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.

“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.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams today announced a free clean green waste kerbside collection service for all Redland residents to assist with the storm clean-up.

Cr Williams said residents needed 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.

“Council is delighted to be able to offer this service to help our residents clean-up after the damaging winds that lashed the Redlands over the Australia Day holiday weekend.

“I would like to thank residents for preparing for the storm, for staying safe and for helping with the clean-up. Please remember however, if you see any powerlines do not go near them but call Energex on 13 19 62.”

Cr Williams said while the kerbside collection would commence on Monday 11 February, Council crews would be picking up clean green waste from now, as they were in the area on their general storm clean-up.

“If the council crew is in the area and sees a pile they may be able to collect it now, but please be assured there will be another pick-up commencing Monday 11 February.”

Cr Williams said clean green waste should not be bagged, but left loose as the waste was going to be recycled into composting and soil conditioning products.

“Plastic bags and other general waste will contaminate the recycling process.”

To be picked up clean green waste should:

• Not contain any other waste such as general rubbish, furniture, cement, concrete, steel, timber or dirt (unless from the tree root)
• Be neatly stacked, with heavier tree limbs on the bottom to avoid the pile toppling over
• Be left loose, and not packed in bags or boxes (tying with string is ok)

Please note Council cannot collect any green waste piles that contain any other waste – these piles will be left for your own disposal.

Cr Williams asked residents to be patient with the free green waste kerbside collection, which would take several weeks to complete around the city.

“Residents with smaller amounts of green waste are encouraged to take it to Council’s free waste transfer stations for disposal,” Cr Williams said.”

Cr Williams also announced extended operating hours at the city’s waste transfer stations located at Birkdale and Redland Bay. They are open today and tomorrow from 6.45am to 6:30pm (rather than 7.15am to 5.15pm) to assist residents.

“In addition, waste transfer stations on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands and North Stradbroke
Island have extended operations today and tomorrow until 4pm.

“We will review ongoing extended hours in the coming days according to demand.”

Contact RedWaste on 1300 362 036 for further waste information. Due to an overwhelming number 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.

Redland City Council crews and emergency crews are continuing to review and respond
to damage reports this morning from the overnight storms.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the city has continued to experience high winds
and rain and residents should stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

“The weather bureau is forecasting that damaging wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h will
still occur about central and southern parts of the Southeast Coast district.

“Locally destructive wind gusts in excess of 125km/h are also possible, in coastal and
elevated areas south of Brisbane.

“All residents should stay indoors and avoid travelling, unless absolutely necessary.

“Residents should especially avoid sightseeing and stay away from flooded roads and
areas experiencing flooding due to tidal inundation.

“Council officers and emergency services are working to clear priority calls with 57 calls
logged with council between 2am and around 10am this morning.

“A key priority this morning has been working to try and provide backup generator
services for essential services on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, which remain
without power,” Cr Karen Williams said.

Operational staff are also working to clear up around schools and make safe flooded
areas of the city.

Council’s Operations Centre can be contacted on 3829 8752 for emergencies relating to
the flooding of roads and fallen tree limbs.

Energex staff are working hard to deal with an estimated 200,000 power outages across
the SEQ and an estimated 14,600 Redland households without power.

Areas previously advised as affected include Victoria Point, 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.

Energex is focusing on restoring high priority backbones services and some SEQ areas
may not be reconnected until Tuesday or Wednesday.

If you are not in one of these areas and are experiencing power loss, contact Energex on
13 62 62.

If you see fallen power lines do not go near them, but contact Energex on 13 19 61

North Stradbroke Island Evacuation Centre
The Evacuation Centre at the Point Lookout Community Hall, Pt. Lookout remains
operational with twelve adults and eight children currently being accommodated.

Temporary respite centre Dunwich
A temporary respite facility has been opened at the Dunwich Community Learning Centre
located directly behind the Dunwich Primary School to allow stranded visitors and people
waiting to leave the island to shelter from the weather.

Island transport services
There are no barge or passenger services currently operating to Southern Moreton Bay
Islands or to North Stradbroke Island. Operators will review these services during the
day. Only walk- on passenger services are operating to Coochiemudlo.

Sand bagging
Sand Bags are available from the Council Depot in South street. The entrance is off the
Wellington and Enterprise Street roundabout.

Trains services
There are no train services operating between Roma Street and Cleveland. Bus services
are running and will pick up at train stations. For information phone Translink on 131230.

Waste operations
Redland City waste transfer stations will be open today as per the advertised hours of
operation.

Mainland kerbside waste services are operating. NSI is scheduled for kerbside waste
collection however there are no ferries as such wheelie bins cannot be collected today.
Service will be assessed tomorrow based on ferries.

Key messages

• Stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary for you to travel.
• Be careful of traffic signals that aren’t working if you are on the roads and give way to your right at intersections.
• Stay away from fallen power lines.
• Do not cross flooded roads or swim in open water courses.
• Check on your neighbour if you know they are elderly or infirm.
• Avoid food spoilage. If you are without power avoid opening your freezer and if your food has thawed, do not refreeze it again later

A 4WD was damaged by a fallen tree at Sunnybay Drive, Birkdale this evening. No one was inside the car.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said Council officers were securing the site and would remove the tree in the morning.

“With these high winds it is just too dangerous to try to remove the tree tonight,” Cr Williams said.

“Council officers have cordoned off the site and spoken to residents in the area to ensure people stay clear of the site.”

Cr Williams said Council crews were working into the night to clear fallen trees and debris across the City.

“It is important, however, that residents do not try to clean up this evening as the winds continue to pick up,” she said.

“We have had about 40 Council officers working since 9am in shifts to clear our city and they will still be going for some hours into the early morning.

“I want to thank all Council staff, SES and other emergency personnel and agencies for their efforts.”

Update – power outages
Energex reports the number of Redland households without power is now more than 14,600.

Affected areas include Victoria Point, 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 are not in one of these areas and are experiencing power loss, contact Energex on 13 62 62. Check the Energex website to see if your area is already reported.

If you see fallen power lines do not go near them, but contact Energex on 13 19 62.

An image of the damaged car can be found on Council’s Facebook page.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has urged Redlanders to stay inside and not attempt to clean up fallen trees or other debris this evening.

“Tonight Redland City is experiencing damaging wind, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf conditions,” Cr Williams said.

“The best place to be is indoors – out of the weather and harm’s way.”

Cr Williams said Council had taken more than 100 calls and had removed fallen trees that blocked roads and marked other trees for removal in the morning.

“We ask residents not to try and remove any fallen trees themselves as there is still a risk of additional tree limbs falling,” she said.

Council’s Operations Centre can be contacted on 3829 8752 for emergencies relating to the flooding of roads and fallen tree limbs.

Surf beaches are likely to remain closed tomorrow.

Power outages
Energex has advised that more than 7300 Redland households have lost power.

These include Coochiemudlo, Lamb, Karragarra, Russell and Macleay Islands as well as Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Cleveland, Redland Bay, Ormiston, Wellington Point, Mount Cotton, Thorneside, Sheldon, Thornlands and Birkdale.

Council has also been provided advice from Energex that work will commence on fixing faults in the Redlands tomorrow morning.

If you are not in one of these areas and are experiencing power loss, contact Energex on 13 62 62. Check the Energex website to see if your area is already reported.

If you see fallen power lines do not go near them, but contact Energex on 13 19 62.

Bin collection
At present, standard bin collections will go ahead as usual tomorrow in the Redlands.

Tarps
SES has advised Council they will commence tarping roofs in the morning, rather than tonight due to the current dangerous conditions.

Victoria Point Pontoon now secure
Cr Williams said the Victoria Point Pontoon had been returned to its original position and secured.

“A Council crew will check on the pontoon again when it is daylight,” she said.

Sand bags
Cr Williams said residents could obtain filled sand bags from the Redland City Council depot at South Street, Cleveland throughout tonight.

Sand bags are no longer available at Redland SES headquarters at Wellington Point, Cleveland.

Flooded roads
Council is monitoring the City for flooded roads. Pitt Road at Wellington Point, Avalon Road at Sheldon and the Sturgeon Street walkway at Ormiston remain closed.

Council strongly advises community members not to enter flooded roads. If it is flooded, forget it.

Straddie campers
More than 20 North Stradbroke Island campers are at the evacuation centre at Point Lookout Community Hall tonight.

Cr Williams said she urged campers to not take any chances and to seek shelter at the evacuation centre.

“With such strong winds, now is not the time to take any chances with your safety.”

Residents are encouraged to keep listening to radio stations and monitor Council’s website (www.redland.qld.gov.au), Facebook and Twitter.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams warned that damaging winds and rainfall were expected to intensify this evening in the Redlands.

Power outages
Cr Karen Williams said more than 2600 Redland households were experiencing power outages including more than 2400 on the Southern Moreton Bay islands of Macleay, Russell and Karragarra.

Energex advised a total of 2626 households in the Redlands were without power at 5.45pm.

Areas included the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Mount Cotton, Sheldon, Thorneside and Thornlands.

If you are not in one of these areas and are experiencing power loss, contact Energex on 13 62 62. Check the Energex website to see if your area is already reported.

If you see fallen power lines do not go near them, but contact Energex on 13 19 62.

Train line not operating – Wellington Point to Cleveland
A fallen tree across the railway line at Ormiston station has been cleared by SES officers, however the train line will remain closed from Wellington Point to Cleveland due to damage sustained.

Buses are currently operating from the closed stations.

Sand bags
Cr Williams said residents could obtain sand bags from the Redland City Council depot at South Street, Cleveland.

Flooded roads
Council is monitoring the City for flooded roads. Roads closed include Pitt Road at Wellington Point, Avalon Road at Sheldon and the Sturgeon Street walkway at Ormiston. Council strongly advices not entering flooded roads. If it is flooded, forget it.

Straddie campers
About 20 North Stradbroke Island campers are at the evacuation centre at Point Lookout Community Hall. A total of 62 campers were evacuated from Flinders and Main beaches earlier today.

Cr Williams said most of the evacuated campers had found accommodation on the island.

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.

Residents are encouraged to listen to radio stations and monitor Council’s website (www.redland.qld.gov.au), Facebook and Twitter.

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.

“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.