As Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to approach, we have received further critical updates regarding Brisbane Airport, Cargo Terminal Operators (CTOs), port terminals, and regulatory services.

Key Updates

  • Brisbane Airport: The last flight is expected to depart at 4 PM local time today (Thursday, 6 March).
  • Port Terminals: Due to the cyclone’s delayed landfall, most terminals will remain closed over the weekend and are now expected to reopen on Monday, 10 March 2025.

Brisbane Airport & Cargo Terminal Operator (CTO) Updates

  • Brisbane Airport:
    • Still open but will cease operations following the last scheduled flight at 4 PM today, 6 March.
    • Further updates will follow as the situation develops.
  • CTO Updates:
    • Qantas Freight:
      • Qantas flights suspended from mid-afternoon, Jetstar from midday 6 March until at least midday 7 March.
      • Coolangatta Terminal closed, expected to reopen 10 March 2025.
      • Brisbane Terminal closed from midday 6 March to midday 8 March 2025.
      • Only priority and must-ride freight will be uplifted until 10 March.
    • dnata & Menzies Aviation:
      • Operations will continue unless directed otherwise by airport authorities.

Brisbane Port & Terminal Updates

  • Vessel Movements:
    • All inbound and outbound movements remain suspended.
    • Tug operations ceased from midday 6 March and will remain on emergency standby.
  • Terminal Closures:
    • Patrick: Imports closed. Updates expected later today, with possible weekend reopening if conditions allow.
    • DP World: Imports closed, now expected to resume Monday, 10 March 2025, at 07:00.
    • Hutchison Ports: Imports closed, resuming Monday, 10 March 2025, if safe to do so.
    • AAT: Imports closed, resuming Monday, 10 March 2025, if safe to do so.
  • Empty Container Parks:
    • Several parks remain closed due to safety concerns. Customers should check with providers for alternative arrangements.
  • Port of Brisbane Access:
    • No changes to landside access, but businesses must implement severe weather preparedness plans.

Regulatory & Government Agency Updates

  • DAFF Advisory – Inspection & Biosecurity Services
    • Priority given to urgent biosecurity inspections (e.g., perishable goods).
    • Non-urgent inspections may experience delays post-cyclone.
    • Import document processing continues as normal.
    • Hotline (1800 900 090) remains operational.
  • National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) Preparedness Meeting
    • Shipping & Transport Disruptions:
      • Queensland coastal ferry services paused.
      • Port reopening delays likely.
    • Aviation Disruptions:
      • Flights suspended at multiple airports (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Ballina).
    • Road & Rail Closures:
      • Major flooding expected in key freight corridors.
      • Queensland Rail ceasing operations once the cyclone nears.
    • Supermarket & Fuel Supply Concerns:
      • Stockpiling of essential goods.
      • Fuel supply concerns for emergency vehicles and generators.
    • Power & Telecommunications:
      • Widespread outages expected.
      • Emergency generators deployed for critical infrastructure.
    • Flooding & Emergency Planning:
      • High flood risk for Brisbane River, Wilsons River, Richmond River (Lismore).
      • ADF mobilized for flood recovery efforts.

Next Steps & Recommendations

  • Terminal operations are now expected to resume on Monday, 10 March 2025, subject to weather conditions.
  • We will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to your local representative.