Palaszczuk Government recognises innovation in natural disaster resilience

Published Wednesday, 11 October, 2017 at 03:20 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Three innovative initiatives were today recognised by the Palaszczuk Government for their contribution to disaster relief and resilience as part of this year’s Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jackie Trad today congratulated this year’s three winners - Logan City Council’s Flooded Road Smart Warning System, Aidforce (formerly Aidtaskers) and the Good Shepherd Microfinance ‘Money Ready Toolkit’. 

“As the most disaster-prone state in Australia, Queensland is no stranger to damage caused by natural disasters,” Ms Trad said.

“Experience shows that communities that are well prepared and supported before a disaster occurs are more resilient and able to recover faster.

“The people and organisations recognised by the Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards are part of building that resilience.”

Member for Logan Linus Power said Logan City Council’s Flooded Road Smart Warning System – which involved low cost automatic warning signs, powered by recycled laptop batteries – was given a thorough test in March 2017 when more than 100 roads across Logan were flooded in the aftermath of ex Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

“This system was rolled out earlier this year to reduce drivers entering flood waters, helping to lessen the burden on emergency services,” Mr Power said.

“Unlike previous events in 2013 and 2015 which tragically resulted in 35 swift water rescues and a fatality, I understand no vehicles drove into flood waters in this latest event, a great safety outcome for our community.”

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce congratulated North Queensland-based Aidforce on their success.

“Aidforce is a fantastic business which connects professional services and labour to those affected by disaster through innovation, technology and education,” Mr Pearce said.

“On behalf of the Mirani community, I would like to congratulate Aidforce on their success in the Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards.”

The third winner is the Good Shepherd Microfinance 24-page Money Ready Toolkit which was developed in partnership with the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services as an innovative, easy-to-use guide to assist Queenslanders get back on their feet quicker following a disaster.

The 2017 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Award winners – which were announced today as part of Get Ready Queensland Week from 8-15 October – will now represent Queensland in the national awards.

Winners of the national awards will be announced in late 2017.

For more information go to http://www.qld.gov.au/getready

ENDS

Media contact: 0415 095 811

 

State Winners

 

Category

Name of project

Entrant

Government

Flooded Road Smart Warning System

Logan City Council

Business

Aidtaskers

 

Community

Money Ready Toolkit

Good Shepherd Microfinance

 

Highly Commended

 

Category

Name of project

Entrant

Community

Recovery Kitchen Cookbook

UnitingCare Queensland

Government

Get Ready, Get Active Livingstone

Livingstone Shire Council