Port moves to Condition YELLOW as cyclone prep advances

Port of Townsville has moved to Condition YELLOW as preparation for the Tropical Low off the North Queensland coast continues at Townsville and Lucinda ports.

At this time, the Port remains open with commercial shipping being finalised this morning. 

Channel widening has been suspended with backhoe dredge, Woomera, and its support vessels moved to cyclone moorings. Floating plant, pontoons and cranes have been secured.

Cyclone preparations underway at the Port of Townsville include:

• Minimising cargo on berths and laydown areas
• Removing cargo and equipment from tidal surge or flood prone areas
• Implementing tie-down plans, securing buildings and clearing debris
• Preparing to implement the Cyclone Evacuation Plan should it be required
• Reviewing risks associated with storm tides to determine possible impacts to power and water within the port (no impact expected at this stage)
• Maintaining contact with Maritime Safety Queensland, Port tenants and users to minimise impact; and
• Reviewing resourcing plans for the coming days, particularly with respect to the recovery period. 

Port of Townsville General Manager Customer, Operations and Safety, Drew Penny said the Port’s cyclone preparedness was well advanced. 

“Our Port’s Crisis Management Team has been enacting plans since Monday and to ensure we are well prepared for whatever the weather might deliver over the coming days,” Mr Penny said.

“We are continuing to work closely with the Bureau of Meteorology and Maritime Safety Queensland on precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Port staff and workers and minimise damage to critical infrastructure.”

The Port continues to follow advice from Bureau of Meteorology, Townsville Local Disaster Management Group and the Regional Harbour Master.