Update 2: Barkly and Central Australia flooding
11:50am 27 February 2026
A slow-moving tropical low over the Barkly and Simpson districts is causing widespread flooding across southern parts of the Northern Territory.
Some areas have received more than 200mm of rain. Because the ground was already very wet, this has led to increased flooding and damage. Homes and businesses have been affected, along with roads and rail lines.
Several major transport routes have been impacted, including parts of the Stuart Highway, Tanami Road and Plenty Highway, and rail services to the Northern Territory have been disrupted.
Some remote communities have been isolated, and a number of residents from Murray Downs have self-relocated to Ali Curung. There were no evacuation orders.
Food supplies are being maintained by truck, with no predicted shortages of stock on shelves.
Residents and road users are advised to limit movements to essential travel only and to stay up-to-date with road closures at the Road Report NT website.
Financial assistance
The Australian and Northern Territory Governments have activated disaster assistance through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Category B. This support is available in the Alice Springs Town Council, Barkly Regional Council, Central Desert Regional Council and MacDonnell Regional Council areas.
Primary producers may be eligible for a freight subsidy that covers up to 50 per cent of approved freight costs, to a maximum of $5,000. Eligible non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help repair significant damage to assets.
The arrangements also help government agencies and councils carry out response and recovery work, including clearing debris, making temporary repairs and ensuring properties are safe.
There is no financial relief payment for individuals at this time.
More information about disaster assistance and eligibility is available at Australian Government Disaster Assistance and Eligibility website.