Residents in low-lying areas across Brisbane are being urged to stock up on sandbags and avoid parking their cars on streets, ahead of a wet weather and higher than normal tides forecast for the next week.    According to the Bureau of Meteorology, showers, strong winds and thunderstorms will hit Brisbane this weekend and showers will linger for a while higher than normal tides may be experienced in low-lying coastal areas and riverside locations next week.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said high tides are expected this Sunday through to Wednesday and is urging residents take steps to ensure they are prepared for more wet weather and potential flooding.

“Residents in the bayside, riverside and low-lying suburbs should be prepared with sandbags for higher-than-normal tides and minor localised flooding,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Suburbs near the bay foreshore, tide-affected areas of the river, creeks and other waterways may also be affected by high tides.

“We’re also advising residents to avoid driving in the wet conditions where possible and never drive, walk or ride through flood waters,” Cr Schrinner said.

Brisbane City Council has sandbags available for free collection from the following five locations:

  • Darra – 38 Shamrock Road, Darra
  • Morningside – 9 Redfern Street, Morningside
  • Newmarket – 66 Wilston Road (in carpark off Erneton Street), Newmarket
  • Zillmere – 33 Jennings Street, Zillmere
  • Lota – Herbert Street, Lota.

The combination of wet weather and high tides and heat also creates prime mosquito breeding conditions and Cr Schrinner is assuring residents that Council will continue to adhere to the advice of Council’s expert medical entomologists to target mosquito breeding grounds through the city.

Aerial mosquito treatments is planned for and may extend into tomorrow at Tinchi Tamba Wetlands, Bald Hills, Brighton and Boondall Wetlands.

“Our expert entomologists are monitoring the situation and are working to advise us on the most effective times to target mosquito breeding sites with aerial mosquito treatments,” he said.

“Residents can protect themselves by limiting time in mosquito prone areas, using insect repellents and wearing loose clothes.”

For more information on wet weather or mosquitos visits the Brisbane City Council website or phone Council on 3403 8888.