South-east Queensland was devastated by floods in early 2022.
Lives, livelihoods and homes were at risk and impacted.
Unfortunately, weather predictions are forecasting a La Nina and negative Indian Ocean Dipole – which could mean above-average rainfall during spring and into summer.
Brisbane City Council has a 51-point plan to ensure the region is resilient when it comes to severe weather events, following the February floods.
Labor Leader Jared Cassidy has criticised the LNP councillors’ inability to meet the deadlines on the first phase of recommendations, due as part of this blueprint.
“Three of these recommendations are critical in preparing our suburbs for another wet summer. Having access to more sandbags in more locations around Brisbane, more suburban evacuation centres and a better early warning system were all key recommendations of the flood review. The Lord Mayor is failing on all of them” – Cr Jared Cassidy.
Brisbane’s flood maps shows most suburbs on the river are at high risk of flooding. Elsewhere, parts of Bald Hills, Nudgee, Murarrie, Windsor and Rocklea are among suburbs that could be impacted with creek and overland flow.
Signing up to the early warning system is one action that residents can take.
“With barely 14% of Brisbane residents signed up at the time of the February flood disaster and no warnings of creek flooding, the flood review was clear this must be addressed … A million residents are still without warnings from Council”. – Cr Jared Cassidy
We’ve put together a shortlist to help you make sure these frightening times are less uncertain.
- Register for Brisbane City Council’s early warning alerts to give yourself a heads up before severe storms hit or for other natural disaster emergencies.
- Make sure you’re insured.
- Prepare an emergency kit – suggested items include a portable battery-powered radio, torches, candles with waterproof matches, a first aid kit, a waterproof bag for clothing and valuables, a list of emergency contact numbers and a supply of drinking water and canned or dried food.
- Check to see if your property is at risk of flooding on Council’s flood awareness map.
- Find your nearest sandbag depot
For more advice and to make sure you’re ticking all of the preparedness boxes, head to the state government’s Get Ready QLD website or Council’s Be Prepared page.
