With the region already experiencing a number of severe weather events as part of this year’s storm season, there’s never been a better time to get to know Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard.
The dashboard is an essential source of information in emergency events and brings together all relevant warnings and advice.
Mayor Jack Dempsey, who is also chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), said with many residents enjoying a well-deserved Christmas break now was a good time to become familiar with the tools available on the site.
“There’s so much vital information available on Council’s Disaster Dashboard that I really just implore residents to spend the time to look through it to understand what information is available to them should it be needed,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“From road conditions and closures to power outages and river heights it’s designed as a one-stop-shop for disaster events.
“Other representatives within the LDMG also provide information for the Disaster Dashboard including Sunwater and Telstra.”
The Disaster Dashboard provides links to emergency news and contacts as well as a direct feed from the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather warnings.
Mayor Dempsey said it was also where residents could find advice on how to get ready for storm season and other disasters.
“If you’re spending a little more time around the house over the Christmas holidays it’s also an ideal time to check your yard for potential hazards and reduce your risk of damage during severe weather.
“Unsecured items can become missiles during a storm and increase the likelihood of damage to your property.”
Access the Bundaberg Regional Council Disaster Dashboard at disaster.bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
The question is what is the government and local disaster management group doing to prevent and mitigate present and future events. Research shows that prevention/ mitigation saves between $7 and $11 for every dollar invested. So response is not a great use of limited resources.
What are your suggestions for preventative measures against cyclones, storms, tidal surges, tornadoes, 100 year floods? Aside from the obvious like not allowing development in flood plains.