The substantial efforts of firefighters and work by all support agencies has resulted in no injury, loss of homes or infrastructure at North Stradbroke Island overnight, Local Disaster Recovery Committee Chair and Redland City Council Deputy Mayor Alan Beard said this morning.
Cr Beard praised the work of fire service officers, who protected homes, and police, SES and all other agencies who helped evacuate some residents around Myora last night.
“A total of 322 people registered in the evacuation centre yesterday with 14 adults, six kids and two friendly dogs remaining there this morning after a tense night,” Cr Beard said.
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“Those 14 were advised around 7am they could go home by escort, but must be prepared to leave again at short notice.
“Around 40 people were escorted to their homes by emergency services personnel in the early hours of the morning when they could get through East Coast Road.
“East Coast Road remains shut, except for by escort, due to smoke and minor fire activity, meaning Amity Point and Point Lookout are cut off from Dunwich.
“QFES advises there is no immediate danger to any townships.”
Local Councillor Craig Ogilvie, who is on the island, said a public meeting will be held at 10am today at the Dunwich Community Hall, followed by meetings later in the day at Amity Point and Point Lookout. Times and venues are yet to be finalised.
“I cannot thank the people of North Stradbroke Island enough for the way they have responded to calls to attend meetings and to observe the requests of emergency services personnel. There have been meetings at all townships, including two at Dunwich and all meetings have been very well attended,” Cr Ogilvie said.
The Local Disaster Coordination Centre has been established at Redland City Council’s South Street depot. There is also an incident management team operating out of North Stradbroke Island.
Cr Beard said the fire was one of the biggest fire responses by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and support agencies in recent years and thanked everyone involved for their ongoing incredible efforts.
“On behalf of the people of the Redlands and particularly North Stradbroke Island, I offer a heartfelt thankyou to all staff involved in this fire effort, from those risking their lives on the front line fighting the fire to those offering respite and a kind word to those who have relocated or feared losing their homes last night.
“Redland City Council officers are continuing to coordinate the respite centre at Dunwich today, offering refreshments, a place to stay if needed and providing the latest information.
“Information is also readily available through QFES, Council and Qld Police websites and social media, which island residents have been accessing.”
Cr Beard said reports indicated the fire was far from over and by tomorrow morning it was anticipated that 60 per cent of the island will have been affected by fire.
“Major and continued backburning and further strengthening of fire service presence on the island will occur throughout today.”
