Council takes action ahead of TC Alfred approach

7 March 2025

Southern Downs Regional Council continues to closely monitor the movements of Tropical Cyclone Alfred ahead of its imminent landfall and has been working with key government agencies over the past week to prepare for potential impacts on our region.

As the system steadily tracks closer towards the coast, there is greater certainty in the forecasts, and Southern Downs Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has now moved to Stand Up status with the relevant emergency services to coordinate a united response for community safety.

With heavy rain fall and strong wind gusts expected in the coming days, Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton urges the community to be prepared and alert as TC Alfred approaches the region.

"As we continue to review the situation and liaise with the Bureau of Meteorology for up-to-date modelling, it's crucial for residents to stay informed and vigilant,” Mayor Melissa said.

“Preparation will be key for community safety, and with significant rainfall expected over the weekend, now is the time to consider preparing your home for flood-type impacts and having an emergency plan if you live in a location which floods or becomes isolated from flooding.

“Rainfall across the region is expected to vary significantly. The eastern escarpment is likely to experience the heaviest rainfall, while the western and southern areas are forecasted to receive lighter amounts. Council will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with BoM and key agencies to respond to the unfolding weather event.

“We will continue to keep the community regularly updated as needed through Council’s Disaster Dashboard and Facebook page. These online platforms remain the point of truth for all information and updates during an emergency."

LDMG Chair Councillor Cynthia McDonald expressed her confidence in the LDMG, reiterating the group was qualified and experienced to respond to the impacts of TC Alfred.

“Tropical Cyclone Alfred is the first cyclone since Cyclone Nancy in 1990 to track towards South East Queensland but I’m confident with all the expertise and experience in the LDMG,” Councillor McDonald said.

“We have far better planning, procedures, equipment, training and technology to assist our community and keep them safe and informed than we did in the 90’s.

“Council is working with key government agencies for the betterment of the community and we are all here to coordinate support for the Southern Downs before, during and after this potential disaster.”

Inspector Kelly Hanlen, District Disaster Coordinator – Warwick Patrol Group said community is a top priority ahead of the extreme wet weather event.

“TC Alfred is about to cross the coast of Queensland as a category 2 cyclone and expected to travel inland which may bring damaging winds and excessive rain fall to areas within the Southern Downs,” Ms Hanlen said.

“I urge all residents to be as prepared as possible for this event. If you reside in a known flood affected area please stay up to date with the latest forecasts and preparations and consider relocating should you need to. Seek shelter with family and friends where possible.

“If you are not in a flood prone area, please seek shelter in your own home and avoid travelling on the roads in the wind and rain.

“A number of roads are expected to experience some flash flooding and riverine flooding in the Southern Downs area. If it is flooded forget it. Please do not risk your lives of the lives of others by driving through flood water.

“Community safety is my priority so please take heed of the information provided to you and keep yourself and family and friends safe.”

The LDMG includes representatives from the Queensland Police Service, SES, TMR, Queensland Ambulance Service, Red Cross, Darling Downs Health, Education Queensland, Ergon Energy and Sunwater.

Based on current tracking and predicted movements, the heaviest rainfall for the region is expected on Saturday. However, this forecast is subject to change as the situation develops.

KEY INFORMATION

• Council’s Disaster Dashboard is the point of truth for weather warnings, community updates and road closure information: disaster.sdrc.qld.gov.au
• Queensland Government resources on preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred are available at https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/news/tropical-cyclone-alfred-march-2025.
• For the latest updates on weather warnings across Queensland visit bom.gov.au/qld/warnings.
• Report damaged roads through the My SDRC app. Download the app at the App Store or Google Play.
• Call the SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance.
• Call Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies.
• If it’s flooded, forget it!

EMERGENCY ALERT NUMBER

• Residents are also urged to update their phone settings to ‘favourite’ the Emergency Alert (EA) phone number +61 444 444 444 to stay informed.
• EA is the national telephone-based warning system used to send voice messages to landlines and text messages to mobile phones to warn people of emergencies.
• Ensure your mobile phone is connected to your service provider network and not just WiFi to make sure you receive EAs.

CONDAMINE RIVER ROAD

• Condamine River Road is closed due to flooding and safety concerns.
• Local residents will still have access to their properties while conditions permit.
• Alternative access to Killarney is available along Spring Creek Road.

FREE SANDBAGS AND SAND AVAILABLE

• Warwick SES, 4 Alice Street
• Stanthorpe SES, Cnr Mackenzie Street and New England Hwy
• Other future locations may be considered if and when required.
• Note that the free sandbags will be empty and you will need to be prepared to fill them yourself.

WASTE SERVICES

• Bin collection services were cancelled for Friday 7 March 2025 due to expected high winds.
• Friday general waste collection will be rescheduled to Monday 10 March.
• Friday recycling collection will be rescheduled to the following Friday 14 March.