Cassowary Coast Regional Council

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) has activated its Disaster Coordination Centre to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Ellie, which is now expected to cross the coast between Cardwell and Ingham at around 7 am tomorrow (Monday 2 February).

The Category One cyclone is expected to bring gale force winds with gusts of up to 100 km/h – as well as more rain – to the region, which has already been hit by heavy rains and flooding in the south, over the past several days.

The CCRC Disaster Coordination Centre will handle requests for assistance regarding trees down on council roads and environmental health issues, including problems involving waste water and drains. The centre can be contacted on 1300 188 505.

Cassowary Coast Mayor, Bill Shannon, advised residents to direct calls to the most appropriate organisations to handle their requests, in order to expedite assistance measures.

“If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call triple zero (000),” Cr. Shannon advised.

“Residents requiring flood assistance should call the State Emergency Operations Centre on 132 500.

“If you wish to contact Ergon Energy about a power failure, call 13 22 96. Information about damaged power lines should be reported to Ergon on 13 16 70,” he added.

Motorists seeking information on main road closures should call 13 19 40.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council will continue to monitor the situation, including the impact of the weather on local river systems.