The Buy Back Shop at Portsmith will be temporarily closed from this Sunday, 10 December, until later next week as part of Council’s cyclone preparations.

Council thanks customers for their cooperation and will advise when the facility is re-opened.

The severe weather system is currently in the Coral Sea and is expected to move closer to land over the next few days.

Sandbags available

Free sandbags are available for Cairns residents from Council waste transfer stations.

Mayor Terry James said that residents in low-lying areas should prepare their properties for potential flooding.

“Sandbags should be placed at least three courses high across doorways and other points where water can enter your home,” he said.

Bags will be made available for residents to fill with sand on site at Council’s waste transfer stations. Scoops for filling will be provided.

Sandbags are for residential use only and will be available until supplies run out. Limits will apply per person.

Sandbags and sand will be available from the at the Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale, and Babinda Transfer Stations, seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5.15pm, until supplies run out.

Be prepared and stay informed by visiting the Cairns Disaster Dashboard (disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au)