In response to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall affecting regions like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and parts of New South Wales, local authorities, including Byron Shire Council and Brisbane Council, have issued alerts regarding the premature removal and disposal of sandbags. Residents are being advised to retain their undamaged sandbags for a few more weeks due to the potential for further weather events, as the ground is saturated and coastal dunes have suffered erosion.
Emergency services encourage individuals in these impacted areas to stay informed about local weather warnings through council and State Emergency Services (SES) dashboards, emphasising the need for caution before removing any sandbags.
As of March 8, over one million sandbags have been distributed across southeast Queensland, supplementing the 300,000 provided to the Lismore and Northern Rivers regions in preparation for flooding. The safe disposal of these sandbags presents challenges, as they may be contaminated with harmful substances due to flooding.
It’s important for residents to refrain from disposing of sand in coastal areas, as this could exacerbate environmental issues. According to Chloe Dowsett, the Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator for Byron Shire Council, using sand from bags on the beach is not recommended due to the risk posed to local wildlife and ecosystems.
To ensure safety when handling sandbags, residents should follow specified council guidelines, including wearing gloves, washing hands after handling, and sealing contaminated sandbags in plastic prior to disposal at designated waste facilities. If the sandbags remain clean and dry, they are suitable for future use.
Local councils are urging residents to prioritise health and safety during this period and be vigilant about potential further flooding scenarios.