Closures in preparation for Cyclone Jasper

Waste Transfer Stations will be closed from midday tomorrow (Tuesday 12 December 2023) as part of Council’s preparations for Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Council advises that Wednesday’s scheduled kerbside bin services will be postponed.

Due to expected gusty winds overnight and possible tidal inundation of low-lying streets Wednesday morning, residents whose collections are normally on Wednesday are asked not to put their bins out this evening.

Residents are reminded to secure bins or bring them indoors to avoid the possibility of them becoming a missile during the cyclone.

Council will provide an update on Wednesday on kerbside bin collections due on Thursday.

Facilities and sporting fields

A number of Council facilities and activities have been closed or postponed due to Cyclone Jasper.

The Esplanade Lagoon, Barlow Park, Botanic Gardens and the Muddy’s Playground area have all been closed.

Council managed sporting fields have been closed and pools will be closed tomorrow.

All Active Living classes have been postponed until further notice.

Decorations and branches of the Council Christmas Tree in the Esplanade Plaza have been removed. The rest of the structure may be removed tomorrow, dependant on the cyclone forecast.

Never drive, ride or walk through flood waters

With the chance of heavy rainfall in coming days associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper, residents are being reminded not to walk, ride or drive through flood waters.

TC Jasper remains a category 1 system and may weaken slightly further today as it tracks in a general westwards direction.

TC Jasper is forecast to re-intensify during Tuesday as it approaches the coast and is forecast to cross as a category 2 system on Wednesday, most likely between Cape Flattery and Cardwell.

Damaging winds with gusts over 90 km/h are expected to develop along the Queensland coast between Cooktown and Townsville, including Cairns, from Tuesday.

Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop during Wednesday

Mayor Terry James, who is Chair of the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group, said fast flowing water can be dangerous, and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall.

“Residents, especially children, playing in or near flood waters, can be quickly swept away, be injured by debris or drown if they become trapped,” he said.

“Flood water may also be contaminated by chemicals and sewerage. Walking through floodwater can therefore present a risk to your health.”

“Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater – if it's flooded, forget it.”

Residents are urged to go to the Cairns Disaster Dashboard (disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au) to stay up-to-date.