Projects helping build Queensland's resilience to natural disasters were on show at the 2022 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards held in Brisbane tonight.
Following one of the worst disaster seasons Queensland has experienced in a long time, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning Steven Miles was delighted to see 37 inspiring entrants across seven categories.
"Queenslanders know all too well the impact severe weather and natural disasters have on our state and people," Mr Miles said.
"Tonight we recognise Queenslanders and their efforts during tough times, showing the initiative to push forward and support each other and I would like to congratulate them all for their efforts and achievements.
"Many of this year's entrants focused on preparing people for an imminent natural disaster and helping them recover afterwards.
"We realise the impacts of disasters such as the ones recently experienced go beyond bridges and roads. We need to ensure Queenslanders are both physically and mentally prepared.
"Other ways local communities showed their support during trying times was through innovative care packages, which were provided to the elderly who were isolated because of the pandemic."
Queensland Reconstruction Authority Chief Executive Officer Brendan Moon congratulated the entrants for their supportive, innovative, and creative approaches to disaster preparation and resilience building.
"Each and every year I am pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of projects that feature in these awards," Mr Moon said.
"People are constantly coming up with new ways to prepare Queenslanders for natural disasters and help them recover afterwards.
"I'd also like to commend Kairi State School teachers in the Atherton Tablelands who helped a group of students gain their amateur radio licence so they can now support the community by broadcasting vital emergency messages during the next natural disaster.
The Queensland Chapter of the Resilient Australia Awards is delivered by Get Ready Queensland, the Queensland Government's all hazards disaster awareness program, in partnership with the Australian Institute of Disaster Resilience.
Winning projects will progress to the National Resilient Australia Award ceremony in late 2022.
The full list of Queensland winners and highly commended entrants is available at www.getready.qld.gov.au/2022-Resilient-Australia-Awards-Queensland-Winners.
Photos of winners of the awards will be available from 9am on Friday 9 September at the following link 2022 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards.
