenic Rim Regional Council with key recommendations to guide continuous improvement.

Scenic Rim's Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Councillor Stephen Moriarty, said that following Cyclone Alfred the Scenic Rim Regional Council had engaged Capire Consulting Group (CCG) to facilitate a series of disaster debriefs with local disaster groups, Councillors, Council's Executive Team and the wider community.  

"The comprehensive Tropical Cyclone Alfred Disaster Management and Recovery Review After-Action Report  adopted at today's Ordinary Meeting found agencies and communities had worked with significant commitment and adaptability," he said.

The report was the largest debrief project delivered by Council's Disaster Management team and was delivered in line with the Queensland Disaster Management guidelines. 

"While Cyclone Alfred didn't directly impact our region, it did bring heavy rainfall and strong winds which caused significant disruption to our local communities," Cr Moriarty said. 

"Some areas received more than 200mm of rain, with Binna Burra and Tamborine Mountain receiving the top falls - 248mm and over 220mm respectively. 

"Power outages at more than 4,800 properties in Tamborine Mountain, Beechmont, Canungra and surrounding areas were caused by trees and powerlines falling from the strong wind gusts."  

Council's local road network suffered significant damage and a number of roads were blocked by debris. The Scenic Rim also experienced damage to other local infrastructure and disrupted services and access in affected communities.  

Recovery operations commenced immediately following the cyclone and were coordinated across multiple agencies.

The report highlights six key areas to ensure a stronger disaster and recovery response for Scenic Rim communities.

Recommendations in the report identified the need for all disaster management stakeholders to:  

• embed role clarity and strengthen support for key operational and leadership roles 
• develop and implement an integrated disaster communications plan 
• invest in community-led preparedness and resilience building  
• strengthen interoperability and shared learning across response and recovery 
• align funding and resources with local needs, capability, and lived experience, and 
• make continuous improvement a core part of business-as-usual preparedness. 

"A tropical cyclone is not something we are accustomed to in South East Queensland," Cr Moriarty said.

"However, by conducting a thorough review with disaster groups and the community, the findings and recommendations of this report will help to build a more resilient and better-prepared region for future severe weather events."