The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) has today reminded operators about the importance of preparation ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred which is forecast to cross the state’s south-east coastline as a category 2 system on Thursday or early Friday.
“With the weather situation worsening over the coming days, it is important to remind (as you no doubt already are) ensuring your businesses carry out their own severe weather preparation processes, including tying down any equipment or plant, securing all external equipment in the depot,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon.
“We would remind members that nearly two years ago with the Brisbane flooding event of that time, there was a period of 3-4 days where Brisbane was in effect cut off in all major routes.
“We would encourage consideration being given to how you might undertake staging to either get access to freight in Brisbane or deliver to Brisbane and or the freight implications for clients that need to be serviced in central or northern Queensland.
Mahon also advised operators to consider what additional resources drivers may need with them over the next week where roads staying open may remain somewhat unpredictable.
“Above all else stay safe and remember: if it is flooded, forget it!”
Latest weather
- Swell currently up to 2.6m – reports of up to 7m off the Sunshine Coast
- TC Alfred currently heading in a SE direction and altering westwards from Tuesday evening with potential crossing in SE Qld.
- Gale winds expected in Moreton Bay from early hours of Wednesday.
- Most likely no shipping movements from Wednesday evening with potential port closure Thursday and Friday.
- Looking to priority of vessels once BAU returns on Saturday.
QTA said it will continue to produce supporting information to road accessibility and or other support similar to what was provided in North Queensland in the past weeks.
Queensland Police also warned that coastal communities from Central Queensland south to the New South Wales border can expect some dangerous coastal conditions and possible flooding from Tropical Cyclone Alfred, as the system moves closer to the mainland.
“While there is increasing confidence TC Alfred will stay offshore for the next few days, some severe weather impacts will still be felt due to the system’s proximity to the coast,” the QPS said in a media statement.
“This could include coastal erosion, large and powerful swells, hazardous surf, with high tides expected to increase over the weekend and continue into early next week.”