Get Ready Queensland set to go national

• Queensland’s successful Get Ready Queensland program is being adopted nationally.
• A National Get Ready Framework will be tailored to individual states and territories.
• Get Ready aims to increase household disaster preparedness and community resilience in the lead up to disaster season. 

The Sunshine State's flagship disaster preparedness program, Get Ready Queensland, is going national, after more than a decade of delivering for Queenslanders.  

The National Get Ready initiative will help all Australians better prepare for severe weather, backed by a $19.5 million multi-state and territory investment and $8.3 million from the Commonwealth Government through its third round of the Disaster Ready Fund. 

Building on the successful Queensland model, National Get Ready will see a structured disaster preparedness framework and resource-sharing arrangements put in place for Australia, with strategy and assets locally tailored to the unique needs of every state and territory. 

The Get Ready Queensland program is managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) - the State’s lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience and supported by major partner Suncorp. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said it was fantastic that the Get Ready Queensland program would now be a national program.  

“I’m really proud to be able to invest in such an important program that will help prepare communities across Australia for natural disasters. 

“It’s so important that all Australians have a plan and know what to do in an emergency.  

“The Albanese Government will provide $8.3 million to help take this great Queensland program national under our flagship Disaster Ready Fund, and I’d like to thank states and territories around Australia for pitching in as well,” said Minister McBain.  

Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said Queensland was setting the national benchmark for disaster preparedness and we’re eager to improve overall community resilience around the country. 

“After establishing this program in 2013, it’s empowering to see our tireless efforts in this space are now adopted at a broad level,” Minister Leahy said. 

“Improving preparedness and taking a few simple actions can make a big difference in protecting people and properties when severe weather hits, which is why the Crisafulli Government is backing Queenslanders and in it for the long haul. 

“Get Ready Queensland has made our state stronger, safer and more resilient. We’re ready to lead the charge nationwide so all Australians have the resources they need to prepare for disasters.”   

Through Round Three of the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, Queensland secured 17 projects with a combined value of around $90 million. 

This includes a new $5.8 million Queensland Flood Forecast and Warning System for the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and a $2.2 million investment in culturally inclusive disaster planning for Indigenous communities, to be managed by the Queensland Police Service. 

ENDS