How to put your hand up to help with the Alfred clean-up
14 March 2025
Volunteers will have an important role to play in days ahead as South East Queensland cleans up following the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said while Ipswich was spared from the worst of Alfred’s impacts, our community is renowned for putting their hands up to help their neighbours.
“After every major weather event, we’ve seen spontaneous volunteers come together to help their neighbours in need – and I am sure Alfred will be no different,” Mayor Harding said.
“While the flooding impacts in Ipswich were fortunately not widespread, we have some suburbs like Bundamba and Booval that were impacted.
“If you are in these areas, helping your neighbour is a great place to start so these families and businesses can get back on their feet quickly.
“Residents wanting to put their hands up to help with the clean-up in more heavily impacted councils can register with Volunteering Queensland to ensure they are tasked in a safe and organised way, to where help is needed the most.
“I’m always touched to see Ipswich residents helping others, it is really part of our city’s DNA. I want to thank each person who has already contributed to the cyclone preparations and immediate aftermath.”
Mayor Harding said council and associated agencies were already well into the post-Alfred clean-up in terms of repairing roads, infrastructure, facilities, parks and trees.
“Trees have fallen, some roads and bridges were closed, and communities across the city were impacted by power outages, but overall, we haven’t seen extensive damage,” Mayor Harding said.
“Some communities were more affected than others, with flooding in some low-lying areas as well as power outages affecting about 22 suburbs when the ex-tropical cyclone passed by.
“The coordinated response from council, police, firies, SES and other emergency services has been amazing. They have once again combined to see us through what mother nature has thrown at us.”
Ipswich City Council Environment and Sustainability Committee Chair Councillor Jim Madden also encouraged residents to check on their fellow neighbours, friends and family.
“Ipswich is a tightknit community and it’s been incredible to see the support given to those who have been impacted,” Cr Madden said.
“If you’re looking for ways to help but don’t know where to start, reach out to your neighbours, friends and family to see what you can do. You can also sign up to become a registered volunteer on standby by visiting Volunteering Queensland.”
The Ipswich Flood Recovery information webpage can be accessed at Ipswich.qld.gov.au/floodrecovery