For people in the high-risk zone, there is still time to plan evacuation routes, but the window to get out is to “close quickly.”
The Southeast Queenslanders are asked to stay home unless they live in storm surges or flood zones. In that case, they are encouraged to stay with friends and family, check in to the hotel, or visit the evacuation centre so that Cyclone Alfred sneaks up on the coast.
“When you cross high tide in the middle of the night, the high tide area is the last place you want,” Queensland Prime Minister David Chrysafluri said in his latest speech along with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schlinner.
People outside the evacuation zone are asked to stay inside at least March 6th and 7th.
It is currently a high-risk area where hundreds of community workers, including state emergency services and police recruits, knock on doors, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is now away from standby and is now “engaged.”
As of 11am, 68 evacuations from South Stradbroke Island were held at Brisbane time (12 noon) on March 5th, with more predictions being made throughout the day.
Residents are reminded to tether items in the yard and clear the shards beforehand.
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“We’re now obsessed with the stage where it’s hours instead of days, but we still have time,” Crisafulli said.
For those in the high-risk zone, the Prime Minister said he still has time to plan evacuation routes, but the window to get out is to “close quickly.”
“I have all the faith that the nation comes through this,” he said.
“We ask that we stay connected and prepare for a very large population.
“One thing is certain, and there will be a cyclone that crosses the coast.”
While offering a media conference, Crisafulli just received new information that “red warnings” are in place for all ships from Double Island Point to Coolangatta, and should not leave the mooring from noon on March 5th.
Opposition leader David Kurinafurli will direct the Prime Minister to question the question on September 14, 2021 at the parliamentary home in Brisbane, Australia. AAP Image/Albert Perez
Crisafulli said the government is currently working with elderly care providers, vulnerable people and homeless people.
Other preparations include increasing the capacity of bandwidth to improve emergency messages, and rescuing ready vessels in key locations.
A total of 180 Swift Water Rescue experts are deployed in the most silly affected areas between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Crisafulli said helicopters with winches are also on standby, but 1,000 Ergon Energy Crew members are being prepared to “restore power will be huge and gigantic.”
The prime minister said the southeast Queensland area has already transitioned to damaged and destructive winds, with major roads and bridges being closed once the wind reaches a “trigger point” of 90 km/h.
On March 6th and 7th, elective surgery will be postponed and public transport will be suspended for at least two days.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke to the media at a press conference at a parliamentary home in Canberra, Australia on February 11, 2025. AAP Image/Lukas Coch
PM: “There are no political parties here.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has dismissed questions about speculation about potential federal election day and delays by Cyclone Alfred.
“There are no political parties here. There is no border between New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. Australians work together,” he told reporters.
Albanese met with NSW Premier Chris Mins on March 4th, then flew to Queensland for the first briefing with emergency management and city Jenny McAllister.
“This is a rate event and the entire government is taking this seriously, and the Queenslander and the governments on the NSW North Coast need to do that,” Albanese said.
“There is no tweed boundary here. This is not recognized by the cyclone. This certainly should not be recognized by the government’s response,” he said.
Albanese said the government had planned to ensure that parents do not fall out of their pockets if they missed childcare during the event.
The leader said two National Air Fire Helicopters will be stationed at Bundaberg and Coffs ports and are ready.
The shelter has been established
A Cyclone Shelter has been established at the RNA Showground in Brisbane, focusing on the immediate protection of life. The center is modelled in a similar previous shelter in the northern part of the state.
Although it is not a long-term option, Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schlinner said the centre will help protect people who are not elsewhere.
The brunt of the weather event will be followed by long-term evacuation centres and other services.
Schlinner reflected the prime minister’s sentiment when asking locals to stay home unless their home was in the evacuation zone.
He asked locals not to go sightseeing, reminding residents of the dangers of electric shock and debris.
Life-threatening floods are expected
The cyclone sits about 400 km east of Brisbane and travels 11 km per hour towards southeast Queensland.
Most of the current modeling suggests that it will remain in category 2 events, but there is some possibility of it being enhanced.
Between March 6th and 7th, Alfred’s estimated time to cross the coast, with expected winds of 95km/h and gusts of wind reaching 130km/h.
Meteorologists say the south side of the cyclone is likely to suffer the worst.
The coastal dangers of large waves and unusually high tides, and torrential rains are still in place, with rainfall up to 800mm up to 800mm at speeds of 200-400mm until Saturday.
Weather experts said rainfall levels are expected to cause “life-threatening” flooding from Queensland to NSW.
Evacuation centres have been established on all councils in affected areas, and local people need to check with local governments for details.
