Flood Warning Infrastructure Network (FWIN) Program
Australians rely on us to provide flood forecasts and warnings. We are improving this vital service through the National Flood Warning Infrastructure Network Program.
The Australian Government is investing up to $236 million for this national 10-year program. It enables the Bureau to acquire and upgrade flood infrastructure, including:
- high-priority rain and river gauges
- supporting communications equipment.
The focus is on critical catchments in each state and territory.
Video: Improving Australia's flood warning infrastructure network
Currently, there are more than 8,000 gauging sites across Australia and the Bureau owns about one-third of these gauges that it relies on to deliver flood forecasts and warnings. Over the next 10 years the Bureau will acquire, upgrade and maintain more than 1,500 more flood warning sites located in high priority catchments across the country.
The work will lead to a modernised and well-maintained network that will enhance flood forecasts and warnings and improve community preparedness for flooding.
The national Flood Warning Infrastructure Network Program, known as FWIN, began in Queensland, where around 1,000 gauges will be upgraded by June 2029. In 2024, the FWIN team have consulted with 64 Queensland councils about the flood warning sites to be included in the program.
The first site to be acquired and upgraded was the Cairns Kamerunga Bridge gauge in July 2024. The program will expand to all states and territories, starting next in New South Wales.
Funded by the Australian Government, ongoing maintenance will be shared between the Bureau and state governments and reduce the financial burden on local councils to maintain flood warning sites.
This is an initial map of priority catchments. We are working closely with state and territory government partners to confirm the prioritisation of catchments.
Schedule and progress
Details of the schedule and progress for each state and territory.
Schedule
Detailed planning: July 2023 to June 2024
Site acquisition and upgrade work: July 2024 to June 2029
Site maintenance: from July 2025
Progress
Work on the program began in Queensland, the country's most flood-prone state, in late 2023. The full Queensland program will include about 1,100 sites across 44 Queensland flood watch catchments, with 200 sites in scope for acquisition in the 2024–25 financial year.
Between February and August 2024, we contacted the 51 local governments that own flood warning sites in prioritised catchments. The Bureau and local councils have agreed on an initial list of about 830 flood assets to acquire and, where required, upgrade. Not all sites require upgrades as they are fit-for-purpose. Work is ongoing to confirm the remainder of the program.
The program of works for the 2024–25 financial year has been confirmed, with the first 200 sites either acquired or Transfer of Equipment Agreements now with councils for signing. As of March 2025, 60 sites have been acquired, and 140 Transfer of Equipment Agreements are with councils for signing.
Site upgrade work, which began in July 2024, is expected to be completed by June 2029. As of March 2025, 5 sites have been remediated, with 2 more currently undergoing remediation. The bulk of the site remediation for this financial year will commence after the higher risk weather season.
Initial sites identified for acquisition
Number of FWIN program sites for acquisition in the 2024–25 financial year, by flood watch catchment
Balonne River – 7
Barron River – 4
Black River – 3
Burdekin River downstream of Burdekin Falls Dam – 11
Burdekin River to Burdekin Falls Dam – 3
Burnett River – 7
Burrum and Cherwell Rivers – 12
Condamine Rivers – 22
Dawson and Don Rivers – 1
Don and Proserpine Rivers – 8
Haughton River – 6
Herbert River – 12
Johnstone River – 11
Logan and Albert Rivers – 3
Lower Brisbane River – 15
Macintyre River – 14
Mackenzie and Fitzroy Rivers and Shoalwater and Water Park Creeks – 3
Mary River – 8
Mossman River – 2
Mulgrave and Russell Rivers – 3
Murray River – 1
Pioneer River – 3
Ross and Bohle Rivers – 19
Tully River – 5
Upper Brisbane River – 4
Weir River – 13