The impact that these floods has had on Yass shaped how it looks and its location today. 

The necessity for a reliable water supply saw the earliest settlement begin along the river in Warrumbulah Street, the area we now know as Riverbank Park.

It extended along to Flat Rock Crossing, one of two places used to cross the Yass River.

As early as 1837, maps showed projected flood levels for the Yass River.

The first major  flood was recorded in 1852.

The need for a safe and reliable crossing place led to the opening of a bridge at the lower end of Comur Street on September 18, 1854.

By the late 1860s, with the bridge in disrepair, there were moves to construct an improved bridge. 

But then a flood of disastrous proportions hit Yass.

On April 28, 1870 water was high in buildings in lower Comur and Rossi Streets.

Later that day, water was pouring through the lattice work on the bridge, and only roofs of houses could be seen beside the river down from the Anglican Church.

Then finally, both the old bridge and beginnings of a new bridge were swept away.

Downstream, Barber’s Flour Mill, opposite ‘Cliftonwood’ was  destroyed.

A temporary footbridge built later that year was also destroyed by floods.

The new bridge built to a greater height above the Yass River was opened in March 1871, accompanied by great celebrations.

The town remained on the south side of the river, but gradually the business centre moved further up Comur Street away from the river.

There was another serious flood in July 1900, with people having to be rescued from their homes overnight. And again in December 1914. 

On May 29, 1925 the Queanbeyan Age reported that there was a wide expanse of water, reaching from the bridge level on the school side to the Yass Hostel on the corner of Rossi and Comur Streets.

Even the light rail had to be closed, leaving boats as the only way across the river. 

“Rain and floods. Yass River reaches 23 feet,” reported the Yass Courier on July 27, 1922.

And a 1959 photo shows flooding at the corner of Rossi and Comur Streets.

These and other events sadly caused serious damage to goods and property.

But fortunately for Yass, unlike some nearby areas, not one loss of life is recorded due to flooding.