Published Friday, 08 December, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
ADVICE HELPS BOATIES PREPARE FOR CYCLONE
The Queensland Government has prepared a handy checklist for boat owners and operators to ensure they are well prepared for cyclones Premier Peter Beattie said today.
The checklist featured in a new brochure, Cyclone survival for boaties, which Mr Beattie released at the 2006 Cyclone Summit Living with cyclones – Queensland prepared being held at James Cook University in Cairns.
Mr Beattie said people living in far north Queensland knew that the onset of the cyclone season was the signal to be ready for the possibility of extreme winds, harsh seas and tidal surges generated by the unpredictable pattern of cyclones.
“When a cyclone approaches the coast in far north Queensland, a maritime control centre is established at Maritime Safety Queensland’s marine operations base in Cairns to implement a Cyclone Contingency Plan,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“The brochure advises boat owners and operators to ensure they are familiar with their local cyclone contingency plan.
“The Regional Harbour Master will activate a series of intensifying warnings and boat owners should be familiar with their responsibilities under each level in order to maximise safety precautions for vessels and boating infrastructure.
“The Regional Harbour Master will control the relocation of vessels in the harbour to more sheltered moorings.”
Planning and preparing are the keys to limiting cyclone damage to boats. Boat owners should, for example:
• explore the assigned shelter inlet before cyclone season commences, to determine where to moor in a cyclone;
• update their contact details for relevant authorities;
• ensure there’s plenty of line to secure the vessel;
• take down and stow all sails, loose articles and furniture.
“If they're going to be away during the cyclone season, they should also make alternative arrangements for the movement of their vessel. For example they could leave a boat key with a reliable person or leave a key and a completed Authority to board and move form with the Coast Guard who are also happy to help,’’ Mr Beattie said.
Cyclone survival for boaties explains where to get details of local cyclone contingency plans, by telephone and email, as well as on Maritime Safety Queensland's website at www.msq.qld.gov.au
The brochures will be available from Maritime Safety Queensland offices and will be distributed through boat clubs and marinas.
Media inquiries: Premiers office 3224 4500
8 December 2006
The checklist featured in a new brochure, Cyclone survival for boaties, which Mr Beattie released at the 2006 Cyclone Summit Living with cyclones – Queensland prepared being held at James Cook University in Cairns.
Mr Beattie said people living in far north Queensland knew that the onset of the cyclone season was the signal to be ready for the possibility of extreme winds, harsh seas and tidal surges generated by the unpredictable pattern of cyclones.
“When a cyclone approaches the coast in far north Queensland, a maritime control centre is established at Maritime Safety Queensland’s marine operations base in Cairns to implement a Cyclone Contingency Plan,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“The brochure advises boat owners and operators to ensure they are familiar with their local cyclone contingency plan.
“The Regional Harbour Master will activate a series of intensifying warnings and boat owners should be familiar with their responsibilities under each level in order to maximise safety precautions for vessels and boating infrastructure.
“The Regional Harbour Master will control the relocation of vessels in the harbour to more sheltered moorings.”
Planning and preparing are the keys to limiting cyclone damage to boats. Boat owners should, for example:
• explore the assigned shelter inlet before cyclone season commences, to determine where to moor in a cyclone;
• update their contact details for relevant authorities;
• ensure there’s plenty of line to secure the vessel;
• take down and stow all sails, loose articles and furniture.
“If they're going to be away during the cyclone season, they should also make alternative arrangements for the movement of their vessel. For example they could leave a boat key with a reliable person or leave a key and a completed Authority to board and move form with the Coast Guard who are also happy to help,’’ Mr Beattie said.
Cyclone survival for boaties explains where to get details of local cyclone contingency plans, by telephone and email, as well as on Maritime Safety Queensland's website at www.msq.qld.gov.au
The brochures will be available from Maritime Safety Queensland offices and will be distributed through boat clubs and marinas.
Media inquiries: Premiers office 3224 4500
8 December 2006