Townsville’s Disaster Management Coordination Centre has been activated

Townsville’s Disaster Management Coordination Centre has been activated following the formation of Tropical Cyclone Debbie this morning.

Townsville Mayor and Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) chair Cr Jenny Hill said Council and Emergency Services staff would be at the centre from this afternoon to monitor the cyclone’s progress.

All State and Local Government agencies stand ready following latest advice from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Cr Hill said residents should familiarise themselves with the Storm Tide Evacuation Guide -available on Council’s website - to determine whether their home may be at risk of inundation.

“People with homes in the red or orange zones should ensure they have a back-up plan to move to friends or family should the need arise,” Cr Hill said.

“I also advise people to take advantage of today’s fine weather to stock up on supplies and prepare their homes and yards.

“We will be keeping a very close watch on developments this afternoon and overnight but now is the time for people to make sure they are cyclone ready and listening to official advice through the media.

“The council and all key support agencies including Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, the SES and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services are ready to act should the situation arise.

“The TLDMG is also liaising closely with the Emergency Management Queensland as part of a broader regional response should it be required.”

The group will meet again tomorrow morning to reassess the cyclone threat.

Other key points:

• Residents can take their green and household rubbish to Townsville dump sites for FREE today. The Stuart, Hervey Range and Jensen landfill will be open from 6.30am - 6pm, last vehicle at 5.45pm. Toomulla is open from 7.30am to 4.30pm and Magnetic Island is open from 9am - 12noon, last vehicle at 11.45am.
• FREE sand is available for residents wishing to prepare sandbags at Lou Litster Park in Hermit Park. It is recommended you bring your own bags (plastic shopping bags will suffice) and shovel.

Residents can obtain more information on cyclone preparation on the Council’s  website www.townsville.qld.gov.au.

Facebook users should also follow the Townsville Disaster Information Facebook page – the official page of the TLDMG – for updates.”

The TLDMG will meet again at 9am tomorrow at the Bamford Lane Disaster Coordination Centre