Residents preparing for flooding across Brisbane and Moreton Bay have different sandbag collection arrangements depending on where they live, with five established collection points in Brisbane and emergency-activated stations across Moreton Bay.
Following heavy rainfall on Thursday, 22 October, Brisbane City Council’s five permanent storm-season collection points remained covered by its published 24-hour arrangements. City of Moreton Bay, meanwhile, operates temporary self-service stations that must be activated before residents can collect sandbags.
Brisbane’s five sandbag collection points
Brisbane City Council provides pre-filled sandbags from five depots throughout the October-to-March storm season. Its published arrangements specify collection 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the following locations:
- Darra: South Depot, 38 Shamrock Road
- Lota: Depot, 58 Herbert Street
- Morningside: Balmoral Depot, 9 Redfern Street
- Newmarket: SES Depot, 66 Wilston Road
- Zillmere: North Depot, 33 Jennings Street
The collection points are part of the council’s established storm-season service rather than temporary locations opened solely in response to Thursday’s rainfall. Individual stock levels have not been confirmed, and residents should check official updates before travelling.
Additional self-service stations may be established across Brisbane during significant severe weather. No extra location was independently verified during this review.
Moreton Bay stations require activation
City of Moreton Bay operates free sandbag collection stations when significant rainfall or potential flooding is forecast. Its published register identifies 13 sites across the region, although their operating status can change during severe weather.
The following locations are among those designated for emergency activation:
- Caboolture: Council Depot Car Park, 98 Beerburrum Road
- Narangba: 910 Oakey Flat Road, between Raynbird Road and Sovereign Drive
- Deception Bay: SES, 2–22 Old Bay Road
- Petrie: 3 Woonara Drive
- Arana Hills: SES, 2 Pine Hills Drive, off Jinker Track
- Margate: Jull Street, opposite the council depot
- Bongaree: Bribie Island SES, 208 First Avenue
- Beachmere: Rogers Street Sports Ground, 57 Rogers Street
Other designated locations are in Dayboro, Elimbah, Toorbul and Woodford, which has two collection sites.
The council’s indexed station register displayed all 13 locations as closed during this research. However, its live dashboard map could not be independently checked, so the current operating status of individual sites remains unconfirmed.
Residents should consult the Moreton Bay Disaster Dashboard before leaving home. Operating locations are identified by green shovel icons, while activated stations are generally available around the clock until supplies run out.
What residents need to bring
Brisbane’s regular collection points provide pre-filled sandbags. Moreton Bay’s activated stations operate differently, with residents required to fill their own bags using sand supplied by the council.
Moreton Bay advises bringing a shovel, gloves, enclosed shoes, string or zip-ties, and spare empty bags. Council provides polypropylene bags when available, but supplies may run out.
Sandbags should be filled no more than two-thirds full to make them easier to carry and position. Queensland SES advises leaving the tops untied when laying the bags, although they may be secured for transport. Collection limits and assistance arrangements at individual stations have not been independently confirmed.
Heavy rainfall and flood safety
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded intense rainfall around Caboolture, Morayfield and Burpengary on Thursday morning.
A warning issued at 7:02 a.m. reported 131 millimetres at Caboolture, 128 millimetres at Sheep Station Creek in Morayfield and 127 millimetres at Burpengary during three-hour periods ending at 6:45 a.m. Those figures describe morning observations, not rainfall totals for the entire day.
Sandbags can reduce water entering buildings but cannot completely prevent flooding. Residents should place them where water may enter, using plastic sheeting beneath staggered rows, while keeping at least one exit accessible.
Never walk or drive through floodwater to collect supplies. For storm or flood assistance, contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500. Call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening emergencies.
Current warnings, local road closures and sandbag activation information are available through the Brisbane and Moreton Bay emergency dashboards.
Published 22-Oct-2026
