Dear Staff,
In response to the continued severe weather and widespread flooding, the Critical Management Team has decided to close all UQ locations in the South East Queensland today and Monday 28 February.
I hope you, your family and friends, are keeping safe. I encourage all staff to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest warnings, be prepared and never drive, ride or walk in floodwater.
Below is an outline of the status of our operations and the actions the University is taking to keep our staff and students safe and our facilities operating over this challenging period.
All UQ locations closed
All UQ locations in South East Queensland will be closed today and Monday 28 February. This includes all services and facilities such as libraries, UQ Sport facilities, restaurants and retail outlets.
All teaching (online and in-person) is also cancelled. We will work with teaching staff in the coming weeks to understand the impact that this decision has on the teaching schedule for the semester.
I understand some staff are coming to campuses to see what support is needed. For your own safety, you must not attend campus until we reopen.
The Safety Bus is not operating and the intercampus bus services between Gatton-St Lucia and Herston-St Lucia will not be operating on Monday.
Parents and carers are encouraged to check directly if your childcare providers will be open.
Staff working arrangements
Only Level 3 critical research and essential staff, as defined in local business continuity plans, are permitted on campus. These staff should check with their supervisor/manager if they are required to be at a UQ location on Monday and should only travel to work if it is safe to do so.
All other staff should work remotely where possible.
I understand that some staff will not be able to work tomorrow. Your priority needs to be your family and dealing with the impact of the flood. If you can, please let your supervisor/manager know you are safe and if there is any support you may need.
Facilities / location status
I want to sincerely thank our staff and providers who have been on the frontlines since Friday, braving the weather to keep our people and animals safe, rescuing people in vehicles, protecting our facilities and keeping power going to our operations.
Across all our locations there has been damage of varying levels including water leaks, power outages, flooding and debris and erosion of roads.
I know this may be an anxious time, particularly for those of us who experienced the 2011 floods. I urge staff to reach out to colleagues and friends to check if they are okay, and if they need anything. Also, I want to remind staff of the free and confidential Employee Assistance Program.
I will provide an update to staff on Monday 28 February. And, please remember if it’s flooded, forget it and in the case of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Stay safe.
With best wishes,
Debbie
