Wet weather alert: We’re getting ready, you should too

Redland City Council has moved quickly to prepare for the heavy rains expected to hit Redlands Coast due to the soon-to-be declared Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning ahead of TC Kirrily making landfall, with the system having the potential to cause a widespread rain and flood event across central, southern and south east Queensland, possibly extending into early next week.

The latest forecast from the Bureau is that Redlands Coast could receive more than 120mm of rain over the upcoming three-day long weekend.

Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Karen Williams said Council was getting ready for the expected deluge and it was time for residents to prepare as well.

Cr Williams said a priority for Council was to ensure the city’s stormwater drains were clear to function as well as they could.

“While their routine schedule has been impacted by the recent wet weather, our streetsweeper vehicles will be operating extra hours to clear leaf litter and other matter that could potentially block drains,” Cr Williams said.

“We have inspectors out prioritising known drainage ‘hot spots’ where there is high leaf drop and we have work crews in the city’s north and south to respond if issues are found.

“Our contracted vacuum truck is also working on the mainland to clear kerb inlet pits as required.”

Cr Williams said residents can assist by removing debris from around their properties, such as palm fronds or loose cardboard, that could wash into street gutters during severe rain and block drains.

Council will also be opening sandbagging stations from tomorrow for residents to prepare if their homes have potential to be flooded. Full details will be released shortly.

“We’re also continuing to recover from the other storm events the city experienced in recent weeks,” Cr Williams said.

“Council’s mowing teams are working overtime to mow the 19,000 hectares of public space in its schedule. In parks where there are still areas that are too wet to mow, we’re mowing the accessible parts so at least some of the park can be used.

“We’re also working through a schedule of tree maintenance and repairing potholes caused by recent heavy rain.

“Residents can help by alerting us to any potential issues they spot ahead of the looming wet weather event.”

To report a pothole, blocked drains or other urgent maintenance work, call Council on 3829 8999 or lodge an online request form.

To keep informed about the developing situation, go to the Redland Coast Disaster Dashboard.