Tropical Cyclone Alfred updates
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred hovering on the Queensland coast, we're here to keep you up-to-date.
10 March: Hardship grants available for Redland, Gold Coast and Logan residents impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
- Personal Hardship Assistance activated for impacted residents in Redland, Gold Coast and Logan City Councils in response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
- Grants for eligible impacted residents to cover emergency costs, the replacement of damaged household goods, and the reconnection of services.
- To check eligibility and apply, visit the Queensland Government’s Disaster Recovery Support webpage or call the Community Recovery Hotline.
- Assistance has also been activated for Lockyer Valley Regional and Southern Downs Council to support counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets.
7 March: Medical emergencies during natural disasters
It is important people know that emergency departments are still open 24/7 during Cyclone Alfred, and they should call Triple Zero if they're experiencing a medical emergency, AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim told the 4BC Radio. "I thank all the doctors, nurses, administration staff and allied health staff who are working over this emergency period because we acknowledge that they also live in the cyclone area, and they've also got families, etc. to be aware of."
7 March: Protect yourself first
After natural disasters, we know Queenslanders just want to get out there, clean up and help their communities, but it's crucial we protect ourselves when doing so, AMA Queensland Immediate Past President Dr Maria Boulton told the Today Show. "Please protect yourselves. If you get a cut, make sure it's treated properly... If you have protective gear, please wear it – so closed in shoes, long pants, and masks because above all, we don't want to lose any more lives to this cyclone."
7 March: Emergency provisions
Some health services including elective surgery have closed, but all hospitals and some GPs remain open, with many reverting to telehealth appointments, to ensure patients are supported during this extreme weather event, AMA Queensland Immediate Past President Dr Maria Boulton told 10 News. If you have lifesaving medical equipment at home, "It's really important that you contact your local hospital to see what emergency provisions you can have".
6 March: Disaster declarations
Declarations of a disaster situation have now been made for the following districts:
- Brisbane
- Sunshine Coast
- Moreton
- Gold Coast
- Logan
Telehealth requirements for an established clinical relationship now do not apply for people living in these areas for the duration of the declaration. AMA Queensland encourages all medical practices not affected and operating to assist patients in those areas as needed.
6 March: PBS support during natural disasters
From 4 February 2025, a PBS Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure has been temporarily put in place to support people affected by the flooding disaster in Far North Queensland and Tropical Cyclone Alfred to continue to access their PBS subsidised medicines. This PBS Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure provides access to a wider range of PBS medicines than under ongoing Continued Dispensing arrangements, covering most medicines on the General Schedule of the PBS. This measure will be in place until 31 March 2025 (inclusive).
5 March: Information for practices needing to shutdown during cyclone preparation
AMA Queensland's Workplace Relations Team has created some frequently asked questions for practices that may need to shutdown during preparation for Cyclone Alfred.
5 March: Elective surgery will be dependent on location
During extreme weather events, elective surgery will be dependent on location. The best option is to give your hospital a call for their local advice, AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim told ABC Radio. "If you can't get through to that hospital, give your local surgeon a call as well to see what the reception says, if they've got a backup plan."
5 March: Wait and see
“We encourage people to prepare an emergency kit with essentials like basic first-aid supplies, water, spare batteries, and torches, and secure any loose items in their yard.
“With cyclones often comes heavy rain fall, and it’s crucial for those in flood-prone areas to secure their homes with sandbags and clear gutters to minimise water damage.
“When extreme weather events occur, AMA Queensland always works with the Queensland Government and Health Minister to ensure affected practices and communities get the help they need, including urgent restoration of electricity, phone and internet services, and access to essential health care.
“We encourage residents to listen to the advice offered by authorities and to use this time to prepare yourself and your home for potential damage.”
4 March: President Dr Nick Yim speaks to ABC Radio about Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Ensuring access to medicines, maintaining communication and prioritising personal safety should be top priorities as the cyclone approaches, AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim told ABC Radio. "It's important to stay in touch with your neighbours, your family and any grandparents or elderly family who may be living alone. Just stay in touch, make sure they are prepared and help them be prepared over the next week or so."
GP Telehealth requirements during natural disasters
Practices are reminded that GP telehealth requirements for established relationships with patients do not apply to people living in a natural disaster affected area once declared by a State or Territory government.
More information is available on the:
- the Australian Government’s website (see under ‘Telehealth exemption’)
- Queensland Government Gazette website where notices of a declaration of a disaster situation will be published once declared under the Disaster Management Act 2003
- the Disaster Assist webpage which includes a map listing areas declared natural disasters
- the Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s webpage which includes a map and list of disaster funding activations
More information
Resources, support and available assistance information has been compiled by the Queensland Government: Get Ready Queensland.
For help post weather event, you can access support via the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
To identify your flood risk, visit Queensland Government’s local government flood maps and data site.
Queensland Health has provided a list of resources to support wellbeing in a disaster.
Help for doctors
- Doctors’ Health in Queensland has a confidential 24/7 helpline for doctors and medical students to provide support and assistance. Phone 07 3833 4352.
- The Medical Benevolent Association of Queensland provides financial assistance for Queensland medical practitioners in times of need. Phone 07 3872 2222 or contact online.
- Beyond Blue: Phone 1300 224 636.
- Lifeline: Phone 13 11 14.
- Keep up to date with the latest flood and weather warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology, local council websites, ABC radio, ABC Emergency and social media options.
