Redlands Coast residents urged to prepare for more heavy rain

Redlands Coast residents, who are still feeling the impacts of the weekend’s extreme weather, are being urged to heed all current storm warnings and prepare for more heavy rainfall.

Mayor Karen Williams warned there could be further impacts across Redlands Coast, with heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms forecast for today and into the weekend.

“Council has opened all of its sandbagging stations again today and we have also organised for filled sandbags to be sent to Coochiemudlo, Karragarra and Lamb islands,” she said.

When sandbagging, residents should lay down a tarp against the property and place the sandbags on top. For further sandbagging tips, visit the SES website.

Cr Williams urged people not to travel around looking at the damage across the city or in neighbouring areas as this could hinder emergency crews.

“Council crews have been out assessing the damage across the city and I urge everyone to be patient as we work through all the issues caused by the intense rainfall, which inundated not only our beautiful city but all of south-east Queensland,” she said.

“This includes repairs to damaged roads, including potholes, removing fallen trees and branches, and mowing grass which will be very long in parks and public spaces following the heavy rain.

“Council crews are attending to all of these issues as quickly as possible.

“We know about many issues already, but if you come across damaged public infrastructure or other potential hazards, contact Council on 3829 8999.

“This will ensure we capture all the issues which need addressing across our city.

“After a severe drenching the ground is very wet and trees may be at risk of falling with wind gusts, so please be aware of that.”

Cr Williams thanked local SES volunteers for working tirelessly throughout the extreme weather event and said some teams were preparing to deploy throughout the Brisbane and Moreton Bay areas from today.

“If you see one of our orange angels, please thank them,” she said.

“If residents wish to help with the clean-up, they should start close to home by checking on neighbours, family and friends.”

If people would like to volunteer in other flood affected areas please register with the Emergency Volunteering (EV) Crew through Volunteering Queensland, register.emergencyvolunteering.com.au, and you’ll be advised as opportunities become available.

Cr Williams also urged people to take care out on the bay, with the potential for debris to come out of the Logan and Brisbane Rivers.

The sandbagging stations will be open at the following times and locations (limit of 6 sandbags per person per visit):

Council Depot Cleveland – 199-205 South St: open until 6pm today Thursday, from 7am to 6pm FridayCouncil Depot Dunwich – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich,North Stradbroke Island: open 24/7, BYO shovel.Council Depot Russell Island – 6 Cambridge Rd: open 24/7, BYO shovelCouncil Depot Macleay Island – 22-24 Scarborough Rd: open 24/7, BYO shovelCoochiemudlo Island – Coochie Men’s Shed, 54-45 Elizabeth St: open 24/7 with filled sandbagsKarragarra Island Rural Fire Brigade – 11 Noyes Rd: open 24/7 with filled sandbagsLamb Island Rural Fire Brigade – 12 Lucas Dr: open 24/7 with filled sandbags

For trees that have fallen on private properties or for other assistance contact SES on 132 500.

Contact Energex on 13 19 62 to report fallen powerlines. Remember to stay clear and warn others.