Cyclone Alfred response

The recent cyclone Alfred that hit Brisbane and surrounding areas brought with it many challenges across the region. Anticipated to be one of the most significant weather events in recent Australian history, Cyclone Alfred prompted watches, warnings and evacuations in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Whilst this is in a sub-tropical zone, this region rarely sees direct impacts from tropical cyclones, so the actions required to prepare were new to many people.

Despite the cyclone ultimately being downgraded as a weaker system and becoming a tropical low shortly before making landfall on 8 March; nonetheless the preparation required to ensure everyone’s safety was the same regardless of the outcome.

With 115 tenancies across the region (including onsite support carer units) this was quite the task to get ready for the cyclone. Our teams spent the 10 days before the event carefully preparing our properties and tenants to face what would undoubtedly be a difficult few days before, during, and after the event.

We analysed each property and tenant, identifying where the risk factors were at a building, tenant and personal health risk level. With many tenants relying on our suite of assistive technology installations, the AT systems, climate control systems and hardware in our homes were at risk from power and data outage.

To prepare, we called through to all tenants and OSS (onsite support) staff and checked off a list of potential issues. We made plans for high physical support tenants and ensured care was appropriate, including hospital relocations for high risk tenants who would not be able to safely endure any power outages.

On the building side, our teams checked off known building risks and assessed the UPS capability of each tenancy. UPS’s (Uninterrupted Power Supply- kind of like a big hi-tech battery) usually only have two or three hours of backup power in them – they are not designed to run for days in the event of power outages. We had some UPS’s replaced and our supplier was put on backup alert to run any spare units out where needed. Our property people also carried backups. Next step was to analyse each building and its risk for flooding or leaks. Most buildings have a weak point whether it be prevailing winds or ability to cope with heavy cyclonic rain, so to cover this off we also had some tarps and resources available if needed. Of course, call outs during heavy rain and at the peak of the storm carries with it personal risk, so this was carefully assessed as well.

We had many trades ready to act if needed and it was pleasing to see that all of them were prepared to go out and help where needed to ensure tenant safety.

Ultimately the cyclone slowed as it hit the coast and was downgraded, but the accompanying rainfall brought severe flooding to the region. Whilst not as catastrophic as initially predicted, this slowing actually made things more difficult in a way, as the waiting and heavy rain period was extended, with more water on the ground over a longer period than was expected. Our tenancy and property teams were on call all weekend to react if needed, all whilst watching the water come closer and closer to their own homes!

Many tenants were helped during this time and I pay tribute to our teams for staying dedicated to their role in keeping our tenants safe.

There has been a lot of repair work to chase up after the cyclone – including rescheduling of planned maintenance and compliance work, plus the inevitable stand down and pack up processes.

Ultimately the outcome for our tenants was a relatively positive one given the difficult and rare circumstances, as there were no major emergencies or serious occurrences. The preparation by them and our people at Liverty Housing in this regard certainly helped.

Well done to all involved!

Matt Healy, GM property and Development.