Evacuation of campers at Flinders Beach and Main Beach, North Stradbroke Island, is under way due to strong winds and high rainfall and the island’s ferry services have been cancelled.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Redland City Council had established an evacuation centre at Pt Lookout Community Hall.
“Council is assisting Straddie Camping with the evacuations of 62 campers – 50 from Flinders Beach and 12 from Main Beach,” Cr Williams said.
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“Many will stay at council’s evacuation centre at Pt Lookout community Hall, while others are seeking accommodation through real estate agents.
“Red Cross personnel are also making their way to the evacuation centre to offer assistance.
“We were concerned about falling trees and the effects of high rainfalls in the Flinders Beach and Main Beach camping areas.
“Council has been advised all barges and ferries to and from North Stradbroke Island have currently been cancelled for the remainder of the day.
“Similarly, Council has been advised that the last vehicle ferry service at 4.45pm from Redland Bay to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands of Karragarra, Macleay, Russell and Lamb islands would be cancelled, as would the barge’s 6pm return trip from Russell Island to Redland Bay.”
Local Disaster Management Group activated
Cr Williams said the Redland Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) had this morning been activated and was coordinating responses across the city.
“Residents should be prepared for severe weather conditions, including wind speeds up to 125km/hour and 200mm-300mm of rain in a few hours,” she said.
“The advice is that the system is moving faster than it has been previously – this means the period of rainfall we experience in the Redlands may be less, but it will be a time of intense rainfall, potentially up to 200mm to 300mm.
“There has been a lot of damage in the north from mini tornado conditions and I want all Redland residents to be prepared and stay safe.
“People need to stay away from the water’s edge, from drains and fallen powerlines. Please do not sight-see at the water’s edge.”
Council’s Operations Centre is open and can be contacted on 3829 8752 for emergencies relating to the flooding of roads and fallen tree limbs.
Fallen powerlines
If you see fallen power lines stay well away from them and ring Energex on 13 19 62.
Also, make sure loose items around your home are put away as they can be blown into overhead powerlines causing damage.
Victoria Point Pontoon damaged and closed to public
Cr Williams said the Victoria Point Pontoon had been damaged and was closed to the general public.
“It has broken away from its pylons and is being held by metal brackets.
“Council is monitoring the pontoon and engineers will inspect it at low tide today around 4pm.
“We expect to be able to drag the pontoon up on to the foreshore.”
Boat located near North Street, Redland Bay
Cr Williams said a large boat had lost its moorings and drifted a suburb away, ending up at North Street, Redland Bay. It is believed to have lost anchor around Victoria Point.
“No one was onboard the boat and the boat owner has been advised.”
Controlled release of water from Leslie Harrison Dam
SEQ Water has advised that a controlled release of water is under way through one gate at Leslie Harrison Dam and that minimum or no downstream flooding is expected at this stage.
Controlled releases from the dam are expected to continue throughout today, and may increase depending on rainfall.
Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
- Move their car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure loose outdoor items.
- Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
- Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
- Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
- For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
Residents are encouraged to listen to 612 ABC Radio and monitor Council’s website (www.redland.qld.gov.au), Facebook and Twitter.
