Council preparing for impact of Cyclone Alfred

Published on 03 March 2025

Media Release.jpg

Like many people in the community, Byron Shire Council has its eye on the weather and is preparing for the impact of Cyclone Alfred later this week.

Last week staff started checking all machinery and equipment to make sure it is ready to go if needed.

The recently refurbished flood pump at South Golden Beach was tested last Friday (28 February), and it is working, along with the smaller pump.  

Job sites are being secured, and staff are checking drains, causeways, and culverts. 

The Resource Recovery team, which manages waste collection, and the Byron Resource Recovery Centre at Myocum, is going through its emergency management plans.

Aside from rain, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is also predicting big seas and erosion on areas of the coastline in the Byron Shire.  

Staff are monitoring beach accesses and people are asked to heed advice from the BOM in relation to dangerous conditions for water activities and storm surges.

Community Starlinks are also active and key community leaders are managing these. Most Community Resilience Groups (CHUBS) also have UHF radio networks.

Phil Holloway, Director Infrastructure Services, said the SES is the lead agency for emergencies involving cyclones, flooding or storms.

“Council is responsible for water, sewer, waste and infrastructure such as roads, bridges and causeways, but people should be checking in regularly with relevant authorities such as the SES and the BOM, so they are informed and as prepared, as they can be,” Mr Holloway said.

Important information for the community

  • The Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard has links to all relevant authorities such as the SES, BOM, Essential Energy, and information about river heights, flood cameras, and Live Traffic etc. It can be accessed at https://emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au/ 
  • For emergencies relating to roads, including trees over roads, road damage, causeways, bridges, water, and sewer call Council on 02 6626 7000 or after hours on 02 6626 7022.
  • The SES is the lead agency for cyclones, storms, and flooding. 
  • For help during flooding or weather emergencies, sandbags and damage to your property call the SES on 132 500.  
  • Sandbags are available from the following locations.  Bring your own shovel.
  • The Mullumbimby SES Depot at 33 Coolamon Scenic Drive.
  • Ocean Shores soccer field at the corner of Shara Boulevard and Tweed Valley Way. 

Stay informed 

The Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard, https://emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au/, has links to the following emergency services and information:

  • SES
  • Emergency broadcaster - ABC North Coast (94.5FM or 720AM)
  • Bureau of Meteorology
  • Live Traffic
  • Essential Energy
  • River heights
  • Flood cameras 

Be prepared

  • Have an emergency plan. 
  • Evacuation Centres are not managed by Byron Shire Council.  If necessary, they will be opened by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice, and Council will relay this information.
  • Touch base with neighbours, especially elderly and vulnerable people.

 

Tagged as:
Back to top