Tropical Cyclone Madge crossed the coast near Cooktown and brought about widespread rain, which resulted in flooding to neighbouring towns along the coast. Tropical Cyclone Bella brought about extensive rain towards the concluding stages of March.

The two cyclones affected rivers across the State of Queensland including the Herbert, Tully, Nicholson, Gregory, Georgina, Burke, Hamilton, Diamantina, Thomson and Cloncurry. The Bruce Highway, which connects Cairns and Townsville, was inundated with water and was subsequently cut in six places. Furthermore there was also damage to buildings and houses along with reports of heavy crop and livestock losses.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1973 damage at $30m with the 2007 estimated repeated cost of $1147m. The road from Cooktown to the aerodrome was 1.8 m under water. Madge crossed the Gulf from Edward River Mission to Groote Eylandt (lowest central pressure 985 hPa). Severe damage occurred at Angurugu and elsewhere on Groote Eylandt and also at Numbulwar. Buildings badly damaged, trees uprooted, a jetty washed away and a barge sunk.

Rockhampton Regional Council in partnership with the Queensland a…