The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group is reminding residents to stay informed as rain continues across the region. The Bureau of Meteorology has advised further rain is expected for the Townsville region today and into the weekend. TLDMG Chair Andrew Robinson said residents needed to stay informed and continue listening to advice.
“Residents should remain aware and continue listening to advice as the rain picks up today and into the weekend. The current advice is for all residents across the Townsville local government area to stay informed. The TLDMG remains stood up and will continue to meet regularly until the weather event subsides. Sand and sandbags have been replenished at sites across Townsville for residents to collect. If you have sandbags at home, bring them along to fill up.” Cr Robinson said.
Acting Mayor and Local Recovery and Resilience Group chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said Townsville City Council was continuing to advocate for disaster assistance for flood-impacted residents across the entire Townsville LGA.
“The State Government has extended the impact zone to include suburbs like Black River, Bluewater, Cungulla and Paluma, however we are currently advocating for the entire local government area to receive assistance. Anyone who needs help with housing or financial assistance can visit the community recovery hubs around Townsville. These have been set up by the State Government and are currently open in the Upper Ross, Cungulla, Deeragun, Bluewater and Rollingstone.” Cr Greaney said.
To find out more information on community recover hubs, visit the Queensland Government’s website. Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue has urged the community to protect themselves against injury and disease during the clean-up.
“Flood waters are heavily contaminated with hazards including dirt and debris and can carry harmful bacteria including those causing uncommon diseases like melioidosis and leptospirosis. Contaminated water and mud can be serious health risks for people, particularly vulnerable community members like the sick, elderly or diabetics. Don’t rush the cleanup. Please leave it to fit and healthy people wearing boots, gloves, and appropriate clothing.Some things people can do to protect themselves during the clean-up are avoid direct contact with floodwater and mud, wear protective boots and gloves, and wash their hands often with soap. It is very important people cover up any wounds, no matter how minor.If you have a wound or cut then clean it immediately, apply antiseptic, and apply a waterproof dressing. Mould is something residents may notice over the coming days. It can be smelly and unsightly, but it is not a serious health hazard unless you have an underlying allergy, serious lung issues or immune suppression. Avoid cleaning up mould if you have medical risks. Cleaning mould requires gloves and preferably a face mask.” Dr Donohue said.
For non-life threatening emergencies, call SES on 132 500.
To stay up to date visit the Emergency Management and Disaster Dashboard, listen to local radio or phone 13 48 10.
Sand is available for collection at:
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- Lou Litster Park – 30 Boundary St, Railway Estate QLD 4810
- Council Depot Ross Dam Access, Ross Dam Access, Kelso QLD 4815
- Corner Bruce Highway & Mount Low Parkway, Mount Low, QLD 4818
- Rupertswood Rural Fire Shed, 14 Progress Road, Alice River QLD 4817
- Bluewater Community Centre, 14 Forestry Rd, Bluewater QLD 4818
- Pace Park – Mystic Sands.
Further advice will be issued regarding sand at:
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- SES Magnetic Island 55-57 Kelly Street, Nelly Bay
- Cungulla SES Depot 15 Frank Randell Dr, Cape Cleveland QLD 4816