Residents of south-east Queensland are bracing for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall between the Wide Bay region and the Gold Coast later this week. This unique weather event has prompted emergency preparations across communities, with authorities urging residents to act quickly and remain vigilant.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is actively supporting efforts to prepare for the cyclone, advising those living on Moreton Island and Bay Island communities to make decisions about staying put or evacuate. They have officers pre-deployed to assist residents with preparations, ensuring they have emergency kits ready and know the potential risks involved with the approaching storm.
According to forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, Tropical Cyclone Alfred could bring damaging winds, flash flooding, and hazardous surf conditions, making it imperative for locals to understand their risk factors and prepare their properties accordingly. Brisbane’s residents, for example, are reminded to secure loose outdoor items and have adequate supplies ready.
Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has described the recent surge of sandbag requests as “unprecedented,” reporting the distribution of 74,000 sandbags by the council within just 24 hours, which was double the previous daily record during the 2022 floods. "That has never happened before, to the extent," he said, emphasizing the high demand for protective measures.
On March 4, 2025, locals faced long queues—some even more than five hours long—just to collect sandbags as people prepared for the potential flooding. Brisbane resident Arlene expressed her frustration, saying, "I wish I didn't leave home without breakfast ... at least I grabbed some water." Her experience reflects the heightened anxiety and determination among residents to defend against the cyclone's impact.
Local communities have taken the initiative to prepare as well. Sandbagging operations have begun at various locations, with councils reporting significant sandbag shortages. The Moreton Bay Council noted they processed 1,000 tonnes of sand for 60,000 bags, well exceeding the usual demand. "We are in a stressful situation, I get it, but most people have been really patient and wonderful," said Schrinner, appreciating community efforts toward collective safety.
Residents are encouraged to monitor alerts from their local councils and disaster management agencies. This includes instructions on securing homes, preparing emergency kits, and the best practices for sandbag usage. Those living along the Sunshine Coast, particularly Golden Beach and Pelican Waters, are urged to be aware of flooding risks and secure their homes against potential storm surges.
Emergency kits are another key component of preparation. Appropriate emergency kits should include at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food, drinking water, medications, personal hygiene items, and communication supplies. Authorities recommend maintaining sufficient emergency provisions to weather possible power outages and delays. It’s also wise to prepare your car, ensuring it’s fueled and parked safely away from potential flying debris or flood areas.
With the cyclone’s arrival imminent, residents of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, Coochiemudlo Island, and North Stradbroke Island are particularly urged to assess their evacuation options. Ferry operations are expected to be severely limited, which necessitates timely decision-making. Those with special needs should utilize their Person-Centred Emergency Plan (P-CEP) to navigate their preparation more effectively.
The general advice warns against complacency—residents should expect the unexpected and remain attuned to weather updates and local advisories. Depending on the severity of the cyclone, those still needing to secure their homes should move rapidly to reduce vulnerabilities.
“If you expect your property to flood, now is the time to move vehicles, boats, and caravans to higher ground,” noted local agencies encouraging proactive measures. The community's collective responsibility to act swiftly aids not only personal safety but also the safety of neighbors and the overall resilience of areas susceptible to extreme weather.
Once the cyclone passes, it will be equally important to follow safety protocols. Residents are reminded to stay indoors until official advisories indicate it is safe to emerge, avoiding fallen power lines and remaining clear of floodwaters. Local emergency services will remain on high alert during and after the cyclone to support those affected.
Authorities stress the importance of utilizing available resources—be it emergency contacts, active monitoring of weather updates through ABC radio and local stations, or online safety platforms provided by the council. Access to timely, accurate information can significantly impact the community's ability to navigate through the cyclone's aftermath.
Collectively, the community is facing this storm with resilience and preparedness, underscoring the strength of Queenslanders as they work together to secure their futures against the looming threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.