Specialists storm into Cairns for cyclone season launch

Storm specialists and emergency service agencies will sweep into Cairns tomorrow morning to mark the launch of the 2008 Cyclone Season.

The launch will be celebrated with a free breakfast, a live radio broadcast and information displays to prepare people for the impending season.

Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts said a big turnout is expected for the event.

“We all know that the impacts of climate change are already affecting us and that we can expect to see more extreme weather events occurring in the coming years,” he said.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity for people to come together to discuss emergency plans as a community and to prepare themselves should a cyclone hit the area.

“I have been encouraged by the level of involvement from different organisations in the lead up to the launch.

“The Bureau of Meteorology, the Red Cross, the ABC, Ergon, Cairns Regional Council and the Building Services Authority as well as many state Government departments are all participating in the event.”

The launch will be followed by a disaster management workshop which will be conducted by agencies drawn from Federal, State and Local governments for invited personnel to present the seasonal outlook and to provide information on cyclone, storm, flood and storm tide preparedness.

Emergency Management Queensland Executive Director Frank Pagano said every person living in a cyclone-prone area of Queensland should consider it a priority to prepare in the lead-up to the cyclone season of November to April.

“The Queensland Government, your local council and the emergency services can only do so much,” he said.

“We invest heavily in getting cyclone and storm messages out to the community, but these efforts are worthless if individuals do not take the necessary precautions themselves.”

“Events such as this cyclone season launch raise community awareness, build community resilience and give residents the reassurance that they are not on their own if the worst occurs.

“We will be there to support the community but there are many things we ask the public to do as well.

“People should check the condition of their roof and repair loose tiles, eaves or roof screws, trim any branches overhanging the house, clear gutters and ensure their home and contents insurance is adequate and current,” Mr Pagano said.

“It’s also a good idea to prepare an emergency kit including enough family supplies for three days (food, water and medications), a battery operated radio and torch, a first aid kit and important documents (wills, passports, insurance policies, prescriptions),” he said.

Minister Roberts urged Queenslanders to ensure they recorded emergency service contact and other important phone numbers in a visible place, including the all-important SES number 132 500.

“We work hand in hand with local councils in ensuring your local SES units are prepared and capable of responding to your needs,” he said.

“We have a very strong and supportive relationship with local councils and the work of SES volunteers is appreciated beyond measure.

“The City of Cairns SES Unit has already assisted the community in a number of incidents this year, committing more than 1,642 operational hours to the people of Cairns. They are well trained and rehearsed to assist anyone in need.”

Minister Roberts said the Bligh Government is providing funding of $12.464 million to the SES this financial year to make sure they can continue to provide the community with the support they need to successfully ride out the cyclone season.

“Events like the cyclone season launch will mean that our communities are well equipped and well prepared to help with any emergency, cyclone or storm that affects the region this cyclone season,” he said.

Details of how to best prepare for a cyclone can be found at www.emergency.qld.gov.au

Event details:

Where: Western Events Lawn, northern side of the Esplanade Cairns (adjacent to the lagoon)

When: Wednesday 05 November

Time: 7am-10am

Media contact – Chantelle Rule – 0422 762 115