Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has sent a firm warning to the local spectators ignoring orders not to enter danger zones while Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashes on the coastline.
The centre of Alfred is expected to cross the coast early Saturday morning, currently approaching the east coast at just 6km/h.
Overnight the weather system caused heavy rainfall and brought damaging winds over south-east Queensland.
Massive waves churned up on the Gold Coast ahead of the cyclone approaching with authorities warning people to stay away from the monster swells.
Several regions in Queensland have been told to prepare on the state government’s disaster website. Locals have especially been advised to avoid beaches and surfing due to the cyclone bringing in abnormally high tides.
Many beaches from Sunshine Coast down to the Gold Coast have been closed, but it did not stop die-hard surfers from taking on the wild waters with their boards.
Footage also showed children and adults jumping into the sea foam and white water at Currumbin with some kids wiped out by the waves.
The Gold Coast City Council has now confirmed locals’ “reckless actions” will result in fines of up to $16,000 as emergency services double down on rescue efforts.
Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates told ABC News the fines were part of “an effort to keep people who are a little bit stupid safe”.
“I’m staggered that people would be so stupid,” Cr Gates said.
“It just makes no sense that people would be doing that at this time.”
Mr Crisafulli delivered the same sentiments claiming those who ignore the advice of authorities are not just placing themselves in danger but the lives of emergency workers too.
“You’re not just endangering yourself, but you’ve got emergency services workers who want to be going to help people and advise people and give them information,” he said.
“You’re putting them in harm’s way, too, and they’ve got families as well.”
The Premier said the “vast majority” of people did the responsible thing, aside from some “idiots” and the goal was to protect people.
“I don’t want to have to bark orders at people,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference to provide an update to residents, Mr Crisafulli said there will be four challenges to face head on – waves, winds, the rain and flooding.
“Queenslanders will experience different impacts from that at different times,” he said.
The Premier pointed to the damaging winds of between 100km/h to 115km/h from Moreton Island down to Cape Byron in New South Wales.
“That is expected to increase in the hours ahead. As the system moves towards the coast, some of those increased winds will be felt in Brisbane and to the north but obviously those islands will be the first to experience that,” Mr Crisafulli said.
The BoM will provide hourly updates on Alfred.
