Tropical Cyclone Alfred is causing significant beach erosion along the Gold Coast, with coastal communities becoming increasingly susceptible to storm surges and flooding. As powerful swells hit the shore, large amounts of sand are being washed away, leading to dangerous conditions. An excavator was deployed to shift a lifeguard tower at Main Beach further back from the shrinking shoreline, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Authorities anticipate that much of the beach walkway will be compromised due to ongoing erosion, prompting police to cordon off the area. Reports indicate that some sections of the beach are experiencing cliff drops of up to two metres, exacerbating safety concerns as high tides approach at approximately 2:40 PM AEST.
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s lifesaving services manager, Natalie Edwards, has urged the public to stay away from the beach, particularly families with young children, due to the risks posed by swiftly rising tides threatening to engulf walkways that are usually safe. Edwards cautioned against causing unnecessary risk to emergency services responding to these conditions.
As Cyclone Alfred continues to approach, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of dangerously high tides and swells exceeding 12 metres, which are expected to persist along the coast, from Double Island Point in Queensland down to Grafton in northern New South Wales. As of 1 PM AEST, the cyclone was located 145 km southeast of Brisbane and 110 km northeast of the Gold Coast, progressing towards the coastline at a speed of 7 km/h.
The forecast indicates that Cyclone Alfred is likely to make landfall over the Moreton Bay Islands on Saturday morning, with expectations of crossing the mainland between Noosa and Beenleigh later that day. As the situation evolves, residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings issued by authorities.