Queenslanders urged to ‘get ready’ for storm season

Queenslanders are being encouraged to get prepared for storm season with the launch of RACQ Get Ready Week in Brisbane today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk launched the RACQ Get Ready Week together with Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad.

“All Queenslanders should ensure they are prepared for a summer of potentially severe weather.

“While many Queenslanders are very familiar with wild weather we can’t afford to be complacent,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

Minister for Local Government, Jackie Trad encouraged all Queenslanders to go along to a Get Ready Week event and make sure you’re prepared for whatever the weather throws at you regardless of the time of year.

“Get Ready Week is also about looking out for your friends, neighbours and elderly relatives and doing your part to ensure your entire community is as ready and resilient as it can be.

“One of the most important things to do is to take action and have an emergency plan and an emergency kit in place, whether that’s for cyclones, floods, severe storms, bushfires or heatwaves,” Ms Trad said.

Bureau of Meteorology Acting Regional Director Bruce Gunn said the warmer weather brings with it increased risks with the northern Australia fire season, storms, cyclones and flooding.

“While recent conditions have brought much needed rainfall to inland Queensland, this has also meant that many catchments are saturated and susceptible to flooding,” Mr Gunn said.

“Weak La Nina conditions are expected and likely to influence the climate of eastern Australia, and also point toward a more active cyclone season this year.”

RACQ Chief Executive Paul Turner said Queenslanders need to be safety conscious with both their homes and behaviour, ahead of storm season.

“Queensland summer storms generally come and go quickly, but their effects can last for years. So people need to be across safety advice and take it seriously,” Mr Turner said.

On 16 October, RACQ Get Ready Queensland will be holding a community family day at Thompson Estate Reserve in Greenslopes between 10am and 2pm. Similarly, other ‘Get Ready’ events and programs will be conducted by councils around the state during RACQ Get Ready week

The State Government supports disaster preparation education for all communities through $2.1 million in grants to councils and the Weipa Town Authority

RACQ Get Ready Week is on 10-16 October. For fact sheets and ideas on how to get ready visit: www.getready.qld.gov.au