Power outages have plunged over a quarter of a million properties into darkness across Queensland, with severe disruptions impacting residents and businesses alike. Data from electricity providers Energex, Essential Energy, and Ergon reveal the scale of the outages, which have left 250,000 properties without power. The Gold Coast, Redlands, and Brisbane are among the most affected areas.
On the Gold Coast, 119,000 homes have been impacted, while in Redlands, 43,000 homes are currently without power. Brisbane is also facing significant outages, with 30,000 homes experiencing power cuts. The widespread loss of electricity has prompted a concerted response from authorities to restore power as swiftly as possible.
Broadcasting Emergency Alerts
In light of the extensive outages, ABC Emergency has initiated regular broadcasts to keep residents informed. These updates will be available on ABC Radio across several channels to ensure maximum reach. Notably, Brisbane's 612 AM and Digital Radio services are affected, as well as the Gold Coast's 91.7 FM and Digital Radio.
The Sunshine Coast listeners can tune into 90.3 FM or 95.3 FM for updates, while residents in Lismore, Tweed, and surrounding areas can access information on 94.5 FM. Grafton and nearby regions will receive updates on 738 AM, whereas Coffs Harbour and the Mid-North Coast can rely on 92.3 FM and 684 AM. In Port Macquarie, listeners can tune into 95.5 FM, and those in Taree can access information via 756 AM. The ABC Listen App also provides these stations for broader access.
Coordinated Efforts in Response
Efforts to manage the outages involve coordinated actions between electricity providers and emergency services. Energex, Essential Energy, and Ergon are actively working to identify the causes of the outages and restore power to affected regions as efficiently as possible. The priority is to address critical areas first while ensuring safety protocols are rigorously followed.
Authorities advise residents to stay informed through official channels and exercise caution during this period. The ongoing situation underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural challenges. Residents are encouraged to use battery-powered radios or mobile devices with the ABC Listen App to stay updated on developments.
The Path to Restoration
The electricity distribution network providers have mobilized crews to assess damage and implement necessary repairs. While efforts are underway to restore electricity, it remains crucial for communities to remain vigilant and patient. The scale of the outages presents challenges that require time and careful management to resolve fully.
