Residents are encouraged to get ready for the upcoming wet season by clearing out their backyards and stocking up on free sandbags.
The annual pre-wet season free green waste drop-off starts Saturday(21 November), with residents able to drop their domestic green waste at any of Councils waste transfer stations at no cost until Sunday 29 November.
Residents taking advantage of this month's free green waste disposal are encouraged to make a voluntary gold coin donation at the waste transfer station, which will support the Mayor's Christmas Cheer Appeal.
"It's all about locals helping locals and we are asking the community to dig deep, give generously and show those experiencing hardship that we care," Mayor Bob Manning said.
"Every cent donated to the appeal goes to buying food supplies for the hampers."
While dropping off your waste, residents in coastal, low-lying or flood prone areas are invited to grab some free sandbags to have on hand, should severe weather threaten the region.
"A big part of being resilient is being prepared for whatever the season may bring," Cr Manning said.
"Now is the ideal time to assess your yard for hazards and cut back any overgrown trees and vegetation.
"Waiting until a cyclone is on its way or heavy rainfall has started to get sandbags can use up valuable time that could be spent on other aspects of preparing your home and family.
"If you live in a low-lying or beachfront area, we recommend that you pick up some sandbags now and keep them in your shed or garage so they're ready if and when you need them."
Bags will be provided for residents to fill with sand on site. Scoops for filling will be supplied. Sandbags are for residential use only and will be available from all of Council's waste transfer stations until supplies run out.
Sandbags can be stored in a dry place out of direct sunlight for several months.
Residential green waste can be dropped off free of charge at the following locations:
- Portsmith Transfer Station, 7 days 8.30am to 5.15pm
- Smithfield Transfer Station, Monday-Saturday 7am to 5.15pm, Sunday 9am to 5.15pm
- Gordonvale Transfer Station, 7 days 8.30am to 5.15pm
- Babinda Transfer Station, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am to 4.45pm
Note: this offer is for domestic cars, utilities and/or trailers and light trucks (vehicle weight to GVM 4 tonnes). Normal rates apply for disposal of any other waste during this period, including green waste from garden maintenance contractors on behalf of residents.
