Port of Townsville cyclone preparations underway

Port of Townsville is advancing cyclone preparations as a Tropical Low continues to approach the North Queensland coast.

As of 10.51am the Bureau of Meteorology updated their forecast, with the low expected to develop into a Category One Tropical Cyclone at 10pm on Saturday, 10 January.

The Regional Harbour Master (RHM) closed the Ports of Townsville and Lucinda for shipping movements due to the developing weather conditions from 6pm on Thursday, 8 January 2026 with damaging winds forecast in coming days.

This resulted in the cancellation of cruise ship Noordam which was scheduled to berth in Townsville today (9 January) and several other commercial vessels have been postponed. 

The Ports remain closed to shipping and continues to follow advice from Bureau of Meteorology, Townsville Local Disaster Management Group and the Regional Harbour Master.

Port of Townsville Acting General Manager Operations, Project and Safety Dennis Littlewood said the Port had moved to ‘condition yellow’ in response to the impending weather. 

“The Port of Townsville begins its cyclone readiness on 1 November each year and we are well prepared for whatever the weather might deliver over coming days,” Mr Littlewood said.

“Port of Townsville landside operations remain open and operational, with activities being undertaken to secure landside infrastructure including implementing tie-down plans and minimising cargo on berths and in laydown areas.

“We are continuing to work closely with the Bureau of Meteorology and Maritime Safety Queensland on precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Port staff and workers and minimise damage to critical infrastructure.”

The Port will continue to follow advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, Townsville Local Disaster Management Group and Regional Harbour Master and will reassess the Port shipping status as further information becomes available.