Power will be off at Stirlings Central this afternoon after a truck hit a power pole

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EG has been informed that Western Power are shutting down power to Stirlings Central in a few minutes and it will be off for the afternoon.

Staff at Stirlings Central said that a truck has hit a power pole, and emergency repairs are needed to be carried out. 

The Centre is not closing it's doors, though some retailers may not be able to operate without electricity. 

It's not clear what time at this stage power will be restored. 

Update 3pm: "Woollies sending customers out of the store because the back up power is not working."

Indian Ocean Drive closed following fatal accident

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​Everything Geraldton has been informed that about 4km of traffic is banked back heading northbound on Indian Ocean drive

​If you're heading to or from Perth, use Brand Hwy. 

Sent in earlier: "Major crash 60 kms out off wanneroo road, closed both directions. Truck and 4x4"

Fire near Brand Hwy, south of Eneaba

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Several community members have contacted us regarding a fire that is approaching the Brand Hwy south of Eneabba. 

The highway has been closed. Take the coast road or the Midlands rd. 

DFES are reporting that the cause of the fire is lightning. This photo was sent in earlier today by Becky. 

Becky just shared this brilliant lightning shot:
"On the way to Perth right now , 40k out of Badgingarra"

Total fire ban today

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 The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

Time of issue: 9.25am

Date of issue: 10 March 2016 

 

Total Fire Ban for Midwest Gascoyne for today

 

A Total Fire Ban has been declared for Thursday 10 March 2016 for parts of the Midwest Gascoyne.

This includes the local government districts of:

  • City of Greater Geraldton
  • Shire of Chapman Valley
  • Shire of Migenew
  • Shire of Morawa
  • Shire of Northampton

    On Thursday 10 March 2016 any activity that could start a fire is banned. 

     

    This means:

    • You must not light or use any fires in the open air
    • All open fires for the purpose of cooking or camping are not allowed 
    • Hot work such as metal work, grinding, welding, soldering, gas cutting or similar is not allowed unless you have an exemption
    • You must not undertake any other activities that may start a fire.

    If a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban has not been implemented by your local government you are able to harvest or move vehicles across paddocks for agricultural purposes.

     

    You could be fined up to $25,000 or jailed for 12 months or both if you ignore the Total Fire Ban.

     

    For information on activities that can or cannot be carried out during a Total Fire Ban visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/totalfirebans/Pages/TotalFireBanWhatCantIDo.aspx

     

    If the information you want is not available from the website, telephone the Total Fire Ban Information Line 1800 709 355.

     

    This information is also available by visiting www.dfes.wa.gov.au

    Part of Northgate Shops closed Wednesday.

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    ATTENTION

    Northgate will be closed tomorrow in certain areas due to urgent maintenance works. Entrance to the centre will be from the South Tower by Escape Travel / Liquorland.

    Northgate anticipates normal trade to resume as soon as practical.

    For all queries please contact Centre Management on (08) 9921 6975

    Northgate Shopping Centre staff have expressed their sincere apologies for the inconvenience.

    Tsunami WATCH issued by DFES

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    The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

    Time of issue: 9.50pm
    Date of issue: 2 March 2016

    Cancellation of tsunami WATCH for Western Australia

    ALERT LEVEL:

    The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has advised the tsunami watch for Western Australia is cancelled.

    TSUNAMI DETAILS:

    The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre has advised of an undersea earthquake of magnitude 7.9 which occurred at 8.49pm southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia.

    No tsunami waves have been observed that pose a threat to Western Australia.

    IMPORTANT NUMBERS

    • For the latest tsunami information visit www.bom.gov.au  or call 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 6264).

    KEEP UP TO DATE:

    Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

     

     

    Alert: Fire at Lucy's beach

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    Breaking: We've just had this sent in from a reader:

     "Fire McCarteny road Lucys Beach. Fire trucks are at the scene. Doesnt seem serious at this point in time but is still burning."

    The fire trucks don't have direct asscess to water and are having to go "to and fro."

    It seems the fire was a little too close for comfort as well.  

    Alert: Power pole damaged in Rundle Park at St Georges Beach

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    The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise of a damaged power pole in Rundle Park located at St Georges Beach, Bluff Point. 

    Western Power has attended the site. The electricity has been turned off to the park and reinstatement works have commenced. Works are expected to be completed by Tuesday 1 March 2016.

    During this outage, the park toilets, BBQs and lighting will not be functioning.  Park users are advised to take caution after dark. 

    The City apologises for the inconvenience caused.  The City would like to thank Western Power for their prompt action to make the area safe.

     

    Alert - Fire Indian Ocean Dr

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    This is on Indian Ocean Drive. They're turning traffic around, so take Brand if you're heading to or from Perth. 4:23pm

    Thanks Taryn for the heads up.

     

     - Update

    Indian Ocean Dr both directions from Lancelin Rd to Meadows Rd - CLOSED - bushfire.

    - Main Roads

    Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton

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    ALERT LEVEL:
    A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

    • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
    • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
    • The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South. 

    BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

    • The bushfire is contained but not yet controlled.
    • The bushfire is stationary.

    WHAT TO DO:

    • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
    • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
    • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
    • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
    • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

    IF DRIVING:

    • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
    • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
    • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
    • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
    • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

    ROAD CLOSURES:

    Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

    No roads are closed.

    Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

    WATER

    The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.

    Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.

    Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.

    Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.

    WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

    • 12 firefighters are on the scene.
    • Firefighters are monitoring the area. 

    EXTRA INFORMATION:

    • The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.
    • The fire has burnt approximately 800 hectares. 
    • The cause of the fire is unknown.
    • The City of Greater Geraldton is managing the fire.

    KEEP UP TO DATE:

    Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

    Fire Update: Water Shortage in Mullewa

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    *Please note a WATER section has been added.

    The following alert has been issued by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).

    Time of issue: 5.00pm
    Date of issue: 17 February 2016

    Bushfire ADVICE for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Greater Geraldton

    ALERT LEVEL:
    A bushfire ADVICE remains for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

    • There is no threat to lives or homes but there is a lot of smoke in the area.
    • Although there is no immediate danger you need to be aware and keep up to date in case the situation changes.
    • The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South.
    • Smoke is impacting Geraldton Mount Magnet Road. 

    BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR:

    • The fire has broken containment lines on the western side of the fire. 
    • The fire is moving fast in a north easterly direction.
    • The bushfire is out of control and unpredictable. 

    WHAT TO DO:

    • Stay alert and monitor your surroundings.
    • Watch for signs of a bushfire, especially smoke and flames.
    • Close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.
    • Read through your bushfire survival plan.
    • If you do not have a plan decide what you will do if the situation gets worse.

    IF DRIVING:

    • Be extremely careful when driving through the area.
    • Turn your headlights on and drive slowly.
    • Watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions.
    • If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears.
    • If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.

    ROAD CLOSURES:

    Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

    The Geraldton Mount Magnet Road is closed between Moonyoonooka Yuna Road and Mingenew Mullewa Road.

    Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

     

    WATER

    The fire has caused a power outage to Water Corporation’s borefield, which supplies drinking water to Mullewa.

    Power has now been restored but the tanks that supply drinking water to the town are now low.

    Mullewa residents are encouraged to be careful of their non-essential water use over the next 48 hours.

    Please avoid using water outside the home on gardens, and try to conserve water indoors if possible.

    WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

    • 25 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.
    • Firefighters are building and strengthening containment lines. 


    EXTRA INFORMATION:

    • The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.
    • The fire has burnt approximately 800 hectares. 
    • The cause of the fire is unknown.
    • The City of Geraldton is managing the fire.

    KEEP UP TO DATE:

    Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa or listen to news bulletins.

    The next update will be provided by 11am tomorrow, unless the situation changes.

    END

    Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications on 9225 5955.

    Bushfire WARNING: Watch and Act - Eradu South in City of Geraldton

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    Bushfire WATCH AND ACT for for the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton

    Tuesday 16 February 2016 - 4:48 PM

    *Please note this alert has been upgraded. 

     

    A bushfire WATCH AND ACT has been issued for people near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in the northern part of Eradu South in the City of Geraldton.

     

    •    The alert level for this fire has been upgraded  fire behaviour is unpredictable due to a wind change.

    •    There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

    •    You need to leave or get ready to actively defend. 

    •    The fire is burning in bushland near Geraldton Mount Magnet Road, the closest intersection is Eradu Road South.

     

    BUSHFIRE BEHAVIOUR: 

    •    The bushfire is moving in a south westerly direction.

    •    it is out of control and unpredictable.

    •    Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up ahead of the fire. 

     

    WHAT TO DO:

    •    If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

    •    There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible. 

    •    If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now. 

    •    Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

    •    If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

     

    SAFER PLACE: 

    •    Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

     

    ROAD CLOSURES:

    Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site

    A number of roads have been closed including:

    •    Geraldton Mount Magnet Road in both directions from Moonyoonooka Yuna Road to Mingenew Mullewa road.

    Road information may also be available from Main Roads WA by calling 138 138 or visiting www.mainroads.wa.gov.au. 

     

    WHAT FIREFIGHTERS ARE DOING:

    •    30 career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters are on the scene.

    •    Firefighters are actively fighting the fire and building containment lines

     

    EXTRA INFORMATION:

     

    •    The incident was reported at 6.26pm 15 February 2016.

    •    The cause of the fire is unknown.

    •    The City of Geraldton is managing the fire.

     

    KEEP UP TO DATE:

    Visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 3337), follow DFES on Twitter @dfes_wa, listen to ABC local radio, or news bulletins.

     

    Updates will be provided every two hours unless the situation changes.

     

    Warning of high bacteria levels at Pages Beach

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    The City of Greater Geraldton is urging residents to exercise caution when engaging water activities at Pages Beach North after high levels of the Enterococci bacteria were detected after routine sampling.

    Swimming and other water-based activities like fishing and boating can lead to infections such as gastroenteritis. The risk is higher if water is accidentally ingested.

    Enterococci are commonly found in the stomach of warm blooded animals and humans. High levels of these bacteria can help indicate a decrease in water quality. Although Enterococci are not harmful themselves, they can indicate the possible presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

    Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain/cramps, fever, tiredness, body aches and generally feeling unwell.

    If you fall ill after visiting Pages Beach North seek medical advice from your doctor.

    Another announcement will be released once further tests have taken place in the coming days to indicate whether bacteria levels have reduced.

    Update 12/2/15

    Pages Beach North back in action

    The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise the community that further samples have been taken at Pages Beach North to assess the water quality.

    Results have now been received and show there is no current health hazard present and the health warning has now been lifted.

    For further information please phone 9956 6600.