Please note, although your property may not have been directly affected by this flood event, the event has been included in your suburb listing because according to the Bureau of Meteorology river gauge data, a catchment near your suburb recorded a high mark. This event may have affected your suburb. The map on the left shows the catchment area.

The Killarney flood peak of 6.15 metres on Monday 6th was similar to the February 1976 level. The river broke its banks at Killarney and inundated the main street with water up to 1 metre deep. Several businesses suffered flood damage. In the first week of May, widespread flooding and heavy rainfall were reported in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.

A tidal surge created by a low pressure system caused above average tidal conditions. In addition, Brisbane water catchment areas recorded up to 1000 mm. The worst affected area of Brisbane was the metropolitan area and the Darling Downs region.

Furthermore, the extreme weather conditions also affected the Lockyer creek, Bremer and Logan rivers. Both states reported extensive damage to farming areas. Vegetable and cotton crops were seriously affected; many completely destroyed. The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $55m, with the 2007 estimated repeated cost of $80m.

May 1996 Flood - image

May 1996 Flood: Brisbane airport weather radar 3 May

May 1996 Flood: record rainfalls