Floodwaters around Oxley Creek are receding after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy rainfall and flash flooding to the area, causing property damage and road closures. Authorities remain on alert as emergency crews continue to assess the impact and assist affected residents.
Cyclone Alfred’s Aftermath in Oxley
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashed torrential rain across Brisbane, triggering flash floods in multiple areas, including Oxley. The heavy downpour caused Oxley Creek to overflow, inundating homes and businesses. Emergency alerts warned residents to prepare to move to higher ground as authorities monitored the rising waters.
At the peak of the flooding, submerged streets and properties in Oxley saw significant disruptions. City official Sarah Hutton reported seeing only the top of an outdoor chair beside the creek in the morning, indicating the severity of the flooding. However, by late afternoon today, around 5:30 p.m., the waters had begun to subside, revealing more flood-affected areas.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Efforts
Authorities issued a WATCH AND ACT – FLASH FLOODING alert for the Oxley Creek area, urging residents to secure belongings and avoid floodwaters. Emergency services, including the SES, responded to calls for assistance as residents sought shelter.
Several evacuation centres were opened to accommodate displaced residents:
- Riverlife Baptist Church (Seventeen Mile Rocks) provided overnight shelter, including showers and facilities for pets.
- Oxley Uniting Church opened as a recharge station, offering a space for residents to rest and charge devices.
- Additional evacuation centres were available at the Sleeman Sports Complex and Kedron-Wavell Services Club.
Emergency teams and volunteers have been actively assisting residents, removing fallen trees and debris. Residents requiring assistance with cleanup efforts were encouraged to register for support.
Infrastructure and Transport Disruptions
While many roads in the Oxley area were initially closed due to flooding, city official Sarah Hutton said they are expected to reopen sooner. BCC continues to assess road conditions, urging motorists to remain cautious.
Public transport services across Brisbane have been impacted, with limited bus and train operations. Authorities advise residents to check service updates before travelling.
Community Response and Recovery Efforts
The local community has rallied together in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Alfred. Volunteers have been mobilising to assist in cleanup efforts, with an open call for residents with spare time to lend a hand.
BCC has introduced free green waste tipping at local Resource Recovery Centres to facilitate debris disposal. Additional drop-off sites have been set up to streamline waste management.
What’s Next for Oxley?
Although Oxley Creek is stabilising, authorities remain on high alert as further rain is expected. Residents are urged to stay informed through official updates and avoid floodwaters.
As the community transitions into the recovery phase, authorities will continue to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to affected residents. Those needing assistance with storm damage or flooding can access resources and volunteer support through local emergency services.
Latest Updates on Cyclone Alfred’s Impact
Updated: 10 March 2025, 05:55 p.m.
BCC has made the following adjustments to its services due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred:
- Brisbane Business Hub: Closed until further notice.
- Cemeteries: Only Mount Gravatt Cemetery is open; all others remain closed.
- City Hall: Closed; all performances and events postponed or cancelled.
- Community Services: Brisbane Greeter tours, immunisation clinics, and various events cancelled until 11 March.
- Customer Service Centres: North Regional Business Centre, Indooroopilly, South Regional Business Centre, & Brisbane Square remain closed.
- Golf Courses: Closed until further notice.
- Parks and Playgrounds: Water play areas and mountain bike tracks are closed.
- Resource Recovery Centres: Chandler and Ferny Grove are open; Nudgee and Willawong remain closed.
- Sandbag Stations: All stations are now closed.
- Transport: Story Bridge footpaths closed; most public transport services suspended.
- Waste Collection: Bin collection has resumed; repairs and maintenance services are paused.
Brisbane Breaks Rainfall Records
Brisbane recorded its highest ever daily rainfall, with 275mm falling in 24 hours between Sunday and Monday morning. Other rainfall totals included:
- Carole Park Alert: 331mm
- Karalee: 296mm
- Wolfdene: 289mm
- Mt Gravatt: 272mm
- Greenbank: 246mm
Brisbane Airport also experienced its highest-ever March daily rainfall at 176mm, while Amberley recorded 162mm.
Supermarkets Reopen, Some Stock Remains Low
- Most Coles and Woolworths stores have reopened, though some locations have low stock levels for essentials like meat, milk, and bottled water.
- Purchase limits on key items remain in place.
For the latest updates, visit Brisbane City Council or call 07 3403 8888.
For public transport updates, visit TransLink or call 13 12 30.
For traffic conditions, visit QLD Traffic or call 13 19 40.
Published 10-Mar-2025