The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) has been put through its paces preparing for a significant weather event impacting the city.
It was all part of the TLDMG annual disaster exercise at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) today to help the TLDMG and Council staff hone their skills in preparation for a disaster impacting the region.
Exercise Katrina, involved preparing for a Severe Tropical Cyclone and the risks that could come with it, including the potential for a large storm surge affecting low-lying areas.
Newly appointed TLDMG Chair Cr Andrew Robinson said it was an opportunity to run through a very likely scenario and ensure everyone was on the same page in coordinating the response to a major event.
"Our region is no stranger to natural disasters, so its important members from the TLDMG and other agencies can come together to take part in regular training," Cr Robinson said.
"Training exercises like this are vital in helping the TLDMG prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
"Today's session included representatives from Council, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire Department, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Bureau of Meteorology, defence representatives, communication experts and evacuation specialists to name a few.
"Exercise Katrina was a great opportunity for everyone to brush up on their skills when it comes to communicating important information to the public, decision making processes, information sharing between agencies, evacuation planning, and determining recovery priorities for our community based on the scenario."
Cr Robinson said the exercise was part of the preparation carried out by the TLDMG heading into the high-risk weather period.
"While the group is ready to stand up at a moment's notice all year round, ahead of the high-risk weather season we want to make sure we've applied the learnings from the previous year and are well prepared for any scenario," Cr Robinson said.
"The TLDMG and Council goes through a number of steps each year to ensure we're well prepared for what the high-risk weather season may throw our way, including testing the dam gates, reviewing and updating our emergency response plans and procedures, undertaking disaster exercises and training, doing stocktakes of our emergency kits and preparing all Council offices, depots and facilities for high-risk weather events.
"What we need is for residents across the city to be just as prepared by making an emergency plan for yourself and your family, having an emergency kit that is stocked and ready to go, preparing your home and planning for your pets.
"By preparing in advance, our community will be in the best position come the high-risk weather season.
"For those who want more information from the experts on how to best plan, prepare and act to keep their families and homes safer in our tropical environment and during high-risk weather events, Council's annual Get Ready Townsville event will be held at Jezzine Barracks on Sunday 3 November from 9am to 12pm."
