WEBVTT

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 end up with rubbish all over the street.

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 Thank you so much for your company so far.

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 If you're listening from further afield,

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 I hope you enjoy your footy coverage this afternoon.

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 Don't forget you can come back and listen on the Listen app.

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 And if you're listening in a cyclone-affected area,

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 we've got you covered.

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 Stay listening.

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 News time.

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 Storms can be damaging and bring down power lines.

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 Treat them as live.

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 Keep at least 10 metres away and report them.

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 For storm updates, keep listening to your emergency broadcaster, ABC Radio.

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 ABC News with Matt Eaton.

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 Good morning.

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 Key services have recommenced this morning in Brisbane,

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 but widespread power and mobile outages continue to impact thousands

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 from the Redlands to the Gold Coast.

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 Emma Johnson reports,

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 Extropical Cyclone Alfred is gradually moving inland.

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 Sunday bus services have started back up in the River City

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 after being paused since Thursday.

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 Bin collections are also set to begin again, weather permitting.

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 No such luck for the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay or Redlands City Councils,

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 where more than 210,000 people remain without power.

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 Internet coverage is also suffering,

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 with 243,000 NBN outages across southeast Queensland

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 and northern New South Wales.

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 Airports in Brisbane and the Gold Coast have reopened,

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 but customers are urged to check their flight details with airlines.

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 The Weather Bureau says heavy rain and strong winds could affect large parts of the southeast today

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 and cause further disruptions.

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 An emergency flood warning has been issued for the Fraser Coast.

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 Intense rain has fallen over the region, leading to flash flooding.

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 Residents are advised to shelter indoors now.

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 Controlled releases of water have begun at North Pine Dam this morning,

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 but in a video statement today,

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 SEQ Water CEO Emma Thomas says Somerset and Wyvernhoe catchments haven't received heavy rainfall.

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 In the last 24 hours, we've had 20 millimetres in Wyvernhoe catchment and 35 millimetres in Somerset catchment.

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 We continue to watch those catchments actively as well as looking at what's happening in the lower part of the Brisbane River

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 as creeks and streams and rivers flow in from Lockyer, Bremer and Worrell.

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 The Weather Bureau says further rises in the Wilsons River in Lismore can't be ruled out,

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 with local residents being warned not to return home.

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 The river peaked at 9.31 metres yesterday afternoon and is falling.

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 The Bureau is forecasting up to 150 millimetres of rain, though, over the next 24 hours.

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 Forecaster Mick Logan says severe weather warnings are still current for the area

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 and there could still be further rainfall.

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 However, the window for that to occur is reducing,

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 and based on that reduced window, just this morning, around about 9am,

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 that warning for that Wilsons River at Lismore has been renewed

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 and only now focuses on moderate flooding.

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 Defence Minister Richard Miles has acknowledged the danger soldiers put themselves in

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 when they helped during natural disasters.

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 13 Brisbane-based ADF personnel are being treated in hospital

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 after two military trucks rolled while they were helping the flood recovery

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 in northern New South Wales.

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 Mr Miles has given an update on the incident, which involved 32 ADF personnel.

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 Both trucks rolled.

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 The circumstances of the incident are still being investigated.

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 13 were injured.

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 Some of them seriously.

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 All are expected to recover.

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 And those 13 are in local hospitals.

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 Coalition frontbencher Bridget McKenzie says opposition leader Peter Dutton fulfilled his obligations in his electorate

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 before reportedly heading to a fundraiser event as extropical cyclone Alfred approached.

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 Mr Dutton flew to a private event at the home of businessman Justin Hems in Sydney last Tuesday.

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 Senator McKenzie has told Sky News Mr Dutton was honouring his diary commitments.

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 He'd gone around to see his aunt, made sure his elderly aunt was okay, secured his own home, fulfilled his obligations within the diary and we made sure he was home in his home state with his community to see them through what ended up being a low pressure trough and a heavy rain event.

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 In sport, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have smashed the North Queensland Cowboys 42 points to 12 in their NRL season opener at Brookvale Oval.

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 The Sea Eagles dominated the match, scoring seven tries to two with the Cowboys' first try coming with just under eight minutes left in the game.

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 Queensland's weather extropical cyclone Alfred will continue weakening as it moves further inland, weakening into a trough in northern New South Wales by tomorrow morning.

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 Showers and the chance of a storm elsewhere, possible severe storms south of Rockhampton and east of St George.

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 Cairns and Mackay a top of 32 today, Townsville 33, Rockhampton 35, Bundaberg 31, Mount Isa a top of 39.

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 In the south east, scattered to widespread showers, rain and isolated storms, with possible heavy to intense falls and damaging wind gusts.

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 For Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast, a top temperature of 26 degrees, Logan 25, the Sunshine Coast 27, Toowoomba 22.

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 And with a bit of luck, showers should be easing tomorrow.

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 This is ABC News.

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 This is Cyclone coverage on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane and Queensland.

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 The windows rattle a fair bit.

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 Now we've got consistent rain and getting a bit heavier now.

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 On the burly heads, it is wild, rugged and kind of evil out there as well.

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 Just a lot of rain and, yeah, checking the elderly neighbours and seeing if they're going all good.

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 But, yeah, a lot calmer than I expected, to be honest.

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 This is Cyclone Alfred coverage on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane and Queensland.

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 And thank you, ABC.

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 At least we get info from you.

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 The wind and rain has picked up.

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 Lots of branches down.

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 My carport collapsed.

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 Luckily, my car's not damaged and I went to go for a drive and had no shops open.

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 Power out since Friday morning.

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 I'm on my own and it's just, yeah, it's just getting a bit much.

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 And we are here with you.

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 If you're in that situation, you are not alone because, of course, ABC Radio is with you, where your community and you can call, you can let us know what you are going through.

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 You can also explain what it's like where you are.

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 We appreciate you contributing to the picture we're painting across the southeast of Queensland today.

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 As many people shelter, wait it out.

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 And it has been concerning overnight for many people.

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 Where I am at the moment, it is just steady rain.

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 And that may become a problem in some areas and in some areas it already is.

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 Let me just give you a quick recap.

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 We're not speaking to the Weather Bureau this hour.

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 Next hour, we will.

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 So if you're after an update next hour at this time, we'll be headed to the Weather Bureau for a full wrap.

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 But the situation is not changing so much hour on hour.

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 So we're catching up with them every second hour.

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 In the meantime, I can tell you that severe weather warning for locally intense rain and damaging winds for the southeast coast and parts of the Wide Bay, Burnett, Darling Downs and the Granite Belt.

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 That is still current.

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 You can expect locally intense rainfall that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in some areas as these bands of showers and thunderstorms continue to affect the region.

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 The winds have not gone.

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 You can still expect peak gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour over the eastern Darling Downs, the Granite Belt and the southeast coastal fringe.

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 We did last hour here from the Weather Bureau, though.

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 Those winds are not going to be persistent at that level.

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 You can expect persistent winds around 60 kilometres an hour in some places, and there may be those gusts up to 90 kilometres an hour.

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 But hopefully, you're experiencing that a little less than many places overnight.

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 We've heard some pretty full-on rainfall totals over the 24 hours till 9 o'clock this morning.

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 One at Mount Glorious was 233 millimetres.

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 So that is significant.

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 And the rain is continuing to fall.

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 In some places, in fairly intense fashion, in Harvey Bay, there was 108 millimetres in the one hour to 10 to 7 this morning and 261 millimetres to 9 a.m. as well.

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 And then there was 81 millimetres recorded at Holland Park in the two hours to 10 past 10 this morning.

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 The Bureau has major flood warning.

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 The Bureau has major flood warnings in place for the Logan and Bremer Rivers as well as for Worrell Creek.

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 Minor flood is occurring in Bow Desert with moderate to major flooding possible this morning.

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 There's an initial moderate flood warning for the Upper Brisbane River.

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 Moderate flooding is possible along the Stanley River to Somerset Dam from early this morning.

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 And moderate flood warnings are in place for the Lockia and Laidley Creeks.

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 They're still at minor levels.

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 But they can be dangerous and they can be rapid river level rises.

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 So just take care there.

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 And with this blanket flood watch, just be aware that your local little creek may not be named but could rise quite quickly.

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 So just be aware of conditions in your local area and take care.

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 And we heard from the Fraser Coast Mayor last hour, do not drive if you don't have to because there are lots of flooded roads at the moment.

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 There is this broad flood watch for the southeast.

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 It's current.

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 There's localised flooding possible.

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 It covers basically everywhere.

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 The Mary, Noosa, Pine Rivers, Caboolture covers all of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast rivers and creeks.

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 All of the creeks in Ipswich and Brisbane.

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 So take care there.

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 SEQ water started flood releases from North Pine Dam at around 3 o'clock this morning.

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 Young's Crossing is closed.

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 If you're downstream of that dam, stay away from fast-flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains.

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 Let's find out what's going on in the Wide Bay region in Bundaberg.

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 Scott Lamond is from ABC Wide Bay.

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 What's the picture where you are, Scott?

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 Well, the sun is shining in Bundaberg.

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 But when I look to the south, you can see those scary clouds and the obvious weather system that has impacted Harvey Bay in a big way this morning.

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 So the Wide Bay thought probably they were out of the picture.

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 When we went to bed last night, the focus was further to the south and in that southeast corner.

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 But overnight, things have changed.

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 And from 4 a.m., the bay has been smashed with a dangerous storm, intense rainfall.

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 And as you've explained in the last few minutes, almost 300 millimetres.

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 And it's still coming down for Harvey Bay.

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 So what are some of the images that you've seen that are concerning or extraordinary this morning, Scott, from that area?

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 Well, it's a lot of it's people have had the phones out and, you know, water up in areas that just can't get away.

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 It is clearly flash flooding, inundating homes in some of these Harvey Bay suburbs.

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 It's forced the power outages.

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 It's cut roads.

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 Council, as you heard from the Mayor earlier, can't get out to assess.

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 The police have put out their notification saying there is an emergency alert that has been issued this morning,

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 the flood emergency warning for the Fraser Coast, telling everyone in Harvey Bay to stay indoors because the intense rainfall has fallen.

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 It's led to this flash flooding.

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 Do not drive.

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 And remember, if it's flooded, forget it.

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 And obviously, it's evolving.

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 And I think it's just caught everyone by surprise.

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 The Bureau has told us this morning that they said it was always a possibility.

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 But this is the outer edge of that ex-tropical cyclone, Alfred.

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 This is the storm on the northern side.

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 We heard so much of the action was going to be on the southern side of the system.

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 Well, here's 300 millimetres on the northern side.

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 And this just goes to show how unpredictable these weather systems are.

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 I mean, there was such a broad area that was shaded in in that orange colour when you're looking at the tracking map and it could affect anywhere.

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 We were hearing about from Bundaberg down to Coffs Harbour or something.

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 And you're like, oh, it's going to be somewhere in there.

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 That's great.

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 But I appreciate that if you're on that very northern border, you're probably thinking that by yesterday that it would be OK.

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 And so this weather system that we've had so long to prepare for has somehow done the extraordinary thing and caught so many by surprise.

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 Yeah, it's done exactly that.

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 And, you know, we were taking the football instead of emergency broadcasting on ABC Wide Bay.

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 But I think we'll stick with you for a bit longer today.

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 Well, happy to have you along.

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 And, Scott, do keep in touch and let us know if there's anything we need to share with listeners, particularly in that Wide Bay area.

00:13:29.360 --> 00:13:34.080
 So thank you so much for giving us that update and keep us across the important information we need to know.

00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:34.560
 Thanks, Scott.

00:13:34.940 --> 00:13:35.360
 Thank you.

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 You're on 612 ABC Brisbane and ABC Queensland.

00:13:38.580 --> 00:13:39.700
 Kate O'Toole's my name.

00:13:39.700 --> 00:13:42.280
 You can get in touch with whatever you think that we need to know.

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 If it's how you feel, I'd love to know that.

00:13:44.860 --> 00:13:48.920
 But if it's important information you want to share, I'm happy to have that too.

00:13:48.920 --> 00:13:50.960
 1300 222 612.

00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:52.380
 That's the number to call.

00:13:52.380 --> 00:13:57.040
 Or you can text 0467 922 612.

00:13:57.040 --> 00:14:03.640
 Thank you to Jacqueline from Springfield who just wanted to say, while some areas are being told not to drive at all,

00:14:03.720 --> 00:14:10.680
 there are other places where people are having to get around, could you please ask anyone who is driving to put their lights on?

00:14:10.680 --> 00:14:11.580
 Yes, Jacqueline.

00:14:11.580 --> 00:14:12.900
 I can do that.

00:14:12.900 --> 00:14:21.320
 She's had to assist elderly parents and she said it's horrible driving in these conditions anyway,

00:14:21.320 --> 00:14:25.660
 but with so many cars with no lights on, it just makes them very difficult to see.

00:14:25.660 --> 00:14:26.880
 So thank you, Jacqueline.

00:14:26.880 --> 00:14:29.240
 Message passed on and you can do the same thing too.

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 1300 222 612.

00:14:31.180 --> 00:14:34.800
 If you'd like to let us know what's going on where you are.

00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:42.640
 Lots of people sending in text messages asking, when is the power going to be on in my suburb?

00:14:42.640 --> 00:14:45.780
 Or when is the power going to be on in my street?

00:14:46.460 --> 00:14:47.800
 I'm not ignoring you.

00:14:47.800 --> 00:14:50.180
 I do realise that those questions are coming in.

00:14:50.180 --> 00:14:53.120
 But the trick is, we spoke to Energex last hour.

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 The trick is they have more than 300,000 premises without power and they don't have a clear list of, you know,

00:15:02.240 --> 00:15:06.620
 different suburbs or different streets being brought back on at any time.

00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:12.180
 And also, they're going, the disconnections are happening as fast or faster than the connections.

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 So yesterday, they were able to reconnect 70,000 premises, but there's still more that were disconnected.

00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:23.920
 So it's very much how long is a piece of string.

00:15:24.360 --> 00:15:29.000
 And I'm very sorry that I can't give you more specific information than that.

00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:32.540
 Those power outages are also affecting phone communications.

00:15:32.540 --> 00:15:40.780
 Nick Channel is the Area General Manager of Optus, who can give us a bit of an update on your situation too.

00:15:40.780 --> 00:15:44.480
 How many towers are out in Queensland at the moment, Nick?

00:15:45.760 --> 00:15:46.640
 Good morning, Kate.

00:15:46.640 --> 00:15:53.660
 In Queensland at the moment, we're sitting in around 267 towers that have lost connection due to power failures.

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 That number is changing and updates are posted on our website regularly.

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 So customers can keep a track of that to see what's happening throughout the day.

00:16:04.760 --> 00:16:11.620
 As you've mentioned there, we're working closely with Energy Queensland to work through our power restoration activities.

00:16:13.300 --> 00:16:20.100
 We've deployed a lot of fixed generators prior to the storm hitting, and that's keeping some of our key sites active and doing a great job there.

00:16:20.100 --> 00:16:27.440
 We do have mobile generators ready to be deployed, and our field teams are carrying out risk assessments as we speak.

00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:32.960
 With the continued rain and wind that's hitting the region across southeast Queensland,

00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:39.480
 access to sites and the safety to get to those sites is paramount for our employees.

00:16:39.640 --> 00:16:45.000
 But we are ready to go and looking to work on those towers as soon as it's safe to do so.

00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:53.220
 Can you tell me about specific areas that have been hit really hard where you would expect to not be able to have any communications with residents?

00:16:53.220 --> 00:16:56.940
 I'm wondering if the Redlands, for instance, is just one big black spot at the moment.

00:16:56.940 --> 00:17:04.540
 Redlands has certainly been hit hard from a power point of view, given its location on the coast.

00:17:04.820 --> 00:17:09.420
 We've also seen quite large outages through the southern end of the Gold Coast as well.

00:17:09.420 --> 00:17:15.080
 As I said, we're working with Energy Queensland around restoration of towers in that area.

00:17:15.080 --> 00:17:24.000
 It's all dependent on getting power back in to those sites as quickly as possible and deploying generators where we can, and it's safe to do so.

00:17:24.520 --> 00:17:28.500
 Can you give us any, I mean, people keep texting in saying, what's going to happen in my suburb?

00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.620
 I know it's really hard.

00:17:29.620 --> 00:17:34.720
 Are there any places that you can tell us that coverage is likely to be resolved soon?

00:17:37.100 --> 00:17:39.460
 At the moment, we can't give specific locations.

00:17:39.460 --> 00:17:48.460
 Our team on the ground are working through their risk assessments and assessing sites individually, and we'll get out to those when they can.

00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:53.120
 But at this stage, I don't have an indication of what sites will be brought back on when.

00:17:53.120 --> 00:17:57.620
 We have managed to get some sites back on in the last 24 hours.

00:17:57.620 --> 00:18:06.180
 However, due to some power outages, you know, similar to what you've mentioned there from Energy Queensland, we have lost some additional sites as well.

00:18:06.180 --> 00:18:08.080
 Do you have enough generators to do the job?

00:18:08.080 --> 00:18:19.020
 No, we don't have enough generators for every single tower, and the Premier sort of covered that off a couple of days ago, that there'll never be enough generators to plug the holes.

00:18:19.020 --> 00:18:25.840
 But we are working as quickly as possible, and, you know, the safety of our field technician team is paramount.

00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:35.820
 Obviously, reconnecting our customers is our number one focus, but we need to make sure that it is safe to go out and work on these towers before deploying anyone into the field.

00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:47.000
 And I appreciate that the time for reflection will be, you know, in the future after the disaster or the weather event is settled and the recovery has happened.

00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:49.280
 But is there a better way?

00:18:49.280 --> 00:18:55.380
 Is there any other way to do it that we don't have such massive outages when there's a big weather event like this?

00:18:56.960 --> 00:19:07.980
 Unfortunately, while our towers still rely on power to run, it would be great to deploy generators everywhere, but then refuelling those on a mass scale would also cause its problems as well.

00:19:07.980 --> 00:19:20.660
 We put a lot of work into our disaster readiness program, and after this disaster passes by, we'll do a full PIR on it and see if there's any ways we can improve what has been done to date.

00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:21.440
 All right.

00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:26.980
 Thank you so much, Nick, and we'll keep updating people about the scale of the issue.

00:19:26.980 --> 00:19:30.400
 I think it can be incredibly frustrating when you just think, why is my phone out?

00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:40.080
 Why can't I call people or why can't I get in touch with relatives who I'm concerned about or people who I know who are riding this weather event out on their own?

00:19:40.340 --> 00:19:53.100
 But when you consider that it's not just a matter of the local tower, but 267 towers that are out that you're trying to juggle, I think understanding the scale of the issue can help somewhat.

00:19:53.100 --> 00:19:54.860
 Nick, thanks so much for speaking to us today.

00:19:54.860 --> 00:19:56.720
 Thanks for your time, Kate.

00:19:56.720 --> 00:20:00.400
 Nick Channel is the local general manager for Optus.

00:20:00.400 --> 00:20:03.500
 Significant issues there, as you can hear.

00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:10.020
 I know that it doesn't make you feel better if you can't use your phone and you're really desperate to know how friends and family are.

00:20:10.020 --> 00:20:12.120
 Trust me, I'm in the same boat as you.

00:20:12.120 --> 00:20:19.200
 Several people that I'd like to be able to get in touch with, and I can't, and it just makes you feel anxious for them.

00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:23.440
 But with that scale of problem, it can't be resolved immediately.

00:20:23.440 --> 00:20:29.840
 We're hearing, of course, about the weather in Harvey Bay and some considerable flooding there.

00:20:29.840 --> 00:20:32.460
 Mark might be able to paint an even better picture for us.

00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:33.740
 Mark, what's happening near you?

00:20:33.980 --> 00:20:36.200
 Hi, good morning, Kate.

00:20:36.200 --> 00:20:36.840
 Hi, how are you going?

00:20:36.840 --> 00:20:39.400
 I'm well, and I'm hoping you're okay.

00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:40.640
 But what are you witnessing, Mark?

00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:46.240
 No, we start panicking around sort of stuff, especially around the street up here, some of the roads.

00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:53.080
 One thing I try to go to work, because I work in hospital, I try to go to work, and pretty much, like, yeah, I try my best way.

00:20:53.080 --> 00:20:56.220
 I know it's, you know, the rain's getting heavier and heavier.

00:20:56.220 --> 00:21:02.740
 And then around the corner from my place, I say, oh, no, there's a lot of cars stranded on the road, the main road, and there's a few roads.

00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:07.500
 And then, but luckily, some of the local community here just stood on the side of the corner.

00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:14.600
 And every time they see the car try to pass, and they just point it, go back, go back, it's not worth it.

00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:15.920
 It's flooded, forget it.

00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:16.700
 That's the message.

00:21:16.700 --> 00:21:17.460
 So, yeah.

00:21:17.460 --> 00:21:21.620
 Yeah, I turn back and then try different routes, you know, sort of stuff, different roads, sort of stuff.

00:21:21.620 --> 00:21:22.860
 No, it's all cut off.

00:21:22.860 --> 00:21:23.760
 It's all cut off.

00:21:23.760 --> 00:21:25.600
 So you're completely, you're unable to go to work.

00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:27.240
 You're completely isolated, are you now?

00:21:27.260 --> 00:21:27.940
 Exactly, yes.

00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:28.180
 Okay.

00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:29.100
 Yes, exactly.

00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:34.220
 And then, and although the mayor was saying to us this morning over the radio or something like that,

00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:43.100
 and the staff, the council staff couldn't put up the sign road closure on the road because they don't want to put their stuff, you know, on wreaths because it's so high.

00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:45.060
 We must like the car, even the four-wheel drive.

00:21:45.140 --> 00:21:49.780
 It's a four-wheel drive here and can't pass through and have turned back, and that's not worth it.

00:21:49.780 --> 00:21:53.140
 And on the esplanade, the road's pretty much cut off.

00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:54.240
 Mark, it's such a good point.

00:21:54.240 --> 00:22:03.060
 Don't assume the road is open because there's no road closed sign because they haven't been able to get council workers out to do those assessments and put those signs up in the first place yet.

00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:09.000
 So, Mark, sorry, how unusual is it for it to get, for there to be that much water around?

00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:10.320
 Is that unusual or not unusual?

00:22:10.320 --> 00:22:12.280
 No, no.

00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:14.980
 Actually, especially my area here is a high ground.

00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:24.700
 I've never seen, I have been living here for 15 years, I've never seen my high ground like this, pretty much like the street around me, pretty much like, you know, the water just rising that much.

00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:35.600
 So, yeah, it's really, even that Manflat event we had a few years ago, 2010-11 or something like that, I couldn't even remember rightly, but never seen this area, pretty much that.

00:22:35.600 --> 00:22:36.120
 Yes.

00:22:36.120 --> 00:22:39.560
 You know, the Bodhubber Drive, pretty much the road just, you know, covered with water.

00:22:39.560 --> 00:22:41.440
 Okay, Mark, thank you so much.

00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:49.320
 I really appreciate that update and it's particularly interesting to hear you say that you've never seen it like this and these areas are higher areas.

00:22:49.320 --> 00:22:57.640
 It just gives that extra warning to people listening in that Harvey Bay area to do not expect to be able to go out and do the things that you would ordinarily do.

00:22:57.780 --> 00:23:01.500
 This is not just a little bit of flooding and to stay put.

00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.340
 Thank you so much, Mark.

00:23:02.340 --> 00:23:03.100
 I appreciate that.

00:23:03.100 --> 00:23:06.900
 Even me, yeah, even me was saying just then, I spoke to my dad.

00:23:06.900 --> 00:23:08.100
 I said, oh, I might go to work.

00:23:08.100 --> 00:23:09.240
 Yeah, it goes if the rain stops.

00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:15.600
 But if I go to work and then start raining again, probably I'll just start and then I leave the dogs or animals at home by themselves.

00:23:15.600 --> 00:23:17.940
 So, pretty much, you know, it's worth it or not.

00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.520
 I'm not sure.

00:23:18.520 --> 00:23:19.220
 Yes.

00:23:19.220 --> 00:23:21.160
 So, yeah, it's a message I'll receive.

00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:22.220
 If flood it, forget it.

00:23:22.220 --> 00:23:23.280
 Just stay home, stay safe.

00:23:23.280 --> 00:23:24.440
 Mark, thank you so much.

00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.400
 Mark is in Harvey Bay.

00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:34.060
 You're welcome to let me know what's happening where you are, what you're seeing, what you're feeling or what you're observing from your local area.

00:23:34.440 --> 00:23:39.560
 Like Derek from Russell Island, Derek, are you still on the island?

00:23:39.560 --> 00:23:41.680
 I am, yes.

00:23:41.680 --> 00:23:42.740
 I'm still here.

00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.240
 Wow.

00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:45.440
 And did that have you feeling quite vulnerable?

00:23:45.440 --> 00:23:52.260
 I'm just even curious about the decision, you know, when you can see this kind of weather's coming and you're trying to figure out what the best thing to do is.

00:23:52.260 --> 00:23:54.520
 Talk me through your thinking on it, Derek.

00:23:54.520 --> 00:23:59.440
 Well, they stopped all the boats on Wednesday and we were working from home from there.

00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:07.640
 And I actually am up on the hill overlooking Stradi and so I was watching it on the bomb throughout the days.

00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:19.960
 And then we managed to have power and then on the Friday night, I just called it a fizzer and then it just ripped through about nine o'clock.

00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:27.000
 It took all the power, reception, and then we still don't have power.

00:24:27.000 --> 00:24:29.780
 And so that was Friday night, was it?

00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:31.340
 Into Saturday or was that last night?

00:24:31.340 --> 00:24:33.320
 Friday night.

00:24:33.320 --> 00:24:36.700
 What did it sound like, Derek?

00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.920
 It's crazy.

00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:41.960
 It's just, I wouldn't want to be in a stronger one, that's for sure.

00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:48.940
 Just like, there's pressure in the room and the doors and the windows are creaking.

00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:51.260
 Yeah, it's pretty full on.

00:24:52.760 --> 00:24:53.740
 Yeah, I know.

00:24:53.740 --> 00:25:04.040
 I think it's an extraordinary thing to have to weather out on your own and the extra pressure, I think, of being on an island.

00:25:04.040 --> 00:25:05.040
 You're probably used to it.

00:25:05.040 --> 00:25:09.760
 For me, that would have me feeling even more anxious, I suppose.

00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:11.260
 And what about today?

00:25:11.260 --> 00:25:12.120
 What are you seeing today?

00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:17.660
 It's nothing compared to yesterday or the day before.

00:25:17.660 --> 00:25:19.540
 It's sort of, it's weird.

00:25:19.540 --> 00:25:24.840
 It'll come through in gusts and then rain and then the sun tries to peek through.

00:25:25.040 --> 00:25:27.420
 But, yeah, the worst of it's gone, I believe.

00:25:27.420 --> 00:25:31.480
 And have you been able to get out then and speak to neighbours and is everyone okay?

00:25:31.480 --> 00:25:37.360
 I have been texting my one number and then they're okay.

00:25:37.360 --> 00:25:40.320
 So, we're all good.

00:25:40.320 --> 00:25:41.600
 No damage.

00:25:41.600 --> 00:25:42.620
 So, that's the main thing.

00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:49.840
 I know before this system came through, I was speaking to a couple of people in my area who were saying,

00:25:49.840 --> 00:25:50.920
 Oh, it's only a cat too.

00:25:50.920 --> 00:25:51.660
 It's no big deal.

00:25:51.660 --> 00:25:54.100
 And I was thinking, Oh, I don't know.

00:25:54.100 --> 00:25:57.900
 It's pretty freaky.

00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:59.040
 This is a new build.

00:25:59.040 --> 00:26:06.100
 I shut all the doors to all the bedrooms and get in the smallest room and then still it was just like full on.

00:26:06.100 --> 00:26:07.980
 It's pretty crazy.

00:26:07.980 --> 00:26:10.880
 And interesting that people will be listening thinking, No, it wasn't.

00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:14.320
 I didn't experience any of that and it really does depend on the landforms around you

00:26:14.320 --> 00:26:22.140
 and whether you're in particular bands of that weather in that sort of cyclonic swirling situation.

00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:24.880
 Derek, thank you so much for letting us know what happened on Russell Island.

00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:25.760
 I appreciate that.

00:26:25.760 --> 00:26:27.140
 Thanks.

00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:29.480
 1300 222612 is the number.

00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.600
 What did you experience?

00:26:30.600 --> 00:26:31.700
 What are you feeling?

00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:32.780
 What are you worried about now?

00:26:32.780 --> 00:26:35.160
 Or what do you see where you are?

00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:36.300
 We're painting this picture.

00:26:36.300 --> 00:26:42.460
 We're keeping each other company and we're hearing important information here on 612 ABC Brisbane.

00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:44.100
 Todd is in Wynnum West.

00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:44.640
 Hello, Todd.

00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:46.040
 Hello.

00:26:46.040 --> 00:26:46.560
 How are you?

00:26:46.560 --> 00:26:47.320
 I'm well.

00:26:47.320 --> 00:26:48.120
 And how are you?

00:26:48.120 --> 00:26:49.460
 What's going on in Wynnum West?

00:26:49.460 --> 00:26:54.560
 Oh, there's just a lot of, lot of water, a lot of, lot of flooding.

00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:58.400
 Like, I've never seen anything like this bad ever.

00:26:58.400 --> 00:27:11.140
 Like, I've been through a lot, like, even with my SES experience, I've still never, ever been through anything like this bad ever.

00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:14.660
 And it's just, it's so, like, so wet.

00:27:15.060 --> 00:27:20.820
 Like, you just, oh, it's just so unwelding and shocking and scary.

00:27:20.820 --> 00:27:23.400
 Okay, Todd, just tell me more.

00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:24.340
 Where is water?

00:27:24.340 --> 00:27:30.300
 Where are you seeing water that you wouldn't normally in a really wet situation when there's flooding happening?

00:27:31.620 --> 00:27:42.820
 So, roads between Kapalabar, the main bridges between Kapalabar and Wynnum, you can get, like, through to Birkdale and all that stuff.

00:27:42.820 --> 00:27:43.860
 That's all gone under.

00:27:43.860 --> 00:27:44.980
 There's police.

00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:49.300
 They're now blocking, like, off and sending traffic the other way.

00:27:50.760 --> 00:28:01.720
 There's other roads between the old Cleveland, the old Cleveland Road and towards Wynnum and Wynnum West and, like, Manly West and all that stuff.

00:28:01.720 --> 00:28:03.020
 That's all closed now as well.

00:28:03.020 --> 00:28:09.340
 It's, yeah, just very, very, lots of road and lots of flooding.

00:28:09.340 --> 00:28:14.420
 So, do take care and just stay in if you can, Todd.

00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:18.660
 Are you in a place where you're worried about where you live right now with the water about?

00:28:19.680 --> 00:28:24.280
 Yeah, I'm in, like, a little unit complex and it's just, there's a lot of trees.

00:28:24.280 --> 00:28:26.660
 Like, we've already got two trees down.

00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:33.860
 So, it's just, yeah, the rivers are just going to come up so quick and fast.

00:28:33.860 --> 00:28:38.760
 So, and these high tides aren't going to do the best.

00:28:38.760 --> 00:28:42.960
 Yeah, the tide information is interesting too.

00:28:42.960 --> 00:28:44.420
 Yeah.

00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:48.760
 If you would like to let us know what's going on where you are, just like Todd, you can.

00:28:48.760 --> 00:28:50.440
 1,300-222-612.

00:28:50.440 --> 00:29:00.140
 Todd, I'm going to put you back on hold, but just so that my producers can talk to you if they need to and just make sure that you're able to get any help that you need.

00:29:00.140 --> 00:29:01.880
 So, stay on the line there.

00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:03.400
 I'm just going to pop you back on hold.

00:29:04.040 --> 00:29:12.580
 Just with Todd being scared about, he said he was sort of scared about the floods sort of rising up around him and making sure he's able to get the help that he needs.

00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:28.240
 David on the Gold Coast hinterland has a slightly more light-hearted reflection at the moment, sending in on the text line, if anyone's feeling a little bit isolated or lonely, I'm willing to loan them our two kids under 10 years old for 24 to 48 hours.

00:29:28.760 --> 00:29:32.620
 They're a great company, not in the least bit crazy, being stuck inside without power for three days.

00:29:32.620 --> 00:29:34.660
 Kind regards, David.

00:29:34.660 --> 00:29:41.980
 Weathering a different storm, an indoor one, I imagine, on the Gold Coast hinterland there.

00:29:42.360 --> 00:29:47.880
 Speaking of the Gold Coast, let's find out the latest from the acting Gold Coast mayor now.

00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:58.280
 Donna Gates joins us and we will hear from what we've heard from a couple of other mayors across this affected area in the next few minutes after Donna Gates as well.

00:29:58.280 --> 00:30:02.280
 And also before midday today, you're going to hear from a hydrologist.

00:30:02.280 --> 00:30:05.140
 So, these flooding impacts are interesting.

00:30:05.140 --> 00:30:06.260
 Where's the rain going?

00:30:06.260 --> 00:30:12.340
 I mean, it's also scary, frankly, but where the rain's going to fall and where the floods are going to occur is the business.

00:30:12.360 --> 00:30:13.420
 of a hydrologist.

00:30:13.420 --> 00:30:25.440
 So, if you have any questions that you'd like me to ask a hydrologist about those things, then feel free to send them through on text to on 0467 922 612.

00:30:25.440 --> 00:30:34.560
 Donna Gates, the Gold Coast really felt the brunt of this storm well before other locations in Queensland.

00:30:34.560 --> 00:30:36.040
 What is the picture today?

00:30:36.040 --> 00:30:40.500
 Look, first of all, I need to clarify the mayor is back in town.

00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:47.180
 So, I've reverted to being deputy, but we've seen a lot of rain over the last hour or so.

00:30:47.180 --> 00:31:04.880
 So, it's still just a case of us monitoring the weather conditions because the Premier had a conference this morning and it was indicated that this ex-tropical cyclone is possibly becoming even more difficult to predict.

00:31:04.880 --> 00:31:16.800
 So, originally we thought we'd get up to 800 millimetres of rain here on the Gold Coast over the couple of days and then it got reduced and then it looked like it was going to fall in Brisbane.

00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:25.740
 But it's just hotted up down here and whilst we had 60 millimetres of rain on the Gold Coast now for a good couple of hours.

00:31:25.740 --> 00:31:32.240
 So, people just need to be mindful that the conditions remain very much of concern.

00:31:32.800 --> 00:31:36.360
 We have 43% of the city's traffic signals out.

00:31:36.360 --> 00:31:39.880
 So, that's affecting 225 intersections.

00:31:39.880 --> 00:31:41.780
 So, please be careful on the roads.

00:31:41.780 --> 00:31:43.360
 Oh, that is...

00:31:43.360 --> 00:31:49.440
 I mean, people should ideally be staying indoors if they can, but it sounds like chaos if you aren't able to do that.

00:31:49.880 --> 00:31:58.340
 And are also in the mix and part of the reason why those traffic signals are out is 110,000 premises without power on the Gold Coast.

00:31:58.340 --> 00:32:01.640
 Yeah, we'd have to give credit to Energex though.

00:32:01.640 --> 00:32:04.420
 It's down from 140,000 yesterday.

00:32:04.420 --> 00:32:13.920
 So, they've been working really hard and we have seen John Flynn Hospital and the Gold Coast University Hospital have their power restored, which was great.

00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:17.500
 And John Flynn flowed on to the Gold Coast Airport.

00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:19.760
 So, that was good news.

00:32:19.760 --> 00:32:21.660
 The Spit remains closed.

00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:26.340
 Beaches are closed and we still want to warn people to stay away from beachside infrastructure.

00:32:26.340 --> 00:32:30.380
 It's been undermined, as has the sand.

00:32:30.380 --> 00:32:32.760
 People must have seen the erosion by now.

00:32:32.760 --> 00:32:37.500
 So, don't stand on the edge of the sand and don't stand on the beachside infrastructure.

00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:42.760
 And just being careful of potential flooding impacts as well, which we're hearing about everywhere across the southeast.

00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:54.140
 Yeah, we haven't had any major flooding overnight, but there certainly remains the potential for localised flooding, depending on how much rain we continue to receive.

00:32:54.140 --> 00:33:00.580
 So, it too is something we just have to monitor and react to as best we can.

00:33:01.060 --> 00:33:05.840
 And the other thing is, I guess, the flow on impacts from the lack of power.

00:33:05.840 --> 00:33:25.800
 We had a text message from someone talking about having an elderly relative who was up very high on a Gold Coast Tower apartment block that didn't have power and where the lifts weren't working and the concern about how they were going to try to move that person out and to be able to get medicine up to that person as well.

00:33:26.020 --> 00:33:27.560
 It does become complicated.

00:33:27.560 --> 00:33:29.500
 It does.

00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:36.280
 I know of many people who relocated family members to their own homes for that very reason.

00:33:36.280 --> 00:33:42.080
 I mean, it's been unclear about whether people would suffer power outages in the high rise.

00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:56.200
 And so, the most sensible thing to do is, while there's still power, if you're concerned about any family member or anyone that you know who is elderly or reliant on medication, please take them into your home.

00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:57.000
 Look after them.

00:33:57.000 --> 00:33:58.060
 Thank you so much.

00:33:58.060 --> 00:33:59.620
 Anything else that we need to know?

00:33:59.620 --> 00:34:03.160
 Any other messages to Gold Coast residents that are urgent at this stage, Donna Gates?

00:34:03.820 --> 00:34:10.020
 Only that we have relief centres open now at what was the evacuation centres.

00:34:10.020 --> 00:34:13.520
 We've got Runaway Bay, Burley Waters, Pimpamara and Narang open.

00:34:13.520 --> 00:34:25.260
 And that's for people who just want to call in and have a cuppa if they're not feeling great or if they want to recharge their telephones or their personal medical devices.

00:34:25.260 --> 00:34:31.740
 So, those centres are open and we would welcome anyone who needs to be there to go.

00:34:31.740 --> 00:34:33.440
 Thank you so much for speaking with us now.

00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:36.460
 And, of course, stay in touch if there's anything urgent we need to share with listeners.

00:34:36.460 --> 00:34:37.280
 Donna Gates.

00:34:37.280 --> 00:34:37.840
 Thank you.

00:34:37.840 --> 00:34:38.540
 Thank you.

00:34:38.540 --> 00:34:38.780
 Bye.

00:34:38.780 --> 00:34:48.760
 Donna Gates is the Deputy Mayor of the Gold Coast and she's been communicating with you throughout this urgent weather situation while she was acting Gold Coast Mayor,

00:34:48.760 --> 00:34:57.860
 but continuing to communicate with you in her Deputy Mayor position at the moment, 1300 222 612 is the number, 1300 222 612.

00:34:57.860 --> 00:35:07.900
 We're going to hear shortly from Queensland's Health Minister to give us the latest on health services affected by this weather and, more importantly, I suppose, power effect.

00:35:07.900 --> 00:35:13.940
 Although we heard from someone earlier who wasn't able to get to work at a hospital because of flooding, so all of it feeds in, I'm sure.

00:35:13.940 --> 00:35:16.160
 Carla in Thornlands, what are you seeing?

00:35:16.160 --> 00:35:17.840
 Hi.

00:35:18.180 --> 00:35:25.760
 So, we're seeing a lot of rain coming down in the streets since probably the last four or five hours.

00:35:25.760 --> 00:35:31.920
 It's been pretty relentless and our yard is starting to fill up.

00:35:31.920 --> 00:35:34.760
 Does that happen, Carla?

00:35:34.760 --> 00:35:35.720
 Have you seen that before?

00:35:35.720 --> 00:35:37.200
 No.

00:35:37.200 --> 00:35:47.140
 Usually, we get a bit of rain every now and then, but coming off the coast, it's just been pummeling like every, I think,

00:35:47.280 --> 00:35:53.120
 every sort of corner what we've got and we're lucky our fences haven't fallen down, but the water's coming.

00:35:53.120 --> 00:35:55.600
 So, what are you going to, is it just, is it being trapped?

00:35:55.600 --> 00:35:58.400
 Do you need to get out there with a shovel and like, what's your plan or is it just?

00:35:58.400 --> 00:36:00.440
 Yeah, we've had, we've got shovels.

00:36:00.440 --> 00:36:07.320
 We're trying to siphon the water out from the back to the, to the front so it can get off onto the, to the road.

00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:11.440
 But yeah, just slowly and surely, you can't do too much about it.

00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:16.140
 But I know in Thornlands, we're on top of a street, so we're on top of a hill.

00:36:16.320 --> 00:36:25.900
 There's a lot of other people than low-lying areas that are actually onto the road that goes onto the water and they might be affected differently from us.

00:36:25.900 --> 00:36:26.880
 So, I can only imagine.

00:36:27.440 --> 00:36:36.860
 It is interesting though, if you say this does not normally happen, this, this sort of collection of water, normally it doesn't rain heavy enough to see it happen.

00:36:37.060 --> 00:36:44.420
 It does indicate that people will be seeing right across this listing area, potentially things which they don't normally seek.

00:36:44.420 --> 00:36:47.320
 We heard that from Harvey Bay as well this morning too.

00:36:47.320 --> 00:36:49.240
 So, interesting to hear.

00:36:49.240 --> 00:36:50.720
 Thank you so much for pointing it out, Carla.

00:36:50.720 --> 00:36:53.060
 And I better not stop you if you're headed out with that shovel.

00:36:53.060 --> 00:36:54.440
 Thank you.

00:36:54.440 --> 00:36:55.620
 Thank you so much.

00:36:55.620 --> 00:36:57.040
 I know.

00:36:57.040 --> 00:36:58.220
 It's not fun.

00:36:58.220 --> 00:37:03.560
 Sometimes if you are able to clear the way for the water to have it get away, then that can help significantly.

00:37:03.560 --> 00:37:06.260
 But yeah, not fun to be out and about in this weather for sure.

00:37:06.360 --> 00:37:11.540
 We are getting a lot of calls about flash flooding in the Redlands and Moreton Bay areas.

00:37:11.540 --> 00:37:17.380
 You'll have both of those mayors on the radio live to let you know what's happening after one o'clock.

00:37:17.380 --> 00:37:20.240
 So, stay listening here on 612 ABC Brisbane.

00:37:20.240 --> 00:37:27.240
 You'll also hear from a hydrologist and you'll hear from the health minister as well if you'd like to know more about that.

00:37:27.240 --> 00:37:34.560
 I am also bringing you a summary of what some of the local mayors have had to say so far this morning.

00:37:34.560 --> 00:37:37.620
 And also, I'm bringing you what you're witnessing.

00:37:37.620 --> 00:37:47.500
 The eyes and ears of this radio station are the eyes and ears of you as you listen, as you observe, and as you let us know what's going on where you are.

00:37:47.580 --> 00:37:52.020
 So, 612 ABC Brisbane's number is 1300 222 612.

00:37:52.020 --> 00:37:53.880
 David, in Brisbane, what are you seeing?

00:37:53.880 --> 00:37:55.500
 Yeah, g'day, Kate.

00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:59.060
 I just wanted to highlight some really positive news.

00:37:59.060 --> 00:38:07.180
 And I know society is always pretty quick to jump on people when they do the wrong thing and people jet skiing and surfing when they shouldn't.

00:38:07.240 --> 00:38:10.380
 But I've seen some great things in the last 48 hours.

00:38:10.380 --> 00:38:12.200
 Oh, I'd love to hear about that, David.

00:38:12.200 --> 00:38:16.660
 Thank you so much for sharing that because we do often see the best of people in these times too.

00:38:16.660 --> 00:38:17.880
 So, what have you helped?

00:38:17.880 --> 00:38:18.500
 What have you seen?

00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:22.500
 Yeah, well, we're over at Portside Hamilton there near the water.

00:38:22.920 --> 00:38:25.840
 And there's been power outages in a couple of the buildings.

00:38:25.840 --> 00:38:28.460
 And my wife and I got a couple of restaurants.

00:38:28.460 --> 00:38:33.740
 And I think we've had six or seven night shifts that have had to be cancelled.

00:38:33.740 --> 00:38:38.560
 So, what's important is that the casual staff get work.

00:38:38.560 --> 00:38:43.020
 Because that's right, as an owner, we can afford to have a couple of days closed.

00:38:43.020 --> 00:38:46.400
 But what about the casuals that aren't getting any money, you know?

00:38:46.400 --> 00:38:50.920
 So, I put a shout out to the Ascot Hendrick community to say, please book in advance.

00:38:50.920 --> 00:38:53.000
 And if we get enough bookings, we'll open.

00:38:53.000 --> 00:38:54.720
 And we were full house.

00:38:54.720 --> 00:38:57.860
 All the casuals got their double time, whatever they get on the weekends.

00:38:57.860 --> 00:38:59.320
 We had a great night.

00:38:59.320 --> 00:39:04.800
 All the locals were helping us clean up and pack up as well as clean all the tables and chairs.

00:39:04.800 --> 00:39:08.320
 And we had retirees washing windows.

00:39:08.320 --> 00:39:11.620
 And I had an old bloke with the blower getting the leaves out.

00:39:11.620 --> 00:39:13.720
 I mean, we're a Japanese restaurant.

00:39:14.020 --> 00:39:16.820
 I mean, we didn't expect people to be knocking on our door.

00:39:16.820 --> 00:39:17.540
 My wife's Japanese.

00:39:17.540 --> 00:39:18.660
 I'm, of course, an Aussie.

00:39:18.660 --> 00:39:23.820
 And that sort of kindness, you don't see that every day.

00:39:23.820 --> 00:39:28.420
 And so, we're just very humbled by it.

00:39:28.420 --> 00:39:29.720
 It was emotional last night.

00:39:29.720 --> 00:39:36.660
 Everyone just buying extra food and doing takeaways to take home just to help the casuals get ours,

00:39:36.660 --> 00:39:38.940
 if that makes sense to the listeners, you know?

00:39:38.940 --> 00:39:42.840
 So, we're just, I guess, in a bit of shock with it all.

00:39:43.140 --> 00:39:45.160
 Oh, well, it's lovely to hear, David, too.

00:39:45.160 --> 00:39:48.600
 I guess people, sometimes there's criticism the other way.

00:39:48.600 --> 00:39:53.280
 Why are you making your staff come in when they should be at home safe?

00:39:53.280 --> 00:39:53.540
 Yes.

00:39:53.540 --> 00:40:03.340
 And you understand that as well in the sense of you would hate to be putting pressure on someone to be doing something unsafe in order to be able to keep their job.

00:40:03.340 --> 00:40:07.500
 Well, we said to all the full-timers, we said, just take paid leave.

00:40:07.500 --> 00:40:09.240
 You know, we'll pay you.

00:40:09.240 --> 00:40:10.660
 They're on full-time wages.

00:40:10.660 --> 00:40:17.840
 But it's the casuals that are paying Brisbane accommodation prices at the moment, you know, which are obviously through the roof.

00:40:17.840 --> 00:40:18.940
 Yep.

00:40:18.940 --> 00:40:19.980
 They're casual.

00:40:19.980 --> 00:40:23.120
 They can only work 20 hours a week or whatever they can do as uni students.

00:40:23.960 --> 00:40:29.900
 And if they don't make $400 or $500 a week for us, I mean, that runs out up until the three weeks.

00:40:29.900 --> 00:40:30.080
 It becomes very difficult.

00:40:30.080 --> 00:40:36.600
 David, what you're highlighting, too, is the broader issue of this shutdown of large parts of the southeast.

00:40:36.600 --> 00:40:41.980
 So you're talking there about a situation where you were able to make a difference for those casuals.

00:40:41.980 --> 00:40:57.560
 But as you speak, I'm thinking about what about all those places that have had power outages where those businesses have been forced to close and they haven't had the option of opening the impact not just on the businesses themselves but on the people who would be employed in those businesses.

00:40:57.560 --> 00:41:02.920
 So, David, I really appreciate the issue that you've raised, the broader issue that you've raised there.

00:41:02.920 --> 00:41:04.240
 Thank you so much for your call.

00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:05.600
 We'll head to Highfield now.

00:41:05.600 --> 00:41:06.160
 Hello, Stephen.

00:41:07.060 --> 00:41:07.420
 Hello.

00:41:07.420 --> 00:41:07.960
 How are we?

00:41:07.960 --> 00:41:08.720
 I'm very well.

00:41:08.720 --> 00:41:09.980
 So Highfield is where?

00:41:09.980 --> 00:41:13.980
 Highfield is about 15km north of Toowoomba.

00:41:13.980 --> 00:41:14.580
 Yeah, okay.

00:41:14.580 --> 00:41:15.620
 And what's it like there at the moment?

00:41:15.620 --> 00:41:20.160
 A lot of broken branches, a couple of power lines down.

00:41:20.160 --> 00:41:24.020
 But thankfully, not too much personal damage to people's homes.

00:41:24.020 --> 00:41:30.520
 I'll just pause for a moment, Stephen, because I've just been given this emergency declaration that I just want to make sure people are aware of.

00:41:31.020 --> 00:41:38.660
 So, police have made an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act for Harvey Bay this morning in relation to flash flooding.

00:41:38.660 --> 00:41:43.960
 Now, this makes sense because of what we've heard already from listeners this morning, descriptions that we've heard.

00:41:43.960 --> 00:41:45.840
 But I'll just go on to read this statement.

00:41:45.840 --> 00:41:46.260
 And it says,

00:41:46.260 --> 00:41:54.000
 emergency services have been called to multiple reports of motorists stuck in floodwater and floodwater impacting homes.

00:41:54.000 --> 00:42:03.940
 An emergency declaration was made at approximately 9.30 this morning with an exclusion zone in place, including the Harvey Bay Police Division.

00:42:03.940 --> 00:42:15.940
 And police are urging members of the public and motorists within the emergency declaration area to shelter indoors now and do not drive unless it's necessary.

00:42:16.200 --> 00:42:19.820
 And they go on to say, as well, if it's flooded, forget it.

00:42:19.820 --> 00:42:27.620
 Also, Michael from Hurston just wanted to let us know that Inaugura Creek burst its banks police are out attending.

00:42:27.620 --> 00:42:36.820
 It's not as bad, says Michael, as 2022, but just wanted to flag that some cars are parked in some dangerous spots as well.

00:42:36.820 --> 00:42:38.220
 Stephen, sorry to interrupt you.

00:42:38.220 --> 00:42:40.740
 Just wanted to make sure that emergency declaration got out.

00:42:40.740 --> 00:42:44.680
 Your description for that spot in Highfield just north of Toowoomba, what are you seeing?

00:42:45.640 --> 00:42:48.760
 A lot of broken branches, a couple of power lines down.

00:42:48.760 --> 00:42:52.060
 Most of the area has been affected with no power at the moment.

00:42:52.060 --> 00:42:58.220
 That includes areas like Crow's Nest, Ringendan, Ringendan West, and that whole air, Clayton as well.

00:42:58.220 --> 00:43:02.120
 I believe Ergon are on the scene in Highfields at the moment.

00:43:02.120 --> 00:43:06.040
 So hopefully they'll be able to restore power throughout the day.

00:43:06.040 --> 00:43:10.660
 Yes, but no need to gloat if they do restore the power, Stephen, because there's so many people without power.

00:43:10.660 --> 00:43:12.060
 No, no, exactly right.

00:43:12.060 --> 00:43:14.660
 We're all in the same boat, the whole state, really.

00:43:14.660 --> 00:43:15.080
 Yeah.

00:43:15.080 --> 00:43:17.740
 So yes, that's pretty much Highfields.

00:43:17.740 --> 00:43:20.140
 But the main shout out is just make sure we check on our neighbours.

00:43:20.140 --> 00:43:25.260
 If you've got downed trees or stuff like that, check on your neighbours, lend a hand, look out for the elderly.

00:43:25.260 --> 00:43:27.940
 The elderly are a little bit panicked at this stage.

00:43:27.940 --> 00:43:31.360
 An elderly gentleman I visit on occasion, Lloyd Bell.

00:43:31.360 --> 00:43:36.280
 He's sitting at home now, listening to the radio, quite happy and content.

00:43:36.980 --> 00:43:40.980
 But just knowing that people are looking out for them makes them feel a lot better too.

00:43:41.320 --> 00:43:47.280
 Yes, that's right, Stephen, just that if you're able to pop in, not everywhere will be able to do that.

00:43:47.280 --> 00:43:50.500
 But also not everywhere has phone coverage.

00:43:50.500 --> 00:43:52.640
 So just sending the text might not work either.

00:43:52.640 --> 00:44:01.040
 So figure out the best way where you are to check in on people who are close to you or who you have that connection with.

00:44:01.040 --> 00:44:06.520
 Maybe you can organise for a neighbour to pop in and say hi to them or give them a shout over the fence.

00:44:06.520 --> 00:44:07.640
 Stephen, thank you so much.

00:44:07.640 --> 00:44:08.180
 Great idea.

00:44:08.180 --> 00:44:08.680
 Thank you.

00:44:08.680 --> 00:44:09.520
 No worries.

00:44:09.520 --> 00:44:09.900
 Thank you.

00:44:10.000 --> 00:44:11.820
 Stephen in Highfield, just north of Toowoomba.

00:44:11.820 --> 00:44:12.840
 Kate O'Toole is my name.

00:44:12.840 --> 00:44:20.820
 You are on 612 ABC Brisbane and ABC right across the impact area of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.

00:44:20.820 --> 00:44:22.660
 We're here with you through this weather event.

00:44:22.660 --> 00:44:25.380
 We'll bring you the important information that you need to know.

00:44:25.380 --> 00:44:29.560
 Your next update from the Weather Bureau is just after the midday news.

00:44:29.560 --> 00:44:31.180
 So in around about 20 minutes time.

00:44:31.180 --> 00:44:32.960
 So stay listening there.

00:44:32.960 --> 00:44:38.740
 Let's find out what we need to know about health services in this weather event.

00:44:38.860 --> 00:44:41.700
 Tim Nicholls is the health minister.

00:44:41.700 --> 00:44:46.480
 Tim, we did hear about the Gold Coast University Hospital being on backup power yesterday.

00:44:46.480 --> 00:44:51.180
 At the end of the day, it was confirmed that it was back on mains power.

00:44:51.180 --> 00:44:52.320
 That must have been a great moment.

00:44:52.320 --> 00:44:55.100
 Yeah, Kate, it's good.

00:44:55.100 --> 00:44:59.400
 I mean, the generators do a fine job, but we were also supplying not only the public hospital,

00:44:59.400 --> 00:45:01.300
 but the private hospital across the road.

00:45:01.300 --> 00:45:03.140
 So it puts a bit of a strain on services.

00:45:03.140 --> 00:45:07.900
 So getting that power back up yesterday and getting reconnected subsequently to that

00:45:07.900 --> 00:45:09.240
 has made a great difference.

00:45:09.240 --> 00:45:13.520
 That means that we can do things like imaging, you know, CT scanning and all those sorts of

00:45:13.520 --> 00:45:17.820
 things can really be brought back online and we can get those operating at full speed,

00:45:17.820 --> 00:45:18.540
 which is great.

00:45:18.540 --> 00:45:22.940
 And it's just a relief, I think, for staff and everyone who turns up there to know that

00:45:22.940 --> 00:45:24.100
 we're back on mains power.

00:45:24.100 --> 00:45:28.840
 So a big thanks to the team at Energex and also the Queensland Health engineering team who

00:45:28.840 --> 00:45:31.200
 made that all happen as quickly as they possibly could.

00:45:31.200 --> 00:45:32.140
 So I didn't realise that.

00:45:32.140 --> 00:45:36.820
 I heard that it meant that elective procedures could occur.

00:45:36.820 --> 00:45:42.700
 I didn't realise that meant things like CT scans had been on pause while generator power was

00:45:42.700 --> 00:45:43.060
 operating.

00:45:43.060 --> 00:45:44.220
 Yeah.

00:45:44.220 --> 00:45:49.880
 So we kept them going at the Gold Coast University Hospital, but across the road at the private

00:45:49.880 --> 00:45:55.500
 hospital, they also have a CT scanner and we had to obviously limit the amount of power

00:45:55.500 --> 00:45:57.140
 that was going between the two facilities.

00:45:57.380 --> 00:46:01.700
 So it slowed it down at the private hospital so we could maintain the operations that were

00:46:01.700 --> 00:46:03.800
 going on at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

00:46:03.800 --> 00:46:06.240
 But now that's all back up and running again.

00:46:06.240 --> 00:46:10.840
 And so pretty much business as usual going on at both of those facilities at the moment,

00:46:10.840 --> 00:46:11.800
 Kate, which is good.

00:46:11.800 --> 00:46:15.420
 A big shout out, Kate, if I can, to all the staff.

00:46:15.420 --> 00:46:21.600
 We had almost 2,000 staff accommodated in our hospitals overnight on Friday night.

00:46:21.600 --> 00:46:27.280
 So including 200 at the Gold Coast, 800 at Metro South and 400 at Metro North.

00:46:27.280 --> 00:46:37.300
 So we were running quite a business there with hospital staff, nurses, doctors, other carers,

00:46:37.300 --> 00:46:41.540
 midwives all staying overnight to deliver services to Queenslanders wherever they might be.

00:46:41.540 --> 00:46:45.960
 Minister, spare beds in hospitals are hard to find at the best of times.

00:46:45.960 --> 00:46:47.900
 How did you accommodate an extra 2,000 people?

00:46:48.520 --> 00:46:52.180
 Well, the administrators have done some magic.

00:46:52.180 --> 00:46:56.500
 We've found some, they were bunked down in all sorts of places, on mattresses at the bottom

00:46:56.500 --> 00:46:57.060
 of offices.

00:46:57.060 --> 00:47:00.540
 We had four people in one office at one stage.

00:47:00.540 --> 00:47:06.360
 So I've just got a flyer in front of me that says, welcome to Alfie's Austere Staff Retreat.

00:47:06.680 --> 00:47:15.040
 And so everyone took it in good humour and everyone pitched in and we had people who were cleaning

00:47:15.040 --> 00:47:19.560
 and delivering linen supplies and doing all sorts of things that are not their normal jobs.

00:47:19.560 --> 00:47:24.900
 And I think that's a tremendous effort by all of the staff at Queensland Health.

00:47:24.900 --> 00:47:26.420
 It doesn't matter what you are.

00:47:26.420 --> 00:47:31.320
 Everyone was pitching in to make sure that patients got the best service they could, which is a really,

00:47:31.320 --> 00:47:32.880
 you know, it's a terrific thing to see.

00:47:32.940 --> 00:47:36.840
 I've just come back from the Royal Brisbane Hospital and the staff there were doing a fantastic

00:47:36.840 --> 00:47:41.640
 job and eight ambulances in the bays and people being seen and being looked after, which is

00:47:41.640 --> 00:47:42.560
 a terrific thing.

00:47:42.560 --> 00:47:49.720
 Have any hospitals had to close or reduce services because of power or other issues?

00:47:50.840 --> 00:47:55.320
 Well, obviously, the Gold Coast had to reduce services and all planned care was cancelled

00:47:55.320 --> 00:47:56.660
 on Thursday and Friday.

00:47:56.660 --> 00:48:04.600
 So that was in anticipation of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred coming across the coast and causing us

00:48:04.600 --> 00:48:05.040
 problems.

00:48:05.040 --> 00:48:10.980
 The biggest issues we have are around, of course, our staff and most of our staff have to travel.

00:48:10.980 --> 00:48:13.980
 And so safety for them is one of the important issues.

00:48:14.160 --> 00:48:17.580
 But we're looking to getting back to business as usual on Monday.

00:48:17.580 --> 00:48:22.780
 We think we'll be able to, in the vast majority of our hospitals, return to business as usual.

00:48:22.780 --> 00:48:29.060
 So people who have got planned elective care or planned appointments should present as per

00:48:29.060 --> 00:48:32.220
 their appointments, as per their schedule, and we will look after them.

00:48:32.220 --> 00:48:34.140
 If that's not the case, you'll get a phone call.

00:48:34.140 --> 00:48:35.420
 But otherwise, please turn up.

00:48:35.900 --> 00:48:40.900
 We've had a couple of our satellite health centres that have had to go offline at Tugan,

00:48:40.900 --> 00:48:42.700
 down on the southern Gold Coast.

00:48:42.700 --> 00:48:47.020
 It's been affected, again, by power and by roads being cut by flooding.

00:48:47.020 --> 00:48:48.540
 So that's an issue there.

00:48:48.540 --> 00:48:53.180
 And at Redlands, we've had, again, power issues there.

00:48:53.180 --> 00:48:59.460
 Power is the big thing, Kate, because our satellite health centres offer more than just minor injury

00:48:59.460 --> 00:49:00.740
 and illness clinic services.

00:49:00.920 --> 00:49:05.740
 They also offer things like dialysis, and someone on a dialysis machine needs that power

00:49:05.740 --> 00:49:09.620
 and it needs it consistently and it needs to run because it runs the machine

00:49:09.620 --> 00:49:13.940
 and it pushes the water through and clarifies the water through reverse osmosis and various things.

00:49:13.940 --> 00:49:16.800
 So we've had to curtail that at those centres.

00:49:16.800 --> 00:49:21.860
 So, sorry, can I just clarify, is it just Tugan and Redlands or is there another one as well?

00:49:21.860 --> 00:49:26.240
 We lost the 8 Mile Plains Satellite Centre this morning.

00:49:26.240 --> 00:49:30.800
 The Genset there failed, but it was repaired within two hours.

00:49:30.920 --> 00:49:32.540
 So it's back up and operating again.

00:49:32.540 --> 00:49:34.800
 So we've got quite a list of them.

00:49:34.800 --> 00:49:38.080
 Redlands Satellite Health Centre, Wynnum Manly Primary Health Clinic,

00:49:38.080 --> 00:49:40.080
 the Mount Gravatt Nurse-Led Walking Clinic,

00:49:40.080 --> 00:49:43.240
 the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence at Inala,

00:49:43.240 --> 00:49:46.440
 the community health centres of Beanley, Browns Plains,

00:49:46.440 --> 00:49:49.380
 Logan Central, Wollongabba and Inala,

00:49:49.380 --> 00:49:54.500
 and Tugan Satellite Health Centre, the Varsity Lakes Day Hospital.

00:49:54.940 --> 00:49:57.220
 They all remain closed.

00:49:57.220 --> 00:50:00.860
 8 Mile Plains, as I say, has closed and reopened.

00:50:00.860 --> 00:50:06.080
 And I understand these are not our centres, but they're run under the auspices of the Commonwealth,

00:50:06.080 --> 00:50:11.600
 but two Medicare urgent care centres on the Gold Coast have also been closed since yesterday.

00:50:11.860 --> 00:50:18.660
 So quite a lot of those smaller operations which perhaps don't have sufficient generator power

00:50:18.660 --> 00:50:22.120
 or are otherwise in vulnerable locations have been closed.

00:50:22.120 --> 00:50:29.020
 But our key message is this, if I can ask your listeners to take these numbers down

00:50:29.020 --> 00:50:33.760
 or to take heed of it, if you've got a problem and you're not sure what to do,

00:50:33.760 --> 00:50:38.820
 you can call 13-HEALTH, that's 1-3-4-3-2-5-8-4.

00:50:38.820 --> 00:50:43.780
 And we've got clinicians online, that's running 24 hours a day at the moment,

00:50:43.780 --> 00:50:46.080
 to provide services, clinical services online.

00:50:46.080 --> 00:50:49.660
 So you may not need to go and see a GP or present at an emergency department,

00:50:49.660 --> 00:50:50.980
 call 13-HEALTH.

00:50:50.980 --> 00:50:54.900
 Or we've got our virtual emergency care services.

00:50:55.360 --> 00:51:00.040
 And this is a virtual emergency centre where you can go online.

00:51:00.040 --> 00:51:03.540
 If you go onto the Queensland Health website, we've got a lot of information about how to connect.

00:51:03.540 --> 00:51:09.420
 And you can get emergency care online or over the phone with a clinician, a specialist clinician,

00:51:09.420 --> 00:51:12.840
 and that's operating 24-7 as well at the moment.

00:51:12.840 --> 00:51:18.240
 We've had over 500 people use that service since 6am on Thursday morning,

00:51:18.240 --> 00:51:23.820
 and only about 2.5% of that 500-plus people have had to actually go to an emergency department.

00:51:23.820 --> 00:51:26.560
 So both of those facilities are available.

00:51:26.560 --> 00:51:29.080
 They're both great services, staffed by clinicians.

00:51:29.080 --> 00:51:30.420
 You'll get expert service.

00:51:30.420 --> 00:51:30.860
 Yes.

00:51:30.860 --> 00:51:32.820
 And you can make a real decision about what you need.

00:51:32.820 --> 00:51:37.680
 That's as long as you can use a phone, which is problematic for some people at this stage.

00:51:37.680 --> 00:51:44.600
 Are you concerned about potential health impacts from the lack of phone service and power service across the southeast?

00:51:45.660 --> 00:51:46.080
 Yes, sure.

00:51:46.080 --> 00:51:47.980
 Lack of phone service, lack of power service.

00:51:47.980 --> 00:51:52.760
 What we're seeing in a lot of our emergency departments is people who rely on powered equipment,

00:51:52.760 --> 00:51:56.260
 usually in respiratory diseases, so CPAP machines and that type of thing.

00:51:56.260 --> 00:51:59.560
 Their batteries have run out of charge.

00:51:59.560 --> 00:52:00.640
 They have charged them.

00:52:00.640 --> 00:52:01.480
 They've done the right thing.

00:52:01.540 --> 00:52:11.120
 Perhaps the event's gone longer than anticipated, and so they're turning up at emergency departments looking for assistance to repower those batteries and charge them up again.

00:52:11.120 --> 00:52:16.940
 We would ask people if they can go to family and friends, please do that first.

00:52:17.340 --> 00:52:25.060
 We will, of course, help in any circumstance, but if you can go to family and friends first, it just helps manage their load in the emergency departments.

00:52:25.060 --> 00:52:33.720
 But if you are in trouble, call 000 or turn up at one of our emergency departments and telecommunications, absolutely.

00:52:33.720 --> 00:52:48.400
 We also heard from the Deputy Mayor of the Gold Coast about, and there are these services across the various council areas, places of refuge, where you should be able to charge those devices as well and have a cup of tea.

00:52:48.400 --> 00:52:50.000
 So that could be another option.

00:52:50.000 --> 00:52:54.360
 And those places of refuge, we also have Queensland Ambulance Paramedics there as well.

00:52:54.800 --> 00:53:13.080
 So, Kate, part of my portfolio of responsibilities include the paramedics and the QAS, and they're doing a terrific job, and we're standing up over 111 extra paramedics over the last sort of 72 hours to provide assistance and also providing assistance at those places of refuge.

00:53:13.080 --> 00:53:16.240
 I've been thinking about paramedics in this weather, Tim.

00:53:16.240 --> 00:53:22.040
 I've been thinking about them heading out and having to do their job and situations not being ideal.

00:53:22.040 --> 00:53:24.620
 So shout out to them, definitely.

00:53:24.800 --> 00:53:28.740
 They've had to deal with absolutely power lines, trees over roads they've delivered.

00:53:28.740 --> 00:53:34.080
 They got tasked to that accident with the Defence Service personnel in northern New South Wales.

00:53:34.080 --> 00:53:38.720
 They've been stalwarts and just really well organised and getting out there.

00:53:38.720 --> 00:53:39.800
 So I haven't missed a beat.

00:53:39.800 --> 00:53:49.600
 A couple of times they've had to slow down just because it's been too unsafe to put a vehicle on the road, but they've been there and out over the last 72 hours doing a fantastic job.

00:53:49.600 --> 00:53:55.980
 So, dead right, a big shout out to the men and women of the Queensland Ambulance Service for what they're doing.

00:53:55.980 --> 00:54:04.100
 We've stood up our clinical hub there, so we've got doctors in there as well giving advice over the phone to people who are ringing up triple O looking for ambulances as well.

00:54:04.320 --> 00:54:09.440
 Thank you so much for speaking with us today and keep us updated if there's any important information to share with listeners, please.

00:54:09.440 --> 00:54:11.080
 Sure will, Kate.

00:54:11.080 --> 00:54:11.860
 Thank you very much.

00:54:11.860 --> 00:54:14.320
 Tim Nicholls is the Health Minister for Queensland.

00:54:14.480 --> 00:54:37.040
 Just letting you know, the major hospitals are open with business as usual, but quite a long list of those smaller satellite health centres that have had to close because of the power issues, because of access issues with flooded roads and people not being able to, I guess, staff as well as potential clients not being able to head into those centres too.

00:54:37.580 --> 00:54:43.220
 So, be mindful of that and the advice from the health minister there was to call 13 Health.

00:54:43.220 --> 00:54:55.420
 If you are worried about a health condition, you may not need to head into a hospital, yet you may, if you have phone service, be able to get some answers just from calling 13 Health and being triaged over the phone.

00:54:56.060 --> 00:55:01.480
 But, yeah, I do appreciate if you don't have phone service, that is not the answer that is going to help you.

00:55:01.480 --> 00:55:09.760
 It is a very difficult situation if you are without power and without phone service at the moment, which many are across the southeast of Queensland.

00:55:09.760 --> 00:55:11.440
 Roley in Toowong, hello.

00:55:11.440 --> 00:55:13.100
 G'day, Kate.

00:55:13.100 --> 00:55:13.480
 How are you?

00:55:13.480 --> 00:55:14.560
 It's great to be talking with you.

00:55:14.560 --> 00:55:22.500
 So, we've had a few renamings in the last – we've had the Gulf of Mexico turn into the Gulf of America.

00:55:23.280 --> 00:55:26.800
 You're after a bit of a renaming near you, are you, Roley?

00:55:26.800 --> 00:55:28.480
 Yeah, absolutely.

00:55:28.480 --> 00:55:31.480
 Our local Toowong Creek has now become Toowong River.

00:55:31.480 --> 00:55:32.340
 Yes.

00:55:32.340 --> 00:55:33.540
 Burst its banks on both sides.

00:55:33.540 --> 00:55:34.020
 Oh.

00:55:34.020 --> 00:55:41.600
 Seen a boogie board go down the water quite quickly and there's a kookaburra outside my window, all soaked.

00:55:41.600 --> 00:55:43.040
 I wish I could bring it inside.

00:55:43.040 --> 00:55:45.360
 Oh, wet kookaburra looking sad.

00:55:45.360 --> 00:55:51.020
 Okay, Toowong Creek, Burst its banks, Toowong River now, according to Roley, near your place.

00:55:51.120 --> 00:55:53.680
 Does this happen from time to time, Roley, where you are?

00:55:53.680 --> 00:55:55.640
 It certainly does.

00:55:55.640 --> 00:56:02.200
 2022, 2011, and even like a localised thunderstorm could do it as well.

00:56:02.200 --> 00:56:08.260
 Yeah, I think it's good to – I love hearing about what's happening and for people to be aware, but it's also good to know, is this extraordinary?

00:56:08.260 --> 00:56:09.900
 Is this something locals expect?

00:56:09.900 --> 00:56:12.060
 And just to bring a bit of context into it.

00:56:12.060 --> 00:56:14.220
 So, I really appreciate you being able to give that, Roley, today.

00:56:15.200 --> 00:56:15.920
 You're very welcome.

00:56:15.920 --> 00:56:18.980
 And you guys are working around the clock and we all appreciate everything you're doing.

00:56:18.980 --> 00:56:20.640
 Thank you so much.

00:56:20.640 --> 00:56:21.220
 Appreciate it.

00:56:21.220 --> 00:56:22.220
 Thanks, Roley.

00:56:22.220 --> 00:56:23.340
 Roley's in Toowong.

00:56:23.340 --> 00:56:25.100
 You're welcome to let me know what's happening in your place.

00:56:25.100 --> 00:56:30.900
 I love the local context that you bring, too, just like Roley, letting us know when something's usual or unusual.

00:56:31.060 --> 00:56:33.700
 1-300-222-612 is the number.

00:56:33.700 --> 00:56:35.340
 Fiona in Kapalabar, what are you seeing?

00:56:35.340 --> 00:56:39.320
 Hey, I was just down at Redland Bay visiting my parents.

00:56:39.320 --> 00:56:41.860
 Stupidly thought I'd go down and check on them.

00:56:41.860 --> 00:56:43.680
 And I was lucky to get back out again.

00:56:43.680 --> 00:56:47.380
 There's so many cars on the road, so many roads closed.

00:56:47.380 --> 00:56:52.240
 I ended up going out through Mount Privat, back through Carindale to get home to Kapalabar.

00:56:52.240 --> 00:56:58.480
 So I just think that there's not communication down there because they don't have any mobile internet.

00:56:58.480 --> 00:57:00.460
 They've got no phone service.

00:57:00.460 --> 00:57:04.520
 And so I'm just assuming people are relying on the radio to find out.

00:57:04.520 --> 00:57:06.180
 So if you're driving in Redland Bay, go home.

00:57:06.180 --> 00:57:07.800
 Yes.

00:57:07.800 --> 00:57:09.960
 And so, Fiona, that was the draw for you.

00:57:09.960 --> 00:57:10.620
 You couldn't hear.

00:57:10.620 --> 00:57:11.820
 You couldn't check in on them.

00:57:11.820 --> 00:57:12.740
 You were worried about them.

00:57:12.740 --> 00:57:15.160
 And so that's what put you in the car, I assume?

00:57:15.160 --> 00:57:16.240
 Yeah.

00:57:16.240 --> 00:57:16.940
 Yeah, exactly.

00:57:16.940 --> 00:57:17.500
 Yeah.

00:57:17.500 --> 00:57:19.000
 And Giles Road's closed.

00:57:19.000 --> 00:57:20.740
 The main road to Vicky Point's closed.

00:57:21.160 --> 00:57:23.940
 I'm assuming Double Jump Road will be closed soon.

00:57:23.940 --> 00:57:26.760
 Mount Cotton Road's closed.

00:57:26.760 --> 00:57:32.580
 So, yeah, there's just no communication for people down there to find out this information.

00:57:32.580 --> 00:57:34.040
 Yeah.

00:57:34.040 --> 00:57:35.460
 And like I said, I was lucky to get home.

00:57:35.460 --> 00:57:38.380
 Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

00:57:38.380 --> 00:57:39.660
 I do appreciate it.

00:57:39.660 --> 00:57:41.180
 And it is really difficult.

00:57:41.180 --> 00:57:45.720
 I understand when you're wanting to know how people are and you think, you know, what if something happened?

00:57:45.720 --> 00:57:46.620
 I should go and check on them.

00:57:46.620 --> 00:57:49.660
 But you regret that decision to hop in the car at this point, Fiona?

00:57:50.080 --> 00:57:52.200
 Yes, very much so.

00:57:52.200 --> 00:57:53.400
 But very happy to be home now.

00:57:53.400 --> 00:57:53.840
 Yes.

00:57:53.840 --> 00:57:56.960
 But the number of cars on the road, I just thought I got a call.

00:57:56.960 --> 00:57:58.640
 And, yeah, people are listening.

00:57:58.640 --> 00:57:59.060
 Go home.

00:57:59.060 --> 00:57:59.740
 Yes.

00:57:59.740 --> 00:58:00.900
 Thank you so much, Fiona.

00:58:00.900 --> 00:58:01.840
 Really appreciate it.

00:58:01.840 --> 00:58:03.560
 And all the best to you and to your parents as well.

00:58:03.560 --> 00:58:04.320
 I'm hoping they're okay.

00:58:05.360 --> 00:58:06.640
 Yeah, yeah, no, they're good.

00:58:06.640 --> 00:58:08.440
 Power lines are down near them.

00:58:08.440 --> 00:58:10.240
 But, no, they're safe in their house.

00:58:10.240 --> 00:58:10.780
 So, that's good.

00:58:10.780 --> 00:58:11.280
 Excellent.

00:58:11.280 --> 00:58:11.600
 Okay.

00:58:11.600 --> 00:58:13.340
 Thank you so much, Fiona, for letting us know.

00:58:13.340 --> 00:58:18.100
 Speaking of the Redlands area, Kenji Sato has been out and about.

00:58:18.100 --> 00:58:20.260
 He spoke to Ian from the Redlands.

00:58:20.680 --> 00:58:22.560
 We've got no power.

00:58:22.560 --> 00:58:26.180
 I don't know when the restoration's going to be.

00:58:26.180 --> 00:58:27.920
 They said there'll be an update.

00:58:27.920 --> 00:58:29.500
 We've got no internet either.

00:58:29.500 --> 00:58:35.800
 We've been running the inverter in the caravan, but we've flattened the batteries in the van,

00:58:35.920 --> 00:58:39.080
 so I've got to get the generator going now, and I ran out of fuel.

00:58:39.080 --> 00:58:40.180
 So, here I am.

00:58:40.180 --> 00:58:42.660
 And I see that you're managing to fuel up here, so that's good.

00:58:42.660 --> 00:58:44.800
 At least this place still has power, from the looks of it.

00:58:44.800 --> 00:58:45.160
 Yes.

00:58:45.160 --> 00:58:50.880
 And the one down the road, they had power, but they had all the pumps zip-tied.

00:58:50.880 --> 00:58:53.400
 So, it must be out of fuel or something.

00:58:53.400 --> 00:58:53.980
 I don't know.

00:58:53.980 --> 00:58:55.020
 Yeah, right.

00:58:55.020 --> 00:58:56.700
 So, after you fuel up, is it just back home?

00:58:56.700 --> 00:58:57.740
 Yeah, back home.

00:58:57.740 --> 00:59:03.100
 Fill up the generator, get it going, get the batteries in the van charged up,

00:59:04.040 --> 00:59:06.100
 and hopefully it will be all good for a while.

00:59:06.100 --> 00:59:09.280
 And from what I could tell, out in Redlands, there's like zero reception anywhere.

00:59:09.280 --> 00:59:12.140
 You come here, then it suddenly goes from zero bars to five bars, right?

00:59:12.140 --> 00:59:16.080
 Yeah, mobile network's down, everywhere down there.

00:59:16.080 --> 00:59:18.820
 So, we normally get two or three bars, and we've got zero.

00:59:18.820 --> 00:59:20.440
 Where are you from, and where are you headed?

00:59:20.440 --> 00:59:21.140
 Berkdale.

00:59:21.140 --> 00:59:23.600
 And have you got, what is it like out there at Berkdale?

00:59:23.600 --> 00:59:24.680
 Yeah, it's got no power.

00:59:24.680 --> 00:59:26.120
 A signal, reception, anything?

00:59:26.120 --> 00:59:26.840
 No.

00:59:26.840 --> 00:59:28.700
 We were staying at Mum's for last night.

00:59:28.700 --> 00:59:29.480
 Yeah, right.

00:59:29.480 --> 00:59:32.400
 And just filling up the car, and just heading back there?

00:59:32.400 --> 00:59:33.520
 Yeah, I've got two young kids.

00:59:33.880 --> 00:59:35.740
 Head back and see how we go.

00:59:35.740 --> 00:59:40.480
 Up at Logan Home, yeah, there's still power and everything, but our area, nothing's open.

00:59:40.480 --> 00:59:41.860
 There's no power, no nothing.

00:59:41.860 --> 00:59:43.620
 So, you're going to have to come out here to do supply runs?

00:59:43.620 --> 00:59:44.420
 Pretty much.

00:59:44.420 --> 00:59:46.040
 Pretty much.

00:59:46.040 --> 00:59:46.460
 Yeah.

00:59:47.000 --> 00:59:49.480
 And then, is that immediately after this, headed back to Berkdale?

00:59:49.820 --> 00:59:50.920
 Yeah, that's why we're heading back now.

00:59:51.860 --> 00:59:52.860
 Just headed back now.

00:59:52.860 --> 00:59:57.760
 Well, thank you so much to Kenji, to hearing from those people who are in from Redlands, and

00:59:57.760 --> 01:00:01.820
 that information black hole, I can understand the frustration of it.

01:00:02.140 --> 01:00:06.100
 You'll hear what you can expect from the weather over the next couple of hours, when I speak

01:00:06.100 --> 01:00:08.420
 to the Weather Bureau just after the midday news.

01:00:08.420 --> 01:00:09.860
 Stay listening for that.

01:00:09.860 --> 01:00:11.300
 It's important information.

01:00:11.300 --> 01:00:13.660
 And we'll hear from a hydrologist also.

01:00:13.660 --> 01:00:15.200
 It's news time, midday.

01:00:15.960 --> 01:00:19.100
 Storms can be damaging and bring down power lines.

01:00:19.100 --> 01:00:20.720
 Treat them as live.

01:00:20.720 --> 01:00:23.700
 Keep at least 10 metres away and report them.

01:00:23.700 --> 01:00:29.740
 For storm updates, keep listening to your emergency broadcaster, ABC Radio.

01:00:29.740 --> 01:00:43.740
 ABC News.

01:00:43.740 --> 01:00:44.340
 Good afternoon.

01:00:44.340 --> 01:00:45.180
 I'm Matt Eaton.

01:00:45.940 --> 01:00:50.540
 Flash flooding is affecting roads across Brisbane, as ex-tropical cyclone Alfred continues

01:00:50.540 --> 01:00:53.280
 to bring widespread showers to southeast Queensland.

01:00:53.280 --> 01:00:54.680
 Emma Johnson reports.

01:00:54.680 --> 01:01:00.400
 The Weather Bureau says heavy to locally intense showers are expected to continue today, with

01:01:00.400 --> 01:01:04.560
 six hourly rainfall totals up to 130 millimetres likely.

01:01:04.560 --> 01:01:10.200
 81 millimetres of rain was recorded in the two hours to 10 o'clock at Holland Park West

01:01:10.200 --> 01:01:15.420
 in Brisbane, while 91 mills was recorded at Ghost Hill, north of the Sunshine Coast.

01:01:15.920 --> 01:01:20.520
 There's also been an emergency declaration for Harvey Bay, following multiple reports of flood

01:01:20.520 --> 01:01:25.820
 and the north.

01:01:25.820 --> 01:01:34.560
 about 345,000 Queenslanders remain without electricity, the most significant loss of power from a natural disaster in a decade.

01:01:34.560 --> 01:01:42.740
 Water has been released from North Pine Dam, but no releases are currently planned from Brisbane's Wivenhoe Dam.

01:01:42.740 --> 01:01:49.100
 Brett Judge from Ergon Energy says thousands of power lines are down across the southeast with the potential for further damage during the day.

01:01:49.100 --> 01:01:59.880
 But if they are out and about, just be aware that there are a lot of rain, which means a lot of vegetation still has the potential to come down.

01:02:01.020 --> 01:02:05.820
 We've seen so many trees that just look like they've fallen over, but that's simply because the ground can't hold them.

01:02:05.820 --> 01:02:09.460
 Phone towers have also been impacted by the wind and rain.

01:02:09.460 --> 01:02:15.800
 Optus says 267 of its southern Queensland mobile phone towers are down due to power outages.

01:02:15.800 --> 01:02:20.500
 Nick Channel from Optus says service will return when it's safe to restart the towers.

01:02:20.500 --> 01:02:29.220
 We don't have enough generators for every single tower, and there will never be enough generators to plug the holes, but we are working as quickly as possible.

01:02:29.220 --> 01:02:33.000
 And, you know, the safety of our field technician team is paramount.

01:02:33.000 --> 01:02:39.600
 Obviously, reconnecting our customers is our number one focus, but we need to make sure that it is safe to go out and work.

01:02:39.600 --> 01:02:44.500
 And residents in the Tweed are being told to boil water or get supplies by hand.

01:02:44.500 --> 01:02:49.260
 Power outages are affecting pumping stations, which means some residents have no water at all.

01:02:50.320 --> 01:02:58.240
 Overseas now, the Ukrainian military says there have been fierce clashes in Russia's Kursk region as Moscow launches a major counteroffensive.

01:02:58.240 --> 01:03:03.820
 More than 20 Ukrainians have been killed in more than 100 attacks by Russian forces in the past day.

01:03:03.820 --> 01:03:10.480
 Former Ukrainian government minister, Major Volodymyr Omelyan, who's now fighting on the front line,

01:03:10.480 --> 01:03:16.600
 says Russia has stepped up its attacks following Washington's announcement that it would pause military aid to Kyiv.

01:03:17.040 --> 01:03:23.300
 The Red Army was really exhausted, and within the last weeks it was visible for everybody.

01:03:23.300 --> 01:03:27.140
 The intensity of the attacks was down.

01:03:27.140 --> 01:03:35.720
 But I believe that they were inspired by recent news from Washington, and the last couple of days they do not care.

01:03:36.720 --> 01:03:40.880
 Rallies and marches have been held in cities across the world to mark International Women's Day.

01:03:40.880 --> 01:03:45.320
 In Turkey, thousands gathered in Istanbul, despite a ban by the authorities.

01:03:45.320 --> 01:03:52.120
 And in the U.S., demonstrators took the streets of Manhattan, protesting against the erosion of women's rights and civil liberties,

01:03:52.120 --> 01:03:55.740
 and denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.

01:03:56.400 --> 01:04:02.160
 King Charles will use a speech to praise the Commonwealth for bringing people together in uncertain times,

01:04:02.160 --> 01:04:08.860
 in what's being seen as an indirect comment on the fractured relationship between the U.S. and Europe over Ukraine.

01:04:08.860 --> 01:04:11.380
 The BBC's Sean Coghlan reports.

01:04:11.380 --> 01:04:19.000
 At a time of international tensions over Ukraine, the King's message calls for unity and building bridges between countries,

01:04:19.000 --> 01:04:24.140
 following the example of the Commonwealth, which he says shows a spirit of support and friendship.

01:04:24.740 --> 01:04:28.360
 In his address, which will be delivered on Commonwealth Day on Monday,

01:04:28.360 --> 01:04:34.620
 he says it's all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength.

01:04:34.620 --> 01:04:42.740
 This annual message from the head of the Commonwealth comes as the King has been playing an unexpected role in international diplomacy,

01:04:42.740 --> 01:04:47.200
 including his public show of solidarity for Ukraine's President Zelensky.

01:04:47.200 --> 01:04:53.080
 Queensland's weather ex-tropical cyclone Alfred will continue weakening as it moves further inland

01:04:53.080 --> 01:04:58.180
 across the southeastern interior today into a trough in northern New South Wales by tomorrow morning.