RESIDENTS REFUSING TO BUDGE
pears to be a lower probability of the rainfall that we thought we would get occurring here.”
State Emergency Service regional manager Daryl Camp said crews had been preparing and were ready to respond to any emergency issues today.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster David Crock said Townsville last night remained in the warning zone for strong galeforce winds throughout the day.
“We could see destructive winds as far north as Townsville, looking at wind gusts over 125km/ h and 150km/ h,” he said.
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Steven Miles said a Department of Environment and Heritage Protection inspection last week had confirmed the Queensland Nickel refinery site at Yabulu was “cyclone ready”. “EHP tells me they are confident that the tailing storage facility at the refinery has sufficient storage capacity to handle the heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Debbie,” he said. up to ALL beaches from Townsville to Sarina remain closed today as Cyclone Debbie makes landfall. Shark nets and other equipment were removed from the coast earlier this week in preparation for dangerous seas and strong winds. Fisheries Queensland manager shark control program Jeff Krause said two nets would be removed from Harbour Beach, Mackay, and the surface floats were to be removed from drumlines at all six beaches off Mackay and the eight beaches off Townsville, including Magnetic Island. “At this stage, the forecast weather conditions are such that the nets and drumline floats can be removed tomorrow morning, so we’re planning to remove them before they become a potential hazard,” Mr Krause said. “Gear that is loose in the water can be a danger to swimmers … however, … we remind people to take advice from the lifesaving service as to whether it is suitable to be swimming at all.” If you see that ropes, nets or buoys have come loose, call the Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891. THE roar of generators echoed through popular fishing spot of Cungulla yesterday as defiant residents buckled down for Cyclone Debbie.
Police were doorknocking in an attempt to persuade residents to leave amid concerns dangerous storm surges could inundate homes. For those who didn’t answer the door, a letter of warning was left.
However, neighbours and good friends Kerry Humphries and Miles McInnes were preparing for whatever the cyclone threw at them.
Mr McInnes, who has lived on Cungulla’s beachfront all his life, said unless Cape Cleveland Rd went under, he was not leaving.
“The only reason I’m staying here is everything was stolen last time,” he said.
“I’ve seen all of them ( cyclones).”
Mr McInnes said if the cyclone hit near Townsville, the water could edge closer towards the house, but it shouldn’t reach it.
“Everyone who has been here all their lives are staying,” he said. “I heard on the radio that they’re not paying out insurance ( for cyclone damage). What’s the point of paying?”
Ms Humphries, who has lived at Cungulla for 11 years, said she was driving to Ayr to be with family.
“Being here in Yasi – we had no power for ages,” she said. “That’s uncomfortable.”
Ms Humphries said she had everything she needed.
“We have the generator, long life milk, insect repellent and dog food,” she said.
Resident Mike Kenny, who lives with his partner and his two rottweilers, pushed mattresses against the windows in an attempt to protect his highset home.
“We’re staying, we just purchased this place at the end of last year,” he said.
“We’re planning on turning it into a bed and breakfast.”
At 10.30am yesterday, run- off from the Haughton River had already started to encroach on Mr Kenny’s property. He said their power had been turned off.
“The power has been out since 6am, to try and get us out I think,” he said.
“I turned the generators on so now I’m trying to conserve my fuel.”
Mr Kenny said he had enough food to last a few weeks.
“You don’t buy one butter out here when you go shopping, you buy three,” he said. “Unfortunately, this beautiful place is a bit forgotten by council.
“That’s the consensus of the community. We’re not millionaires, so we’re staying.
“Where do you go?”