In preparation for the upcoming cyclone season, residents are encouraged to take advantage of free green waste disposal.

With the official cyclone season having started, Cairns Regional Council is saying now is the time to clean up your back yards and get rid of any trees or branches that might pose a risk in strong winds.

“This is the time of year when everyone needs to start thinking about their preparation for the wet season,” Mayor Val Schier said.

“While the weather is fine, it’s a good time to get into the yard and do a thorough clean-up. This will also help combat the spread of dengue once the wet season starts.”

Council’s transfer stations will accept domestic green waste at no charge from November 12 to 20 at the following locations:

• Killaloe Transfer Station (Mon-Sat 8am-5.30pm, Sun 9am-5.30pm)
• Newell Beach Transfer Station (Mon & Fri 7am-12pm, Wed 12pm-6 pm, Sat 7am-6pm)
• Portsmith Transfer Station (open 7 days 8.30am-5.15pm)
• Smithfield Transfer Station (Mon-Sat 7am-5.15pm, Sun 9am-5.15pm)
• Gordonvale Transfer Station (7 days 8.30am-5.15pm)
• Babinda Transfer Station (7 days 8.30am-5.15pm)

All other waste will attract the usual relevant charges. Green waste will be converted into mulch and given away free of charge at a later date. 

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