Get Ready Townsville returns this Sunday
Date published: 2 November 2023
With the wet season just around the corner, Townsville City Council is calling on the community to get ready for whatever mother nature throws Townsville’s way with the annual Get Ready Townsville event.
The popular annual event is on Sunday 5 November 2023 at Jezzine Barracks.
Townsville Local Disaster Management Group (TLDMG) Chair Jenny Hill said it was a timely reminder that living in North Queensland comes with the risk of hazard events all year round.
“While we live in paradise here in Townsville, it’s important that we don’t forget the unpredictable nature of our upcoming high-risk weather season, which is why Get Ready Townsville is a terrific event for our whole community,” Cr Hill said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here for six months or six years, there’s always something valuable to learn at Get Ready Townsville.
“The event will include 36 stall holders, live demonstrations, kids’ passport competition with prizes to be won, food vendors and more.”
Cr Hill said Townsville faced the reality of hazards all year round, particularly during the wet season.
“We all know preparation is the key to success, and while disaster events can be daunting, Get Ready Townsville has a great array of stall holders and experts in their field to set your mind at ease,” she said.
“There will be plenty of information about storm tide evacuation zones, flood mapping, pet safety and more.
“It is important to know the steps to take for events like floods, cyclones and bushfires, and knowing how to safely evacuate your home if needed.
“While it has been forecast that we are going into a drier than average wet season with a declared El Nino, nobody wants to be caught out being unprepared when dealing with floods, cyclones or bushfires.
“Disaster events can happen very quickly, so it’s essential to be prepared so you and your family are in the best position to act.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who lives in Townsville to mark Get Ready Townsville in their calendar and make it a priority to attend ahead of the monsoon and cyclone season.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ Northern Region A/Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Neil said it’s important every family and every household is prepared.
“Natural disasters can hit anywhere in Queensland and may not give much warning,” Mr O’Neil said.
“Emergency services personnel are highly trained and well-equipped to respond to whatever the upcoming severe weather season may bring, but it’s important for all Queenslanders to take responsibility for their own safety.
“Creating an emergency plan and preparing your home and property will ensure you’re ready when severe weather strikes.”
Get Ready Townsville will run from 9am to midday at Jezzine Barracks on Sunday 5 November 2023.
