Queensland begins recovery as Cyclone Alfred leaves trail of destruction

Brisbane, March 13 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Queensland is gradually emerging from the devastation caused by Cyclone Alfred, which battered the state with torrential rain, strong winds, and dangerous storm surges. Recovery efforts are underway, with some beaches reopening, infrastructure repairs beginning, and authorities assessing environmental damage.
Beaches reopen as clean-up efforts continue
After days of closures, Greenmount, Coolangatta, and Burleigh beaches on the Gold Coast have been deemed safe and reopened to the public. Mayor Tom Tate told The Courier-Mail that the goal is to have 80% of beaches accessible before the Easter holidays, provided conditions remain stable. Sand replenishment operations have already begun, with 190 truckloads of sand transported to Surfers Paradise, and more expected for Main Beach.
Despite these efforts, authorities have urged residents to stay cautious. Sections of dunes remain unstable, and visitors are advised against tunneling into embankments or accessing eroded areas.
Bribie Island faces erosion and environmental concerns
On Bribie Island, the cyclone has caused severe coastal erosion, with waves carving into previously forested areas. Local business owners, such as David Granville of Caloundra Fishing World, expressed concern to The Courier-Mail that the island’s diminishing landmass could leave Golden Beach more vulnerable to extreme weather in the future.
Granville also noted that offshore fishing has become challenging due to debris and rough conditions, though the influx of clean ocean water could improve inshore fishing in the coming weeks. Residents are calling for intervention to prevent further damage, with suggestions ranging from sand replenishment to structural reinforcements along the shoreline.
Emergency response and public safety measures
Emergency services have been working around the clock to support communities affected by the cyclone. According to Queensland Police, more than 724,000 sandbags have been deployed across South East Queensland to help manage flood risks.
The storm also led to significant disruptions in public events. As Wikipedia reported, major sporting events such as the Australian WPGA Championship and Mooloolaba Triathlon were canceled. Additionally, AFL and NRL matches had to be rescheduled or relocated, and a Green Day concert at Cbus Super Stadium on March 5 was canceled due to safety concerns.
Looking ahead: Infrastructure and preparedness
In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, the federal government has announced a $1 billion investment in a new rail project in Western Sydney, aiming to bolster infrastructure and disaster resilience. As The Guardian noted, discussions are ongoing about improving disaster response strategies, with experts emphasizing the importance of education and preparedness.
As Queensland works to rebuild, authorities stress the need for patience and caution. While progress is being made, the full recovery process will take time. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow safety guidelines as they navigate the aftermath of one of the most intense storms in recent years.