Tropical Low 12U - campus closure

Tropical Low 12U is moving closer to the north-east Queensland coast and is forecast to intensify to a Category 2 tropical cyclone later this afternoon. Coastal crossing is expected early Sunday morning between Ingham and Bowen.

Damaging wind gusts of up to 130 km/h from Tropical Low 12U are possible from late tonight and early Sunday morning in coastal areas from south of Townsville to Proserpine, and heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding.

Campus closures – Bebegu Yumba (Townsville)

The Bebegu Yumba Campus will be CLOSED from 4pm today, and will remain CLOSED on Sunday, 11 January.

·        This includes all facilities, including the Library and Fitness Centre.

·        Access to general access computer laboratories and the Library will be locked from 5.00 pm.

·        Students residing in residential colleges must follow staff directions in preparing for this evening and tomorrow.

·        Anyone driving on campus should drive to conditions and reduce speed.

Shelter and Safety

·        No staff or students are to shelter on campus, except residential students and authorised on-call staff.

·        Staff or students unable to shelter safely at home should attend Townsville City Council cyclone shelters, open from 2.00 pm today at Walker Street or Heatley.

·        Please monitor the radio for Local Disaster Management Group and/or emergency services advice before leaving your place of shelter after the Cyclone has passed.

·        See also the Townsville Disaster Dashboard.

Staff leave and work arrangements

·        Staff members (including casual and part-time staff) who were rostered or otherwise required to work on Sunday and are unable to do so due to the campus closure will be paid as normal and do not need to apply for leave.

·        Staff are urged to prioritise personal and family safety and cyclone preparations.

Campus operations from Monday

A decision regarding Townsville campus operations, including teaching commencement and any supplementary or deferred examinations scheduled for Monday, 12 January, will be communicated by 4.00 pm tomorrow.

Please continue to monitor email, the JCUSafe App, and the JCU website for updates regarding the Cyclone impacts, including any further campus closures or safety messages.