Kenilworth State Emergency Service

12/02/2026

Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding overnight and into tomorrow. A Flood Watch is also current for the Mary River.

Take care if you are driving around during the wet weather. Don't drive, walk or play in floodwaters. Keep an eye on Bureau of Meteorology warnings at

Warnings and alerts about significant weather events, to help save lives and property

01/10/2025

Hi Everyone,

A Local Fire Ban has been declared for SEQ, including the Sunshine Coast, from midnight tonight until the evening of Tuesday 7th October. All open fires are banned during this period and all fire permits are suspended. Please take care during this next dry, hot period.

https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/newsroom/articles/update-local-fire-ban-extended-include-additional-south-east-queensland-residents #:~:text=The%20local%20fire%20ban%20will,Gold%20Coast%20Local%20Government%20Areas.

07/03/2025

📣📣 ATTENTION 📣📣

The gates will be closed in 3 hours and will NOT be open tomorrow. If you need sand bags please go NOW, as this will be your last chance.

06/03/2025

Evening everyone. Gates are now closed for the night, they will reopen for sandbags tomorrow morning at 7.30am. thank you.

05/03/2025

If you require sand bags, the gates are open, help yourself.

04/03/2025

The gates are now closed and will reopen tomorrow from 6 AM to 6 PM for our DIY sandbagging efforts in preparation for Cyclone Alfred.

For those coming to fill sandbags, we have information sheets available with tips on how to properly place them at home. Here’s an important tip:

✅ Fill sandbags only 2/3 full – this allows them to mold into place more effectively and prevents gaps in your flood barrier.

Other key sandbagging tips:
✔️ Stack bags like brickwork – stagger the layers to avoid weak points.
✔️ Tuck the top of each bag under – this helps create a tighter seal.
✔️ Lay bags flat and compact them down – don't overfill or pile them too high.
✔️ Place a plastic sheet under the bags if possible – this helps slow water seepage.

Stay safe and plan ahead.

03/03/2025

If you require sand bags, the Charles St gate is open at the Kenilworth SES Shed. Bags are there ready to be filled. Help yourself, but please be mindful of others, don't take more than you need.

🌊 How to Properly Sandbag Your Property Against Flooding 🌊
Floodwaters can rise quickly, but proper sandbagging can help protect your home. Follow these steps to create an effective barrier:
🔹 Step 1: Gather Supplies
Sandbags (filled ⅔ full with sand or soil or as much as you can safely lift)
Plastic sheeting (optional for extra waterproofing)
Gloves & shovel for safe handling
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Area
Clear debris & level the ground where the bags will go
Place plastic sheeting along doorways for added protection
🔹 Step 3: Lay the Sandbags
First layer: Lay bags in a staggered brick pattern, overlapping each slightly. Do not tie the sandbags – roll the top underneath the bag
Stacking: Tightly compact each layer & offset the seams
Tamping: Press bags down to eliminate gaps
🔹 Step 4: Secure the Barrier
If using plastic sheeting, extend it over the sandbags & weigh it down
Check for leaks & reinforce weak spots
⚠️ Important Tips
Never overfill bags—they should be flexible for stacking
Only use fresh, dry sandbags (wet bags lose effectiveness)
Focus on doorways & low-lying areas first
Stay safe & be prepared! 🚨💙
For more information visit: https://www.ses.qld.gov.au/diy-using-sandbags
please utilise your disaster dashboard: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards?fbclid=IwY2xjawIt5hRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYyfKZT9RacWDs3AbO8UPS7G3dit0k-2QMQf_Y13kp6fgnKsbjEoJigcvA_aem_W58yXn33XzzYjcZ_rU-f6A

03/03/2025

⚠️FLOODING AND HEAVY RAIN ON THE WAY
2.45pm Monday 3 March 2025

Sunshine Coast Council’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has escalated the Tropical Cyclone Alfred warning to STAND UP status and Council is advising residents to prepare now and brace for severe weather.

🌊Surf Life Saving QLD has closed all beaches in the region.

🟨 Sandbags
SES has opened up public pick-up point for sandbags from 8am to 8pm:
-Caloundra Depot, Ulm Street South, Caloundra.
-Lighthouse Rugby Club in Caloundra located at Lighthouse Park 81 Arthur Street, Caloundra.
-Maroochydore – Hinterland Lawn Bowls Club – Corner of Elizabeth Daniels Way & Syd Lingard Drive, Buderim
-Coolum Depot – 27 Elizabeth Street, Coolum Beach
-Nambour SES Depot – 38-70 Woombye Palmwoods Road, Woombye
You can collect them or you can fill sandbags yourself.

❗Stay up-to-date with the latest warnings and advice from authorities. Visit Disaster Hub: https://brnw.ch/21wR3Jr

⛈️Potential Impacts:
• Very strong winds could knock down trees, powerlines and blow away unsecured items.
• Power, phones, internet and water may stop working.
• Heavy rain and storm surge may cause flooding.
• Roads may be blocked by fallen trees, powerlines or flood water.

⛔Due to TC Alfred, a number of Council-owned venues are closed until further notice, including:
• Kings Beach Ocean Pool
• Environmental Centres:
• Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
• Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens
• Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary
• Sugar Bag Recreation Park’s mountain bike trails

⚠️Preparation tips:
•Check or make an emergency kit with essentials.
•Make sure friends, family and neighbours know about the cyclone and help them if you can.
•If you have special or medical needs, ensure you have enough medicine and plan for power outages.
•Put away or tie down outside items like furniture, gas bottles, and play equipment.
•Canal residents should secure all items and boats - check your anchorage and stay off your vessels.

📲For more information:
• Follow our local council disaster dashboard here https://brnw.ch/21wR3Js
• Listen to your local ABC radio 90.3
• For power outage information go to https://brnw.ch/21wR3Jt.
• Check the latest weather, warnings, rainfall, and river heights at the Bureau of Meteorology Queensland website.
• Check road closures at the QLD Traffic website or for phone service call 13 19 40.
• Check disruptions to public transport at the Translink website.

20/12/2024

A 77-year-old man was located alive in the Burrum River area this morning after he went missing on December 16.

He was located in bushland following extensive search and rescue efforts supported by the public, State Emergency Service (SES) personnel, local police officers and specialist police, and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

The area was difficult to access via vehicle so was carried out for 3km on a stretcher by ADF personnel and treated by Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics.

https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/maryborough/2024/12/20/man-found-after-days-in-bushland-a-christmas-miracle/