As was mentioned at yesterday's media briefing at SES Headquarters in Goonellabah, deployments of additional crews from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) have begun arriving in Lismore and the Northern Rivers and the Mid North Coast as the NSW Government ramps up preparations for the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The NSW SES is leading the response and working with other emergency services and government agencies to get ready for the cyclone, which is expected to cross the Queensland coast Thursday night or Friday morning.

The NSW SES will be able to draw from thousands of volunteers with support from flood rescue trained emergency service personnel across NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and Marine Rescue NSW. All are equipped with flood response and wider capabilities.

Residents should prepare for damaging winds, large surf, and heavy rainfall, with impacts of the cyclone forecast to be felt from as early as today. Low lying areas may be at risk of coastal erosion.

From today (Wednesday) onwards, predictions are for intense rain, which could lead to moderate and major flooding in many areas, with the potential to close roads, inundate properties and lead to evacuations.

The NSW SES State Command Centre has been stood up in preparation for the severe weather. As well as additional personnel, the NSW SES is prepositioning communication equipment, aviation resources and specialised vehicles ahead of the forecasted impacts of the cyclone. The deployment to date includes two helicopters, two ‘Cells on Wheels’ (emergency service communication hubs), two high clearance vehicles, and a Wi-Fi connectivity trailer, along with back-up generators to support telecommunications towers.

NSW SES, in partnership with local councils, have established numerous sandbag stations across the impact footprint to assist communities to defend their properties. Residents requiring advice on sandbag stations can check NSW SES social media pages or contact 132 500. 

More than 1,500 calls for information and preparedness advice have been received by the NSW SES so far.

NSW SES is facilitating community meetings in towns across the impacted areas to ensure residents are aware of the risks, forecasts and how to prepare.

We would encourage communities to prepare, but there’s no need to panic buy. Supermarkets have good supply chains and transport links are currently open. If your community becomes isolated and needs resupply of essential goods, NSW SES and other emergency services agencies will assist with this.

Local communities are urged to monitor weather conditions and ensure they have a plan for their family and pets if asked to evacuate. Resident should also prepare for possible power outages, in the case of damage to infrastructure such as trees falling onto power lines.

Residents should download the ‘Hazards Near Me’ App which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.  

People are also encouraged to prepare an emergency kit with essential items including identification documents, medications, a torch, mobile phone charger and a battery-operated radio. 

For assistance during floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or Triple Zero (000) for life threatening emergencies. All emergency service agencies are ready to support affected communities.

People who require mental health support can also call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by specialist mental health professionals who offer mental health advice, and referrals to local mental health services.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “The NSW Government is supporting the NSW State Emergency Service as they do all they can to prepare ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred crossing the coast later this week.

“Now is the time for residents in the affected areas to get ready for damaging winds, large powerful surf, coastal erosion, and intense and heavy rainfall.

“We are asking the community to take steps now to ensure that if you are asked to evacuate your home you have a plan for this and know where you will go.

“Please download the Hazards Near Me App which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.”

Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said, “Keeping people safe is our top priority. Emergency teams are mobilised and a comprehensive whole-of-government plan is underway.

“Now is the time to get ready—have an evacuation plan, stay informed and follow SES advice. Download the Hazards Near Me app for local updates and check in on your neighbours.

“The Northern Rivers community is strong and resilient, but we know this weather event is causing a real concern. We assure the community - emergency services are on the ground and ready to help.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “I continue to receive regular briefings and updates from the SES, police and other combat agencies, and the message I’m giving to people here on the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast is to listen to their advice and be prepared for what is a rare, unpredictable weather event for our region.

“All forecasting points to us experiencing a lot of strong winds and heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Alfred heads towards the coast and crosses land.

“Our emergency services are putting more personnel and resources in place. The community can help them by securing their properties or businesses in a practical sense, and wherever possible, stay at home and not take to the roads, waiting for the danger period to pass, then keep an eye on river levels afterwards.”    

Commissioner of the NSW State Emergency Services Mike Wassing said, “This has the potential to be a serious weather event. Over the coming days, we expect to see strong winds continue, followed by intense and heavy rainfall.

“NSW SES crews and emergency service partners are prepositioned across the region to respond to incidents as they arise.  

“Assets including communication equipment, high clearance vehicles, aircraft, and support personnel have been prepositioned across Northern NSW. 

“NSW SES is facilitating community meetings in towns across the impacted areas to ensure residents are aware of the risks, forecasts and how to prepare.”