Whitsunday Council Prepares For Disaster Season

As we approach another disaster season, I want to emphasise how critical Council’s Local Disaster Management Group preparations are to ensuring the safety of our community.
 
Council takes disaster management very seriously, and our small but dedicated Disaster Management Team has been working hard behind the scenes undertaking rigorous training exercises and simulations to ensure we are ready to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of a cyclone, flood, or other natural disaster.
 
As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), I recently joined Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator Adam Hagy, and our Disaster Management Coordinator Sandra Black on a Queensland Police Service led high-stakes disaster management exercise, "Exercise Tempestas," on Hamilton Island.
 
The focus was on preparing our Whitsunday islands for the unpredictable wrath of severe cyclones and deadly storm surges during the summer months.
 
The exercise aimed to refine evacuation strategies, tighten communication channels, and identify those crucial moments when evacuation becomes not just an option, but a necessity.
 
In a true show of unity, key stakeholders from across district and state levels came together for the exercise. Representatives from Daydream, Hayman, and Hamilton Islands joined forces with heavyweights like the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, and Maritime Safety Queensland.
 
This collaborative effort also saw critical input from the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Health, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management.
 
Together, they tackled real-world challenges head-on, fine-tuning their responses and solidifying communication networks to ensure no gap is left unchecked when disaster strikes.
 
Adding to the preparation, the Disaster Management Team conducted a vital pre-exercise visit to Daydream and Hayman Islands the day before. This annual check-in included reviewing contact lists, assessing disaster response protocols, and making any necessary updates to safeguard the islands ahead of the fast-approaching storm season.
 
As we gear up for storm season, the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group continues to engage with the community to build resilience and awareness.
 
Mark your calendars for Council’s Cyclone Saturday in Airlie Beach and Cyclone Sunday in Bowen on October 26th and 27th - just in time to prepare for the storm season, beginning November 1st.
 
Our community’s strength lies in preparedness, and with exercises like these, we’re one step closer to weathering whatever nature throws our way.
 
I encourage all residents to take the time to review their own emergency plans, ensure your homes are cyclone-ready, and stay informed about the resources Council has to offer.
 
Our Disaster Management Team works tirelessly to be ready, and together, as a community, we can face whatever challenges the season brings with resilience and unity.
 
Stay safe, stay prepared.

Contributed with thanks to Mayor Ry Collins.

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Mayor Ry Collins and the Council Disaster Management Team prepare for cyclone season. Photo supplied

The Disaster Management Team worked with the local islands and emergency services on disaster management exercise, "Exercise Tempestas”.
Photo supplied

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