Kangaroo Point residents are urged to prepare for severe weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves towards south-east Queensland. The cyclone will bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and damaging winds later this week.
Cyclone Alfred’s Path and Expected Impact
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, currently classified as a Category 2 system, is tracking towards south-east Queensland, with landfall expected late Thursday or early Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the system could bring 700mm of daily rainfall. Wind gusts of up to 130km/h could also threaten homes and infrastructure.
LM Adrian Schrinner has activated the city’s disaster management group. Meanwhile, the Queensland authorities emphasised the importance of early preparations.
CityCat and Ferry Services Suspended
Due to rising flood risks and strong winds, all CityCat and ferry services will be suspended from tonight to protect passengers, crew, and vessels. The final CityCat departures from Northshore Hamilton and the University of Queensland will be at 10:15 p.m. The final KittyCat cross-river services will run until 11:40 p.m. All ferry terminals will be closed at midnight.
A combination of high tides, flash flooding, dangerous high winds, and intense rainfall is expected to create serious safety hazards, including debris on the Brisbane River. Authorities have emphasised that this decision prioritises passenger and crew safety ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s impact.
Public Transport & School Closures Due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred
All bus and train services will cease operation from the last service tonight, Wednesday 5 March, until further notice as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches.
Due to the severe weather conditions, all schools will also be closed during this period. Authorities advise residents to stay informed through official updates and take necessary safety precautions.
Sandbag Collection Points
Flooding and High Tides a Major Concern
Heavy rainfall and coastal surges are expected to increase the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches from Hervey Bay to northern New South Wales. High tides are likely to worsen conditions in coastal regions. Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy has urged residents in areas like Bribie Island, Moreton Bay, and North and South Stradbroke Islands to consider leaving before ferry services are suspended.
Local authorities warn that the severe weather could cause widespread power outages. Residents are encouraged to prepare for blackouts.
Temporary Refuge Shelter at RNA Showgrounds
BCC has announced that a short-term refuge shelter will open at the RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills from 7 a.m. on Thursday, 6 March, to provide temporary relief for residents displaced by Cyclone Alfred. Evacuees will be admitted until midday, after which the shelter will be locked down.
The shelter follows a proven model used in North Queensland during cyclone emergencies. The facility will provide only basic amenities and will not include beds or cooking facilities.
Residents planning to seek shelter are advised to bring their own non-perishable food, water, and identification for registration. Authorities emphasize that this refuge should be used as a last resort for those with no other accommodation options.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, it is crucial for residents in Kangaroo Point and surrounding areas to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities have provided guidelines to help communities prepare effectively.
Know Your Risk and Stay Updated
Understanding the cyclone’s trajectory and severity is the first step in disaster preparedness. Residents are urged to:
- Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology’s cyclone tracking map for real-time updates.
- Check the local emergency dashboard for area-specific warnings.
- Stay informed about school closures and road conditions via the Queensland Traffic website.
- Learn about cyclone warning levels to understand potential risks.
- Visit Brisbane Severe Weather Alert Service for storm updates.
Make a Plan
Preparedness can significantly reduce risk and improve recovery after a disaster. Residents should:
- Establish a cyclone action plan, including evacuation procedures if necessary.
- Learn about how to secure homes and protect belongings from strong winds and flooding.
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock to ensure their safety.
- Pack an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit should contain:
- Torches and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Three days’ worth of drinking water
- Non-perishable food items
- A battery-operated radio for emergency broadcast
- Important documents in waterproof bags
- Essential medications and hygiene products
- Extra clothing, blankets, and waterproof gloves
- Entertainment items for children (books, colouring supplies, board games)
Mental and Emotional Preparedness
Severe weather events can be stressful, affecting decision-making and emotional well-being. Residents are encouraged to:
- Download the Australian Red Cross Rediplan, a psychological preparedness tool.
- Access multilingual resources to help non-English speakers navigate emergency situations.
Use children-friendly resources like Birdie Tree, which provides storybooks and videos to help young ones cope with disasters.
For further details on cyclone preparedness, contact:
As Cyclone Alfred approaches, authorities stress the importance of being proactive. Kangaroo Point, along with the wider Brisbane region, is on alert for potential impacts. Safety measures are being put in place ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Published 3-Mar-2025
