New sand bagging machines join flood defence
Two new sandbagging machines, capable of producing 600 sandbags per hour, are set to become a vital asset in the Douglas Shire’s storm readiness efforts.
Believed to be the first of their kind in the Cairns region, the $40,000 (EACH) machines will be operated by the State Emergency Service (SES) and specially-trained Douglas Shire Council officers.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the new equipment will be a game changer when the community is preparing for forecast flooding.
“Filling sandbags can be back-breaking and time-consuming work and in the lead-up to a severe weather event we all want sandbags as quickly as possible,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“These machines will help ease some of the stress our community experiences, especially when time is limited and the need for storm preparedness is urgent.”
The investment, led by Council’s Disaster Management Unit, underscores a commitment to enhance disaster response capabilities and ensuring the safety and resilience of residents.
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