Extreme rainfall reshapes Wet Tropics—new report highlights urgent need for united action

The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) has today released the 2024-25 State of Wet Tropics report revealing the escalating impacts of recent extreme rainfall events on the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the communities that call it home. 

Tabled in both the Australian and Queensland parliaments, the report—Extreme rainfall events: impacts and recovery—highlights the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 and the Far North Tropical Low in early 2025, which caused record-breaking rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, and significant damage to ecosystems, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. 

Chair of the WTMA Board, Ms Chrissy Grant, said the Wet Tropics is at a critical juncture, and the urgency to act has never been greater. 

“These events demonstrate that impacts of climate change are no longer hypothetical—they are here, and they are hitting hard,” Ms Grant said. 

The report outlines the cascading consequences of these extreme weather events, including the displacement of wildlife, destruction of vegetation, and disruption to local communities. It also highlights the challenges of delayed recovery due to funding shortfalls and access issues in affected areas. 

“These events have reshaped landscapes, disrupted lives, and left communities grappling with the aftermath,” Ms Grant said.  

The report calls for urgent and coordinated action to address the growing threats posed by climate change and invasive species.  

It recommends enhancing ecosystem resilience through targeted conservation strategies, strengthening infrastructure and emergency response systems to better manage future extreme weather events, and investing in research to understand and mitigate long-term ecological impacts.  

The report also highlights the importance of working closely with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to lead culturally appropriate recovery efforts and integrate traditional knowledge into restoration strategies. 

“We must work together to build resilience and protect this globally significant region for future generations,” Ms Grant said. 

“Prompt coordinated responses are essential to mitigate further damage and support recovery. This includes funding green infrastructure to address erosion and flooding, protecting critical habitats, and supporting local ecosystems and communities. 

“Beyond environmental damage, extreme rainfall events disrupt lives, displace communities, and destroy cultural sites. They also harm public health—physiologically, mentally and spiritually—and have ongoing social and economic ripple effects. 

“Protecting it is not just an environmental imperative; it’s essential for the wellbeing of our people and the future of our region,” Ms Grant said. 

The State of Wet Tropics report is a call to action for governments, communities, and stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the resilience of the Wet Tropics and its World Heritage values. 

For more information and to access the report visit Annual and State of Wet Tropics reports | Wet Tropics Management Authority 

Published: 16th Dec 2025