Tropical Cyclone Alfred - Operational Update Due to Severe Weather Event - Update 5

• Inspection Services: Resources are being reallocated, with priority given to urgent biosecurity inspections (e.g., perishable goods).
• Appointment Adjustments: DAFF is contacting affected clients and Approved Arrangement premises to reschedule or bring forward bookings.
• Import Document Processing: Will continue as normal.
  General Enquiries: The 1800 900 090 hotline remains operational.
• Potential Delays: Non-urgent commodity inspections may experience delays once weather conditions stabilise.
• Ongoing Monitoring: DAFF will deploy resources for inspections when it is safe to do so.

Port & Shipping Disruptions

• Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has suspended inbound shipping movements.
• Queensland coastal ferry services paused from midday 5 March.
• Potential delays in reopening after the cyclone passes.

Aviation Disruptions

• Brisbane Airport to remain technically open, but operations will be impacted to ramp services when wind speeds exceed 40 knots.
• Qantas, Jetstar, and QantasLink ceasing operations at Ballina, Gold Coast, and Coffs Harbour.
• 27 aircraft at Brisbane Airport may be relocated.

Road & Rail Closures

• Queensland TMR and NSW Roads authorities will provide real-time updates on road closures.
• Flooding and debris are expected to impact major transport routes.
• Queensland Rail will cease operations when the cyclone reaches 150km from the coast.

Supermarkets

• Retailers (Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, Metcash) increasing stock levels of essential goods.
• Bottled water supplies under strain, with limits imposed.
• Supermarket generators prepared, but widespread power loss could disrupt refrigeration.
• New South Wales government urged to lift delivery curfews, following Queensland's decision.

Fuel & Supply Chain Resilience

• Concern over access to fuel for emergency vehicles and generators.
• Shipping Australia raised potential need for Coastal Trading Act exemptions to move goods between Australian ports if required, with international shipping lines at the ready if required.

Power & Telecommunications

• Energex, Ergon, and NBN preparing for widespread power outages.
• Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone preparing generators for critical infrastructure.
• Potential emergency aerial support for restoring power and refuelling generators.

Flooding & Impact on Freight Corridors

• Major flooding risk in Lower Brisbane River, Wilsons River, and Richmond River (Lismore).
• Storm surge of 0.5–1m expected at Southport, Main Beach, and Coolangatta Beach.

Emergency & Recovery Planning

• ADF mobilised for flood recovery and sandbag distribution.
• Logistics providers urged to monitor alternate transport routes.
• Temporary accommodation may be needed for displaced workers

• Brisbane Airport has this morning provided the following update: "For now, Brisbane Airport is still operating as normal. We are continuing to monitor Tropical Cyclone Alfred as the weather situation develops and will provide an update on operations later today (05/03/2025)." 

• Qantas Freight has confirmed that operations will continue unless directed otherwise by airport authorities. 
• Qantas Freight has this morning provided the following update: "We're closely monitoring the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred off the coast of Queensland. Flights to and from Ballina, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast and Maroochydore may be impacted in the coming days. Freight shipments into and out of these ports may be affected and temporary embargoes may be implemented as the situation develops. At this time, only urgent priority freight will be uplifted." 

• dnata has confirmed that operations will continue unless directed otherwise by airport authorities. 

• dnata has confirmed that operations will continue unless directed otherwise by airport authorities. 

• Imports: Closed for Imports. Terminal operations are planned to resume from Friday 7 March 2025 evening shift if safe to do so as per latest Patrick Client Advice.
• Exports: Cargo receivals suspended until further notice.

• Imports: Closed for Imports. Terminal operations are planned to resume from Saturday 8 March 2025 at 07:00 if safe to do so. 
• Exports: Cargo receivals suspended until further notice.

• Imports: Closed for Imports. Terminal will assess the situation on Friday the 7th and communicate if landside operations will commence 0600 Saturday 8th Mar 2025. 
• Exports: Cargo receivals suspended until further notice.

• Imports: Currently operating until close of business today, Wednesday 5 March 2025. Also closed over the weekend and expecting to reopen Monday 10 March 2025.
• Exports: Cargo receivals suspended until further notice.