Brisbane Residents Urged to Prepare for Flooding as More Sandbag Locations Open

Introduction: A Unified Effort Against Flooding

As Brisbane braces for potential flooding due to Cyclone Alfred, the community is coming together to ensure everyone is prepared. The Brisbane City Council has opened additional sandbag locations to assist residents in safeguarding their homes and businesses. These new sites, located in Acacia Ridge, Toowong, Camp Hill, and Boondall, are part of a broader effort to provide resources to those in need. Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their properties, and the council is leveraging all available resources to support this initiative.

What You Need to Know: Preparing to Collect Sandbags

Residents preparing to collect sandbags should note a few important details to make the process as smooth as possible. The council has asked that individuals bring their own shovels and cable ties to fill and secure the sandbags. Additionally, if residents have their own sandbags, they are welcome to bring those along. This not only helps streamline the process but also ensures that everyone can access the resources they need without delays.

A Message from the Lord Mayor: Taking Threats Seriously

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has emphasized the importance of taking the threat of Cyclone Alfred seriously. While sandbags cannot completely prevent floodwater from entering homes or businesses, they can significantly reduce the amount of water that does. The Lord Mayor encouraged residents to be patient and mindful of others, asking that they only take the number of sandbags they truly need. This sense of community and shared responsibility is crucial during such challenging times.

Unprecedented Demand: Sandbags in Short Supply

The demand for sandbags has been overwhelming, with about 100,000 sandbags collected in the past three days alone. On Monday, a record-breaking 74,000 sandbags were handed out, surpassing even the peak demand during the 2022 floods. Unfortunately, this unprecedented demand led to temporary shortages at some council depots. Residents are advised to check the council’s website before heading out to collect sandbags, as availability can change rapidly.

Temporary Sandbag Locations: Where to Go

To meet the heightened demand, the council has established temporary sandbag locations in addition to the existing 24/7 depots. These temporary sites are located at:

• Mortimer Road Park, 174 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge
• Former Toowong Bowls Club, corner of Gailey Road and Heroes Avenue, Toowong
• Whites Hill Reserve, 258 Boundary Road, Camp Hill
• Boondall Entertainment Centre, car park two, 1 Melaleuca Drive, Boondall

Those visiting these locations can expect council staff and traffic controllers to be on hand to assist with the process.

Permanent Depot Locations: Ongoing Support

In addition to the temporary sites, residents can also access sandbags at the council’s permanent depots. These locations include:

• Darra – South Depot, 38 Shamrock Road
• Lota Depot, 58 Herbert Street
• Morningside – Balmoral Depot, 9 Redfern Street
• Newmarket – SES Depot, 66 Wilston Road
• Zillmere – North Depot, 33 Jennings Street

These depots are open 24/7 to provide ongoing support to the community.

Final Thoughts: Unity in the Face of Adversity

As Brisbane prepares for the challenges posed by Cyclone Alfred, the emphasis is on unity and preparedness. By working together and taking the necessary precautions, residents can help protect their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. The council’s efforts to provide sandbags and support are a testament to the strength of the community, and everyone is urged to do their part. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s navigate this together.