Maritime Safety Queensland’s prompt cyclone response commended

Transport Minister John Mickel has commended Maritime Safety Queensland for its prompt response to the potential threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Ellie to shipping in Queensland’s northern coastal ports over the weekend.

Mr Mickel said operations in the Port of Townsville were expected to return to normal from late today with the arrival of the first of three vessels waiting off the coast since a cyclone alert was issued over the weekend.

He said Maritime Safety Queensland had a well-established response to cyclone threats which came into force with the Bureau of Meteorology’s advice that the cyclone was approaching the coastline.

A cyclone condition yellow was instigated at 10am Sunday February 1, which signalled the commencement of cyclone contingency planning.

One vessel, a bulk cement carrier, was advised to sail from the port as a precaution as the storm approached.

The alert was lifted after Tropical Cyclone Ellie weakened into a rain depression after crossing the Queensland coast between Cardwell and Mission Beach in the early hours of Monday.

No major damage has been reported within the region although extensive heavy rain has caused widespread minor flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the storm will move back out to sea within 24 to 36 hours and reform.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager, Captain John Watkinson, said the Port of Townsville would remain on condition Yellow with shipping operations being conducted on a case-by-case assessment.

Three vessels were due to enter port on Monday afternoon when it was expected normal shipping operations would resume.

Magnetic Island barge and ferry services were suspended overnight and reduced services resumed on Monday morning due to the remaining strong wind warning and sea conditions.

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