Get Ready QLD Week and Free Dry Waste Disposal Weekends

This week marks Get Ready Queensland Week (8–13 October), and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming storm and cyclone season.

To help residents get ready, Council is offering free dry waste disposal (domestic quantities up to 4m³) at the four main waste transfer stations in Cardwell, Innisfail, Mission Beach, and Tully on the weekends of 18-21 October and 8-11 November 2024.

Mayor Teresa Millwood highlighted importance of early preparation:
“Our community has faced many natural disasters, and many are still recovering from last December's floods. Storm season can bring severe weather at any time, so it’s essential to prepare now to protect your family, home, and business.”

As part of Get Ready Queensland Week, residents are encouraged to:

Understand their risk: Cassowary Coast is prone to floods, cyclones, and storms during monsoon season. To view property flood mapping on the Cassowary Coast visit: discover.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au

Make a plan: Having a severe weather plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do during extreme weather events.

Pack a kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items.

The free domestic dry waste disposal on the weekends of 18-21 October and 8-11 November will help residents dispose of items that could become hazardous during a cyclone. Disposal will be available at the following waste transfer stations:

• Mission Beach
• Innisfail (Stoters Hill)
• Tully
• Cardwell

For waste transfer station locations and details, visit cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/transfer-stations.

Please note, wet waste and other excluded items will still incur charges. However, green waste and recyclable items can be disposed of for free year-round. For full details on charges and exclusions, visit the Council website.

Mayor Millwood also reminded residents to secure loose items in backyards and remove furniture from beaches and foreshore areas to prevent hazards.

“Once a severe weather event starts, it’s too late to act,” she warned.

Stay up to date on weather, road closures, and recovery information by visiting the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard online at disaster.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

• DOMESTIC quantities greater than 4.0m3 will be charged at the commercial fee.
• COMMERCIAL and Domestic (excluding domestic allowance) fees include a waste levy plus GST