JT urges Queenslanders to plan for disasters this Get Ready Queensland Week

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 at Corinda State High School in Brisbane, and along the Cairns Esplanade, 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 event, regional roadshows will roll out in the south-east, Far North, and through western Queensland, hosted by Get Ready Queensland and relevant councils, 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 CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd):

“Living in Queensland means we simply cannot afford to be complacent about the effects of extreme weather," Mr Ellwood said.

"Over the past year, 66 of Queensland’s 77 local government areas have been impacted by a bushfire, cyclone, flood or storm, and as we approach summer, Get Ready Queensland Week is our state’s annual reminder that we need to prepare for disaster season.

“Research shows us people who are prepared for severe weather recover faster than those who rely solely on outside help, so taking action now can make a huge difference in a time of crisis.

“Now is the time to Get Ready. Don’t wait till tomorrow. And let’s keep Queensland the most disaster resilient state in Australia.”

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 the Bureau of Meteorolgy Laura Boekel:

"Now is the time to know your weather and know your risk to get ready for Australia's severe weather season," Ms Boekel 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."

Queenslanders can start to Get Ready by downloading the BOM Weather app and set up notifications to stay up to date with Bureau warnings. The latest forecast and warnings are also on www.bom.gov.au.

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.”

Quotes attributable to Corinda State High School Deputy Principal Rebecca Gilroy:

“Our school community has firsthand experience dealing with severe flooding, and after going through the events of 2011 and 2022 we have gained a deep understanding of what it means to be disaster resilient,” Ms Gilroy said.

“The lessons being shared during Get Ready Queensland Week reinforce for all of us, but especially our young people, why it’s so vital we prepare for the unexpected turns of Mother Nature.

“We’re grateful to be part of this event, and to help spread these important Get Ready messages widely. It’s worthwhile homework for every Queenslander.”

More information:

Get Ready Queensland is a year-round, all hazards, resilience building initiative of the Queensland Government to help communities prepare for natural disasters.

Queenslanders are encouraged to use this week to prepare for the upcoming disaster season by taking the 3 Steps to Get Ready:

1. Understand your risk – Everyone’s disaster risk is different. Knowing what your personal risks are will help you best prepare for severe weather and will reduce the impacts on your family and property.  
2. Have a plan – Make a household emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in times of disaster. It will give you peace of mind knowing important information is accessible and in one place.
3. Pack a kit – Grab a few extra items for an emergency kit next time you’re out shopping. Store your kit somewhere safe so you have it stocked and ready if the weather turns bad.

To find out more on how to Get Ready, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au.