Hundreds of people affected in power outage after landslide in Springbrook

Three teens have had a lucky escape after being thrown from their boat amid heavy downpours, while a major clean-up operation is underway across the Gold Coast. LATEST UPDATES

THREE teenage boys have had a lucky escape after being thrown from their boat amid heavy downpours on the Gold Coast.

One of the trio suffered a head injury while all three were treated for mild hypothermia after the dramatic incident which happened at about 8.30am.

The teens were helped by people on a passing vessel who then alerted Volunteer Marine Rescue crews at Jacob’s Well.

Queensland Ambulance Service Senior Operations Supervisor Adam Flory said paramedics treated the teenagers after they were brought ashore about 9.30am.

“Just before 8.30 this morning three teenagers in their late teens were going to travel in a vessel off Pandanus Island here in the Gold Coast Broadwater. They’ve gone over a wave and capsized the boat,” Mr Flory said.

“A passing vessel has come to their aid and have contacted the Jacob’s Well Volunteer Marine Rescue, who have then gone and retrieved the persons.

“At 9.30 today Queensland Ambulance Service received a call from Volunteer Marine Rescue in regards to the incident.

“We responded with critical care paramedics and critical care paramedics and have treated three persons.

“Of those three persons we have transported one male to Gold Coast University Hospital with a head injury and two other males were release from scene with minimal injuries.”

Mr Flory appealed to people to take care on the water and be mindful of conditions before setting out.

“People need to understand if it’s poor weather on land it’s going to be just as bad on the ocean,” he said.

“People need to take a bit more care and be mindful of the weather conditions before you go out.”

HUNDREDS WITHOUT POWER

A power outage in the Springbrook area affected hundreds of people after a landslide damaged powerlines.

Energex spokesman Danny Donald said a landslide on Pine Creek Road had damaged at least one powerline, preventing electricity supply to around 450 clients for a number of hours.

“At this stage, customers are going to be without power until we can get crews in there to make repairs,” Mr Donald said earlier.

Workmen work quickly to repair a wash-out on Maudsland Rd, Maudsland on Friday. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“Whether that’s four hours or a day will all be dependent on when we can get crews in there.”

Power was restored to most customers at about 11.30am.

A Transport and Main Road spokesperson said emergency works were underway to repair damage to roads in the area impacted by the landslides.

“Emergency works are underway on Gold Coast hinterland roads to repair damage caused by heavy rainfall overnight,” the spokesperson said.

“Pine Creek Road has been closed since 2am after becoming unsafe for public access.

“The area received more than five times the expected rainfall, including 120mm recorded in one hour.

Campers at the Big4 on Siganto Drive in Helensvale had to be evactuated after heavy rain and flash flooding hit the area. Picture: 9 News

“Emergency works will remove the debris and restore some access.

“A single lane is expected to reopen under traffic control by the end of the day, weather permitting.

“Pine Creek Road is the only access to Springbrook, as Gold Coast-Springbrook remains closed due to previous landslips.

“Maudsland Road is also currently closed due to road damage, with a detour in place.”

Pine Creek Road, Springbrook has been closed after a landslide overnight left the road damaged and littered with debris. The landslide has also damaged Energex equipment, leaving more than 400 people without power. Picture: Department of Transport and Main Roads

The Springbrook landslide came after heavy downpours on the Gold Coast overnight, with 312mm recorded at Upper Springbrook.

People had to be rescued by fire crews overnight at Helensvale, Oxenford, and Mudgeeraba as flash flooding took place, while tents belonging to campers at the Big4 on Siganto Drive in Helensvale were inundated.

Seqwater reported that the Hinze Dam is at 104.5% capacity and spilling excess water.

“Avoid potential hazards downstream of the dams such as fast flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains,” they said.

“These hazards potentially threaten the safety of you and your property.”

DEPUTY MAYOR URGES VIGILANCE

Conditions were expected to ease across the Gold Coast on Friday afternoon, but Acting Mayor Donna Gates urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant.

“Local creeks can still rise rapidly as the water from the hinterland makes its way towards the major river systems,’’ she said.

“I urge families to keep their children away from stormwater drains and creek banks. The beaches are closed today so it’s a day for the cinema or indoor activities.’’

Road Closure on Maudsland Rd, Maudsland. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Council opened sandbagging stations at three locations with signage in place on site to direct motorists.

The Bilinga and Burleigh Heads stations opened at 10am and Pimpama opened at 10.30am. The stations were to be open until 4pm.

City of Gold Coast has urged motorists to drive safely and to avoid driving if conditions worsen.

Council also announced that beaches across the city will remain closed all day Friday.

Stations are located at:

• 42-44 Boyd Street, Bilinga (use the service road, next to the City of Gold Coast Tugun Depot)

• 61 Hutchinson Street, Burleigh Heads, (Reedy Creek Waste and Recycling Centre)

• 232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama (next to City of Gold Coast Coomera Depot)