Burdekin Shire residents have first-hand experience of living through natural disasters. They also know all too well the importance of good communication during difficult times.
With yet another cyclone threat earlier this month when Kirrily whirled in from the coast, the memories of devastating Cyclone Debbie remain etched in the minds of many.
That’s why local media are supporting an initiative to improve communication between emergency responders and communities in times of disaster.
Burdekin Aware and Prepared is a new innovative partnership between local media and natural hazards experts, which encourages residents to share their experiences of communication awareness-building about natural hazard events.
There will be a community town hall on Saturday February 24, and residents are being urged to join in.
This research project is funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia and delivered in partnership with a team of researchers at Deakin University.
“Our research team wants to know how community members receive information before, during, and after natural hazards - and what could be improved,” says the project’s lead researcher, Dr Gabi Mocatta.
“People in the Burdekin Shire are generally well prepared, so we want to find out what the rest of Austalia can learn from them.
“We want to know, for example, how good communication can save lives and property, and where it has helped bring people together.
“We also want to know where there are gaps in education, communication and awareness about natural hazard events.”
Cyclone Debbie – a category 4 cyclone – crossed the north Queensland coast in 2017 and was the most expensive in Queensland’s history, affecting at least 63,000 properties. The storm resulted in high winds (up to 263 km), heavy rain and flooding. In the wake of Debbie, Burdekin Shire has experienced flooding most summers, including a major rain event in January 2020 that closed the Bruce Highway.
Unfortunately, compound natural hazards – where hazards occur in quick sucession or at the same time – are becoming increasingly common in Australia. Communication and awareness initiatives are key to preparation for future events.
“We are hoping that community members will join in the discussion and help us understand what works well for communicating naural hazards in North Queensland, and what the rest of the country might be able to learn,” says Dr Mocatta.
WHAT: Burdekin Aware and Prepared Community Forum
WHERE: PCYC Burdekin
WHEN: Saturday February 24 from 2:30-4:30pm
To participate in the forum, please sign up here: https://bit.ly/4bjnCIQ
Any questions can be sent to: gabi.mocatta@deakin.edu.au
Caption: Recent Burdekin River flooding. Photo supplied
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