Brisbane locals get ready with sandbags, emergency meetings and clean-outs

Community Comes Together in the Face of Cyclone Alfred

As Cyclone Alfred looms over southeast Queensland, communities across the region are rallying together to support one another and prepare for the worst. In West End, residents like Graham have singled out the State Emergency Service (SES) for their ingenuity in diverted floodwater from Gladstone Road, which sits three meters higher than nearby homes. The SES’s quick thinking and collaborative approach have been a lifeline for many, with Graham praising their responsiveness and willingness to listen to residents’ concerns. Whether it’s diverting floodwater or addressing individual fears, the SES has proven to be a vital resource in this precarious situation.

Sandbagging Efforts Unite Residents Across the Redlands

Further along the coast, in the Redlands, the community spirit is equally strong. Liberal National Party MP Russell Field exemplifies this dedication. Initially visiting a sandbagging site in Capalaba to protect his own home, Field was moved to stay and help others in need. Shoveling sand and filling bags for elderly residents and even someone with a colostomy bag, Field’s actions highlight the selflessness that defines these challenging times. Though the Redlands are often spared the brunt of extreme weather, Cyclone Alfred’s predicted path has put the region on high alert, prompting widespread preparation.

Apartment Residents Prepare for Basement Flooding

In West End, apartment dwellers like Leanne Sturgess are taking proactive steps to safeguard their properties. Sturgess, a resident of the Riverpoint Apartments and member of the community-led group Resilient Kurilpa, has spearheaded efforts to prepare the complex for potential basement flooding. With 331 apartments and 700 residents, the task is daunting, but Sturgess and her neighbors are leaving no stone unturned. From clearing storage cages in basements to disseminating vital information, their efforts are informed by hard-won experience from Brisbane’s 2022 floods. Yet, even their expertise is tested by the unpredictability of a cyclone.

A Race Against Time to Protect Belongings

Sturgess underscores the urgency of their preparations, noting that once power is lost, retrieving belongings from flooded basements becomes nearly impossible. This has spurred residents to act swiftly, with a particular focus on ensuring lifts remain operational while there is still power. The sense of camaraderie is palpable, but so too is the anxiety. Cyclone Alfred represents uncharted territory for Brisbane, marking the first cyclone to threaten the region in half a century. The usual timelines for warnings and preparations have been compressed, leaving residents with a narrow 24-hour window to ready themselves.

West End’s Growth Adds Complexity to Flood Response

Selena Moore, president of the West End Community Association, reflects on the neighborhood’s history of resilience. Having weathered multiple floods in the past 15 years, the community is no stranger to adversity. However, Moore points out that the area’s population has quadrupled during this period, with many new residents living in high-rise buildings. This growth adds a layer of complexity to flood preparedness and response. As the community braces for what may come, Moore and her team are keeping a watchful eye on the floodplain, where new developments stand vulnerable to Alfred’s impact.

A City United in the Face of Uncertainty

As Cyclone Alfred draws nearer, Brisbane stands at a crossroads. While the city has endured floods before, this cyclone brings a unique set of challenges. From the SES’s innovative solutions to the grassroots efforts of neighbors like Sturgess and Moore, the response has been defined by collaboration and compassion. Even in the face of uncertainty, there is a sense of hope rooted in the knowledge that communities are stronger together. As the region waits to see what Alfred will bring, one thing is clear: the people of Brisbane will face this challenge as one.