Despite Hanlon Park in Stones Corner’s flood mitigation design, which allows the park to recover quickly from flooding, surrounding homes remain vulnerable. This necessitates using sandbags and sparks community discussion on the effectiveness of flood preparation.
Community Perspectives on Sandbagging
Online discussions revealed a range of community opinions regarding the effectiveness of sandbagging. One resident noted that “I think the issue was that – like toilet paper and water – people lost their minds and panic sand bagged,” adding that those in zero-risk areas who sandbagged and then complained of wasted time were misguided. Another commentator urged, “So will people please stop whining about how this cyclone didn’t destroy your house? Because some people are clearly doing it hard out there.”
Some residents expressed skepticism about the general effectiveness of sandbagging. One individual shared their experience from the 2011 floods, stating, “Our experience from the 2011 floods was that sandbagging was mostly useless. It kept anxious people busy though in the lead up to the flooding – I guess there is that.” They explained that residential sandbagging often fails to completely stop water, primarily acting as a filter for silt. However, others pointed out specific scenarios where sandbags can be highly effective. A resident noted, “For houses on properties with some fall towards the house and insufficient drainage, sandbags are very effective at redirecting the flow of water away from porous walls and doorways.”
Further online discussion revealed frustration with those who downplayed the severity of the weather event immediately after it occurred. One community member said, “It was actually alarming how many idiots were commenting on things right after the cyclone hit saying ‘iTZ wAs nOThinG, wE gOT LiEd tOo’ hopefully now they are sitting there thinking yeah maybe I should learn to just shut up.”
The recent weather events prompted widespread sandbagging efforts. Some residents outside high-risk flood zones stockpiled sandbags, which led to subsequent frustration when their properties remained unaffected. Discussions within the community highlighted the importance of targeted sandbagging in flood-prone areas, contrasting the experience of those who prepared unnecessarily.
The design of Hanlon Park, with a creek running through it, allows the park to absorb and recover from floodwaters, but this design does not extend to protecting neighbouring residences.
The Science of Sandbagging
A study, conducted in collaboration with the Victorian State Emergency Services and the City of Port Phillip Council, examined the viability of sandbagging as a flood mitigation strategy. The research focused on the coastal suburb of Elwood, which experiences frequent flash flooding. It used a simulation tool to model the effectiveness of sandbagging depots. The study found that while sandbagging can be an effective method of flood defence, proper planning and execution are crucial.
The simulation tool allowed authorities to assess various factors, including the location of sandbagging depots, the time required to fill and distribute sandbags, and the community’s response. The research indicated that large-scale sandbagging depots may not always be the most efficient solution, especially in areas with short warning times.
Instead, the study emphasised the importance of individual preparedness and localised sandbagging efforts. The research also revealed that warning times are critical for sandbagging efforts to be successful.
Practical Sandbagging Advice
State Emergency Services provide practical guidance on the effective use of sandbags. Residents are advised to use sand to fill sandbags, as it is more effective than soil or gravel. Sandbags should be filled to two-thirds capacity and placed strategically, such as over floor drains and in front of doorways.
When building sandbag walls, plastic sheeting as a waterproof membrane is recommended. Self-inflating sandbags are also available as a lightweight alternative to traditional sandbags. Most homes built on a concrete slab can be protected with 25 sandbags or less.
Post-Flood Sandbag Disposal
Authorities urge residents to retain undamaged sandbags for potential future weather events, as catchments remain saturated. Before disposing of sandbags, residents should check local weather warnings for possible flash and storm surge flooding.
Sandbags that have come into contact with floodwater should be disposed of safely, following guidelines provided by local councils. Unused sand from sandbags can be scattered on lawns or used as garden topsoil, ensuring it does not wash into stormwater drains.
Over a million sandbags were distributed to southeast Queensland in preparation for recent flooding events, highlighting the scale of community preparation.
Published Date 11-March-2025
