Environmental (Commonwealth Union)_ Valerie Thompson is finally heading back home to Brunswick Heads after taking refuge from the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The 52-year-old, who resides in a low-lying area just north of Byron Bay, made the wise decision to evacuate early. The looming threat of the cyclone was a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis, one that has turned once-unthinkable weather events into nightmarish realities for many.
The fear of a cyclone devastating southeast Queensland had long haunted Australia’s insurance industry. The same companies that quoted Thompson a staggering $30,000 annually to insure her home seemed to acknowledge the severity of the threat. If they took it seriously, why wouldn’t she?
Taking precautionary measures, Thompson secured her property, relocated essential belongings to higher ground, and gathered her 18-year-old daughter, their pet guinea pig, and vital supplies. Piling into her bright red Suzuki Swift, she drove north to her sister’s house—a solid, bunker-like structure that offered safety despite being in the cyclone’s potential path. Some may question her choice, but experience has taught Thompson and her community that leaving early often saves lives.
Thompson reflects on the 2017 flood, an event that finally brought their tucked-away neighborhood to the attention of the State Emergency Service. Before that, the residents had to rely on themselves, acquiring valuable lessons in self-sufficiency. However, the flood of 2022 marked a pivotal moment when water infiltrated her daughter’s bedroom, the highest point in their home, leaving the family shaken and determined to never underestimate natural disasters again.
In the aftermath, residents banded together, forming a WhatsApp group to stay connected and coordinate responses. This sense of community became essential when Cyclone Alfred threatened once more. Positive peer pressure within the group encouraged even the most skeptical neighbors to act swiftly and cautiously.
Now, from the safety of her sister’s bunker, Thompson watches the cyclone’s impact unfold with relief, grateful that everyone she knows is unharmed. Similar stories of preparedness and community support echo throughout the northern rivers region, according to Bec McNaught from the South Golden Beach Community Resilience Team. Her group, part of a network of officially recognized resilience teams, has been instrumental in sharing critical information during the crisis.
Though Alfred’s impact wasn’t as severe as feared, it served as a valuable trial for future emergencies. Many still carry the scars of the 2022 flood, and the cyclone’s threat reignited old anxieties. For those who have just completed repairs, like one woman whose house was freshly painted only last week, the experience was both exhausting and triggering.
Even as the cyclone threat fades, challenges persist. Heavy rains continue, raising the risk of flash flooding and falling trees. Thousands remain without power, and telecommunications are still down for many. Lismore, a city devastated in 2022, only recently saw its evacuation order lifted, but residents remain on high alert, prepared for days without basic services.
Amid the disruption, essentials like ice have become prized commodities. With the highway reopening and power restoration slowly progressing, supply runs resumed on Sunday morning, much to the relief of locals like Mandy Eddie. The 70-something grandmother, staying with her daughter’s family in Binna Burra, had been preparing to clear out spoiled food when five bags of ice arrived, a small victory amid the chaos.
As communities rally together once more, Eddie hopes for more substantial efforts from the government to improve the resilience of vital infrastructure. Investing in renewable energy and bolstering telecommunications could significantly impact future crises. As she puts it, ignoring the realities of climate change is akin to ignoring reality.
Cyclone Alfred’s wake leaves behind not only physical damage but a renewed call for action. The community’s spirit and determination to adapt are undeniable, but so is the need for systemic change.
