Tag Archives: disaster management

Community Champions and STAR Community Services agreement supports vulnerable SMBI residents


May 25, 2020

Under a new agreement with STAR Community Services, the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI) volunteer Community Champions will be able to help even more of the vulnerable residents in their communities.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that during disasters and local emergencies, the highly regarded Community Champions could now help to support the safety, wellbeing and needs of STAR clients living on the islands.

“As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, I am proud of the extraordinary efforts of our SMBI Community Champions in supporting island residents,” Cr Williams said.

“The agreement with STAR will enable the Champions to provide even more support, by allowing them to contact socially or physically isolated STAR clients to check on their safety,” she said.

“Essentially, it allows the Community Champions to help make sure everyone on the island has been accounted for and is being cared for in an emergency.”

STAR General Manager Patsy Wilshire said the agreement would help ensure the safety of their island clients.

“Isolated, elderly people are already vulnerable, so during a disaster we call over 600 Bay Island clients to make sure they are safe, and have access to fresh food and water as well as vital medications,” Ms Wilshire said.

“In any future disaster, if anyone on the SMBI needs immediate help, STAR will contact the Community Champions who will be able to visit the person’s home to assess their needs,” she said.

“We strongly believe that communities that work together are stronger.”

Ms Wilshire wanted to thank the Redlands Foundation for providing a phone and laptop to support communications between STAR and the Community Champions.

“Equipment like this is a basic need during emergencies, so we extend sincere thanks to Redlands Foundation for their generosity.”

Community Champions Coordinator Marie Dalton said the group’s main aim was to care for vulnerable people.

“In emergencies, the Community Champions work together to make sure everyone on the islands is safe,” Marie said.

“Working with STAR will help us identify and reach more vulnerable people more quickly,” she said.

Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said the agreement reflected how Redlands Coast organisations are finding ways to work together to assist the wider community.

“STAR has provided vulnerable members of our Redlands Coast community with safe, affordable and reliable services for many years,” Cr Edwards said.

“I am delighted that by working with STAR, our Community Champions will be even better resourced to support their island communities,” he said.

“We know that the very best disaster management programs involve local people, and that’s why our Community Champions have been so successful.

“This agreement will strengthen our SMBIs’ resilience and is a great example of the power of the Redlands Coast community working together.

“If you would like further information regarding the work carried out by STAR Community Services, please call 3821 6699 or the Southern Moreton Bay Island Community Champions on 0423 162 723.

State of Fire Emergency partially lifted – Fire ban remains in place


November 21, 2019

While the State of Fire Emergency Declaration has been removed for Redland City Council, the local fire ban continues.

This means there can be no open fires.

QFES advises fires within a properly constructed barbecue are allowed provided they are not left unattended.

Power tools can be used but must be used with extreme care.

For more information on the Redlands Coast Fire Ban Declaration: redlnd.cc/FireBan

Protect your health from bushfire smoke


November 20, 2019

While there are no fires burning on Redlands Coast air quality is still being affected by smoke haze from fires around the rest of the state. The community is advised to remain alert to the levels of smoke, especially vulnerable people with asthma or pre-existing lung or heart conditions. What can you do:
• Look after vulnerable persons.
• Switch air conditioners to ‘recycle’ or ‘recirculate’ mode.
• Reduce outside activity.
• Seek medical advice if you experience any adverse reactions and stay up to date with local news reports.

For more information: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/health-alerts/bushfire-smoke-health-alert

State of Fire Emergency continues – Redland City is part of a total fire ban until further notice


November 20, 2019

A State of Fire Emergency declared earlier this month continues across 42 Local Government Areas in Queensland, which bans a range of activities that can cause fires to ignite and prohibits the lighting of specified outdoor fires.

What you cannot do during a State of Fire Emergency:
• No fireworks.
• No hangis or pit ovens permitted.
• No grinding/ welding outdoors.
• No grinding/ welding inside a building with a closed door and concrete floor. Look at your environment and check there’s no long grass or dry vegetation that may catch alight.
• If it’s essential that you run a powered pump, make sure you clear around it and take precautions to ensure that the exhaust doesn’t spark a fire.
• Avoid lawn mowing if your property is dry and highly vegetated until conditions have eased. A spark from a stone could start a fire.
• Gas barbeques with a hooded lid can be used if done so safely, in an appropriate area and only used for the purposes of cooking.
• Woodfires, smokers and pizza ovens can be used if they are completely enclosed and only used for the purposes of cooking.

For more information: https://redlnd.cc/ruralfire_stateofemergency

Disaster prep street meets across City


February 10, 2017

Redland City Council is taking to the streets in its latest effort to help people be prepared for natural disasters such as storms and bushfires.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams and Chair of the local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) said a series of City-wide pop-up stalls would give people the chance to meet front-line emergency staff.

“Our Southern Moreton Bay Islands Street Speaks events have been advertised for the past few weeks, with the first event being held at Russell Island SUPA IGA this Saturday 11 February from 8am – 12pm,” Cr Williams said.

“These will be followed by a number of similar events around Redlands in coming months.

“These stalls will give people the chance to meet Rural Brigade and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers as well as members of Council’s own Emergency Management Team.

“People can ask questions about how to best prepare their own properties, as well as learn more about all the work these groups do for our community.

“As witnessed this week through the second fire on Russell Island, it has been a busy storm and bushfire season this summer with more still ahead of us, so there has never been a better time to be informed and prepared.

“People will also be able to take away a copy of our Redland City Disaster Management Plan, with suburb-specific information all residents should know about how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disaster events.”

Dates for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands pop-up stalls are:

  • Saturday 11 February 2017: Russell Island SUPA IGA, 8am – 12pm
  • Saturday 25 February 2017: Macleay Island SPAR, 8am – 12pm
  • Saturday 11 March: Lamb Island Convenience Store, 9am – 12pm
  • Saturday 25 March 2017: Karragarra Island Jetty, 9am – 12pm

These will be followed by a series of pop-up stalls on the mainland. Follow us on Facebook or check the Redland City Council website for updates on dates and times.

For information on keeping your families safe in natural disaster events, you can also visit our dedicated Disaster Management website.

Severe Weather Update: Redland sandbag stations, ferries and power


June 3, 2016

Community sandbag stations will be operating today and tomorrow in four locations in the Redlands.

They are:

  • Cleveland Showgrounds until 7pm tonight and again tomorrow until the storm passes
  • Redland City Council depot, Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island (self-serve, open now)
  • Russell Island refuse station, Centre Road, Russell Island (self-serve, opening late this afternoon)
  • Redland City Council depot, Macleay Island, High Central Road (self-serve, opening late this afternoon).

Residents are reminded to be mindful of conditions when in sandbagging areas.

Possible disruption to ferry services

Given the weather forecast, it is likely there will be disruption to ferry services.

Potential for power outages

Power outages, particularly to the islands, are likely and people should make necessary arrangements for food storage, lighting and reliance on powered medical devices. Long-term power outage is not expected but intermittent interruption is likely.

Weather conditions

Showers with rain areas and possible thunderstorms are expected to increase over the interior of the State today, before spreading into southeast Queensland on Saturday.

Around southeast Queensland, 24 hour totals of 30-150mm are possible over inland areas and 75-200mm are possible near the coast and ranges on Saturday. Isolated totals in excess of 250mm cannot be ruled out.

There is a risk of localised flash flooding with any areas of heavy rain during this evening, particularly around southeast Queensland on Saturday.

Abnormally high tides and dangerous surf are expected about exposed beaches around southeast Queensland over the weekend, which may lead to some beach erosion, particularly around the high tide.

Localised damaging wind gusts, greater than 90 km/h , may develop about the southeast Queensland coast and ranges during Saturday.

A Severe Weather Warning and a Flood Watch have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

  • Move your car under cover or away from trees.
  • Secure loose outdoor items.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
  • Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
  • Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
  • Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.
  • Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
  • For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

All Redland City residents are advised to:

  • Tune into weather warnings on 612 ABC Brisbane and Bay FM 100.3.
  • Follow live updates on Council’s news site and follow Council’s Twitter and Facebook.
  • Keep up-to-date with Bureau of Meteorology weather warnings.
  • Access the Redland City Disaster Management Plan for practical information to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster.
  • In life-threatening emergencies always call 000.
  • Follow the advice of local emergency services.
  • Drive to road conditions.
  • Don’t let children play in or around flood water.

PREPARE NOW FOR SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS


June 3, 2016

Redland City residents are advised that a sandbagging station will be open today at Redland Showgrounds – Norm Price Park, via Long Street, Cleveland from 12 noon to 7pm.

Sandbagging stations will also be established at Redland City Council depots at Dunwich, Russell Island and Macleay Island.

Residents are urged to prepare now for severe weather conditions today and over the weekend.

The Redland City Disaster Management Plan provides practical information to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster.

Redland City Council advises residents that a severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that a strong upper trough will move east into the southern interior of Queensland today, shifting into southeast Queensland on Saturday, before moving off the southern coast during Sunday.

A low pressure system will possibly develop and slip southwards over southern Queensland waters during Saturday, most likely moving offshore or into New South Wales late Saturday.

Heavy rain areas should start contracting southeast during Saturday morning as the trough shifts southwards, easing around Brisbane from mid-afternoon, and easing around the Gold Coast during Saturday evening.

Damaging winds, with peak gusts of around 90km/h, are possible in coastal areas and about the Scenic Rim near and south of the surface trough on Saturday.

The trough or low will also generate large swells as it slips southwards during Saturday, with dangerous surf conditions and significant beach erosion developing about exposed beaches between Fraser Island and the Gold Coast during Saturday morning, contracting southwards out of the Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast waters during Saturday afternoon.

Water levels on the high tide are likely to exceed the highest tide of the year about exposed beaches between Fraser Island and the Gold Coast on Saturday and Sunday, particularly on the high tide Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Locally heavy falls are also possible today and early tomorrow over parts of the central and southern interior though are more likely to be associated with thunderstorms.

A Flood Watch is current for southeast Queensland from Fraser Island to the NSW-QLD border.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

  • Move your car under cover or away from trees.
  • Secure loose outdoor items.
  • Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
  • Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
  • Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
  • Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
  • Check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary raise goods and electrical items.
  • For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.
  • Surf Life Saving Australia recommends that you stay out of the water and stay well away from surf-exposed areas.

All Redland City residents are advised to:

  • Tune into weather warnings on 612 ABC Brisbane and Bay FM 100.3
  • Follow live updates on Council’s news site and follow Council’s Twitter and Facebook
  • Keep up-to-date with Bureau of Meteorology weather warnings
  • Access the Redland City Disaster Management Plan for practical information to help you prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster.
  • In life-threatening emergencies always call 000
  • Follow the advice of local emergency services
  • Drive to road conditions
  • Don’t let children play in or around flood water.

Redlands gets a radar


December 19, 2014

Redland City’s the BOM…or will at least get a real-time Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) observation station late next year.

The weather station will be funded through a $150,000 grant from the State Government’s Natural Disaster Mitigation Program after Redland City Mayor Karen Williams lobbied for the funding.

At the moment real-time weather information to Redland City is not available with data delivered from the Brisbane Airport and ‘approximated’ for Redlands. Having local real-time information will be an invaluable resource to Redlands Local Disaster Management Group, as well as residents and visitors to the City.

Council will provide suitable land for the station for BOM to build the station, expected to be fully operational in time for next summer.

You can access Redlands local disaster planning information on the Redlands Disaster Plan website.

NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND BUSHFIRE UPDATE: 10.15am Wednesday 4 December


December 4, 2013

Fifteen Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) crews remain on scene at the bushfire burning approximately 2km south of the Yarraman Mine.

Crews worked through the night to conduct backburning in the area. The fire is burning within containment lines and poses no threat to property.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has closed Blue Lake National Park and Fishermans Road as a precaution.

There is a significant amount of smoke about on Straddie – residents of Amity Point and Dunwich are advised to close windows and doors. Residents suffering from a respiratory condition should keep medication close by.

Motorists are advised to drive carefully and to conditions.

Further advice about Staying safe in smoky conditions can be found in this Queensland Health  fact sheet http://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/documents/bushfire-smoke.pdf

Know what to do during a cyclone


December 2, 2013

Media release issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Cyclones are a part of life in Queensland, and being prepared can make a world of difference between cyclones having a major on minor impact on you.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Lee Johnson said the coastal areas of Queensland were subject to cyclones, however it was possible for some western communities to also feel the impact.

“Only a few years ago Cyclone Yasi was still a cyclone several hundred kilometres inland and other cyclones have dropped significant rainfall on inland areas after crossing the coast” Mr Johnson said.

“Take the time now to contact your local council and determine whether you’re located in a cyclone and storm surge zone so you are aware of what measures you will need in place should a cyclone watch or warning be issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM),” Mr Johnson said.

“When the weather system crosses the coastline dropping a large amount of rainfall and moves inland it is not uncommon for the aftermath to be felt by other communities. This was also the case with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in January this year.”

Mr Johnson said it was also important for people to familarise themselves with the types of warnings the BoM would issue in the event of a tropical cyclone.

“When coastal communities are expected to be affected within 48 hours by winds associated with a tropical cyclone the Bureau of Meteorology can issue a series of Tropical Cyclone Watch advices,” he said.

“When the threat is likely to affect the community with 24 hours this advice will be upgraded to a Tropical Cyclone Warning.

“When a cyclone does hit your area it is important to disconnect all electrical appliances, listen to your radio for updates, stay inside and shelter clear of windows in the strongest part of the building and keep your essentials close by.

“Be aware of the eye of the cyclone where it can appear like the system has passed but hasn’t. Always wait for advice from BoM before you go outside.”

Mr Johnson said once the cyclone has crossed the danger was not over.

“You must not go outside until the threat has passed as powerlines, bridges, buildings and trees could be damaged and unstable. You should also check for gas leaks and not use electrical appliances if they’re wet,” he said.

For further information and tips on how to Get Ready and to register for your own personalised step-by-step plan visit www.getready.qld.gov.au.