Council changes mainland distribution point for sandbags

Redland City Council is changing the way it distributes sandbags on the mainland ahead of this year’s storm season.

In preparation for severe weather events, residents will be able to collect filled sandbags from Nuway Landscape Supplies at 249 Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Thornlands.

In addition, depending on the scale of the event, South Street Council Depot in Cleveland may also open for sandbag distribution.

Council will advise the community when sandbag collection stations are open.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Karen Williams said the change would provide cost savings and allow more Council employees to be available to investigate and respond to reports of flood-impacted infrastructure, including clearing fallen trees, closing flooded roads and cleaning drains.

“Council opens sandbagging stations ahead of forecasts for heavy rain and during severe weather events, and is grateful for Nuway’s support,” Cr Williams said.

“When extreme weather events make it necessary, Council will still open the sandbagging station at the Cleveland depot to boost the supply of sandbags to the community.

“More than 18,500 sandbags were collected from Council sandbagging stations during the severe weather event in February and March this year, so we know how important they are.

“Get Ready Queensland Week, from 10-16 October, aims to raise awareness about being prepared for extreme weather events and disasters including storm season.

“Sandbags, when placed correctly, can help reduce the amount of water entering your home or business but they won’t stop the water completely.

“Some Redlands Coast residents could expect some flooding from stormwater run-off, creeks and storm tide surges during the summer storm season and, by understanding the types of flooding that could affect your property, you can be better prepared.”

Get ready for storm season

Clean gutters and downpipes so stormwater can drain quickly Trim trees and overhanging branches around your property, and secure loose items (sheets of tin, trampolines) Property owners are responsible for managing stormwater run-off – ensure your property has adequate drainage systems to prevent water flowing onto adjacent or downstream properties. Ensure water run-off is drained to a lawful point of discharge via a kerb adapter or into the kerb and channel in front of the property, and ensure ground levels around your home direct surface flow away from the house. Stay alert and prepared for flooding around creeks, and storm tide flooding along the foreshore and in low-lying suburbs. More information on flood impacts and types of flooding is available on Council’s Disasters and emergencies website. Sign up to Council’s opt-in emergency notification messaging service, via the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard, to receive weather warnings, community alerts or flooded road notifications.

Sandbagging locations on Redlands Coast

Council will advise the community through its news site and social media channels when sandbagging stations open. At these times, residents will be able to collect six sandbags from Nuway upon presentation of identification such as a rates notice or driver licence. Council will also open 24-hour self-service sandbagging stations at Council depots on North Stradbroke, Russell and Macleay islands. Filled bags will also be available for collection from the Rural Fire Stations on Lamb and Karragarra islands and from the Men’s Shed on Coochiemudlo Island. Information on how to use sandbags to protect your home is available on the SES website.