In a proactive measure against the impending threats of emergency conditions, over 1.3 million sandbags were distributed last week by state services in preparation for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Local councils and SES units are urging residents to refrain from hastily removing sandbags and disposing of them irresponsibly, as the storm continues to pass through south Queensland and northern NSW.
Byron Shire Council, Brisbane Council, and SES units across south Queensland have all posted warnings online against premature sandbag removal and irresponsible disposal, as excessive rainfall continues to cause flooding in areas including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Northern Rivers, as well as the northwestern slopes and plains, Northern Tablelands, and parts of the Mid North Coast of NSW.
READ MORE: Cyclone Alfred live updates
When is it safe to remove sandbags?
Residents are advised to retain their sandbags, provided they remain undamaged, for an additional couple of weeks in case another weather event arises, as the catchment areas are currently saturated and the dunes have experienced erosion, according to Byron Shire Council.
Emergency services are urging residents in affected areas to keep an eye on local weather warnings on council and SES dashboards for alerts regarding potential flash flooding and storm surges before taking action on sandbag removal and disposal.
By Friday, March 8, over a million sandbags were distributed to southeast Queensland communities in preparation for flooding, along with more than 300,000 sandbags allocated to Lismore and Northern Rivers areas.
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How do you safely dispose of sandbags?
Disposing of over a million sandbags presents health and safety challenges. Sandbags affected by cyclones or flooding may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals, as stated by the state emergency services.
Improper disposal of contaminated sandbags can also pose risks to local wildlife, according to Byron Shire Council’s Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator Chloe Dowsett.
“We are receiving numerous inquiries regarding whether sand should be returned to the beach due to recent erosion, and the answer is no,” said Dowsett.
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Sand may become contaminated with flood or stormwater, harboring weeds, pests, and chemicals that pose environmental risks to marine life and the birds and insects inhabiting the dunes and beaches.
Residents in cyclone and flood-affected areas are advised to consult council guidelines for sandbag disposal and designated collection points. It is recommended to wear gloves and wash hands after handling sandbags to protect against harmful contaminants, and to seal sandbags in plastic before delivering them to a waste facility. Clean and dry sandbags can be preserved for future use.
