Townsville residents urged to watch, plan and prepare as TLDMG moves to alert status
Date published: 22 January 2024
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) has moved to ‘alert’ as it continues to monitor a tropical low currently off the Queensland coast.
The severe weather system is situated in the coral sea and is expected to move closer to land over the next few days.
TLDMG Chair Jenny Hill said the decision to move to alert was made this morning to ensure Townsville residents had sufficient time to plan and respond.
“We are continuing to talk with the Bureau of Meteorology and other stakeholders about this weather system and we will keep the community informed on its movements and how to be prepared,” Cr Hill said.
“The TLDMG is encouraging residents to make sure they’re ready and they have plans in place and are ready to action them as required.
“Head to Townsville City Council’s Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard for the latest information and instructions in an emergency event.
“The Dashboard is where you will find the latest information on how to prepare your emergency plan and emergency kit, as well as how to get your home or business ready for extreme weather.
“Take this time to get your important documents together, save photos to a hard drive or USB and make sure you’ve got cash, in case we lose power, and you can’t access ATMs.”
Cr Hill said residents also need to check where they are located within the city’s storm surge zones.
“With a high tide expected later this week, it’s important residents in low lying areas take steps to prepare themselves in the event of heavy rain,” Cr Hill said.
Townsville City Council currently has sand available at three sites across the city, with more sites to be made available in coming days. Current sites include:
- Ross Dam car park, Upper Ross, behind the Parks compound
- Lou Litster Park, behind Officeworks at Hermit Park
- the carpark at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre off Dalrymple Road
Cr Hill said residents would need to bring their own bags and shovels, which can be purchased from any hardware store.
Residents experiencing any issues accessing sandbags are urged to contact the SES.
For more information listen to radio or visit Council’s Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard or phone 13 48 10.
Additional Information
Be proactive and protect yourself and family with these tips:
- Review your emergency kit and plan. Ensure your emergency kit has enough supplies for all family members, including pets, to sustain themselves for at least three days
- Make sure you have a portable radio and some batteries in case your phone runs out of charge and you need to stay informed
- Clean out your house gutters and overhanging branches
- Mow grass and secure items in your yard
- Secure and tighten fixings and tie-down bolts on your roof
- Remove and store loose furniture or items that could become airborne missiles
- Find out how to turn off mains power for gas, water and electricity
- Purchase emergency supplies such as masking tape, tarps, sandbags and water containers
- Check your insurance policy to make sure it is current and know what events you are covered for
- Take photos of home and business contents and belongings for evidence in case damaged during the event.
Remember you can load up your car with any green waste and household items like white goods and cardboard, these are FREE to dispose of all year round at our waste facilities.
Please be mindful there may be extended wait times at our waste facilities this weekend as many people are preparing their homes for the possibility of a cyclone forming next week.
For more information, and the full list of items that can be dropped off for free, visit our Transfer Stations page.
