Cairns takes life-saving message on the road amid fears of disaster complacency
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
The city of Cairns has moved to address concerns its residents may not be preparing adequately for the coming wet season, when cyclones and flooding are possible.
Cairns Regional Council has launched a disaster education vehicle to take safety and disaster preparedness messaging on the road.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Terry James, said the annual cyclone season is fast approaching.
“The Bureau of Meteorology has reported a 70% chance of La Nina forming again this wet season.
“If that prediction is correct, we can expect quite a wet summer and a higher likelihood of tropical cyclones.
“The vehicle makes an obvious visual impact and complements Council disaster messaging found on other platforms, including our website and the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.”
Councillor James said community complacency was a significant concern.
“It has been quite a long time since Cairns had been seriously impacted by a tropical cyclone.
“Many people may be new to the city and have never experienced a disaster of this type, while others may have grown complacent.
“The vehicle will be a useful tool to inform and remind people that just because we haven’t had a cyclone or major flooding event in years, we are still at risk.
“Being prepared is vital for their safety and the safety of their friends and family.
“This vehicle is a mobile advertising device that can also be used to visit large community events and schools and drive the importance of being disaster-prepared home to a broader audience.”
During an emergency, the Cairns Disaster Dashboard gives real time information on roads and traffic, weather, emergency services, utilities, and emergency shelters.
