Know Your Risks

Flooding is the most significant natural hazard affecting the Somerset region. Riverine flooding from the Brisbane River and its tributaries, including the Stanley and Lockyer catchments, can impact communities such as Lowood, Fernvale, Esk and Toogoolawah.

Flooding may occur as a result of prolonged rainfall, severe weather systems or dam releases during major catchment events. Impacts can include road and bridge closures, property damage, isolation of communities and disruption to essential services.

Residents are encouraged to understand their flood risk, prepare a household emergency plan, and monitor official warnings from Somerset Regional Council, the Bureau of Meteorology and Seqwater during heavy rainfall events.

To find out more about Flooding Risk, go to our Know Your Flood Risk page found here.

Residents are reminded: If it’s flooded, forget it. Never enter floodwater.

The Somerset region is susceptible to severe storms, including those associated with ex‑tropical cyclones and east coast low pressure systems. These events can bring intense rainfall, damaging winds, hail and lightning.

Severe storms may result in flash flooding, power outages, fallen trees, damage to buildings and impacts to road networks. Rural properties and tourism infrastructure may be particularly affected.

Community members should secure loose items before storm seasons, have emergency kits available and stay informed through official weather warnings and council updates.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)

BoM is Australia’s official source of weather forecasts, warnings, radar and climate information. Emergency services, councils and disaster managers rely on BoM data to monitor conditions and make informed decisions. Using the BoM website and mobile app helps individuals and communities stay informed and safer during severe weather and disaster events.

Bushfire is a high‑risk hazard for Somerset due to its extensive rural landscapes, forested areas and grasslands. Hot, dry and windy conditions can rapidly escalate fire behaviour, particularly during the summer fire season.

Bushfires may threaten lives, homes, livestock and critical infrastructure, and can result in prolonged road closures. Smoke impacts can also affect vulnerable community members.

Property owners in bushfire‑prone areas are strongly encouraged to prepare bushfire survival plans, maintain defendable space around buildings and follow advice issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. 

Extreme heat events present an increasing risk to the Somerset community. Heatwaves can affect human health, livestock, crops and place additional stress on power and water infrastructure.

Older residents, young children and people with existing medical conditions are particularly vulnerable during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

Staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak heat and checking on vulnerable neighbours are essential actions during extreme heat events.

getready.qld.gov.au/getting-ready/know-your-risk/types-disasters/heatwave

Drought is a slow‑onset hazard that can significantly impact agriculture, water supply and local economies in the Somerset region. Periods of prolonged below‑average rainfall can strain rural livelihoods and natural environments.

Impacts may include reduced agricultural production, increased bushfire risk and pressure on water resources.

Council works closely with state agencies and local communities to support drought preparedness, resilience and recovery initiatives.

Somerset has a strong agricultural base, making biosecurity incidents such as animal disease, plant pests or invasive species a potential risk.

Biosecurity events may result in movement restrictions, impacts on farming operations and economic disruption across the region.

Early detection, reporting and adherence to biosecurity controls are critical to reducing impacts on the local community and agricultural industry.

Public health emergencies, including pandemics, can have widespread social, economic and health impacts across the Somerset region.

Such events may disrupt normal services, affect workforce availability and require coordinated response measures across all levels of government.

Council supports state and federal health authorities by assisting with community messaging, local response coordination and recovery support.

Disruptions to power, water, telecommunications and transport networks may occur as a result of severe weather, flooding or other disaster events.

Some Somerset communities can become temporarily isolated due to road closures or infrastructure damage.

Residents are encouraged to plan for short‑term disruptions by maintaining emergency supplies and understanding local access routes and contingency arrangements.