LATEST @ 1500, Wednesday March 4 | City leaders are warning the Gold Coast will be the worst affected region as Tropical Cyclone Alfred starts making its way towards the Queensland coast.
Alfred remains a category two system about 600kms east of Brisbane with winds of 130k/h.
Forecasters are expected Alfred to make landfall just north of Brisbane either late on Thursday night or early Friday morning.
However, it is areas to the south of the cyclone that will cop the brunt of Alfred with the impact to be felt for several days.
“The greatest concern is for the City of the Gold Coast as opposed to any of the other local authorities,” Acting Mayor Donna Gates said.
“We’re expecting gale force winds on Thursday and Friday accompanied by very heavy rainfall which won’t ease until Sunday.”
Daily rainfall totals of up to 500mm are possible, especially in areas of the Hinterland.
Other parts of the city could be hit with more than 700mm over 72 hours.
The other threat facing the city is from storm surges, with Alfred’s arrival set to coincide with high tide.
“If the system crosses at high tide, it is a far more complex situation than if it crosses at low tide, and an added layer of complexity is high tide is in the middle of the night,” Premier David Crisafulli warned.
Council has released mapping of potential flood impacts across the city with areas including Paradise Point, Surfers Paradise and Elanora expected to be among the worst affected.
“It’s important to note that this is the very worst case scenario. It’s modelled on 600mm of rain,” Councillor Gates said.
The Acting Mayor said there are no plans to evacuate any suburbs at this stage, but is urging residents to check the Gold Coast Disaster Flood Risk Map on the Council Dashboard to be aware of the potential impacts.
Evacuation Centres
Council has confirmed three evacuation centres will be open from 6pm on Wednesday at the following locations:
- Runaway Bay
- Nerang Bicentennial Centre
- Burleigh Waters Community Centre
Residents are being urged to decide within the next 24 hours whether they plan to evacuate or ride out Alfred.
“We’re asking Gold Coasters to have a plan by 5 o’clock tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday). From 5 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, you should be starting to settle in and understanding where it is you are going to,” Mr Ryan said.
Sanbagging Stations
Sandbagging stations at Pimpama, Bilinga and Burleigh Heads will be open from 8am to 5pm.
- 196 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama (next to the City of Gold Coast Coomera Depot)
- 42-44 Boyd Street, Bilinga (next to the City of Gold Coast Tugun Depot)
- 61 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads (at the Reedy Creek Waste and Recycling Centre)
There are also self-serve depots open at Carrara and Tugun.
- Carrara Sports Precinct Parking (access via Alabaster Drive Carrara)
- 414 Coolangatta Road, Tugun (at the Tugun Village Community Centre)
Schools
Schools will remain open on Wednesday with a decision to be made tomorrow on whether they will close on Thursday.
Waste Collection
Council has cancelled scheduled waste collection on Thursday and Friday with residents urged not to put their bins out. The city’s waste centres will also be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Council Services
Non-essential council services including pools, libraries and community centres will be closed on Thursday with a decision to be made about Friday.
Events
A call was expected to be made late Tuesday on whether Wednesday night’s Greenday concert will go ahead at CBus Stadium. The Gold Coast Suns’ Opening Round clash at People First Stadium on Saturday, The Australian Women’s PGA, Queensland Surf Lifesaving Championships, The Australian Boardriders Battle have all been called off.
