Seminars to help Queensland communities prepare for disaster season

Four state and national government agencies will combine to deliver joint disaster awareness and education seminars to Queensland communities.

The first seminar will be held in Cairns tomorrow, with seminars to be held in coming weeks in Townsville, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Maroochydore, Mt Isa, Gold Coast, Charleville and Brisbane.

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said the seminars would help promote preparations for the cyclone and storm seasons, in line with the Government’s commitment to safer sustainable communities.

“The Department of Emergency Services, Department of Public Works, Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Meteorology will hold combined briefings designed to address cyclone, storm tide and flooding issues for Queensland’s at risk communities,” Mr Purcell said.

“Tropical Cyclone Larry reminded all Queenslanders of the damage natural disasters can cause, and while I hope we don’t see another natural disaster of that scale again, it is imperative that we prepare local disaster managers continually.

“The seminars will focus on informing Local Governments, Disaster District Coordinators, Disaster District Control Groups and other attendees about a range of cyclone and storm surge mitigation, response and recovery initiatives being promoted by the State and federal governments.

“The seminars will assist local organisations understand the potential disaster risks in their area, and how they can help work with state and federal agencies to develop and improve their natural disaster mitigation, response and recovery arrangements.”

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.

Note for editors: The seminars are not open to the public. However, media will be invited to attend each event.