Wet weather alert: Sandbagging stations are open

Redland City Council has opened sandbagging stations this morning (Wednesday 24 January 2024), including three new mainland locations, for the community to prepare for the expected heavy rains from the soon-to-be declared Tropical Cyclone Kirrily.

Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair Karen Williams said the time to act was now, before the rains set in and flooding occurs.

“As we saw with the recent New Year weekend, these rain events can happen quickly and the severity of their impact is highly unpredictable,” Cr Williams said.

“Council encourages residents to monitor weather conditions and warnings, and obtain sandbags prior to the rains where possible if you know you may be affected.

“If you leave it too late, you may find roads are flooded or too treacherous.

“Because demand for sandbags is expected to be high, we ask residents to limit themselves to 10 free sandbags per vehicle to ensure there will be enough to go around.”

Where to get sandbags:

THORNLANDS, NUWAY LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES – 249 Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Thornlands (Click here for directions). Proof of identification/residential location required (ie Driver Licence or rates notice). OPEN: Today and tomorrow 6.30am to 5pm. Friday (public holiday) 8am to 3pm. Saturday 6.30am to 3pm. Sunday 8am to 3pm. CLEVELAND COUNCIL DEPOT – 199-205 South Street, Cleveland (Click here for directions). Pre-filled sandbags available in the visitor car park. OPEN: From 6.30am to 6pm daily.

The following 24-hour pre-filled sandbagging stations are now open. While Council will be restocking at these stations, availability will be determined by demand.

REDLAND BAY, BAYVIEW CONSERVATION PARK – in the staging area, entry off German Church Rd, Redland Bay (Click here for directions), from 6.30am. THORNESIDE, WILLIAM TAYLOR MEMORIAL SPORTSFIELD – Ivy Street off Mooroondu Road, Thorneside (Click here for directions), from 9am. CAPALABA, CAPALABA REGIONAL PARK – in the carpark off Pittwin Road, Capalaba (Click here for directions), from 9am. COOCHIEMUDLO ISLAND, MEN’S SHED – Laurie Burns Sportsfields, 43-45 Elizabeth Street, (Click here for directions), from 9am.

The following 24-hour self-service sandbagging stations are now open on the islands:

DUNWICH, COUNCIL DEPOT – 11-37 Mitchell Cres, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island (Click here for directions) Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel. RUSSELL ISLAND, COUNCIL DEPOT – 6 Cambridge Rd, Russell Island (Click here for directions). Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel. MACLEAY ISLAND, COUNCIL DEPOT – 22-24 Scarborough Rd, Macleay Island (Click here for directions) Sand and bags supplied. Please take your own shovel.

(note: enclosed shoes must be worn at all Council sandbagging stations)

Cr Williams said residents concerned about or experiencing water inundation from a rain event should call the SES in the first instance for guidance and assistance.

Residents can keep up to date on emergency warnings and weather events via the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard at disaster.redland.qld.gov.au.

The site includes updates and further information on sandbags and sandbagging station locations.

Cr Williams said it was important to understand the correct way to fill and lay sandbags, including the need for plastic sheeting or a tarpaulin.

“When placed correctly, sandbags can reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business,” she said.

How to fill sandbags: Only fill bags two-thirds full Over-filled bags can be too heavy to carry. A filled sandbag can weigh 15-20kg Do not tie the top of the sandbag, unless transporting. Sandbags may be placed in plastic bags to provide greater water resistance Where to lay sandbags: Sandbags can be placed to redirect water rather than keeping it out altogether Create a small wall across doorways and roller doors, to at least the height of the expected flood level Make sure you still have access to at least one doorway by building a wall that allows the door to still be opened Cover air vents between brickwork with sandbags – use waterproof tape or plastic for small vents Cover all drainage holes (sinks, showers, etc) to stop back flow of contaminated water, and block toilets with a small plastic bag of sand, weighed down by a larger sandbag How to lay sandbags: Place down a layer of plastic sheeting to act as a waterproof membrane Lay sandbags in staggered rows like brickwork on top of the sheeting Make sure the unfilled top part of the bag is covered by the next bag. At the end of the row, tuck the flap under the bag Flatten down the sandbag row before adding the next row to help build a better structure

The above advice was provided by the State Emergency Service. More information on laying sandbags is available from this QFES website brochure.