Residents living in the Cape Cleveland area including Cungulla and Cleveland Palms of Townsville have been directed to evacuate.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) issued the advice last night based on updated forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, which puts the area at significant risk of storm surge from Tropical Cyclone (TC) Debbie.
TLDMG chair and Mayor Jenny Hill said residents in the affected area should finalise preparations immediately and seek shelter with friends or family in the yellow, blue or white zones.
“This is a directed evacuation for residents in the Cape Cleveland areas, including Cungulla and Cleveland Palms,” Cr Hill said.
“People need to make arrangements to leave the area as soon as possible.
“Police will be in the area from 6am Monday to ensure everyone relocates.
“An on-going police presence will continue in the area throughout this weather event.
“Residents should not go to the AIMS facility on Cape Cleveland Rd as it is deemed not suitable for a Category 3 cyclone or above by the Department of Housing and Public Works.”
Cr Hill warned Townsville residents to make final preparations for destructive winds from TC Debbie which is now expected to arrive from 8pm tonight.
The Public Cyclone Shelter at Heatley and Places of Refuge will be open from today for those residents who have been evacuated, feel vulnerable, or have no other alternatives for accommodation.
Cr Hill said the city was still in the path of TC Debbie’s destructive zone despite the system still taking a slightly southerly track.
The TLDMG briefing this morning from the Bureau of Meteorology has TC Debbie crossing the coast between Townsville and Bowen on Tuesday morning at around 8am.
“The Bureau’s latest advice is predicting minimal impact from storm surge, but very destructive winds and significant rainfall,” Cr Hill said.
“Townsville residents in the red zone are encouraged to consider their evacuation options.
“At this stage it is voluntary. Residents need to be using the available time to complete preparations and have their cyclone plans in place.
“If you feel unsafe, you should make plans to go to friends or family in the first instance.
“Places of refuge and the cyclone shelter at Heatley are available for people who have no other alternatives for accommodation including with friends and family, have been evacuated or feel vulnerable.”
Facilities have limited space and people are advised of the following:
• You will need to be self-sufficient for you and your family
Public Cyclone Shelters Only
o You will be seated in a chair, no mattresses or stretcher
o Personal belongings need to be small enough to fit under a chair
o The building will be locked down when the cyclone is passing (up to 18hrs)
The cyclone shelter at Heatley is now open. Places of Refuge will be open at 2pm today.
These include:
• Townsville City Council, 143 Walker Street (basement car park)
• Suncorp Building, 61-73 Sturt Street, Townsville City and
• North Shore, Iris Lane, Burdell
“The only areas where we are directing people to evacuate at this stage are around Cape Cleveland, Cungulla and Cleveland Palms,” Cr Hill said.
“Police will continue to visit beachfront properties in Cungulla today advising residents to relocate.
“All emergency services and other core groups of the TLDMG including the council are fully resourced and ready to respond. The Army is also fully geared up to mobilise at short notice.
“The Townsville Disaster Coordination Centre is fully staffed and taking calls from the public.”
For up to date information, follow the Townsville Disaster Information Facebook page
The Storm Tide Evacuation Guide is available on council’s website at here
