Sandbag stations now open

Sandbag stations across the City of Moreton Bay have opened as a precautionary measure ahead of forecast wet weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology says wet weather is likely to ramp up across the weekend, with potential for heavy rain and flash flooding.

There are currently no flood watch warnings for the City of Moreton Bay, but a heatwave warning remains in place.

There are flood watch warnings for coastal and adjacent inland catchments between Tully and Airlie Beach, and parts of the Central West and Gulf catchments; and a tropical cyclone warning for parts of Lucinda to Sarina, including Townsville, Mackay, Bowen and the Whitsunday Islands.

Council’s sandbag stations offer free sandbags, but residents should bring their own shovel, as they may be required to fill their own bags.

Where possible, Council also encourages residents to purchase pre-filled bags from hardware stores or to make their own sandbag at home.

Local SES units may be able to provide assistance to residents who are unable to get their own sandbags. Phone the SES on 132 500.

Find your nearest sandbag station here.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery says: “City of Moreton Bay is taking precautionary measures to ensure our residents are as prepared as possible for any potential heavy rainfall and flash flooding this weekend.

“Although the Bureau of Meteorology has downgraded the risk for South East Queensland, we’ve made sure to open all of our sandbag stations across Moreton Bay for residents to prepare for the weather ahead.

“At this point there is no need to be alarmed but we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“I strongly encourage all residents to sign up to the MoretonAlert system to receive free severe weather warnings via SMS, email or voice message.

“For real-time information on road closures, sandbag stations, evacuation centres, weather reports and much more, please monitor our Disaster Dashboard."