Weather doesn't plan, but you can. That's the message rugby league legend and Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston is sharing with Queenslanders this Get Ready Queensland Week.
Going live today to coincide with the start of Get Ready Queensland Week 2024 (8-13 October 2024), the new advertising campaign calls on people to get their severe weather plans in place ahead of the upcoming disaster season.
The ad puts JT front and centre promoting one of the 3 Steps to Get Ready: Understand your risk. Make a plan. Pack an emergency kit.
To make it easier for Queenslanders to create a severe weather plan, a new online tool is available at getready.qld.gov.au/plan that steps people through the process, pre-fills localised information, and provides advice, contacts and checklists.
Get Ready Queensland Week 2024 is kicking off with events along the Cairns Esplanade and at Corinda State High School in Brisbane, with the Queensland's Government's full representation of disaster and frontline services suiting up for the day.
As part of the launch, Bureau of Meteorology representatives will also reveal this year's severe weather outlook for Queensland.
Taking place annually, Get Ready Queensland Week promotes the importance of being disaster prepared, and is a great time for every Queenslander to take action before the unpredictable summer months arrive.
As part of this year's events, regional event roadshows will roll out in the south-east, Far North, and through western Queensland, hosted by Get Ready Queensland and relevant councils, and featuring disaster preparedness activities, take-home resources, and local emergency services.
The Get Ready Queensland program is managed by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the state's lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience, and is strengthened by the support of major partner Suncorp.
Queenslanders can find out what they need to Get Ready for severe weather by visiting getready.qld.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Reconstruction Authority General Manager Jimmy Scott:
"We want Queenslanders to use this Get Ready Queensland Week as a time to prepare for the upcoming disaster season," Mr Scott said.
Ask yourself: Am I prepared? Is my family prepared? Don't leave it until the last moment, because when a cyclone is bearing down or floodwaters are rising it's too late.
"By following our 3 Steps to Get Ready – understand your risk, make a plan, and pack an emergency kit – you can put yourself in a strong position to sustain the impacts of extreme weather.
"Being aware of your disaster contingency plans well ahead of time is crucial, and our Get Ready Queensland website makes it easier for everyone."
Quotes attributable to Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston:
"Just as every member of a footy team trains hard to achieve success on game day, every Queenslander can take steps now to Get Ready for extreme weather," Mr Thurston said.
"By understanding your own localised disaster risk, getting a severe weather plan together for your household, and packing an emergency kit, you can ensure you're prepared for any sort of weather event.
"Extreme weather can impact any Queenslander and the everyday parts of our life we take for granted, for example access to electricity and clean water, going to the shops, travelling to work or school, the safety of our family and home.
"These things and more can be turned upside down with little warning. That's why we all need to take onboard Get Ready Queensland's message – 'Weather doesn't plan, but you can' – and take the 3 Steps to Get Ready today."
Quotes attributable to Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden:
"Here in the tropics, we need to be ready for anything when it comes to the weather and natural disasters," Cr Eden said.
No one who experienced or witnessed Tropical Cyclone Jasper and its aftermath last December will ever forget its devastating impact. The Cairns catchment saw a staggering 2.2 metres of rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding and significant loss and damage to homes and local infrastructure.
It was a stark reminder that preparation is key. Knowing your storm surge zone, checking the flood maps at council's website, and having an emergency plan in place are all critical steps to take in the lead up to the wet season.
The Cairns Disaster Dashboard is your go-to during emergencies, with real-time updates on road closures, power outages, and weather warnings. Get your emergency kits stocked and make a plan now – being prepared is the best way to stay safe."
Quotes attributable to the Bureau of Meteorology Luke Shelley
"Now is the time to know your weather and know your risk to get ready for Australia's severe weather season," Mr Shelley said.
"While severe weather can happen at any time of year, traditionally Australia's peak time for severe thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires runs between October and April.
"These weather conditions can endanger life and damage property, but by knowing your weather and your risk you will be more prepared to act and stay safe.
"We urge the community to get warnings and forecast information by regularly going to the Bureau's website – at www.bom.gov.au – and by downloading the BOM Weather app, which provides direct warnings that can be tailored specifically to your location - very handy if you're travelling."
Quotes attributable to Suncorp Chief Executive Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison:
"Suncorp is proud to have been the major program partner of Get Ready Queensland since 2020, and our ongoing investment recognises the importance of this community initiative," Ms Harrison said.
"We know how volatile this state's weather can be, which is why we support the promotion of good disaster preparation practices that will help build our collective resilience and lessen the devastating impacts of disaster events.
"Take the time this Get Ready Queensland Week to check your insurance and get your disaster planning in place. It's never too early to Get Ready for extreme weather."
