Sandbags

About sandbags

Sandbags are useful for addressing localised flooding (for example, to stop water flowing under a garage door or diverting water downhill), but they don't protect against water coming from under a house and through floorboards.

Residents and businesses are responsible for providing their own sandbags in preparation for a storm event.

If a property is regularly subjected to flooding, then it is the property owner's responsibility to be proactive and take such precautions to protect themselves and their property.

During storm events and flooding, maintenance crews employed by Council are focussed on maintaining the function and safety of key infrastructure such as roads, stormwater, water and sewerage.

Available resources are typically limited during these times, so crews will be prioritised to where they can provide the greatest effect.

Please remember - if you are in danger or your property is under immediate threat during a storm event, please contact emergency services on 111.

Alternative solution

Sheets of PVC are a practical way to create a waterproof barrier around doors, provided they are fixed in place adequately.

Purchasing sandbags

Sandbags can typically be purchased from landscape, building and hardware suppliers.

Tips for using sandbags

• Sandbags are not waterproof and are best used for directing water flow rather than keeping property dry.
• Keep sandbags dry and separate from sand (or soil) until needed. Do not store sandbags pre-filled, as they will begin to rot when put into storage filled with damp sand.
• You should generally fill and place your sandbags before a weather event, not during. Sandbags take time and effort to fill and place.
• Filled sandbags are very heavy. They generally only need to be half-full as this allows for easier and better placement.
• Stack them like bricks, overlapping.