Preparing for and responding to Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Brisbane North PHN is committed to supporting practices and healthcare providers to prepare for and respond to Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Useful resources for our community are included below.

Heavy rainfall, damaging winds and potential flooding is likely across our North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region over the coming days, and can disrupt healthcare, medications and essential support services for:

• older residents
• people living alone or in isolated regions
• people living with disability or mobility challenges, or who are unable to be reached by their carers
• individuals reliant on powered medical equipment, or requiring refrigerated medications
• people in distress or experiencing mental health concerns.

Support and advice is available at this time.

In preparation for a flooding or storm emergency:

• access the Get Ready Queensland website, which can help you and those you support to create an emergency plan, prepare an emergency kit, and prepare homes and property accordingly
• prepare your property by securing outdoor furniture, clearing gutters and green waste, and ensuring ample shelter, food and water for pets
• ensure a sufficient supply of non-perishable food, water (fill your bath tub), batteries, torches or candles, battery-powered radio, medical supplies, important documents, mobility aids and comfort items for you and those you support
• identify a safe, quiet space for individuals who may be distressed by loud weather events
• charge your devices and have a communication plan in place with relevant family members, friends and support workers in case of loss of power or internet
• stay up to date with current and local weather information and warnings via:
  • Queensland Government alerts and warnings
  • the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM)
  • Brisbane City Council
  • City of Moreton Bay
  • Somerset Regional Council.

In case of emergency, the below agencies and contacts can provide support:

• contact Triple Zero (000) for immediate, life-threatening help
• call Energex on 13 62 62 for power outage information
• check road and traffic conditions or report an incident by calling 13 19 40
• contact the Queensland SES on 132 500 for non-life-threatening flood and storm emergency assistance during severe weather events, or report an incident online.

If you require healthcare services or urgent care

Urgent care services and pathways may be affected during the cyclone period. Localised flooding may affect opening hours and availability. Please check council, health service websites or social media for updates.

• Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for nurse-led phone advice.
• Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse, or access the Healthdirect Service Finder to:
  • check local health services and appointments
  • find your nearest pharmacy – pharmacies can temporarily dispense PBS medications without a script.
• Until Monday 24 March, eligible consumers in Queensland can access the Healthdirect GP Helpline (available 24/7) by calling 13 HEALTH.
• Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) are located in our region at Murrumba Downs, Northside (Kedron) and Morayfield, open seven days from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
• Minor Injury and Illness Clinics at Satellite Health Centres, located in our region at Kallangur, Caboolture and Bribie Island.
• Queensland VECS (formerly Virtual ED), open seven days from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, and with extended hours during the weather event.
• Further hospital facilities are also available.
• FindCareFastcan help to direct you to your closest available care.
• Crisis support for people in distress is available via:
  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • Beyondblue on 1300 224 636
  • Head to Health on 1800 595 212 for service navigation support with extended hours until Sunday 16 March
  • 1300 MH Call for acute mental health concerns.

Refuge centres

Brisbane City Council and City of Moreton Bay have established refuge centres for those across North Brisbane and Moreton Bay seeking shelter at the below locations.

Brisbane locations:

• RNA Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills
• Kedron Wavell RSL, 21 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside
• Chandler Arena, Sleeman Sports Complex, 757 Tilley Road, Chandler.

Moreton Bay locations:

• Strathpine Community Centre, 199 Gympie Road
• Caboolture Memorial Hall, 61/65 King Street
• Hope Centre, 18 Buchanan St, Rothwell.

Refuge centres should be a last resort. Those attending should only bring essential items, including non-perishable food, essential medication and personal documentation. They are intended as short-term facilities, with no beds, cooking facilities or food provision. Pets are welcome, but will be kept outside in a sheltered area, and owners must provide any bedding and food required.

Support for recovery

Tropical Cyclone Alfred may have left you unsure about what legal and social supports are available. Download this resource from Caxton Legal Services.