Bundaberg Region residents are being encouraged to prepare for the summer storm season as part of 2022 Get Ready Queensland Week.
Run from 10 to 6 October, the annual campaign aims to help residents prepare for natural disasters.
This year's campaign comes after a three-month-long La Nina event was declared by the Bureau of Meteorology, with above-average rainfall expected across eastern Australia over spring and early summer.
BOM's head of long-range forecasts Dr Andrew Watkins said the three-month climate outlook showed a high chance of above average rainfall for most of the eastern half of the Australian mainland.
He said the outlook showcased an 80 per cent chance of above average rainfall for many parts of the eastern half of Australia.
“With catchments already wet, the flood risk remains, particularly for eastern Australia,” Dr Watkins said.
Bundaberg Region Mayor and Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Jack Dempsey said the advice from the Bureau was a good opportunity for people to learn more about natural disasters and what Get Ready Week could offer.
“This advice from the Bureau is a great reminder for people to be alert, but not alarmed and to take some time now to prepare themselves for weather-related events,” he said.
“This can be done in three easy steps including understanding their risks, preparing a household emergency plan and packing an emergency kit.”
Mayor Dempsey said Council's Disaster Dashboard was a great asset to utilise before and during weather emergencies.
“This is an essential source of information in emergency events and brings together all relevant warnings and advice,” he said.
“There’s so much vital information available on Council’s Disaster Dashboard that I really just implore residents to spend the time now to look through it to understand what information is available to them should it be needed.”
The Disaster Dashboard can be found here.
Get Ready Queensland sessions
As part of Get Ready Week, a range of information sessions will take place around the region providing details on how to prepare and what to do during a natural disaster.
The sessions are facilitated by Bundaberg Regional Council’s Disaster Management team and will include a free QFES emergency planning kit and morning tea for all attendees.
Monday 10 October
Woodgate Beach Community Hall
Where: 1 Kangaroo Court, Woodgate Beach
When: 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
Childers Neighbourhood Centre
Where: 69 Churchill Street
When: 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Contact number: 4130 4690
Contact email: cnc@bundaberg.qld.gov.au
Tuesday 11 October
The Bureau of Meteorology is hosting its Severe Weather Season Outlook for Queensland 2022-23 at noon.
You'll get an in-depth look at what you can expect weather-wise in the coming months and how you can get ready for it.
For more information and to register for the session click here.
