Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has issued a further warning for residents: high winds will impact the hinterland throughout this weekend.
"The main focus to date has been about the beaches but the latest briefing from Queensland Disaster Management advises of high winds impacting the hinterland throughout this weekend,'' he said.
"Ironically, given there is little rain in this system, we are conscious of potential fires. Fuel loads in the Springbrook area are high following dry conditions over the past months.''
Mayor Tate said the latest advice (10am Friday 22 February) was:
• TC Oma is not expected to make landfall
• Gales with localised damaging wind - gusts up to 90 km/h - are forecast
• Substantial rainfall remains unlikely over the next 24-48 hours (heavy rain likely early next week)
• Large swells are likely for a prolonged period
• Public safety is the No 1 priority. All 34 beaches closed today
• Residents should secure loose outdoor items and move cars undercover or away from trees
• Observe all directions of City lifeguards
• Do not undertake recreational boating this weekend
• Stay away from the rock walls and seaway
• Expect minor inundation in low lying areas (eg: Budds Beach)
• The last high tide was at 10.20am (Friday 22 February)
• Listen to media and keep informed via the BOM website for updates.
• The best protection is to be prepared. Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/getready
• Remember - if it's flooded forget it
• The City's Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) remains on ALERT (as of 10am 20 February)
• Hinze Dam is at 93 percent with no concerns for its storage capability
• There is some scarping near the Seaway; Kirra and Burleigh. Further erosion is likely as the swell increases over the weekend
• Beaches are holding up well thanks to our beach nourishment program.
• Crews are on standby. Monitoring the beaches and will conduct re-profiling work when swell eases
• As a precautionary matter, we have opened three sandbagging facilities across the city to assist concerned residents. This is to respond to residents' concerns and requests for sandbags
Locations: Coomera – 232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama. Located in an area adjacent to Slideways - Go Kart World, in proximity to the City's Coomera Depot; Reedy Creek – 61 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Waters. Located within the City's Waste and Recycling Centre with separate street access; and Tugun – Boyd Street, Bilinga - in the City's land adjacent to the depot. Access is via the service road to the desalination plant and former waste facility.
Opening hours:
- Friday 22 February 6am – 6pm
- Saturday 23 February 6am – 6pm
**There is a 15 bag limit per household. These are pre-filled sandbags
