Queenslanders urged to Get Ready for summer

Queenslanders are being urged to get their homes prepared for Queensland’s wild summer weather as a part of Get Ready Week which starts today.

Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience Minister David Crisafulli said thousands of Queenslanders, from councils and government agencies to community groups and not-for-profit organisations, would prove that their experience with extreme weather was now a mindset which built strong and resilient communities.

“This year we’re determined to do everything we can to have Queenslanders foster the mindset that extreme weather is something we can handle if we prepare ourselves now,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“To make this as simple as possible, today the brand new digital initiative ‘Get Ready-one step at a time’ was launched where people can sign up for their own personalised Get Ready program.

“By entering some simple details and local risks they will receive a new task each week to build their resilience.”

Mr Crisafulli said hundreds of Get Ready activities had been organised across the State by dedicated staff and volunteers.

“Check in with your local council and see what events are happening in your area this week. If we all do a little, we’ll accomplish a lot,” he said.

Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey said this year it was also vital Queenslanders turned their focus towards what they could do for emergency services personnel, rather than relying on them for basic items such as food and water.

“When the worst happens it’s important you’re as self-reliant as possible so emergency services can spend their time helping those who cannot help themselves, like the elderly, isolated or infirm,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The reality is that you will be one of thousands who are without power or running water, but taking basic steps like investing in a generator, storing bottled water, canned food and essential toiletry items can keep you going for days.”

Major companies across Queensland, including the Commonwealth Bank, have also shown their preparedness during Get Ready Week.

Commonwealth Bank’s Queensland regional general manager Russell Giddings said the bank was ready to help communities following severe weather events.

“Our people know first-hand the importance of our role in the community during a natural disaster and in direct response we have specifically designed a ‘pop-up’ branch that will enable us provide immediate support to help local communities get back on their feet,” Mr Giddings said.

Mr Giddings said the Commonwealth Bank’s pop-up branch was wheelchair accessible and built within a transportable shipping container.

“It combines the features of a typical branch including a teller, sales area, meeting room, an ATM and more,” he said.

“In times of crisis, it is important to deliver peace of mind and continuity for customers and communities. We believe our pop-up branch demonstrates our commitment to assisting customers in need and we recognise the importance of the State Government’s aim to make Queensland Australia’s most disaster resilient state.”

CommBank’s pop-up branch will be rolling into Reddacliff Place (Brisbane Square) from Saturday, 12 October to Tuesday, 15 October 2013.

For further information on ‘Get Ready Queensland’ visit http://www.qld.gov.au/getready/

[ENDS] 14 October 2013

Media contacts:    Minister Crisafulli: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332
                                  Minister Dempsey: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Kate Haddan 0418 373 516