As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Brisbane, residents, especially those in flood-prone suburbs like Nundah, must take immediate action to safeguard their homes and families.
Read: What’s Next for Toombul Shopping Centre? Mirvac Announces Redevelopment Plans
Alfred, currently a Category 2 system, is expected to hit Queensland around Thursday or early Friday, bringing damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding.
Preparation Steps for Cyclone Alfred
- Assemble an Emergency Kit: Prepare a ‘grab and go’ kit with essential supplies to last five to seven days. This should include non-perishable food, water, medications, important documents, cash, and supplies for pets. Given the potential for power outages, include a battery-operated radio, torch, spare batteries, and power banks for charging mobile devices.
- Secure Your Property: Remove or secure any loose items around your property that could become projectiles in strong winds. Clean gutters and check drainage systems to ensure they are clear of debris, reducing the risk of water accumulation and potential flooding.
- Utilise Sandbags: Sandbags can help reduce the impact of flooding on your property. While they won’t stop water entirely, they can minimise water entry. Sandbags are available at several Brisbane locations, Darra, Lota, Morningside, Newmarket, and Zillmere. The nearest one to Nundah is the one at Newmarket, located at the SES Depot, 66 Wilston Road.
Ensure you check your vehicle’s weight restrictions before loading sandbags, as each weighs approximately 18–20 kilograms.
- Protect Vehicles: Avoid parking cars on the street, especially in areas prone to flooding or under trees and power lines. If possible, move vehicles to higher ground or secure garages to prevent damage from rising waters or debris. Brisbane officials have warned of higher-than-predicted high tides in foreshore and riverside areas from Saturday, 1 March, to Wednesday, 5 March 2025.
- Stay Informed: Keep updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings through official channels such as the Bureau of Meteorology or Council’s emergency dashboard. A battery-operated radio can be invaluable during power outages. Follow advice from local authorities and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Nundah’s Flood Risk
Nundah has a documented history of flooding, particularly due to its proximity to Nundah Creek. Back in February 2022, the Toombul Shopping Centre suffered extensive flood damage, leading to a decision not to reopen. Business owners were notified in a letter stating that restoring the centre to its previous condition was neither practical nor desirable.
As of February 2025, the shopping centre has been fully demolished, with Mirvac announcing plans to redevelop it into a mixed-use precinct. However, since the area is prone to flooding, any new plans must include strong flood resilience measures to avoid a repeat of the past.
Council has conducted detailed flood studies for the Nundah Creek area to manage and mitigate flood risks. Residents can access the Flood Awareness Map to understand their property’s flood likelihood and prepare accordingly.
Impact on Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport has not yet announced flight cancellations, but there is a possibility of disruptions if conditions worsen.
Passengers with upcoming flights should monitor airline updates and Brisbane Airport’s official channels for real-time information. As always, safety is a priority—if roads leading to the airport become flooded, it is advised not to attempt to travel. “If it’s flooded, forget it.”
Community Resources and Support
Brisbane offers resources to assist residents in preparing for severe weather events. Free green waste drop-off is available at all four resource recovery centres (RRCs) until further notice, with extended opening hours from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. to aid in preparation efforts.
However, kerbside collection has been suspended due to the significant risk posed by Cyclone Alfred. Residents are advised to secure any items placed on the kerb as soon as possible to prevent hazards during the cyclone.
Read: Net-Zero Achieved: Brisbane Airport Reaches New Heights with Emissions-Free Operations
Final Considerations
Preparation is crucial in mitigating the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. By taking proactive steps, residents of Nundah and the greater Brisbane area can enhance their safety and resilience against the impending severe weather. Remember, if it’s flooded, forget it—never attempt to drive or walk through floodwaters.
Published 3-March-2025
