Patience and planning key to safe travel in severe weather

Motorists and commuters are urged to plan ahead and play it safe in the severe weather expected across Queensland over coming days.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said with heavy rain and flash flooding in store for many parts of the state, people needed to ensure they did everything possible to travel safely.

Ms Trad asked commuters to be patient with any public transport disruptions and to keep themselves up to date with service changes.

“We know public transport can be heavily disrupted in severe weather so I encourage people to plan ahead, listen to local warnings and check the TransLink website or download the MyTransLink app before travelling,” Ms Trad said.

“Whether you’re travelling by road, bus, train, tram or ferry, planning and patience will be the keys to staying safe.”

Minister Bailey has warned road users to take every precaution on the roads with heavy rain and flash flooding expected in many parts of the state over the coming days.

“We can ease the burden on our emergency services by not putting ourselves at risk by driving through floodwaters. I urge motorists to be aware of changes in traffic conditions and obey all signage to ensure their safety and that of other road users,” he said.

“Ergon Energy crews are also on standby in regional areas ready to respond to any emergency.

“I take this opportunity to thank staff in advance for the work they are about to undertake. Their job is not nine to five, it’s not easy, and sometimes it can be hazardous. For that, we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Mr Bailey said.

Minister Bailey said Gladstone Port has been closed to incoming shipping with 26 ships safely at anchor off Gladstone, and 11 ships in Port being moved out to sea today.

SunWater is also well-prepared for the bad weather likely to hit the Queensland coast, with key operational teams on-site and on standby, ready to be mobilised if required.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Patrick Quirk said boaties should have implemented their weather contingency plans with Tropical Cyclone Marcia off the Queensland coast.

“It is vitally important to have identified sheltered areas or inlets and have options to move your boat if you are away during severe weather,” Mr Quirk said.

“Secure your vessel with suitable lines, stow loose articles below deck, close hatches, reduce wind loading and check your boat is watertight.

“Preparing, planning and obeying these simple rules can prevent damage to your boat and others.”

• Transport and Main Road’s 13 19 40 Traffic and Travel Information telephone service and website (131940.qld.gov.au) is regularly updated to provide the most current traffic advice for road users.
• Public transport customers can stay up to date on any changes or disruptions to timetabled services by visiting the TransLink website www.translink.com.au, downloading the MyTransLink app or phoning the TransLink Call Centre anytime on 13 12 30.
• Maritime Safety Queensland has published Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plans for each of its ports at msq.qld.gov.au.
• For more information on how to get ready for severe weather visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/getready.

Media Inquiries: Deputy Premier’s Office 0424 671 781 and Minister Bailey’s Office 0438 768 734