Ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred recap: Lismore clear for now and police boss says ADF crash largest in his career

As we wrap The Nightly Blog for Sunday we remind everyone impacted by the Cyclone Alfred aftermath to stay safe and stay in touch with all the latest updates on The Nightly website, app and daily edition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid a visit to troops working at the Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.

The Gallipoli Barracks is the home of the ADF personnel involved in the horror crash near Lismore during flood relief efforts in the wake of Cyclone Alfred.

“On behalf of Australian government and Australian people we thank you,” Mr Albanese told the soldiers.

“I know you are all feeling it (Lismore crash) as well, and we hope and pray for all involved as we know you all regard each other as family.”

Weather patterns in the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred continue to produce unprecedented rainfall and winds as weather watchers warn the worst is yet to come.

7NEWS meteorologist Tony Auden said Sunday night will bring another torrent of rainfall.

“After another delay, we’re now into the most dangerous 24 hours of this whole Cyclone Alfred event ... the rain,” Auden said.

“We’ve seen moderate to heavy rain falling across the southeast overnight after the ex-cyclone gave up and finally went inland.

“Widespread falls of 1-200mm across the southeast in the past day has catchments primed and flowing.

“We could still pick up rapid fire totals of 300-400mm (possibly even over 500mm) in just a short period over the next 24 hours.”

NSW Police boss and Cyclone Recovery Coordinator, Scott Tanner, has given a starc update on the situation that presented emergency services as they arrived on scene at the ADF transport crash near Lismore.

“After 5pm, two ADF vehicles were travelling along Tregeagle Road, to attend and assist the SES with tree removals,” Superintendent Tanner said.

“At a point of the roadway both vehicles overturned. The cause of the accident is still under investigation but 32 military personnel were on board.

“All 32 were conveyed to hospital and we still have two in a serious condition.

“In my 32 years of policing it is the largest response, the response was outstanding.

“I was the third car on scene. By the time I got there they had triaged all patients except ones trapped in the vehicle, providing first aid to each other and to themselves.

“I want to thank the ADF because they had come up to help the community and unfortunately been involved in this tragic accident, but our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to their families and we are very appreciative of the efforts they put in.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns has delivered a little ray of sunshine amid the flooding rains for residents of the Northern Rivers and Lismore.

“Can I speak particularly about the situation in the Northern Rivers,” Mr Minns said.

“There is some encouraging news in relation to the Wilson River with the latest information that we can expect moderate flooding.

“We are watching the situation incredibly closely and I’m happy to report that the evacuation warning that went out yesterday has been lifted for the Lismore CBD.

“The advice now is to return with caution for the Lismore CBD.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns and emergency service officials have delivered an update on the flood crisis surrounding Lismore and the ADF transport crash and victims.

“Firstly I want to speak about the ADF personnel that were involved in a motor vehicle accident yesterday afternoon,” Mr Minns said.

“There are still 12 soldiers in Lismore Hospital, two in serious condition, after a massive police, New South Wales Fire and Rescue as well as SES response to that accident.

“Many, many people were involved in ensuring that those young Diggers were looked after in incredibly trying circumstances.

“I speak on behalf of everybody in New South Wales in wishing a speedy recovery for all of those young soldiers.

“We generally appreciate their presence here in this aftermath of the cyclone and I want to say in a broader point, when it comes to the involvement of the ADF in civil matters, particularly natural disasters, we are full of praise for the dedication and selflessness of ADF personnel.”

The Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, has issued a warning for residents of the Fraser Coast to seek shelter and move away from rising flood waters.

Persistant heavy rain is causing flash flooding in the region as more roadways are inundated and the situation deteriorates.

Mr Crisafulli has pleaded with residents to avoid driving through flood waters in any circumstances.

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SES workers and local residents have spent the night and early hours of Sunday morning trying to repair buildings affected by the gale force wind and rain in northern NSW.

The Ballina Unit of the SES were on hand to assist after another night of brutal conditions in the aftermath of ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred’s landfall.

Vison shows the powerful winds tearing at the roof of one Ballina resident’s home on Saturday.

The NSW SES has issued a scam alert after people reported receiving calls asking for donations.

“The NSW SES is aware of scam calls occurring in Northern NSW,” the scam alert said.

“Stay vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any organisation requesting donations. There have been reports of groups falsely claiming to represent the NSW SES to fraudulently obtain funds.

“The NSW SES does NOT seek donations over the phone.

“We understand many people want to help, but we urge you NOT to drop off or send unrequested donations to affected areas, as this can disrupt recovery efforts.”

For those wanting to help, the NSW SES recomends visiting GIVIT.org.au to find out exactly what’s needed.

GIVIT, contracted by the NSW Government, manages donations of essential goods and services for disaster-impacted communities—ensuring people receive exactly what they need, when they need it.

“Can I just say on the floods that the situation in Queensland and northern NSW remains very serious due to flash flooding,” Mr Albanese said.

“Heavy winds, heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts and coastal surf impacts are expected to continue over coming days.

“I urge everyone to continue to listen carefully to the emergency authorities.

“Tragically, last nigh tit was confirmed a 61 year old man has died in flood waters near Dorrigo in NSW.

“Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the community at this heartbreaking time.”