Residents evacuated from their homes in the face of bushfires fronting the Cooroibah and Tewantin and surrounding areas have been told it is still not safe to return to their homes as firefighting efforts continue ahead of potentially worsening conditions later today, Saturday 9 November.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) media bulletin issued just before 10.30am today stated that “all persons north of Cooroy Noosa Road between McKinnon Drive and Tinbeerwah Road, including Noosa Banks, are asked to leave now if they have not already done so”.
“If you are not in the area, do not return,” the QFES bulletin said.
At least one home and a number of sheds and vehicles are understood to have been lost to fire overnight.
Aerial firefighting efforts as well as the response on the ground continues at full-scale today, with unpredictable wind conditions forecast later today, Saturday, and across the weekend.
QFES says the “progress” of the bushfires “has slowed in part due to a period of more favourable weather conditions” overnight and this morning.
“However, a forecast wind change later in the morning is expected to cause conditions to deteriorate which may impact Noosa North Shore,” the QFES said.
“Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing.
“Residents on Noosa North Shore should evacuate in a westerly direction by taking the Noosa River Ferry to Moorindil Street.”
Evacuation centres have been established at The J Noosa (Noosa Drive), Nambour Showgrounds and the Christian Outreach Centre at Beckmans Road, Noosaville.
Domestic animals are welcome at the Nambour Showgrounds. Noosa Library, on Wallace Drive, remains open for aged care evacuees only. Please note, Girraween Sports Complex (Eenie Creek Road) is now closed and the Noosa Leisure Centre is now at capacity.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
Premier visits…
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has visited Noosa this morning and along with Mayor Tony Wellington has praised the efforts of emergency services and the wider Noosa community for supporting those evacuated from their homes.
Two people are understood to have died in the bushfires in New South Wales within the last 24 hours.
More than 40 separate bushfires currently burning in New South Wales are listed as “uncontained”.
UPDATES TO FOLLOW.
