WITH the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting a hot summer and the potential for heatwaves, bushfires, storms and flash-flooding, Sunshine Coast and Noosa residents are being encouraged to take simple steps now to prepare.

Coolum residents only have to think back to November last year when a destructive storm lashed the region with ferocious intensity and caused widespread destruction.

Summer Forecast

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised Local Disaster Management Groups that we should prepare for a summer of higher temperatures and an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires.

Our fire risk is exacerbated by below-average soil moisture, following below-average rainfall over the last few weeks.

With El Nino continuing to strengthen over the coming months, residents should also prepare their property for the potential of severe storms and periods of intense rainfall that can lead to flash flooding.

Time to prepare is now

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli was joined by Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie, emergency services, volunteers and disaster management partners to launch Queensland’s annual Get Ready Week campaign.

“Living on the Sunshine Coast, we enjoy an incredible lifestyle, but we also know our region is no stranger to severe weather and natural hazards,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Whether it’s storms, flooding, bushfires, cyclones or heatwaves, these events can happen quickly and have a significant impact on our homes, businesses and daily lives.”

Mayor Natoli said strong regional partnerships played a critical role in preparing for emergencies.

“Disasters don’t recognise council boundaries, which is why Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils work closely together alongside emergency services, volunteers and government agencies to prepare for, and respond to, emergencies across our region,” she said.

Being disaster ready is smart

Noosa Mayor Wilkie said Get Ready Week is our reminder to prepare family and property for the season ahead.

“Preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow,” Mayor Wilkie said.

“Knowing whether your home is at risk of flooding, having a plan for your family and ensuring essential items are ready to go can help you act quickly and confidently when conditions change.”

For important resources visit getready.qld.gov.au and for the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after a disaster strikes, visit the updated disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au (Sunshine Coast region) and disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au (Noosa Shire).

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