Sandbag collection, use and disposal

Council opens its sandbag stations when the 24-hour weather forecast predicts significant rainfall or an event that may lead to flooding.

Sandbags will not stop flood waters entirely. However, when filled and placed correctly, they can help reduce the amount of water that enters your property.

On this page

• Sandbag station locations
• What to bring
• Help with sandbags
• How to use sandbags
• Storing or reusing sandbags
• Where to dispose of sandbags
• Other ways to protect your property
• More information

Sandbag station locations

When a station is open, it will show on the map in our Disaster Dashboard. You can identify open locations by a green shovel icon. If no icons appear on the map, make sure you have ‘Sandbag Locations (Open)’ selected in the layers panel. If it’s already selected, it means there are no stations currently open.

Sandbags at these locations are free. Open stations operate 24 hours a day, until resources are gone.

The first column lists the status of the facility, the second column lists the suburb, the third column lists the street address, and the fourth column lists an aerial map. 

What to bring

These locations do not have staff or supply prefilled sandbags. Council will provide polypropylene bags and sand. 

You are responsible for filling your own bags. You will need to bring:

• a shovel
• empty bags (recommended)
• string or zip-ties for tying bags
• gloves.

For safety, wear enclosed shoes.

We recommend bringing your own bags in case there are no Council-supplied bags left. These can be:

• durable garbage bags
• shopping bags
• hessian bags
• polypropylene bags.

You can buy empty bags from most hardware or trade stores.

To make carrying and positioning easier, only fill your bag halfway or two-thirds.

Help with sandbags

If you’re physically unable to get your own sandbags due to disability, illness, age or other incapacity, the State Emergency Service (SES) may be able to help you. You can contact SES on 132 500.

How to use sandbags

1. Ensure bags are filled with clean sand, not dirt. Sand is finer and denser, making it better at creating tight barriers that slow water.
2. Identify where sandbags are needed. Common areas include doorways, electrical panels and sheds.
3. Estimate how many bags you will need. Half-filled sandbags are typically 30 centimetres by 45 centimetres, and at least two layers high is recommended.
4. Lay plastic sheeting down under and against your location. This will make your sandbag wall waterproof.
5. Position sandbags in a staggered placement like brickwork. This will make your sandbag wall stronger. Tuck the excess bag beneath the filled portion of the sandbag. Make sure each bag is flattened as much as possible to compress gaps. For best results, work from one side to another.

Watch an instructional video.

Storing and reusing sandbags

Council’s bags are made of durable polypropylene, not hessian. You can reuse them if they are kept dry and away from sunlight. Bags will rot if left wet. You cannot reuse hessian bags.

• You can store dry bags filled with sand for at least 12 months.
• Dry bags without sand can be stored for at least 24 months.
• Dry leftover sand can be kept in a storage container for the remainder of the storm season for future flood emergency use.

You can reuse sandbags exposed to floodwater (oil and other contaminants) as long as they are washed, and the sand is removed. Check for damage before using stored bags.

Where to dispose of sandbags

You can scatter sand on lawns and gardens as topsoil. You should not use sand for any other purpose or allow it to wash into stormwater drains.

You can also take sandbags to any of Council's major waste facilities. You cannot place them in your kerbside bins.

Other ways to protect your property

To further reduce your flood risk, consider taking these additional measures around your home.

• Install diversion barriers to redirect water away from doorways, garages and low-lying sections of your property.
• Dig trenches to help guide water away from your property
• Clear gutters to reduce roof overflow and prevent water pooling around your home
• Clear drains and grates to help water flow into Council's stormwater network
• Waterproof epoxy cracks to prevent water from seeping into your home
• Anchor outside items that might float or tip in water.

More information

For more information, warnings and emergency updates, visit Council's Disaster Dashboard. For help during an emergency, see our list of emergency contacts.