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Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning The Honourable Cameron Dick
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Far North Queensland residents are being encouraged to prepare for storm season ahead of Get Ready Queensland Week (8-14 October).
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said communities from Burke to the Cassowary Coast and up to the Torres Strait should be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store this summer.
“As Queenslanders, we are all too familiar with natural disasters and it is often not a matter of ‘if’ but when disaster strikes,” Mr Dick said.
“Get Ready Queensland Week is about everyone in the community doing their part to ensure their families, neighbours and communities are ready and resilient as can be.
“This might include removing fire hazards from your property, securing loose items, creating an emergency contact list, buying supplies or checking in with your neighbours.
“All Queenslanders are urged to check their ‘WHAT-IF?’ plan and get ready to respond if a disaster strikes.
“Experience has shown us that communities that are well prepared and supported before a disaster occurs are more resilient and able to recover faster.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said a number of activities and initiatives were being rolled out across the Far North region as part of the 2018-19 Get Ready Queensland program.
“While there is a big focus on preparing for the upcoming storm season, Get Ready Queensland is a year round, all-hazards, resilience building initiative to prepare for whatever the weather throws at us, regardless of the time of year,” Ms Lui said.
“While our community has proven time and time again that we are resilient people, there is no room for complacency.
“We must continue to build on that resilience as we learn to respond, adapt and develop strategies to prepare for the next inevitable disaster to ensure Queensland is the most disaster resilient state in Australia.”
Far North Queensland councils have planned a range of Get Ready Queensland activities and initiatives in 2018-19, including:
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council is presenting to community groups, schools and market days to help residents prepare for disasters.
- Croydon Shire Council is hosting community clean-up events in the lead-up to storm season.
- Mareeba Shire Council is improving their Emergency Dashboard and purchasing kits to better manage evacuation centres during disasters.
- Weipa Town Authority is providing schools and community groups with merchandise reminding them to Get Ready, as well as installing four cyclone warning signs across the region.
As part of the 2018-19 program, Get Ready Queensland provided $2 million in state funding to help local governments improve their communities’ resilience.
Get Ready Week is on now. For more information about preparing your home, business, car and pets, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au
ENDS
Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039
