New Wujal master plan a blueprint for locally led disaster resilience
Nestled between the rainforest and the coast in tropical Far North Queensland, Wujal Wujal faces significant natural disaster risks.
Located on the banks of the Bloomfield River, the township is particularly vulnerable to rising waters during the wet season.
This reality was cruelly exposed in December 2023 when ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper devastated the area, causing unprecedented damage to infrastructure and displacing many residents for six months.
Recognising the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to recovery and future preparedness, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council launched the Wujal Wujal Master Plan Review.
Developed in partnership with Meridian Urban and Water Technology, this transformative planning initiative prioritised flood resilience while honouring the cultural values and forward vision of the community.
Jasper and its subsequent flooding highlighted longstanding deficiencies in land use and infrastructure planning, triggering the need for a master plan that embedded resilience into the community fabric.
Guided by a multi-agency, consultative approach, the updated master plan combines disaster risk reduction with community-centred design.
The review included geotechnical assessments, disaster response modelling, and extensive engagement with local community members.
Importantly, the plan incorporates traditional knowledge and cultural insights to ensure the township’s future development reflects both environmental realities and the deep cultural heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people.
A cornerstone of the plan is a flood-responsive, spatial framework addressing priorities such as land use planning, infrastructure alignment, and cultural presentation.
Innovative measures include flood-resistant infrastructure designs and the introduction of nature-based solutions like riparian vegetation planting and natural water flow controls.
The timing of the master plan review was critical, allowing implementation of early resilience measures in advance of the 2024-25 wet season.
Preliminary outcomes from the master plan were successfully put to the test during heavy rainfall and localised flooding in early 2025.
The improved severe weather safeguards put in place made sure key community infrastructure was well protected throughout the storms.
Most importantly though, the plan has unified the Wujal Wujal community around a shared vision of recovery, growth and sustainability.
What's been created is a blueprint for future land use, more informed planning, and resilient growth that respects community, culture and country.
The Wujal Wujal Master Plan Review was recognised as the winner in the Local Government category at the 2025 Queensland Resilient Australia Awards, and went on to receive Highly Commended honours at the National Resilient Australia Awards.
Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, Meridian Urban and Water Technology also received a Planning Institute of Australia Award for Excellence in the Climate Change and Resilience category at the 2025 Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence.
