The initial development of a low pressure centre occurred over the period from the 20 to 21 August 2007.

A large high pressure ridge which built up along the NSW coast nudged the low centre up towards Fraser Island which brought gale to storm force wind to areas along the coast between the border and Fraser Island.

The maximum wind gust reported was 67 knots from Cape Moreton at 1318 UTC 21 August or 1118pm 21st local time. The main affect of these winds was to bring trees down causing power blackouts to 34,000 houses and damaging houses and cars.

A new low centre east of Fraser Island by 1100 UTC 23 August with a very strong pressure gradient along the coast to the south. This was around the time that the extreme rainfall began about the Northern Sunshine Coast. Rainfall rates reached 313mm in 6hrs and 527mm in 12 hours along the Northern Sunshine Coast. Large waves impacted on the Southeast Coast with an Indonesian Naval Tall Ship? being driven ashore at Rainbow Beach.

An experienced surfer was badly injured with serious spinal injuries at Kirra on 25 August when dumped by a large wave after high energy swell arrived.

This event is classified as an East Coast Low.

More about East Coast Lows
Harden Up
Bureau of Meteorology website
The Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research report