Australia Weather News

Organisers of Australia's second largest triathlon are pushing ahead with this weekend's competition as the region prepares for the potential hit of a category two cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to reach category two storm strength off the coast of Queensland overnight.

Conditions are expected to deteriorate further as Alfred approaches the south-east Queensland coast.

Gales with damaging wind gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour are expected to develop along the coast, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

More than 5,000 athletes and hundreds of volunteers are expected at the Mooloolaba Triathlon, set to be held this Saturday and Sunday.

Head of operations Rebecca van Pooss said it was too early for organisers to make a firm decision on whether the triathlon would be cancelled.

"It looks like Wednesday, Thursday are the key days to watch and then we'll make our decisions once we see what weather comes in," she said.

"We're keeping all options open at the moment, monitoring everything, talking to everyone we can."

On the Gold Coast the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships at North Kirra have been cancelled, also scheduled for the weekend.

Carnival committee chair Nigel Ward said the safety of competitors, officials and staff came first.

"We also needed to think about the safety around travel for our members to and from the event, given people come from all over Queensland to take part," he said.

Swim leg in doubt

With beaches on the Sunshine Coast already closed and expected to remain shut for the coming days, organisers say one contingency for the triathlon could be cancelling the swim legs of the races.

But Ms van Pooss said it would depend on what type of clean-up and recovery efforts were underway following the cyclone.

She said they will also consider "if the community is in a position that they're not ready to host our events".

"That's absolutely something that we discuss with the local council in particular around that one," Ms van Pooss said.

The Sunshine Coast Airport has yet to cancel any flights but remains on alert.

"The airport is operating as normal, however, passengers are advised to stay up to date with the latest information and contact their airlines for any enquiries regarding the status of flights," a Sunshine Coast Airport spokesperson said.

Police await decision

Sunshine Coast Police Superintendent Craig Hawkins said emergency services were monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred and resident safety remained the priority.

"We're already seeing erosion, large waves, and strong winds," he said.

"That will likely intensify and impact outdoor events."

"This is a dangerous system and we urge everyone to heed warnings and stay informed."

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the council was working closely with event organisers ahead of the weekend.

She said the concern was not just about how many people would be competing, but the stress an event of that scale would put on the region's roads following a potential emergency.

Beaches to stay closed

Sunshine Coast chief lifeguard Trent Robinson said the swell on Monday morning was around four to five metres but was expected to increase.

"That wind will get up to around 40 knots and the swells will pick up," he said.

Mr Robinson said beaches were likely to remain closed for the rest of the week.

"That swell will really peak around Wednesday and Thursday, and it might still go into Friday and Saturday," he said.

"So it just depends on how long that cyclone hangs off the coast to determine what weekend beach conditions will look like."

He said water quality could also be a concern if the region is lashed by heavy rainfall, and the decision to reopen beaches would not be based on the triathlon.

"Public safety is paramount for the lifeguard service and our lifesavers," he said.

"So we'll make that decision. If the beach is closed there'll definitely be no swimming at Mooloolaba beach."