Campers warned to leave K’gari, Inskip as Tropical Cyclone Alfred floods beach tracks

Videos showing much of Inskip underwater and debris strewn across the Fraser and Cooloola Coast’s beaches have emerged as the mayor overseeing the towns most at risk issues a new warning.

A wild video showing beach tracks vanishing under the surf has led to campers evacuating Inskip Pt as fresh warnings emerge for the Wide Bay and Sunshine Coast on Saturday.

It comes after an earlier warning for campers to clear out from K’gari (Fraser Island) and the Cooloola Coast on Friday was met with mixed reaction from holiday makers and seasoned locals.

The video, taken at Inskip by David Bermingham and posted to the Words Out Rainbow Beach community page, shows water levels rising on vital beach tracks for campers and day-trippers.

On the Fraser Coast, Mayor George Seymour confirmed he had spoken with the Premier on Saturday about the next best steps for the region.

“Right now, the concern is about wind, heavy surf, and erosion - particularly on the eastern shore of K’gari but also elsewhere such as Poona and Boonooroo,” Mr Seymour said.

“We are watching the cyclone track very closely for possible issues later in the week, such as rainfall in the Mary River catchment.”

A warning on the council’s website has told residents between Burrum Heads and Inskip Pt to “prepare now” for the cyclone as it moves south-west offshore of the Wide Bay region.

Pictures and video from Tracey Joynson highlight the high tides Hervey Bay has experienced so far, with debris scattered along the beach in Pialba.

Waves could also be seen crashing over the break wall at Urangan on Saturday morning and the popular Hervey Bay Parkrun was cancelled due to the dangerous conditions on the Esplanade path.

Debris on the Hervey Bay beachfront. PHOTO: Tracey Joynson

The Fraser Coast SES unit posted on Facebook advising residents living in low-lying areas could collect sandbags from the Tavistock St sporting grounds in Hervey Bay.

On Friday campers were “strongly advised” to leave K’gari, Inskip and Cooloola camping areas as Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensified.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is not accepting camping bookings in the protected areas, with refunds available for those who have already booked.

While Tropical Cyclone Alfred has not made landfall, K’gari and Inskip have experienced significant coastal erosion due to worsening weather conditions, the Department of Environment and Science said.

Increased rainfall and strong gale force winds are expected to impact the region over the weekend.

A land slip at Inskip Point. FILE PHOTO

“The safety of campers in our national parks is our top priority and we will visit reopening camping bookings when it is safe to do so,’’ a statement from the department said.

 “We urge those leaving camping areas to drive safely, stay off the dunes and follow the instructions of QPWS rangers and emergency services.”

Surfers and swimmers crunched in big waves off Mooloolaba

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It comes after a Sunshine Coast community group raised concerns that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could have a devastating impact on the northern tip of Bribie after water was seen gushing over the island.

Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Body members took Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton to the northern section of Bribie Island on Thursday amid fears a part of the island could break through as a result of severe weather generated by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The northern tip of Bribie Island was broken into two in January 2022 after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth, and then a king tide, generated waves that smashed through the landmass to create two separate islands.

Already, surfers and swimmers on the Sunshine Coast have been pummelled by huge dumping waves.

Originally published as Campers warned to leave K’gari, Inskip as Tropical Cyclone Alfred floods beach tracks