Large parts of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales remained on high alert for heavy rainfall and flash flooding, with nearly 290,000 properties still without power on Sunday evening due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
After making landfall just north of Brisbane as a tropical low, the system continued to bring extreme weather, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting up to 700mm of rain through Monday.
Severe conditions on Sunday led to evacuations in Hervey Bay, where a public safety declaration gave police additional emergency powers. Authorities conducted nine rescues from homes and seven from vehicles, while an emergency alert remained in effect for the Fraser Coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of rising river levels and the potential for flash flooding as further rainfall was expected. Meteorologist Sue Oates emphasized that the primary threat from ex-Cyclone Alfred was now heavy rainfall, with isolated downpours of up to 400mm recorded on Sunday. A trough from central Australia was also dragging the low-pressure system inland over northern NSW.
Insurance claims surged, with about 3,000 lodged over two days. Andrew Hall, chief executive of the Insurance Council of Australia, said the full extent of the damage was still unclear. “We expect many more claims as residents return home and assess the situation,” he stated.
As of Sunday afternoon, 272,000 properties in south-east Queensland and 16,000 in NSW remained without power, though Energex restored electricity to 40,000 homes in Queensland.
Air travel began resuming gradually, with Brisbane and Gold Coast airports operating limited passenger flights on Sunday.
Emergency services remained on high alert overnight as authorities warned that the worst might not be over, with floodwaters continuing to rise in several regions. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to stay prepared for possible evacuations, and sandbagging efforts intensified in flood-prone suburbs.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said emergency crews were working around the clock to restore essential services and assist affected communities. “We are doing everything possible to support those impacted, but we urge people to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel,” he stated.
In northern New South Wales, local councils warned of road closures and potential landslides, particularly in areas already saturated by days of heavy rain. The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to more than 800 calls for assistance, mostly from properties, with crews rescuing several people trapped in floodwaters.
The impact on infrastructure remained severe. Rail services across south-east Queensland faced major disruptions, with several lines shut down due to track damage and flooding. Authorities cautioned that power restoration efforts could take several days in the worst-hit areas.
Meanwhile, flood warnings extended beyond urban centers, with agricultural regions bracing for significant losses. Farmers in the Lockyer Valley and Northern Rivers regions reported damage to crops and livestock losses, prompting calls for government support and disaster relief funding.
The federal government announced it was monitoring the situation closely and stood ready to provide additional assistance. Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt assured affected communities that relief funding would be fast-tracked. “We recognize the scale of this disaster and will ensure affected residents receive the support they need,” he said.
As floodwaters continued to rise and more rain loomed, authorities urged residents to stay informed through official warnings and avoid driving through flood-affected areas.
