Redland City Council crews and emergency workers are working tirelessly to respond to damage reports from the severe weather that has affected the city.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said crews were prioritising works based on urgency and immediate danger to people and property; and would return to areas throughout the week for general clean-up.
“Council has received approximately 300 call outs over the weekend with requests still coming in,” she said.
You may also like these stories
“Due to overwhelming numbers of calls, Council’s Operations Centre phone number to report fallen trees has been changed to 3829 8363, however calls to the previous number (3829 8752) are still being answered.”
Cr Williams said that although Redlands has been declared part of a disaster area, this was because operationally we are part of the Brisbane Disaster District.
“We are aware that virtually everyone in our community has been affected in a variety of ways, and are conscious of providing timely and accurate advice on how to access information and proceed with your storm clean up,” Cr Williams said.
Information relating to the Redlands follows:
Waste Collection
Mainland kerbside bin collection services are operating on their normal schedule.
Contact RedWaste on 1300 362 036 for further information.
Free green waste kerbside collection
Residents are encouraged to make use of the free green waste kerbside collection to dispose of green waste resulting from the storm.
Residents need to have green waste from the storm on their footpaths by no later than Sunday 10 February, as collection would commence early Monday 11 February.
Power outages
Energex reports the number of Redland households without power has reduced to around 9,800.
Affected areas include Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Cleveland, Redland Bay, Ormiston, Wellington Point, Mount Cotton, Thorneside, Sheldon, Thornlands, Birkdale as well as Coochiemudlo, Lamb, Karragarra, Russell and Macleay Islands.
If you see fallen power lines do not go near them, but immediately contact Energex on 13 19 62.
Contact Energex on 13 62 62 for updates on timeframes for power restoration.
Power has now been restored to all of North Stradbroke Island and Energex crews are already on
the Southern Moreton Bay Islands working to restore power.
Please be sure to use candles and lamps safety. Make sure they are not located near flammable
materials and they are extinguished prior to leaving your house or going to bed.
Public Transport
Queensland Rail reports that the Cleveland train line is currently operating between Roma Street
and Wellington Point. The Wellington Point to Cleveland section of rail is expected to reopen in
approximately two to three days, with a bus service being provided to commuters in the interim.
The severe weather has affected the south east Queensland and regional networks. They are
currently responding to widespread signal and power outages and damage to track and overhead
wires, caused by flying debris and flooding.
The regular Monday to Friday train timetable has been suspended due to major damage to
overhead wires at Fortitude Valley. Queensland Rail is encouraging customers to seek alternative transport where possible and advising people to check the TransLink website prior to travelling. Passengers travelling to Brisbane CBD should wherever possible avoid travelling during morning and afternoon peaks and allow additional travel time. Buses will be replaced by trains where possible.
Customers can access information and service updates at www.translink.com.au or by calling
13 12 30.
Road Safety
There are a number of traffic lights out throughout the city. Please drive carefully, watch for pot
holes, and remember to give way to the right at uncontrolled intersections.
Drive with caution:
Traffic control is in place at Main Road, Wellington Point near the primary school due to
fallen power lines.
Queens Esplanade, Thorneside has reopened but there are still powerlines down in this
area.
South bound lanes of Redland Bay Road, Capalaba are closed between the Mt Cotton Road
turn off and Bunnings.
Sections of Victoria Parade on Coochiemudlo Island have restricted access.
Visit www.qld.gov.au or phone 13 19 40 for the latest information on road closures.
Council Services Opening Hours
Some Council Services have been disrupted due to the weather. These include:
Redland IndigiScapes Centre is closed today. It will re-open tomorrow with tracks and trails
remaining closed until further notice.
Home Assist Secure – Seniors and people with disabilities
Home Assist Secure is currently experiencing technical difficulties to its helpline.
A temporary phone number for inquiries has been set-up. This phone number is 3829 8887.
Council’s Customer Service Centre opening hours are
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (excluding public holidays) – 8.30am to 4.30pm
Wednesday – 10am to 4.30pm
Saturday and Sunday – closed
Schools
Council is aware of the following school closures today:
Redland Bay, Mount Cotton and Macleay Island State School.
Parents should use their discretion and consider access issues, road closures and transport in their community before sending their child to school.
A full update of school, TAFE and early childhood education centre closures can be found at http://dete.qld.gov.au/natural-disasters.html Parents can also check their school’s website.
Families without power should listen to their local radio station or call Smart Services Queensland 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for information on school closures.
Safety
For tips on how to stay safe and healthy after storms and flooding visit Queensland Health’s website at http://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/storms/stay-safe-floods
Food Safety
Food safety during an emergency is important for your health. When do you throw out fresh food, frozen food and pantry food? Visit Queensland Health’s website http://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/storms/food-safety.asp for more information.
Mosquitoes
It is important to cover up and clean-up after a large rainfall event to help take the bite out of mozzies. Wear light coloured, long, loose fitting clothing and use insect repellent. Remove water from household items such as pot plant bases, boats, unscreened rainwater tanks, unchlorinated swimming pools, blocked roof gutters, bird baths and old tyres. Make sure screens are in good condition. For more tips on controlling mozzies check out the fact sheets on Council’s website. Visit www.redland.qld.gov.au and search mosquitoes.
Personal Hardship Assistance
People who are experiencing personal hardship due to the storm should contact the Department of Communities on 1800 173 349 for support.
Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme (PHAS) grants are now available to support those families experiencing personal hardship, by covering the immediate, unexpected basic costs of essential items such as food, clothing and accommodation due to the extreme weather.
A grant of up to $180 per person, up to a maximum of $900 for a family of five or more, is available to eligible people experiencing genuine hardship.
Home owners who are not insured may be eligible to receive a Structural Assistance Grant of up to $14,685 per household.
Those who are uninsured, or unable to claim insurance, may also be eligible to receive an Essential Services Safety Reconnection Scheme Grants. There are two parts to this grant, which is income and asset tested: Inspection: up to $200 towards a safety inspection for each essential service needing reconnection (electricity, gas, water and sewerage or septic system) Repair: up to $4200 towards repair work to enable essential services to be reconnected (for example, electrical rewiring).
For more information on Council services please phone 3829 8999.
Residents are encouraged to monitor Council’s website (www.redland.qld.gov.au), Facebook and Twitter for updates on advice and services.
