AS TROPICAL Cyclone Alfred approaches the Southeast Queensland coastline, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) say it is now assisting communities ahead of the weather system’s arrival.
On Wednesday, OPS said 176 police officers and recruits were stationed at the Gold Coast State Police Operations Centre (SPOC) to monitor the situation.
QPS is working alongside State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers, Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), and other agencies.
Officers from Far North Queensland – a region with significant experience responding to severe weather events – are also helping.
Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy APM acknowledged praised the cooperation with emergency services.
“I want to thank our colleagues from Far North Queensland, who are no strangers to these types of events. Their willingness to step up and assist is a reminder of the incredible teamwork and resilience our service demonstrates time and again.
“Our message to the community is clear please stay informed, follow official advice, and take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your families,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
The QPS advises residents to tune into warnings, remembering that phone and internet services may go down so know your local radio station.
• Locate your severe weather plan and emergency kit and evacuation kit if evacuation is a possibility.
• If you can, put fuel in your vehicle and park it in a sheltered and/or elevated location in case you need to evacuate.
• Check in with family, friends and neighbours.
Alerts and warnings resources
• Bureau of Meteorology website for weather updates, weather warning and tsunami warning information.
• Queensland Disaster Management Services website for information on preparing, Emergency Alerts issued and current information on disaster events.
Meanwhile, all SEQ train services will be suspended from last service on Wednesday, March 5, to ensure the safety of customers, employees and the community.
A Queensland Rail spokesman said the network would reopen when it was safe to do so.
“Some of our long-distance services will also be impacted, and affected customers are being contacted directly,” he said.
“We have taken extensive precautions across the network, securing infrastructure and stabling trains in safe locations.”
Sandbags: Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations, with residents asked to bring a shovel to fill sandbags: Rosewood Council Depot, 155-165 Mill Street, Rosewood; Raceview Council Depot, 182/250 Briggs Road, Raceview (6am - 6pm); Redbank Plains Recreation Reserve, corner Cedar Road and Moreton Avenue, Redbank Plains; Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, 533-569 Karrabin Rosewood Road, Walloon; Evan Marginson Park, Layard Street, Goodna.
