Free sandbags are available for Cairns region residents ahead of consistent heavy rain forecast across the coming week.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Terry James said up to 240mm of rainfall is predicted over the next two days. An Initial Flood Watch is already in place for the Barron and Mulgrave Rivers.
"Residents in low-lying areas should prepare their properties for potential flooding," Cr James said.
"Sandbags should be placed at least 3 courses high across doorways and other points where water can enter your home."
Bags will be made available for residents to fill with sand on site at Council's waste transfer stations. Scoops for filling will be provided. Sandbags are for residential use only and will be available until supplies run out. Limits will apply per person.
Sandbags and sand will be available from the following locations until supplies run out.
- Portsmith Transfer Station 8.30 am to 5.15pm
- Smithfield Transfer Station 7am to 5.15pm
- Gordonvale Transfer Station 8.30am to 5.15pm
- Babinda Transfer Station 8.30am to 4.45pm (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday)
Residents are also being reminded that king tides will be experienced in Cairns over the New Year period, from Friday 31 December to Thursday 6 January 2022.
King tide levels for Cairns are expected at the following times (other areas may vary):
- Friday 31 December: 2.95m at 7.34am
- Saturday 1 January: 3.17m at 8.27am
- Sunday 2 January: 3.31m at 9.14am
- Monday 3 January: 3.36m at 10.00am
- Tuesday 4 January: 3.31m at 10.45am
- Wednesday 5 January: 3.17m at 11.32am
- Thursday 6 January: 2.98m at 12.22pm
For latest information:
Cairns Disaster Dashboard: www.disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au
