13 January 2026

SLSQ initially moved to ALERT this morning, but further moved to STAND DOWN.

Lessons Learnt Jotform is now available to inform future disaster responses. We encourage Members and Clubs to provide feedback – please fill out this form.

10 January 2026

• Koji, a category 2 system, is forecast to continue on a similar south track until crossing the coast. The coastal crossing is forecast for early Sunday morning between Townsville and Bowen. After crossing, Koji will weaken and then track generally westwards.
• BoM Severe Weather and Flood warnings can be found here.
• For more information please refer to Disasters | Queensland Government(www.disaster.qld.gov.au).

9 January 2026

Based on current Bureau of Meteorology advice, North Queensland is in the path of an extreme weather event in the coming days. At this point it may be pertinent to review some safety measures that may prove invaluable in the coming days.

All beaches in North Queensland and for beaches in the northern half of North Barrier will be closed in collaboration with Local Government. Lifeguards and Club leaders will be contacted and continue to be updated by Regional SLSQ Staff. Operational staff are to be maintain regular contact with their direct supervisors at this time.

This decision has been made to prioritise staff and volunteer safety and wellbeing during ongoing heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding, which may affect travel conditions, power supply and local access.

All staff and volunteers should continuously assess the safety of travel to and from work locations, and prioritise safe movement, including the ability to return home safely if conditions deteriorate. If at any time travel or remaining at a service location becomes unsafe due to weather or flooding, this must be communicated immediately and alternative arrangements made in line with Queensland Government safety advice.

All personnel are asked to:

• Remain weather‑aware by monitoring BoM warnings and Queensland Government updates
• Prepare at home, including securing property, charging devices and planning for potential service disruptions
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather
• Maintain communication with your manager and advise early if circumstances change

Further updates will be provided as conditions improve and it is safe to return to normal work arrangements.

Relevant preparatory advice can be found here:

Additional Preparation Advice:

• Between October and April, Have a Cyclone Emergency Plan in place. Have as many items and equipment as possible in a state of readiness that it can be secured or removed in a short space of time as warnings may be imminent.
• Ensure work areas are prepared for extreme weather events by
• Removing or anchoring any items such as tools, signs, portable equipment that may become airborne in heavy winds or swept away by heavy rains/floods.
• Tying down mobile office, trailers and any other relocatable facilities to prevent movement or damage.
• Securing sea containers to prevent from opening or floating away in floods. Securing sheds and offices to safeguard contents and reduce inundation from rising water levels.
• Ensuring all portable devices remain fully charged in case of extended power failure
• Keep a food supply of nonperishable food that can be used in the absence of power or blocking of supplies.

Flash flooding and driving precautions:

IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT!!!

• Avoid any unnecessary travel during severe weather events
• Dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding will become an increased risk over the next few days due to catchments becoming saturated and levels will quickly rise to any further heavy rainfall.
• More than 50% of flood related fatalities are the consequence of driving through flood waters. If faced with flooded roads, turn around.
• When driving, keep lights on low beam.
• Wet roads increase the possibility of skidding, Prevent skidding by
  • Reducing speed
  • Accelerating smoothly
  • Braking and cornering smoothly

Electrical Safety:

• Remove any electrical equipment that may have been exposed to water and tag out of service. Inspect and have it confirmed safe by a licenced electrician before reuse.
• Report any fallen/damaged power lines by calling 000 or 131962 and keep all persons at least 10 metres clear of the area.
• Always assume fallen powerlines are live and dangerous.
• Touching powerlines either directly or with another object can result in serious injury/death