New Education Program Helps Residents Prepare for Changing Conditions

Published on 06 May 2026

Gympie Regional Council is joining forces with floodplain management specialists Synergy Solutions to help flood-impacted communities better understand and strengthen their flood resilience.

As part of the program, Synergy Solutions will be visiting priority areas across Gympie to support residents, businesses, and community groups to better understand what flooding looks like in their local area, and how to recognise the triggers that signal when action should be taken.

Community members will see Synergy Solutions officers out and about, sharing practical information on how local catchments behave during flood events, which flood gauges, cameras and information sources to monitor, and how to identify key decision points as conditions change.

$460,000 in funding has been provided under the Flood Risk Management Program, through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The program will provide guidance on preparing for flooding and taking timely action to stay safe. It will also provide clarity for the community on when flooding triggers actions by Council and the State Government, and what those actions are.

Officers have already begun engaging with the Imbil, Southside, Monkland, Jones Hill and Widgee communities, with further engagement activities set to roll out in the coming months.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was committed to supporting the delivery of resilience programs.

“It’s important that we’re preparing Australian communities for disaster, particularly those that are more commonly vulnerable, so that the next time they’re faced with impacts they’re better prepared.

“The Albanese Government is proud to support programs like this one and I look forward to seeing how it benefits to the Gympie community.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the program would help communities better understand flood risk and take action earlier.

“Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools communities can have when preparing for flooding.

“The Crisafulli Government is backing this program to give Queenslanders clear, local flood information so they know what to watch for and when to act as conditions change.”

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Member for Gympie Tony Perrett said the program would strengthen preparedness and confidence across flood‑impacted Gympie communities.

“Our region knows all too well the impact flooding can have, but no two events are ever the same. Understanding what’s happening in your local area and knowing when to act, can make all the difference.

“This program gives locals clear, practical information so they can make decisions earlier, protect what matters, and face future events with greater confidence.”

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said the program was an important opportunity to build both knowledge and confidence across the region.

“Our region is no stranger to flooding, but every flood event is experienced differently by each household, business and community,” Cr Hartwig said.

“Understanding what flooding looks like in your local area helps you make informed decisions earlier and act with greater confidence.”

“This program is not only about learning, but also about sharing local knowledge and experiences to strengthen community preparedness. By sharing your experiences, you are assisting Council in developing outcomes to suit your local area and needs during a flood event.”

Residents can find out more or speak with a Synergy Solutions representative by emailing admin@synergys.com.au.