THE STATE Government is urging Sunshine Coast residents to prepare their families and property for possible natural disasters with Australia in line for a third La Nina season in a row with the Bureau of Meteorology stating the La Niña typically increased the chance of above-average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during spring and summer.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Steven Miles has called on every Queenslander to use this time to get ready for disaster season.
“From flooding and cyclones to bushfires, heatwaves and giant hail, we experience it all in Queensland, and we need to prepare for it all,” Mr Miles said.
“We’re the most disaster-impacted state in Australia, and the latest BOM forecast signals more rough weather is on the way.
“This is a call for all Queenslanders – it’s vital you and your loved ones are ready for the upcoming disaster season.
“We’re still recovering from one of our toughest summers ever, and we’re going to need every ounce of that renowned Queensland resilience as we go forward,” the Minister said.
Sobering statistics show that since 2011 Queensland has been impacted by almost 100 natural disasters.
“More than 60 per cent of Queenslanders now say they get ready ahead of disaster season and have an emergency plan in place, but we’re eager to see even higher uptake.”
Sunshine Coast Council has announced a dire cautionary callout stating, that it was not a matter of ‘if’ but rather, ‘when’ such disasters would be occurring over the coming months.
Mayor Jamieson stated that residents of the Sunshine Coast knew how quickly disasters could strike.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when, so that’s why it’s important to prepare now so you are best placed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at us.”
“Though council continue preparations all year round, each of us has a role to play and being prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”
Mayor Jamieson said there were a few simple steps people could take to help safeguard their family and home.
- Step one: Understand your risk.
- Step two: Prepare a household emergency plan.
- Step three: Pack an emergency kit.
“An emergency kit should have enough supplies to last three days in case your home loses access to power, water and gas or you become cut off from the supermarket or pharmacy.
“It should be kept in a strong waterproof storage container and contain items like a first aid kit, important medication, a torch, spare batteries, hand sanitiser, enough food and water for three days and a battery-powered radio.
“I encourage everyone to save a copy of the list and stock up on essentials next time you’re grocery shopping.”
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 and please remember – if it’s flooded, forget it.”
For more information on the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency, visit Council’s Disaster Hub via the Sunshine Coast Council website or via the Get Ready Queensland site at getready.qld.gov.au