“While the damaging winds have mostly moved inland there still remains a threat of storm surge in low-lying coastal areas throughout the Whitsunday region,” Mayor Whitney said.

“While the Bureau of Meteorology has significantly reduced the storm surge figures from late last
night, residents in the grey and purple zones in Bowen and grey zone of Airlie Beach will
experience some tide surge inundation at today’s high-tide.

“This morning’s high-tide, at 10am in Bowen and 11am in Airlie Beach will see inundation slightly
above yesterday’s high-tide.

“We anticipate that there will be water over roads in Bowen situated on Front beach, Brisbane
Street and Dalrymple Street areas.

“The areas on the Airlie Beach, Cannonvale beach and Shute Harbour foreshores will also
experience some inundation.

“Residents are asked to please avoid these areas until the high tide recede around midday.

“Jubilee Pocket PCYC and Bowen PCYC are available as an evacuation centres.

“The assessment of the damage across the region is ongoing at this stage we have reports of lots of fallen trees and some debris, overall the worst damage will result from the storm surge and tidal motion.

“Council can advise that all sewage and water treatment plants are operating normally.

“For the most up to date information on road closures people are urged to check the 131940
website. 131940.qld.gov.au

“Passengers for Whitsunday Coast Airport are urged to check with their airline to see if their flight is cancelled.

Also passengers can access up to date information regarding flights at:
www.whitsundaycoastairport.com.au

Sandbags can be still be filled and collected from SES sheds in Bowen, Cannonvale and
Proserpine.

The locations of the SES sheds are:
?
Proserpine - 45 Hinschen Street
?Cannonvale - 22 Schnapper Street
?Bowen - 67 Herbert Street

People requiring sandbags can contact the SES on 132 500, sandbags are available now and
people need to bring a shovel and fill the bags themselves.

The Whitsunday Disaster Management Group is also urging residents in coastal areas to
familiarise themselves with the storm tide inundation mapping to identify the relevant evacuation
zone for their properties.

The zones shown in the Emergency Action Guide (EAG) are an indication only for storm tides.

To view full-scale mapping, residents are urged to visit Council’s Customer Service Centres and
Libraries across the region or visit Council’s website www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au under the
‘Disaster’ tab.

To keep up to date with information relating to current disaster events, residents are encouraged to ‘Like’ the Whitsunday Disaster and Emergency Information Facebook page, which will provide a direct link to information from the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group.

The Whitsunday Disaster Management Group monitors all cyclone and storm activity throughout
the season and through Council, will provide up to date information to media outlets and the
community.

Ends

For media enquiries, contact:
Kate Lennox, Communications Manager
Phone: 07 4945 0614, 0427 458 369 or Email: kate.lennox@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au