As we move through the seasons in the Burdekin, it's a good time for all of us to step back and reflect on one of the most serious and important aspects of living in North Queensland: disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Cyclones, floods, and severe weather are simply a fact of life here. While our Council and our Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) work year-round on planning, infrastructure, and coordination, our true strength lies in how well prepared every individual household is. Resilience isn't just a Council policy—it's a collective, community-wide effort.
This week, I want to highlight three simple but vital steps you can take today to ensure you, your family, and your neighbours are ready for the unexpected.
We talk about Emergency Kits and Household Plans every year, but have you actually pulled yours out recently? Your Emergency Kit should be easily accessible and contain essentials for 3-5 days of self-sufficiency. Think water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, important documents (copies, not originals), cash, and a battery-powered radio. More importantly, every household needs an Emergency Plan. Take 30 minutes with your family to answer these questions:
Who will contact who? (If phones are down, what is the plan?)
Where is our safe place to shelter within the house?
Where will we go if we need to evacuate, and what is the safest route? (Remember, the best option is always friends or family outside the threatened area.)
In an emergency, reliable and up-to-date information is your most critical tool. That's why I urge every resident to bookmark and familiarise themselves with the Burdekin Shire Council Disaster Dashboard at disaster.burdekin.qld.gov.au This is your official 'one-stop shop' for all emergency information, and it is updated in real-time by the LDMG. On the Dashboard, you can find: Weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology, road closures and conditions, power and utility outages and the location of any activated places of refuge. Knowing where to look for information will save you time and stress when minutes count.
Local resilience starts at your street. Our Council's recovery efforts are guided by the principle of community-led recovery, meaning we rely on local knowledge and goodwill. Get to know your neighbours, especially those who may be elderly, have a disability, or have young children. Can you offer a hand trimming trees, securing property, or checking in on
them after a severe weather event? Small acts of neighbourhood connection build the strength that gets us all through tough times.
The Burdekin Shire Council is continually investing in making our community stronger, but ultimately, our preparedness begins at home. Take the time today to get ready, stay informed, and help us keep the Burdekin a safe and resilient place for everyone.
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