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Owners of boats and properties with ocean or river frontages on Queensland’s South East coast should prepare for king tides over coming days.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said higher tides were already being experienced as they approached maximum ranges.

“Spring tides are a regular and familiar event for experienced local boaties,” Mr Bailey said.

“The highest winter tides of 1.93 metres on the Gold Coast and 2.74m metres on Brisbane Bar on July 13 are at night and not as obvious as those in the summer which generally occur during the day.”

“However novices may be caught out by the wider tidal ranges especially when launching and retrieving,” Mr Bailey said.

“Tidal ranges on Queensland’s coast can be quite significant.

“This is especially the case in our more northerly ports where the highest tides of the season are expected next month.

“For example Townsville is predicted to reach its highest tide at 9.24pm on August 11 at 3.97 metres with Cairns hitting 3.34 metres about 20 minutes later.

“Maritime Safety Queensland regularly reminds boaties to check tides as published in the local press, on local fishing and boating web sites or at Maritime Safety Queensland.

“And remember, severe weather such as heavy rainfall or cyclones can cause these sea levels to be elevated above the expected heights.

“There is the possibility of low-lying roads and trails going under especially if the tides coincide with high rainfall or storms as are currently being experienced in the far north of the state.

“Concerned residents should contact their local councils for advice about these low lying locations and remember ‘If it’s flooded forget it.’

“People living close to the water who may be affected by these tides should move tinnies, kayaks, garden furniture and other items away from the water’s edge.

“Keep a close watch over children playing in shallow water – tidal streams in these waters can be strong.”

Tides are predicted in a range of tidal information publications including the ‘Queensland Tide Tables 2018’ which is available on Maritime Safety Queensland’s website.

For tide information go to www.msq.qld.gov.au/Tides/Tide-tables

With some great assistance from the community police have been able to reunite the WW1 war medals with their owner, the grandson of the original recipient, Private N.C. Nevitt.

James (left) reunited with his grandfather’s medals from Property Officer Chris Carman

The medals, which include a First Light Horse Brigade Medal, were handed in to the Redcliffe Police Station last month by a member of the public.

They were found in a garden near the Redcliffe Hospital car park on May 24.

Redcliffe Property Officers called for public assistance on June 27, after contacting every Nevitt they could find, without any luck.

Fortunately, media coverage resulted in a New South Wales volunteer group that reunite lost or stolen medals with families hearing the story.

They identified Lieutenant Norman Crewe Nevitt had two daughters, one of whom married a man named Papworth and had a son named James.

James Papworth’s Burpengary house had been broken into on May 23 and whilst he provided police a list of stolen items he did not initially realise his grandfather medals had been taken.

Police are yet to charge anyone with the break and enter of his house and continue to appeal for information.

On Friday July 5, police contacted Mr Papworth who gladly received the medals back.

Police would like to thank the person who found the medals and handed them into Redcliffe Station.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1800942275