AS recovery efforts continue in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Redland City Council is reflecting on the incredible community spirit and collaboration that helped prepare for the disaster.
Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair Jos Mitchell described the community’s response as a “whole-of-city effort”, highlighting the resilience and unity that emerged before, during, and after the cyclone.
“The cyclone tested our preparedness, but it also highlighted the resilience and close-knit spirit of our communities,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“The diligent preparation made by residents ultimately helped keep everyone safe.”
A report presented at the Council’s General Meeting outlined the substantial efforts made between Tuesday, February 25 and Sunday, March 16.
The LDMG, led by the Council, coordinated the multi-agency response, ensuring the community received comprehensive support throughout the event.
Council administers the LDMG, which was responsible for coordinating the delivery of disaster response and recovery services.
“Through the LDMG, Council worked collaboratively with at least 47 agencies and external bodies in the lead-up to, during, and post the event,” Cr Mitchell said.
“These included agencies such as Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Police Service (QPS), and the State Emergency Services (SES) who brought in crews from Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia.”
In addition to state and local emergency services, support also came from the Australian Defence Force and volunteers from Disaster Relief Australia, who bolstered Council’s operational capacity for recovery activities both on the mainland and the islands.
The Local Government Association of Queensland also mobilised staff from other councils, including Townsville City, Mackay Regional, and Douglas Shire councils, to assist.
“There were also innumerable community volunteers who came together to assist Council’s work and help our community members during this event,” Cr Mitchell added.
The slow approach of Tropical Cyclone Alfred allowed the potential impacts from storm surge on low-lying coastal areas to be estimated, mapped, and communicated effectively to residents through the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard and social media.
In collaboration with QPS, door-knocking efforts were conducted to inform properties identified as at risk of storm surge, with advice on potential flooding and the storm surge’s impacts.
Deputy Mayor and Disaster Recovery Group chair Julie Talty underscored the significance of the work that had been done and how it reinforced the urgency of the Council’s advocacy efforts leading up to the 2025 Australian Federal Election.
“Council is advocating for $10 million towards a purpose-built dedicated disaster coordination centre; $2 million for flood warning infrastructure and rainfall and creek gauge networks; and funding for assessments and upgrades to improve the wind resistance of our city’s buildings,” Cr Talty said.
“These points encompassed one of eight advocacy priorities that were established before Tropical Cyclone Alfred and consequently take on even more urgency.”
As part of the recovery phase, the Council has launched a Redland Business Recovery webpage to provide local businesses with crucial resources and support during the ongoing recovery.
Cr Mitchell expressed her gratitude for the collective effort, saying, “It genuinely has been heartening to see everyone come together to help our city and our residents get back on their feet.
“I want to say thank you to all those people who are helping in so many ways, big and small.”
By the numbers:
- More than 155,000 sandbags and 1200 tonnes of sand were distributed to the community from eight locations.
- SES volunteers responded to approximately 1200 jobs during the event.
- Energex reported in excess of 41,000 customers without power – more than 9000 of these were isolated island communities.
- The Lesley Harrison Dam spilled after it exceeded 100 per cent capacity, peaking at 187.6 per cent.
- Six places of refuge were opened by Council to provide shelter to community members who were unable to shelter in place safely. They were used by 47 residents.
- Five day drop-in centres were opened by Council. These had charging points available for residents without power.
