If you have cargo to be imported or exported through Townsville this week, you should anticipate disruptions and delays. Both the port and airport are expected to be impacted by Cyclone Kirrily, which is forecast to be on a direct course for the city bringing dangerous winds, possible flooding and life threatening conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology has said gales with gusts of up to 120 km/h may develop about the Whitsunday Islands from as early as Wednesday morning. Townsville is looking at up to 120mm of rain on Thursday.
Port of Townsville is continuing preparations for the developing cyclone off the Queensland coast. At this time, the Port remains fully operational, with Tuesday’s 8am arrival of cruise ship Seven Seas Explorer to continue as planned. However, German cruise ship Vasco Da Gama has cancelled its scheduled visit on Wednesday in anticipation of deteriorating weather.
A statement posted by the Port of Townsville on their website says that current cyclone preparations being conducted there include:
- Minimising cargo on berths and laydown area
- Removing cargo and equipment from tidal surge or flood prone areas
- Implementing tie-down plans, securing buildings and clearing debris; and
- Preparing to implement the Cyclone Evacuation Plan should it be required.
Port of Townsville General Manager Customer, Operations and Safety, Drew Penny said the Port was well prepared for wild weather should it eventuate over the coming days.
“The Port of Townsville begins its cyclone preparedness on 1 November each year and many of the preparations we undertook ahead of Cyclone Jasper in December remain in place,” said Mr Penny.
“We will continue to take advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and Maritime Safety Queensland, and take the appropriate precautions for ensuring the safety of all port workers and visiting seafarers as the weather system approaches.
See our report from last month: Ports & Airports Brace for Cyclone Jasper.
The Port of Townsville continues to follow advice from Bureau of Meteorology, Townsville Local Disaster Management Group and the Regional Harbour Master.
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