Bligh Government initiative helps cyclone proof businesses

With the tropical cyclone season upon us, Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle is urging business operators in North and Far North Queensland to be prepared.

“Cyclone season runs from November to April and as many of us know from bitter experience Northern Australia is most vulnerable,” Ms Boyle said.

“According to Emergency Management Australia, cyclones cross our coastline six times a year on average and tend to be more erratic here than in other parts of the world.

“As we saw with Cyclone Larry, they can cause millions of dollars worth of damage.

“While personal safety must be the number one priority, there are steps business operators can take to prepare themselves and lessen the impact of disaster.”

Ms Boyle said a risk management plan would ensure a business is better prepared to cope during a cyclone and rebuild in its aftermath.

“It can be as simple as ensuring computers and other office equipment are kept above the floor level so they will be safe from flooding, or regularly checking your insurance,” she said.

“Unfortunately a large number of businesses are not insured at all or are under-insured. It’s very important to review your policy every year and update it when necessary.”

Ms Boyle also advised business operators to make sure key records including payroll details, staff contacts and tax files are duplicated and stored off-site.

“It’s worth looking into alternative power options too. Imagine if you are a restaurateur or a food manufacturer reliant on refrigeration and you lose power for even one day. A back-up generator could save you thousands of dollars,” she said.

“There are many other ways to minimise damage. I think most people in the cyclone zone have a battening down procedure which would include unplugging everything, covering items that could be damaged or blown away and putting vehicles under cover.

“Keeping an emergency kit is another essential and it’s sensible to store important documents in a fire and water-proof container.

“It’s also important to ensure staff are well versed in your evacuation procedure and familiar with safety equipment.”

Ms Boyle said that in response to the devastation of Cyclone Larry, the Queensland Government created a ‘Disaster Resilience Plan’ initiative for business operators.

Users can complete a series of checklists and then use the information to complete a Disaster Resilience Plan for their business.

“The checklists cover a wide range of threats including the possibility of bushfires, cyclones and storm surge, flooding, severe storms, drought affected natural environment, pandemic and general criteria for business management,” Ms Boyle said.

“You can even work out your potential losses with an online calculator.”

The Disaster Resilience Plan is online at www.business.qld.gov.au/disaster

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Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326

25 November 2008