As Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred approaches the South East Queensland coastline, now is the time to band together and offer a helping hand to others.
Do you have an elderly neighbour who may need help clearing their yard or finding supplies to prepare for a blackout?
If your property is safe, could you offer refuge to friends and family who may be at risk in their homes?
Sunshine Coast Council Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Rosanna Natoli urged everyone to reach out to their neighbours, friends and family and offer support.
“In tough times, we are stronger together,” Mayor Natoli said.
“It is also during these times that kindness and generosity shine brightest.
“Already, I have seen so many in their street, on social media, asking the very simple question: do you need help?
“That makes me so proud to be part of this Sunshine Coast community.”
Rainfall and damaging winds
Recent modelling shows TC Alfred is expected to cross the coast late Friday, moving into Saturday morning.
Last night’s unexpected tracking loop by the cyclone delayed the crossing. The system is moving slower than anticipated, making the exact crossing time and whether it coincides with high tide critical factors.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Saturday poses the highest risk for damaging winds, flash flooding and heavy rainfall, with expected totals of 200-300mm. This heavy rainfall may continue through Sunday, rapidly impacting our rivers and creeks.
Flooding
Residents are urged to review flood mapping on Council’s website or Disaster Hub to understand the potential impacts to their property.
Storm surge modelling shows potential impacted areas for half a metre and one metre above the Highest Astronomical Tide.
Council also has maps of potential impact areas for flooding from rivers and creeks.
SES Sandbag locations
“The SES Distribution Centres has now distributed more than 90,000 sand bangs with another 45,000 empty bags ready to fill,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Volunteers are working hard to support the community to fill sandbags across multiple sites and these will continue to operate until 7.30pm today (Thursday March 6) and will reopen tomorrow at 8am.”
You can collect them, or fill sandbags yourself. Sandbags are a simple and effective way to help reduce the impact of flooding and protect your property.
Depots and locations offering sandbags:
Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Ave, Nambour
SES Caloundra Depot – Ulm Street South, Caloundra
Coolum Cricket Club car park. Ron Cargill Oval, Coolum Sports Complex, Coolum Beach
Eudlo Rural Fire Brigade, 6 Rosbed St, Eudlo
Caloundra Indoor Sports Stadium carpark, North St, Golden Beach
Hinterland Lawn Bowls Club – Cnr of Elizabeth Daniels Way & Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim
Caloundra Rugby Union Football Club (Lighthouse Park) 81 Arthur Street, Caloundra.
Keep up to date by visiting Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast
Places of Refuge
During TC Albert, the community is also encouraged to stay with friends and family, however if that is not possible and you need to stay at a Place of Refuge, please take only essential items, your pillow and blanket, as space is at a premium.
Nambour Showgrounds : Crossover via Coronation Ave: Animals can be housed at this location in crates, which must be supplied by the owner.
Caloundra Indoor Stadium : North Street, Caloundra (animals not accepted).
Landsborough Sportsground : 15 Tunnel Ridge Road, Landsborough (animals not accepted).
More locations across the Coast will be opened as needed and will be included on Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast.
For more information:
· Follow our local council disaster dashboard here disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/#Dashboard
· Listen to your local ABC radio 90.3
· For power outage information go to energex.com.au.
· Check the latest weather, warnings, rainfall, and river heights at the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website.
· Check road closures at the QLD Traffic website or for phone service call 131 940.
· Check disruptions to public transport at the Translink website.
· To report a Council-related urgent matter or emergency, call (07) 5475 7272 or 1300 007 272.
If you require urgent SES assistance please contact SES at 132 500 or log a request for the SES app: 132500.qld.gov.au/ses-webapp/
