Council is disaster ready
Date published: 23 March 2017
Townsville City Council is keeping a keen watch on a deepening low in the Coral Sea.
Council remains in close contact with the local Bureau of Meteorology and the State Disaster Coordination Centre Watch Desk to track the progress of the low.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group will be activated should the low be declared a cyclone or pose a threat to the Townsville coast.
Local Disaster Management Group deputy chair Councillor Kurt Rehbein said council was well equipped and already had its disaster management plan on standby.
“The TLDMG meets regularly to ensure its members are trained in the latest disaster management skills and practices, so that when a cyclone does hit, we can hit the ground running,” Cr Rehbein said.
“There is always a level of uncertainty with weather events and I’d urge everyone to take this opportunity to clean out gutters and downpipes, remove overhanging branches and clean away any rubbish in your yard – now is the time to pack it up and prepare.
“It’s also a good chance to review your emergency plans and check your cyclone kit to ensure you have everything well stocked.
“Council’s website is a great source of information for anyone unsure of what to do, especially those who are new to Townsville who may not have experienced a cyclone before.”
Cr Rehbein said council would take a key role in restoring services, conducting post-impact damage assessments, prioritising resources for recovery operations and coordinating local recovery operations with a range of service providers.
“The threat of a cyclone is not unusual for North Queensland at this time of year and it reminds us of how important it is for us as individuals and as a community to be prepared,” Cr Rehbein said.
“When you live in the north, you can’t afford to become complacent about cyclones.”
