Final update: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Mareeba Shire Council would like to advise that sewerage is no longer entering the Barron River in Mareeba, after a sinkhole damaged the sewerage pump station in Lloyd Street earlier this week.
Council has by-passed the blocked pump and redirected wastewater back into the sewerage network.
With the by-pass in place diverting the wastewater, crews will now be able to safely remove the damaged pump and replace it with a temporary pump this week to ensure the network is back to full capacity.
Council has now lifted the notice to not swim in the Barron River, however, would like to reiterate that due to the significant rainfall throughout the catchment area, residents should stay out of flood water.
Update: Tuesday, 6 January 2026
A sinkhole formed at Lloyd Street Mareeba Sewerage Pump Station due to the heavy rain from the current monsoonal low being experienced across North Queensland.
The sewerage network at this site was damaged and the sewer main and pump well filled with soil and sand. This resulted in wastewater discharging into the Barron River in Mareeba and a notice was issued by Mareeba Shire Council on 5 January advising residents not to swim in the Barron River.
Since the sinkhole formed, crews have been onsite and have cleared the sewer main, however work continues to clear the pump well of soil and sand to recover and replace the damaged pump.
Unfortunately, until the pump well is cleared and the pump replaced, there will be discharges into the river.
Council advises that it is still not safe to swim in the Barron River and crews will continue to work on these emergency repairs.
Temporary Pump Station Work Area – Lloyd Street, Mareeba
Original post, Monday, 5 January 2026
Mareeba Shire Council wishes to advise that damage to the sewerage network on Lloyd Street is resulting in wastewater being released into the Barron River in Mareeba.
Due to heavy rain, a sinkhole has formed which has pushed sand and soil into the temporary pumpstation well, blocking the sewer main and the pump. As a result, the wastewater is now exiting via the emergency discharge point and overflowing into the Barron River.
Residents are asked to please refrain from swimming in the Barron River until the issue is fixed. Council is working tirelessly on repairing the damage and will advise when the project is completed.
We monitor the raw and treated water quality at our treatment plants in accordance with our approved Drinking Water Quality Management Plan to ensure that our treatment process is effective and can confirm that our treated water is safe to drink.
Residents drawing water out of the Barron River are reminded of the risks associated with use of untreated surface water. For information on using water safely on rural properties, please visit, Safe water on rural properties.
Please continue to report damage to community infrastructure by contacting Council on 1300 308 461 or emailing info@msc.qld.gov.au.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while repairs are completed.
Temporary Pump Station Work Area – Lloyd Street, Mareeba
Sinkhole Lloyd Street, Mareeba
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