Moreton Bay Opens Sandbag Stations as Severe Weather Threat Looms

Communities across Moreton Bay are on alert as crews deploy emergency sandbag stations ahead of severe weather expected to affect the region. The move aims to help residents reduce the risk of floodwater entering their properties, as authorities warn heavy rain and storms could cause flash flooding and rising waterways across vulnerable suburbs.

Severe weather warnings and flood watches have been issued for parts of South East Queensland, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning heavy rainfall could impact catchments, including local creeks and rivers, in the coming days. The agency also warns of minor to moderate flooding from Friday and through the weekend, with rapid river rises and isolated major flooding possible where the heaviest rain falls.  

‘If it’s flooded, forget it’

From Friday afternoon, 13 February, Mayor Peter Flannery urged households to take simple steps that can make a big difference if storms hit hard: clear gutters, clean up yards, pack an emergency kit, check insurance and prepare a household emergency plan. He also encouraged residents to download a flood check property report to better understand their local risk.

His main message was short and direct: “If it’s flooded, forget it.” The warning comes as crews monitor low-lying areas and roads that can become dangerous quickly during intense downpours.

Sandbags: where to go and what to bring

The City of Moreton Bay confirmed sandbag stations are now operating at multiple locations.

• Arana Hills SES — 2 Pine Hills Drive (off Jinker Track)
• Beachmere — Rogers Street Sports Ground
• Bribie Island SES — 208–224 First Ave.
• Caboolture Council Depot — corner of Commercial Drive and Machinery Parade
• **Deception Bay Council De Bay Road
• Elimbah — Coronation Drive (opposite the church in the median strip)
• Narangba — Oakey Flat Road (between the Raynbird Road and Sovereign Drive roundabouts)
• Petrie SES — 3 Woonara Drive
• Woodford Depot — 20 Durundur St., Woodford
• Woodford Memorial Hall (rear car park) — 103 Archer St.
• Dayboro Depot — 73 Bradley St.
• Margate Depot — Jull St.
• Toorbul and Donnybrook Seniors Club — 1798 Pumicestone Road

Residents can check live updates through the City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard, which also provides road closure updates and weather alerts.

Council officials are reminding residents that while sandbags can help limit water entering homes, they do not completely stop flooding. People attending collection points are asked to bring their own shovels, as bags must be filled on-site.

Authorities are also encouraging residents to sign up for MoretonAlert, a free warning system that sends SMS, phone and email alerts based on a resident’s local address. The service is designed to give early notice about severe weather, flooding risks and emergency situations.

For residents who cannot collect sandbags themselves due to age, illness or physical limitations, assistance may be available through the State Emergency Service by calling 132 500.

SES on standby

Council said its roads and drainage teams, along with the SES, are on standby. The council’s Local Disaster Management Group has also been put on alert as the weather system develops. Residents can track road closures and official updates on the City of Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard.

In addition to sandbag distribution, council-operated places of refuge have opened at several library locations across the region. These locations provide safe shelter options if conditions worsen.

• Burpengary Library — 121 Station Road, Burpengary
• Deception Bay Library — 9 Bayview Terrace
• Redcliffe Library — 476 Oxley Ave.
• Albany Creek Library — 16 Ferguson St.
• Bribie Island Library — 1 Welsby Parade, Bongaree
• Arana Hills Library — 63 Cobbity Cres.
• Woodford Library — 1 Elizabeth St.
• Caboolture Hub Library — 4 Hasking St.
• North Lakes Library — 10 The Corso

Emergency services are urging residents to stay informed, monitor weather warnings and prepare emergency plans, particularly those living in flood-prone areas or near waterways. Residents can also track official warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology website for updated forecasts and storm alerts.

Published 13-Feb-2026