Queenslanders are being urged to ramp up disaster preparations, as the looming summer season brings the increased likelihood of natural disasters.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS), along with disaster management partners and several government agencies, have spent the entirety of this year preparing for cyclones, floods, fires and storms.
This work has included multi-agency exercises involving hypothetical scenarios to test relevant capabilities and highlight knowledge gaps or communication inefficiencies.
The QPS has consulted with all 77 local councils around the state, and all the dam operators, to discuss how they can share resources and personnel to ensure community safety no matter where a threat unfolds.
Preparations also involved cross-border exercises with other jurisdictions to upskill across the nation and understand broader threats.
Queensland agencies have been particularly focused on improving their collective response to a tropical cyclone, such as the events of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and Jasper seen last summer.
The State Disaster Coordinator, QPS Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy, said there was a very high likelihood the Sunshine State would be faced with similar disasters this season.
“The early Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) modelling indicates we could experience four cyclones this season, with at least two of them likely to cross the coastline,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
“Across the emergency services and government agencies, we are doing everything we can to prepare for timely and effective emergency responses to these events, as well as whatever else the season may have in store for us.”
Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Kimba Wong said now is the time to know your weather, know your risk and get ready for Australia’s severe weather season.
“While severe weather can happen at any time of year, traditionally Australia’s peak time for severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires runs between October and 30 April,” Ms Wong said.
“We urge everyone to get the warnings and forecast information they need from Australia’s most trusted source of severe weather information by regularly going to the Bureau’s website – at www.bom.gov.au – and by downloading the BOM Weather app providing direct warnings – and that can be tailored specifically to your location, which you can also do if you’re travelling.”
“The long-range forecasts shows that warmer days and nights are likely across Queensland over the coming months. As the warmer months approach, there is an increased chance of unusually high temperatures and heatwaves for most of the state.
“At this stage, long-range forecasts are favouring average to above average rainfall across much of Queensland over the next few months. Combining with current soil moisture levels, this suggests increased flood risk for eastern Queensland into summer,” she said.
“Tropical Cyclones are a seasonal risk in Queensland, and in most years we see several form in our region, and at least one makes landfall in the state with major impacts. We are expecting a fairly typical season in 2024-2025, so it’s important to be prepared.
“The message is simple: Know your weather, know your risk, keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings, and follow the advice of emergency services,” Ms Wong said.
Government and agency response is just one part of Queensland’s disaster preparedness strategy, with families, businesses and communities across the state also urged to do their part.
“No matter where you reside in Queensland, I urge you please to check your risk based on your geographical location, learn about what you might face this disaster season, and plan and prepare accordingly,” Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
“What is especially difficult for all of us, is trying to reach affected communities after the fact, so we are pleading with all Queenslanders to be able to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.
“Prepare an emergency kit and store it somewhere safe so you have the things you need like a first aid kit, a battery powered radio, a torch, spare batteries, chargers and essential medication.
“Think about non-perishable food items, a gas-powered stove with a spare canister, and at least 10 litres of water if you must stay put for an extended period.
Deputy Commissioner Chelepy also encouraged people to store sentimental items in a plastic container so they can quickly grab the container and leave if they have to evacuate unexpectedly.
“It’s not a matter of ‘if’ a disaster will hit Queensland, but ‘when.’ Families, businesses and communities who thoroughly prepare recover quicker from disasters, so I encourage everyone to get themselves ready.”
Queenslanders can visit GetReady.qld.gov.au for more information and:
- find out your risks
- check out your local council information
- check your flood risk
- check your bushfire risk
- stay up to date with the weather.
