Redland City residents are being warned to be prepared and expect likely disruptions as a result of the severe weather expected from tomorrow (Thursday).

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Karen Williams said with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicting up to 200mm of rainfall, there was the potential for transport disruptions and road closures.

“The weather bureau is expecting a significant amount of rainfall and damaging winds, which are likely to impact roads, ferries and other transport; so people need to be prepared for delays and disruptions,” she said.

“Dangerous surf, tidal inundation and beach erosion is also predicted, with the high rainfall to coincide with some of the biggest tides of the year.

“We have been advised by Seqwater that Leslie Harrison Dam will likely spill-over due to the amount of rainfall, impacting low-lying areas such as the Capalaba Greyhound track.  Seqwater and Council have contacted businesses and community groups expected to be impacted.”

Cr Williams said Council was preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

“Council has moved its Local Disaster Management Group and Local Disaster Coordination Centre to ‘lean forward’ status meaning we are prepared for immediate activation.

“This is in line with the state disaster management group and coordination centre and our district disaster management group and coordination centre.

“I encourage residents to be prepared including preparing an emergency kit and household emergency plan.  A full list of what to include can be found on Council’s disaster plan website www.redlanddisasterplan.com.au.

“People should also stay off the roads unless necessary, so if you need medications or other supplies get them before the rain starts.  This is particularly important for anyone who lives on islands with the potential for the strong winds and tidal inundation that may affect ferry operations.

“People in low-lying areas should prepare for potential flash-flooding and people in foreshore or canal areas should also be prepared with the heavy rainfall coinciding with large tides.

“Sandbags are available by calling the SES on 132 500 and road closure information is available by calling 131 940 or visit http://131940.qld.gov.au.

“The large amount of rain combined with strong winds may also bring down some trees, so people should take care if they do need to leave the house.

“Main Beach on North Stradbroke Island has already been closed and I think it is safe to assume that all local beaches will be impacted in some way during the height of the weather event.

“We have also started increasing the volume in our water reservoirs, providing additional drinking water in case supplies are interrupted.”

Cr Williams stressed that safety was the most important consideration during these events.

“I cannot stress enough the need for safety and common sense.  Don’t ever drive or walk through flood-waters, stay away from dams or causeways, be aware of fallen trees, don’t go near fallen power lines and if you don’t need to be out in the rain stay inside,” she said.

“Everyone should also look out for each other; we live in a tight-knit community that includes a large aged population so a phone call to your neighbours or friends to check their wellbeing is a small gesture that goes along way.”

Important information and contacts

• Further weather updates and information is available on the bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or by calling 1300 659 219.
• For all the latest news and updates, follow Redland City Council on Facebook (Facebook.com/RedlandCouncil) and Twitter (Twitter.com/RedlandCouncil).
• For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
• Always contact 000 in a life-threatening emergency.
• For power disruptions call Energex on 136 262 or for fallen power lines call Energex on 131 962.
• Prepare an emergency kit including:
  • Medication
  • Battery operated radio (with spare batteries)
  • Torch (with spare batteries)
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Mobile phone and charger (where possible, spare batteries as well)
  • Personal hygiene and toiletry supplies
  • Copies of home and medical insurance policies
  • Copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licences)
  • Contact numbers for emergency services, family and friends
• Be cautious near the water’s edge this week, particularly on the morning high tides.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains and avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
• Stay tuned to the Bureau of Meteorology and the media for updates, particularly ABC 612 and Bay FM 100.3.
• Always follow the directions of emergency services.