South-east Queensland and northern New South Wales experienced unprecedented extreme rainfall and flooding in early 2022 with significant consequences for many of the region's riparian ecosystems and the values and services these provide. Widespread bank erosion was observed, especially in unvegetated areas, and our waterways were subjected to high loads of pollutants, nutrients and sediments. Impacts on numerous Matters of National Environmental Significance, including threatened species and ecological communities and sites of international significance, were also observed as well as on the projects already underway to protect and restore these. A range of management and community initiatives have occurred in response to these impacts across the region including various studies of flood impacts and prioritisation processes to identify key actions for conservation and restoration going forward. As we enter our third La Nina and face the possibility of further extreme flooding, the condition and function of riparian ecosystems is more important than ever. Here, I will synthesise key findings of some of the projects that have occurred in response to the 2022 floods in which I have been involved and suggest key actions and knowledge needs for a future in which extreme rainfall and flooding are likely to become the norm.