Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Shire locals have been warned to brace for possible severe weather in coming months.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a hot summer and the potential for heatwaves, bushfires, storms and flash flooding.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli and Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie urged residents to be disaster ready.
“Living on the Sunshine Coast, we enjoy an incredible lifestyle but we also know our region is no stranger to severe weather and natural hazards,” the former said.
“Whether it’s storms, flooding, bushfires, cyclones or heatwaves, these events can happen quickly and have a significant impact on our homes, businesses and daily lives.”
Mayor Natoli said a strong regional partnership was crucial.
“Disasters don’t recognise council boundaries, which is why Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils work closely together alongside emergency services, volunteers and government agencies to prepare for, and respond to, emergencies across our region,” she said.
“This partnership is one of our greatest strengths and so too is the resilience of our communities.
“Time and again, we’ve seen neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers stepping forward and local people supporting each other when it matters most.”
Mayor Wilkie said Get Ready Week (October 5-11) was a reminder for people to prepare family and property for the season ahead.
“Preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow,” he said.
“Knowing whether your home is at risk of flooding, having a plan for your family and ensuring essential items are ready to go can help you act quickly and confidently when conditions change.
“We’re encouraging every household to take three simple steps: know your risk, make an emergency plan and pack an emergency kit.”
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The BOM has advised Local Disaster Management Groups to prepare for a summer of higher temperatures and an increased risk of heatwaves and bushfires.
The fire risk has been exacerbated by below average soil moisture, after below average rainfall, during the past few weeks.
With El Nino continuing to strengthen over the coming months, residents were encouraged to also prepare their property for the potential of severe storms and periods of intense rainfall that can lead to flash flooding.
Mayor Natoli advised residents to make use of council’s disaster preparedness resources.
“We’ve made it easier than ever to access trusted local information,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to visit Sunshine Coast Council’s updated Disaster Hub for practical resources, emergency information and the latest news, or download the Sunshine Coast App to get emergency alerts on your phone.
“The more prepared we are as individuals, families and communities, the stronger and safer our region will be.
“Get Ready Week is the perfect opportunity to start the conversation at home, make a plan and get ready now.
“Preparation isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about having confidence that you and your family know what to do when it counts.”
Sunshine Coast and Noosa residents can understand risk, prepare a household emergency plan and pack an emergency kit.
For resources and more visit getready.qld.gov.au, disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au.
