Get ready Queensland. State urged to prepare for inevitable wild weather
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Local governments and emergency responders across the state are pushing a tough message this week.
When it comes to extreme weather events in Queensland, they say, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.
It’s Get Ready Week in Queensland, an annual exercise designed to encourage preparation for storm and cyclone season.
There’s extra risk this summer, as a third consecutive La Niña increases the likelihood of heavy rain and could see more cyclones making landfall.
On the Sunshine Coast, Mayor Mark Jamieson said parts of the region have not recovered from last summer’s weather emergencies.
“Parts of the Sunshine Coast are still recovering from the heavy rain that hit the region between February and May this year, which caused flooding, fallen trees, and major landslips.
“The largest total in our region was in Maleny with Council recording 2200mm of rain during that period.
“Living on the Sunshine Coast, we knew disasters could strike quickly. It’s not a matter of if, but when.
“That’s why it’s important to prepare now so you are best placed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us.”
At Rockhampton, students at Depot Hill State School joined the state-wide video launch of Get Ready Week with rugby league legend Jonathan Thurston, who is ambassador for Get Ready Queensland.
He said now is the time to start preparing for storm season.
“Queenslanders can get ready now by following three simple steps: know your risk, make an emergency plan, and pack an emergency kit.
“Just grabbing a few extra items next time you’re at the shops is all it takes to stock an emergency kit, to help keep you and your family safe at home.
“No matter where you live in Queensland you are at risk from extreme weather, so it’s important to know what you might face and ways you can stay safe when the time comes.”
State MP for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, said it was a unique opportunity for his region.
“Regional communities like Rocky are always on high alert coming into storm season, and rightly so, with potential every year for floods, bushfires and cyclones.
“By launching Get Ready Queensland Week right here at Depot Hill State School we are ensuring our disaster preparedness messages are reaching more young Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders have long borne the brunt of natural disasters, so we want to see families prepared for the worst and for our community to get ready.”
