Qld residents unfazed by cyclone threat

If it wasn't so windy on Queensland's Capricorn Coast, you probably would not realise there was a cyclone coming at all.

Residents in Yeppoon, the closest major town to where Cyclone Marcia is expected to make landfall early on Friday morning, could be seen during the afternoon lunching, sipping coffee and playing on the beach.

One thrill seeker even used the breeze and strengthening swells to go kite surfing.

Ross and Jeanine Sims, who were walking their dog along Yeppoon's beachfront, admit they used to take all precautions after moving to the area 16 years ago, but don't worry so much now.

"We never get anything big here," Mr Sims told AAP.

"Our home is built to withstand cyclones, so we'll be all right."

But Livingstone Shire mayor Bill Ludwig insists it is not so much complacency but experience and faith in local disaster planning that has residents at ease.

Mr Ludwig said the council had been working with state agencies and other groups to ensure the region was well prepared.

"Cat two is not a walk in the park, but it's not a Yasi or it's not a Larry," he told AAP, referring to severely damaging cyclones that ravaged north Queensland in the past decade.

"They're not fazed because we put in a big effort over a number of years to have people schooled on preparation."

Mr Ludwig said Cyclone Marcia was expected to hit the coast 100km north of Yeppoon, and it was rare for category two systems to cause any real damage to modern buildings.

An evacuation centre has been set up but the mayor doubts it will be needed.