Thousands of sandbags have been left unused following Cyclone preparation
NEARLY 200,000 sandbags were collected from SES locations across the Sunshine Coast in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, but with the worst of the severe weather now behind us, many remain unused.
Sunshine Coast Council and emergency services are now urging residents to repurpose or properly dispose of their SES sandbags to ensure they don’t go to waste.
Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Mayor Rosanna Natoli commended the community for their preparedness and encouraged residents to find practical uses for their sandbags.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to be through the worst of the severe weather,” Mayor Natoli said. “We know that many people have unused SES sandbags, and we are calling on our community to put them to work.
“When the time comes to dispose of sandbags, please use the sand to topdress your lawn, then place the bag in your general waste bin or keep it handy for future use. The bags may last up to 12 months.”
From 7am to 3pm daily until Friday, March 14, residents can take SES sandbags to several council-staffed locations across the coast, where the sand will be reused.
Disposal locations include:
- Eudlo Rural Fire Brigade (weekdays only)
- Caloundra Indoor Stadium (weekdays and Sunday only)
- Nambour Showgrounds (including weekends)
- Palmview Estate, Flintwood Crescent Park (including weekends)
Residents should bring appropriate tools to safely open sandbags, and only SES-issued bags will be accepted.
Mayor Natoli also encouraged residents to check community social media pages, as many locals and businesses are offering to collect unused sandbags for redistribution.