Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred wreaked havoc on Australians in Queensland and NSW and now its impact on Commonwealth coffers has been revealed.

But while authorities have been warning residents to stay indoors as Cyclone Alfred approaches, die-hard surfers have been throwing caution to the increasing wind. "This is what we look forward to," said Jeff Weatherall as he waited for a jet ski to pick him up from Kirra beach and carry him into the big waves.

Significant damage and power outages are possible in the densely populated region of Queensland, where tropical cyclones impacts are not uncommon but direct landfalls are.

Cyclone Alfred has left a striking mark on Australia’s east coast, stripping sand from some of its most famous beaches. The storm’s powerful waves and storm surge have carved out dramatic erosion cliffs,

A kangaroo called “Skippy" was rescued after Tropical Cyclone Alfred recently battered Australia, producing heavy rains and flash flooding along the coast.