Redland City’s residents have been urged to stay away from the water’s edge and travel only if necessary.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Karen Williams said the continuing high rainfall and big tides meant storm surges were likely and would increase the risk along foreshores and creeks.

“Residents in waterfront locations should prepare their homes,” Cr Williams said.

“And North Stradbroke and Southern Moreton Bay Island residents, particularly, should only travel if absolutely necessary and stay away from the water’s edge because of the risk of tidal surges.

“If you travel by ferry be prepared for the eventuality that you may not get back.

“While both the passenger ferries and vehicle barge to North Stradbroke Island have resumed service, passengers should check with the operators for any further changes throughout the day.

“The passenger ferry to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands is operating, however there are limited vehicle services to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands. This is an evolving situation which could change quickly so check with operators.”

If people find themselves stranded on the mainland, reception centres are now open at Redland Performing Arts Centre, 2 Middle Street, Cleveland, and at the Redland Bay Hall, 5 Weinam Street, Redland Bay.

“These reception centres are also open to other Redland residents in need of respite because of the severe weather conditions, not just island residents who are stranded,’’ Cr Williams said.

“We also have a number of island evacuation centres on standby, but at this point no evacuations have been required.”

Cr Williams said that with conditions likely to worsen as Tropical Cyclone Marcia moved south, it also would pay for mainland residents to stay home and off the roads if they didn’t need to be anywhere.

“There is water over the road at several locations including South Street Cleveland, Pitt Street Wellington Point, Sturgeon Street Ormiston and Tulloch Drive Wellington Point,” Cr Williams said.

“A number of roads have also been closed: Rickertt Road at the Brisbane end, Mt-Gravatt- Capalaba Road behind the dam, Island Street at Cleveland at the Ross Creek crossing and Torquay Street, Redland Bay.

“Please do not under any circumstances attempt to drive through or cross a road that is flooded.”

Currently there are 11 homes at Mt Cotton without power and power lines down on Macleay Island.

Redland City Council has also closed its sports fields and reserve tracks until further notice.

“This decision has been made in the interests of public safety however Council officers will continue to monitor conditions over the coming days and will advise as soon as the sports fields and tracks are safe again,’’ Cr Williams said.

“As well as being dangerous, using the sports fields could cause damage which may put them out of action for longer.’’

Council has advised that with the forecast for high winds, clubs need to ensure that their facilities and equipment are properly secured, particularly tables, chairs, bins and any items that might be around sheds or the sides of buildings.

Reserves now closed include:
• D&C Burnett Conservation Area
• Days Rd Conservation Area
• Redlands Track Park

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