WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
WHITSUNDAY REGION

   EMERGENCY
ACTION
GUIDE                 2017-2019 EDITION

                                       Whitsunday Disaster Management Group
                                            Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information

www.whitsunday.qld.gov.au/emergency / (07) 4945 0200 / info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
IMPORTANT CONTACTS                                                                                                                                                                                            CONTENTS

LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY (Triple Zero)		                                                                         000                     Introduction                                                          2
LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY (Mobile)		                                                                              112
                                                                                                                                           A message from the Mayor                                              2
WHITSUNDAY DISASTER COORDINATION CENTRE 		                                                                         1300 972 006
                                                                                                                                           Activation of the Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre             3
QUEENS L AND P OL IC E S E R V I C E
                                                                                                                                           PPRR (Prevention, Preparedness, Response, Recovery) Overview          4
Crime Stoppers		                                                                                                   1800 333 000
Police Link		                                                                                                      131 444                 Climate Change                                                        4
Whitsunday Police Station		                                                                                        4948 8888
                                                                                                                                           Natural disaster events                                               5-16
Whitsunday Water Police		                                                                                          4967 7222
Proserpine Police Station		                                                                                        4945 9666                     Cyclone                                                         5-6
Bowen Police Station		                                                                                             4761 3500                     Storm Tide / Storm Surge                                        7
Collinsville Police Station		                                                                                      4785 5377
                                                                                                                                                 Severe Thunderstorm / Severe Weather                            8
Q UEENS LAND F IR E A N D E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S – URBAN
                                                                                                                                                 Flood                                                           9-10
Airlie Beach Fire Station (Permanent / Auxiliary)		                                                                4946 6442
Proserpine Fire Station (Auxiliary)		                                                                              4965 6621                     Bushfires / Grassfires                                          11-12
Bowen Fire Station (Permanent / Auxiliary)		                                                                       4786 1811                     Heatwave                                                        13
Collinsville Fire Station (Auxiliary)		                                                                            4785 5083
                                                                                                                                                 Earthquake                                                      14
RU R AL F IR E S E R VIC E
                                                                                                                                                 Tsunami                                                         15
Mackay District (former Whitsunday Shire area)		                                                                   4965 6641
Townsville District (former Bowen Shire area)		                                                                    4796 9082                     Landslide                                                       16

                                                                                                                                           Prevention and Preparedness                                           17-25
Q UEENS L AND S TAT E E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S ( S E S )
Flood Storm Emergency		                                                                                            132 500                       Disaster Mitigation / Get Ready Qld / Community Resilience      17
Mackay Area Office		                                                                                               4965 6651                     Household Emergency Plan                                        18-19
For SES groups located at Airlie Beach, Gloucester, Proserpine and Bowen
                                                                                                                                                 Emergency Kit                                                   20
Q UEENS LAND H E ALT H S E R V I C E S
                                                                                                                                                 Evacuation Kit                                                  21
13 HEALTH                                                                                                          13 43 25 84
Proserpine Hospital                                                                                                4813 9400                     First Aid Kit                                                   22
Bowen Hospital                                                                                                     4786 8222                     Property Preparation                                            22
Collinsville Hospital                                                                                              4785 4777
                                                                                                                                                 Car and Boat Preparation                                        23
Q UEENS LAND AMB UL A N C E S E R V I C E
                                                                                                                                                 Pet Emergency Plan                                              24
Mackay Local Ambulance Service Network		                                                                           4965 6601
For stations located at Whitsunday, Proserpine, Bowen, Collinsville and Hamilton Island                                                    State Emergency Service                                               25

                                                                                                                                           Response                                                              26-47
MA R IT IME S AF E T Y Q U E E N S L A N D
Airlie Beach (former Whitsunday Shire area)		                                                                      4841 4500                     Warnings / Digital and Social Media                             26
Townsville (former Bowen Shire area)		                                                                             4421 8100
                                                                                                                                                 Radio Stations / School Closures / Vulnerable Residents         27
VOLU NT E E R MAR INE R E S C U E                                                                                                                Check your Neighbours                                           27
VMR Whitsunday		                                                                                                   4946 7207
                                                                                                                                                 NBN (National Broadband Network)                                27
VMR Bowen		                                                                                                        4786 1950
VMR Burdekin (Molongle Creek)		                                                                                    4783 1014               Cyclone Shelters                                                      28-30

                                                                                                                                           Evacuation                                                            31-32
Telstra		                                                                                                          13 22 00
Ergon – Emergencies only		                                                                                         13 16 70                Evacuation Map list and Legend                                        33
Ergon – Faults only		                                                                                              13 22 96
                                                                                                                                           Evacuation Maps (Storm Tide)                                          34-47
SunWater		                                                                                                         13 15 89
Whitsunday Regional Council		                                                                                      4945 0200               Recovery                                                              48-49

                                                                                                                                                 Cleaning up / Insurance / Red Cross / Givit                     48
Acknowledgements - This Emergency Action Guide has been produced by Whitsunday Regional Council in conjunction with the Whitsunday
Disaster Management Group. Whitsunday Regional Council acknowledges that advice in this booklet has been obtained from a number of               Volunteering / Financial Assistance                             49
sources including the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health, Ergon
                                                                                                                                                 Emergency and Temporary Accommodation                           49
Energy, Emergency Volunteering, Geoscience Australia e.t.c
WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
INTRODUCTION                                                                                                                                                   ACTIVATION OF THE WHITSUNDAY DISASTER COORDINATION CENTRE

    The Emergency Action Guide (EAG) has been produced by                                                                               The Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre is based at the      failure of essential services or infrastructure and terrorism.
    the Whitsunday Regional Council and the local Whitsunday                                                                            Whitsunday Regional Council office in Proserpine and will be
    Disaster Management Group (WDMG) to provide education and                                                                           activated and manned by emergency agencies and council           Advice of activation of the Centre will be communicated to
    public awareness for residents and visitors to the Whitsunday                                                                       staff to coordinate resources responding to a disaster event.    residents through a range of communication mediums such
    Region in preparation for, response to and recovery from                                                                                                                                             as the radio, Council’s website and social media.
    disaster events likely to affect our region.                                                                                        The Centre may not necessarily be activated prior to the
                                                                                                                                        impact of the event. The Centre will be activated as soon as     Anyone requiring assistance following a disaster event should
    The safety of you, your family and your property is our priority.                                                                   possible following a disaster event.                             contact the centre and provide details as requested by the
    The EAG will give you safety information and tips relevant to                                                                                                                                        telephone operator.
    the Whitsunday Region.                                                                                                              A disaster event is one that causes a serious disruption in a
                                                                                                                                        community that requires a significant coordinated response       Telephone:        1300 972 006
    The Whitsunday Region encompasses all communities from                                                                              by the State Government and other entities to help the           E-mail: 		        disaster@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
    Gumlu in the north, west to Mt Coolon & Collinsville, the towns                                                                     community recover.
    of Bowen and Proserpine, south to the O’Connell River, and
    east to Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and the                                                                             Examples of these include cyclone, earthquake, flood, severe
    Whitsunday Islands.                                                                                                                 storm, tornado, tsunami, fire, infestations, plague, epidemic,

    This Emergency Action Guide is the update to the previous
    versions and contains new, easy to understand Evacuation
    (Storm Tide) Maps.                                                                                                                  LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY TELEPHONE: 000
                                                                                                                                        In what instances will the Whitsunday Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) not be activated?

                                                                                                                                        In general circumstances, the Whitsunday Local Disaster Coordination Centre will not be activated for emergency incidents or
                                                                                                                                        smaller events that are not defined as disaster events under the Disaster Management Act 2003 such as:-

    A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR                                                                                                            •       Road traffic crashes
                                                                                                                                        •       Storm damage (telephone SES on 132 500)
                                                                                                                                        •       Wet season rainfall and flooding that inundates roads www.131940.qld.gov.au

    Living in the amazing Whitsunday Region carries with it the
    responsibility of always being prepared for cyclones, flooding
    and other threats such as earthquakes. It is the price we pay
    for living in tropical paradise. Natural disasters do happen and
    it is not a matter of “if’ but “when”.

    Public complacency is the greatest danger that our community
    faces in natural disasters. Preparation saves a lot of time in an
    event. Start getting ready now! Remember, preparing for
    a natural disaster is not unlike preparing for a three-day
                                                                        The Whitsunday Region has public cyclone shelters available
    remote camping trip.
                                                                        in Bowen and Proserpine for use in severe tropical cyclones
                                                                        (Category 3 or above) however residents are encouraged to
    Be community minded. If you have elderly neighbours, don’t
                                                                        seek alternate arrangements in the first instance. The public
    forget to ask if they need any assistance in getting their house
                                                                        cyclone shelters should be seen as the last resort only for
    ready. The Whitsunday coastline is subject to storm tides as
                                                                        those most vulnerable.
    a result of cyclones and this Emergency Action Guide will
    help you know your zone, should a storm tide evacuation be
                                                                        The shelters will only provide temporary accommodation from
    required. If you are not required to evacuate, your prepared
                                                                        the strongest winds and will have no support services such as
    home is often the safest place for you.
                                                                        bedding, food or material aid.
    Before a cyclone, you will need to make sure you and your
                                                                        I urge you to read the information provided in this guide,
    family are safe and secure in your home by preparing. If you
                                                                        take action to prepare and understand the evacuation
    feel you are not going to be safe, decide early and please
                                                                        procedures and know your evacuation zones. Prepared
    make alternate arrangements with friends and relatives
                                                                        communities are resilient communities.
    who live outside of your evacuation zone, or find alternate
    accommodation, such as a motel, outside of the evacuation
    zone. You may also wish to consider temporarily leaving the
    area for the duration of the threat.                                                                                                                                                                                            Cyclone Yasi - Airlie Beach

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
PPRR OVERVIEW                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  CYCLONE

    Disasters have a cyclic four stage lifecycle. Understanding this lifecycle helps us to be prepared for disasters,
    respond safely and recover quickly and effectively.

    At each stage there are different things to know and different actions we should take. These stages can change rapidly and
    often overlap.

    The four stages are referred to as ‘PPRR’.

                                                               PREVENTION
                 Prevention activities reduce the impact of disaster events through the identification of hazards.
             Hazards are risks that could affect your household, causing you to evacuate or that could impact your
        evacuation plans. Hazards can include having power lines near trees, living in a street with only one access point,
                       or having a creek behind your house. At a regional level, it also involves legislation,
                                            land-use planning and technical solutions.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Cyclone Ului Track Map

                                                            PREPAREDNESS
                    Preparedness is an ongoing set of activities in which people plan, prepare/organise and train                                CYCLONE
            for emergency situations. This includes tasks such as having an emergency kit, making an evacuation plan,
                 simulating disaster situations and appropriate responses, and discussing emergency preparedness                                 What is it?
                                               with your family, friends and neighbours.
                                                                                                                                                 Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that form over warm tropical waters. Cyclones are dangerous for three (3)
                                                                                                                                                 main reasons:
                                                                 RESPONSE
                           Response is responding to the immediate needs of the emergency situation.                                             •    Destructive winds can cause extensive damage and can turn debris into dangerous missiles
                A well-rehearsed emergency plan developed during the preparedness stage enables more effective                                   •     Heavy rainfall can produce extensive flooding and landslides
                                                    responses at all levels.                                                                     •      Storm tide can increase sea levels above king tide level and cause damaging waves

                                                                                                                                                 The severity of a tropical cyclone is described in terms of categories ranging from 1 (weakest) to 5 (strongest) related to the
                                                                 RECOVERY                                                                        maximum mean wind speed. See below table:-
                   Recovery involves activities and decision making necessary to restoring the affected area to its
                previous state, often taking the opportunity to build stronger by reducing pre-disaster risks inherent                                             Maximum             Typical
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Central
                    in the community and infrastructure. This stage often involves rebuilding, re-employment and                                     Category      Mean Wind          Strongest                                               Typical Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                       Pressure (hPa)
        repair of essential infrastructure. There is also a focus on human social recovery to individual health and wellbeing.                                      (km/h)           Gust (km/h)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Negligible house damage. Damage to some crops,
                                                                                                                                                        1            63 - 88             < 125              > 985
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              trees and caravans. Craft may drag moorings

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Minor house damage. Significant damage to
    CLIMATE CHANGE                                                                                                                                      2            89 - 117          125 - 164          985 - 970
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            signs, trees and caravans. Heavy damage to some
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            crops. Risk of power failure. Small craft may break
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      moorings. (e.g. Anthony, Dylan)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Some roof and structural damage. Some caravans
    Whitsunday Regional Council has a Climate Change Policy                  The Strategy ensures that climate change adaptation is a core              3           118 - 159          165 - 224          970 - 955
    and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2016-2020 for the                 component of planning for a more resilient Whitsunday Region                                                                                      destroyed. Power failures likely. (e.g. Ului)
    Whitsunday Region.                                                       and that is mainstreamed into Council’s functions and activities.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Significant roofing loss and structural damage.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Many caravans destroyed and blown away.
    The Whitsunday Region is known to be exposed to a number of              Council’s new Evacuation Maps (Storm Tide), commencing on                  4           160 - 199          225 - 279          955 - 930
    natural hazards, all of which are likely to be exacerbated by climate    page 34, have been developed to better incorporate climate                                                                                       Dangerous airborne debris. Widespread power
    change. Recent modelling undertaken by BoM and CSIRO shows               change projections.                                                                                                                                       failures. (e.g. Ada, Tracy, Larry)
    that climate change is projected to affect the Whitsunday Region
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Extremely dangerous with widespread destruction.
    in the form of:                                                          Whitsunday Regional Council has recently employed a Manager                5             > 200              > 279              < 930
                                                                             who is responsible for Climate Change planning, adaptation and                                                                                                (e.g. Yasi, Marcia)
    ·     Increased temperatures and heatwave risk                           management.
    ·     Changes to rainfall (including heavier extreme rainfall)
    ·     Increased storm surge events                                                                                                           Tropical Cyclones are referred to as ‘Severe Tropical Cyclones’ when they are producing ‘very destructive winds’ which corresponds
    ·     Increased intensity of tropical cyclones                                                                                               to category 3, 4 and 5. This is also the trigger point for opening of Public Cyclone Shelters.
    ·     Rise in sea level (leading to increased coastal inundation risk)
    ·     Increase in extreme bushfire risk days

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
CYCLONE                              What are the local risks?                   taken with your emergency kit. Large/heavy valuables could
                                                                                         be protected in a strong cupboard                                                                                                                            STORM TIDE/STORM SURGE
                                       The    Whitsunday      Region
                                                                                    •    Remain indoors (with your pets). Stay tuned to your local
                                       has a very high risk of being
                                                                                         radio/TV/internet for further information
    impacted by cyclones during the ‘wet season’ or ‘cyclone season’
    which officially runs from 1 November to 30 April (although very                On warning of local evacuation
    few have occurred in November). Between 2010 and 2016, four (4)
                                                                                    Based on predicted wind speeds and storm surge heights,
    cyclones passed directly through the Whitsunday Region, making
                                                                                    evacuation may be necessary. Official advice will be given on
    us the most frequently impacted Queensland local government
                                                                                    local radio/TV/internet regarding safe routes and when evacuation
    area during this period.
                                                                                    should occur.
    What should I do?
                                                                                    •    Wear strong shoes (not thongs) and tough clothing for
    The information in this checklist was prepared by Emergency                          protection
    Management Australia in consultation with State/Territory                       •    Lock doors; turn off power, gas, and water; take your
    Emergency Services to help protect you and your property.                            evacuation and emergency kits
                                                                                    •    If evacuating inland (out of town), take pets and leave early to
    Before the cyclone season                                                             avoid heavy traffic, flooding and wind hazards
                                                                                    •     If evacuating to a public cyclone shelter in Bowen or Proserpine                                                                                          Coral Esplanade, Cannonvale Beach
    •   Check to see if your home has been built to cyclone standards
                                                                                           or a higher location, follow Police and State Emergency
        (generally houses constructed after 1982)
                                                                                           Services directions
    •
    •
        Know your Evacuation Zone (Storm Tide). Refer to page 32
        Check that the walls, roof and eaves of your home are secure
                                                                                    •      If going to a public cyclone shelter, take your own food and        STORM TIDE / STORM SURGE                                              •   Consider and identify your evacuation and shelter options

                                                                                            water and essential items only. Please refer to pages 28-30
    •    Trim treetops and branches well clear of your home                                                                                                                                                                          When a cyclone threat develops, keep listening to official warnings
                                                                                    •       Leave pets protected and with food and water                        What is it?
    •     Preferably fit shutters, or at least metal screens, to all glass areas                                                                                                                                                     issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. They will advise if high tides
    •      Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and          As the cyclone approaches                                                   A storm surge is a rise above the normal water level along a          and coastal storm tide is expected.
           possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds                                                                                                 shore resulting from strong onshore winds and / or reduced
                                                                                    •     isconnect all electrical appliances. Listen to your battery
                                                                                         D                                                                      atmospheric pressure. The combination of storm surge and              Listen to official warnings from the Whitsunday Local Disaster
    •      In case of a storm surge/tide warning, or other flooding, know
                                                                                         radio for updates                                                      normal (astronomical) tide is known as a ‘storm tide’. The worst      Coordination Centre which will advise of the evacuation of any
            your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it
                                                                                    •    Stay inside and shelter in the strongest part of the building          impacts occur when the storm surge arrives on top of a high           storm tide colour zones.
    •       Prepare an emergency kit as shown on page 20
                                                                                         and keep well clear of windows, i.e. cellar, internal hallway or       tide and when this happens, the storm tide can reach areas that
    •       Keep a list of emergency phone numbers on display on page 20
                                                                                         bathroom. Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you                  might otherwise have been safe. On top of this are pounding
    •       Check neighbours, check neighbours, especially if elderly or if
            recent arrivals
                                                                                    •    If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with
                                                                                                                                                               waves generated by the powerful winds.                                Useful Links:
                                                                                         mattresses, rugs or blankets, under a strong table or bench or                                                                               Whitsunday Regional Council Evacuation Zone (Storm
    Monitor        cyclone       potential      throughout      the       season
    www.bom.gov.au
                                                                                         hold onto a solid fixture, e.g. a water pipe                           What are the local risks?                                             Tide) video - www.whitsunday.qld.gov.au/evacuation
                                                                                    •    Beware the calm ‘eye’. If the wind drops, don’t assume the
                                                                                                                                                                The Whitsunday Region has a very high risk of being impacted by
    When a cyclone watch is issued                                                        cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another                                                                                Bureau of Meteorology -
                                                                                                                                                                cyclones including storm tide during the cyclone season which
                                                                                          direction. Wait for the official ‘all clear’                                                                                                http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/
    •     e-check your property for any loose material and tie down (or
         R                                                                                                                                                      officially runs from 1 November to 30 April. Also, the Whitsunday
                                                                                    •     If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear) - but well away from
         fill with water as last resort) all large, relatively light items such                                                                                 Region is largely a coastal and island based community, with
                                                                                           the sea and clear of trees, power lines and streams. Stay in
         as boats and rubbish bins                                                                                                                              several low-lying areas at significant risk from storm tide. Inland
                                                                                           the vehicle
    •    Fill your fuel tanks and any jerry cans. Check your emergency                                                                                         areas such as Collinsville are not at risk from storm tide.
          kit and fill water containers                                             After the cyclone
    •     Ensure household members know which is the strongest part                                                                                             In January 2014, Cyclone Dylan (Category 2) crossed the
                                                                                    •    Don’t go outside until officially advised it is safe
          of the house and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning                                                                                         Whitsunday coast near Hydeaway Bay, also on the day of a king
                                                                                    •    Check for gas leaks and fallen power lines. Don’t use electric
          or an evacuation                                                                                                                                      tide. The day prior and the day that the cyclone crossed the
                                                                                          appliances if wet
    •     Tune to your local radio/TV/internet for further information and                                                                                     coast, widespread storm tide of up to 0.5metres of water above
                                                                                    •     Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice
           warnings                                                                                                                                             the usual king tide level was experienced across the region,
                                                                                    •     If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don’t return until
    •      Check that neighbours are aware of the situation and are
                                                                                                                                                               inundating streets and foreshores across Bowen, Cannonvale,
                                                                                           advised. Use a recommended route and don’t rush
           preparing                                                                                                                                            Airlie Beach and Wilson Beach.
                                                                                    •      Be aware of damaged power lines, bridges, buildings, trees,
    When a cyclone warning is issued                                                       and do not enter floodwaters
                                                                                                                                                                The Whitsunday Disaster Management Group initiated over
                                                                                    •      Heed all warnings and don’t go sightseeing. Instead, check
    Depending on official advice provided by your local authorities as                                                                                          100,000 Emergency Alert text messages and phone calls
                                                                                           and offer help to neighbours and other friends and family
    the event evolves; the following actions may be warranted                                                                                                   to warn the community of the risk, as worst case scenario
                                                                                    •      Don’t make unnecessary telephone calls
    •    If requested by local authorities, collect children from school or                                                                                    predictions of the storm tide from the Bureau of Meteorology
          childcare centre and go home                                              Note: Managers of resorts, hotels, motels, and caravan parks should take    were between 1.2m and 2.0m across the Whitsunday coast
    •     Park vehicles under solid shelter (hand brake on and in gear)            steps to ensure visitors are aware of the dangers and know what to do in    depending on the time and location of the cyclone’s crossing.
                                                                                    the event of a cyclone. Residents should monitor official advice provided   Fortunately the cyclone crossed at low tide
    •      Put wooden or plastic outdoor furniture in your pool or inside
                                                                                    through the Bureau of Meteorology, radio and the Whitsunday Disaster &
            with other loose items                                                  Emergency Information Facebook Page.
    •       Close shutters or board up or heavily tape all windows (tape                                                                                        What should I do?
            does not strengthen windows, but minimises the glass shatter                                                                                        You need to plan well ahead of time.
                                                                                    Useful Links:
            if broken). Draw curtains and lock doors                                                                                                            •   Know your Evacuation Zone (Storm Tide). Please refer to
                                                                                    Bureau of Meteorology - www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/
    •       Pack an evacuation kit of warm clothes, essential                                                                                                       page 32
                                                                                    BOM Weather app - http://www.bom.gov.au/app/
            medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important                                                                                            •   	Be ready to evacuate and have an Evacuation Kit. Please                                           Cannonvale Boardwalk
            papers, photos and mementos in waterproof bags to be                                                                                                    refer to page 21

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM/                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          FLOOD
    SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS

                                                                                                                  Airlie Beach
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Cyclone Ita - Bowen

    SEVERE THUNDERSTORM / SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS
                                                                                                                                       FLOOD
    What is it?                                                       What should I do?                                                What is it?                                                           Roads
    Severe thunderstorm and severe weather warnings are issued        If weather conditions indicate the possibility of storms, make
    by the Bureau of Meteorology. In active months, especially        sure you’ve completed the following precautions:                 A flood occurs as a result of excess rainfall in a river, creek or    Regularly during the wet season and other significant rainfall
    November to April, many of these warnings are issued for parts                                                                     storm water drainage catchment that exceeds the ability of the        events, there are many roads throughout the Whitsunday Region
    of the Whitsunday Region, often multiple times each day.          •   Ensure your Emergency Plan is up-to-date. Please refer       catchment to contain the rainfall in the natural or man-made water    which are subject to localised flooding.
    Severe thunderstorms and severe weather rarely leads to the           to page 18                                                   flow paths. Flooding can be minor such as road inundation, or
    activation of the Whitsunday Disaster Management Group or         •   Ensure you Emergency Kit is fully stocked. Please refer to   moderate to major when houses become inundated or areas               Road closure hot spots include but are not limited to:
    the Whitsunday Disaster Coordination Centre. Although these           page 20                                                      evacuated.
    events can be dangerous and it is important that the community    •   Check that your insurance is up-to-date and covers                                                                                 •  Bruce Highway, Merinda
    is warned and aware of the risks and take the necessary               damage to home and contents in case of severe storm          What are the local risks?                                             •  Bruce Highway, South of Bowen
    precautions, they rarely result in a large scale disaster event   •   Ensure your yard and outdoor areas are free from loose                                                                            •  Bruce Highway, Myrtle Creek
    that requires a significant coordinated response and recovery          items such as patio furniture, garden tools and rubbish     The Whitsunday Region has a high risk of being impacted by            •  Bruce Highway, near Dingo Beach turnoff
    effort.                                                           •    Trim overhanging branches, clean out gutters and ensure     flooding primarily during the ‘wet season’ which officially runs      •  Bruce Highway, Goorganga Plains, south of Proserpine
                                                                           roof is in good condition                                   from 1 November to 30 April. Flooding may or may not be               •	Shute Harbour Road – along Hamilton Plains and Myrtle
    What are the local risks?                                         •    Move vehicles under shelter or cover with firmly tied      associated with cyclones or severe weather events and can                Creek – between Airlie Beach and Proserpine
                                                                            tarpaulins / blankets                                      occur at any time of the year.                                        •	Crofton Creek on Gregory-Cannonvalley Road in
    Severe Thunderstorms                                                                                                                                                                                        Strathdickie
    While the Whitsunday Region experiences many thunderstorms,       When you hear a severe storm or severe weather                   Council’s Natural Disaster Risk Management Report advises
    more intense thunderstorms are referred to as severe              warning:                                                         that flooding in the Whitsunday Region can result from one or         Official Road Closures
    thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms can cause significant                                                                          more of the following, which may occur in combination:                Official road closures are listed on the State Government website
                                                                      •   Stay tuned in to warnings                                                                                                          www.131940.qld.gov.au
    localised damage due to damaging wind gusts, large hail,
                                                                      •   Contact family to make sure everyone is aware of the         •   Flooding in the catchments of the major river systems in
    tornadoes and flash flooding.
                                                                          warning                                                          the region, namely the Don River; the Proserpine River and
                                                                      •   Shelter and secure animals                                       its tributaries; the Gregory River; and the Andromache/
    The Bureau of Meteorology issues Severe Thunderstorm
                                                                      •   Disconnect all electrical items, aerials and computer            O’Connell Rivers
    Warnings to alert communities of the threat of these more
                                                                          modems                                                       •   Major flooding in the Don River occurs frequently and minor
    dangerous thunderstorms.
                                                                                                                                           flooding in Euri Creek and the Elliot River to the north of
                                                                      During a severe storm or severe weather warning:
    Severe Weather                                                                                                                         Bowen
                                                                      •   Stay tuned in to warnings                                    •   Flash flooding following intense short period rainfall in
    Severe weather warnings are provided for potentially hazardous
                                                                      •   Consider activating your Emergency Plan                          smaller catchments such as Airlie Creek and Campbell
    or dangerous weather that is not solely related to severe
                                                                      •   Stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and        Creek, which creates localised high risk due to high velocity
    thunderstorms, tropical cyclones or bushfires.
                                                                           skylights                                                       flows and the lack of warning time
                                                                      •    If driving, stop clear of trees, power lines and streams    •   In the case of flooding associated with tropical cyclones,
    The Bureau of Meteorology issues severe weather warnings
                                                                                                                                            flooding of low lying areas close to the shore line can result
    whenever severe weather is occurring in an area or is expected
                                                                                                                                            from a combination of high tide and storm surge (together
    to develop or move into an area. The warnings describe the area   Useful Links:                                                         referred to as storm tide)
    under threat and the expected hazards. Warnings are issued        Bureau of Meteorology
    with varying lead-times, depending on the weather situation,      http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/
    and range from just an hour or two up to about 24 hours.

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
FLOOD                                                                 risk entirely. Significant rain events when the dam is full or near
                                                                           capacity, or significant rain events within the 25% catchment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           BUSHFIRES / GRASSFIRES
                                                                           area below the dam, could result in a flood event that affects the
     Flood Cameras                                                         Proserpine town and surrounds.

     Whitsunday Regional Council has installed a flood camera at           Whitsunday Regional Council is currently investing in upgrading
     Hamilton Plains on Shute Harbour Road between Proserpine and          the rainfall and river gauge network within the Proserpine
     Airlie Beach. The images of this well-known flooding hot spot         catchment to improve early information and warnings of
     are taken every 15 minutes throughout the day and uploaded            potential flood events.
     to Council’s website - www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/Flood-
     Camera. These images enable the community to better plan              Eungella Dam
     and prepare their movements in this area during flood events
                                                                           The Eungella Dam is situated in the Mackay Region but its water
     and avoid driving through flood water. For official road closure
                                                                           is released into the Whitsunday Region flowing down the Broken
     information visit www.131940.qld.gov.au and remember, if it’s
                                                                           River and into the Burdekin catchment. A significant flood event
     flooded forget it.
                                                                           or dam failure has the potential to affect some cattle stations and
                                                                           roads in the western area of the region.
     Council is intending on installing another flood camera at Crofton
     Creek on Gregory-Cannonvalley Road in 2017.
                                                                           Burdekin Falls Dam
     Don River Flood Warning system                                        The Burdekin Falls Dam is located on the north-western

     Whitsunday Regional Council in cooperation with the Bureau
                                                                           boundary of the Whitsunday Region.                                    BUSHFIRES / GRASSFIRES
                                                                           A significant flood event or dam failure has the potential to
     of Meteorology owns a series of river and rainfall alert stations     affect some cattle stations and roads in the north and north-
     throughout the Don River catchment near Bowen. This enables                                                                                 What is it?
                                                                           western area of the region.
     the earliest warning possible of potential rainfall and river rises                                                                                                                                               What should I do?
     that could lead to a flood event. Council also operates a Don                                                                               Bushfires and grassfires are common throughout Australia.
                                                                           What should I do?                                                                                                                           •	It is important to include wildfire in your household
     River Flood telephone call-up list. When the Don River is on                                                                                Grassfires are fast moving, passing in five to ten seconds               emergency plan and consider completing a wildfire
     Flood Watch or Flood Warning and is at risk of a moderate or                                                                                and smouldering for minutes. They have a low to medium                   survival plan as part of your household preparations. For
                                                                           •   Pay attention to weather patterns and weather forecasts
     major flood event, Council activates the telephone call-up list                                                                             intensity and primarily damage crops, livestock and farming              information on how to create a Bushfire Survival Plan
                                                                           •   During flooding, stay away from rivers, creeks and drains
     and a voice recorded message provides a brief overview of the                                                                               infrastructure, such as fences. Bushfires are generally slower           visit https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety/
                                                                           •   Have an evacuation plan and emergency / evacuation kits
     flood risk.                                                                                                                                 moving, but have a higher heat output. This means they pass              Pages/Create-your-bushfire-survival-plan.aspx
                                                                               (see pages 18-21)
                                                                                                                                                 in two to five minutes, but they can smoulder for days. Fire in       •	Keep an eye on the Rural Fire Service website
                                                                           •   Plan which indoor items you will raise or empty if water
     If you may be affected by a Don River flood event, you can be                                                                               the crown of the tree canopy can move rapidly. (Definition from          www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au when hot, dry conditions exist;
                                                                                threatens your home
     added to this list by phoning Council or e-mailing                                                                                          Geoscience Australia).                                                •  Keep grass cut and vegetation clear of the property
                                                                           •    Stay tuned into warnings and updates
     info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au                                          •    Never drive, ride or walk through flood waters                                                                                         •	Don’t dump garden rubbish in neighbouring reserves or
                                                                                                                                                 What are the local risks?                                                bush areas
                                                                           •    Evacuate if threatened by flood water and safe to do so, or
     Dams                                                                        if advised to evacuate by authorities                           Bushfires can happen here although we live in the Wet Tropics         •	Move flammable items away from the house, e.g.
     There are three (3) referable dams that can potentially impact                                                                              with humid conditions. They may be started through arson                 woodpiles, boxes, hanging baskets, garden furniture
     land within the Whitsunday Region should they be subject to a                                                                               (deliberately lit), carelessness (e.g. discarded cigarettes, sparks   •  Keep access ways to the property clear for fire trucks
                                                                           Useful Links:
     flood event or dam break. All three (3) dams of interest to the                                                                             from machinery, unattended fires), lightning, as the result of an     •	When warnings are given, act immediately on the
                                                                           Bureau of Meteorology
     Whitsunday community are owned and operated by SunWater.                                                                                    accident or very rarely, as the result of a controlled/prescribed        instructions provided. Don’t wait. Leave when advised,
                                                                           http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood/otherlinks.shtml
     They are discussed briefly below.                                                                                                           burn. If you light a fire, on purpose or accidentally, you are           even if it feels safe where you are at the time. Take your
                                                                           http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml
                                                                                                                                                 responsible for controlling it.                                          household emergency kit with you.
                                                                           State Government - www.131940.qld.gov.au
     Peter Faust Dam                                                       Council - www.whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au/Flood-Camera
                                                                                                                                                 If there is a long spell of hot, dry weather and it’s windy, the
     The Peter Faust Dam is located approximately 25km west of
                                                                                                                                                 fire risk increases. Generally the fire season in Central and
     Proserpine township. It was built in 1990 on the Proserpine
                                                                                                                                                 North Queensland is through the winter (dry season) and spring        Useful Links:
     River mainly for irrigation and urban water supply, however the
                                                                                                                                                 months. Information about fire risk and fire danger periods will      For more information, visit Rural Fire Service -
     dam also provides flood mitigation to Proserpine and surrounds.
                                                                                                                                                 be issued by fire authorities as required.                            www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or read other PREPARE.ACT.
     SunWater own and manage the dam and are responsible for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       SURVIVE. resources
     the dam Emergency Action Plan. The population at risk from a
                                                                                                                                                 In the Whitsunday Region, there are extensive areas of medium
     sunny day failure is over 5,000 people and for a flood failure, it
                                                                                                                                                 bushfire hazard and several smaller areas or high bushfire
     is over 1,500 people in Proserpine and surrounding areas. The
                                                                                                                                                 hazard.
     dam captures approximately 75% of the catchment area.
                                                                                                                                                 You don’t have to live in the bush to be threatened by bushfire,
     In conjunction with the dam (but prior to), a levee and spillway
                                                                                                                                                 just close enough to be affected by burning material, embers
     system has been built on the Proserpine River downstream of the
                                                                                                                                                 and smoke.
     dam to protect valuable cane lands and the Proserpine town which
     are maintained by the Whitsunday Rivers Improvement Trust.

     The dam and levee system combine to significantly reduce the                                                Cyclone Ita - Bowen
     flood risk to Proserpine and surrounds but do not eliminate the

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BUSHFIRES / GRASSFIRES                                                                                                                                                                             HEATWAVE

                                                                                        HEATWAVE
                                                                                        What is it?                                                           Useful Links:
                                                                                        The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heat wave as three days           Queensland Health
                                                                                        or more of high maximum and minimum temperatures that is              https://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/heat/
                                                                                        unusual for that location.
                                                                                                                                                              Bureau of Meteorology:
                                                                                        What are the risks?                                                   http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave/
                                                                                        The bulk of heatwaves at each location are of low intensity,
                                                                                        with most people expected to have adequate capacity to cope
                                                                                        with this level of heat. Less frequent, higher intensity heatwaves
                                                                                        are classified as severe and will be challenging for some more
                                                                                                                                                              Bowen Waterpark
                                                                                        vulnerable people, such as those over 65, pregnant women,
                                                                                        babies and young children, and those with a chronic illness.
                                                                                        Even rarer and exceptionally intense heatwaves are classed as
                                   BUSHFIRE WARNINGS                                    extreme and will impact normally reliable infrastructure, such as
                                                                                        power and transport. Extreme heatwaves are a risk for anyone
                                                                                        who does not take precautions to keep cool, even those who
                                                                                        are healthy.

                                                                                        Severe and extreme heatwaves have taken more lives than any
                                                                                        other natural hazard in Australia’s 200 year history. For example,
                                                                                        during the 2009 Victorian bushfires, 173 people perished as a
                                                                                        direct result of the bushfires, however 374 people lost their lives
                                                                                        to extreme heat in Victoria in the heatwave before the bushfires.

                                                                                        What should I do?
                                                                                        It is prudent to prepare and modify your behaviour when extreme
                                                                                        heat occurs. You may be more vulnerable to severe heat if you
                                                                                        are over the age of 65, particularly if you have pre-existing

                                                                 EMERGENCY
                                                                                        medical conditions. It is best to consult your doctor if you are
               ADVICE                 WATCH AND ACT               WARNING
                                                                                        unsure. Stay healthy in the heat. Find out who is at risk and how
                                                                                        you can prepare for and cope during a heat event and what to
                                                                                        do for heat-related illnesses.
          Monitor conditions and      Conditions are changing.    You are in danger.
           review your Bushfire        Start taking action and   Act on your Bushfire   For information on staying healthy in the heat or heat related
               Survival Plan.           follow your Bushire       Survival Plan now.    illnesses, please visit
                                            Survival Plan.                              https://www.health.qld.gov.au/disaster/heat/heat-wave.asp

                                                                                        Information provided by Queensland Health

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
What
                                                                         should I do?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             TSUNAMI
                                                                         Before an earthquake (now)
                                                                         •  Find out how and where to turn off power, gas and water
                                                                         •	Plan with your family (or household) where you will meet if
                                                                            separated
                                                                         •  Know your safe areas during an earthquake
                                                                         •	Check your insurance policy to make sure it is adequate
                                                                            and that you are covered for damage caused by
                                                                            earthquakes

                                                                         During an earthquake
                                                                         •  If indoors - stay there (clear of falling debris outside)
                                                                         •	Keep clear of windows, chimneys and overhead fittings.
                                                                            Shelter under and hold onto a door frame, strong table
                                                                            or bench                                                                                                                                                                       Hardy Reef
                                                                         •	In high-rise buildings, stay clear of windows and outer
                                                                            walls. Shelter under a desk near a pillar or internal wall
     EARTHQUAKE                                                          •  Do not use elevators
                                                                                                                                          TSUNAMI
                                                                         •	In crowded buildings, do not rush for doors, but move
     What is it?                                                            clear of overhead fittings and shelves
     Earthquakes are the vibrations caused by rocks breaking under       •	If outside—keep well clear of buildings, overhead             What is it?                                                          Follow their instructions immediately.
     stress. The underground surface along which the rock breaks            structures, walls, bridges, powerlines, trees, etc
                                                                         •	On a city street, shelter from falling debris under strong    Tsunami (pron: ‘soo-nar-me’) is a Japanese word; ‘tsu’ meaning       The following are natural signs of a tsunami that you may,
     and moves is called a fault plane. Earthquakes in Australia
                                                                            archways or doorways of buildings. Don’t go under             harbour and ‘nami’ meaning wave. The phenomenon is usually           but not always, experience when you are near the coast in
     are usually caused by movements along faults as a result of
                                                                            awnings as they may collapse                                  associated with earthquakes, landslides or volcanic eruptions        Australia or overseas. If you notice any of these warning signs
     compression in the Earth’s crust. The size or magnitude of
                                                                         •	If in a vehicle—stop in an open area until the shaking        in, or adjacent to oceans, and results in sudden movement            take action.
     earthquakes is determined by measuring the amplitude of the
     seismic waves recorded on a seismograph and the distance               stops                                                         of the water column. Until recently tsunami were called tidal
                                                                         •	Beware of damaged powerlines and road damage,                 waves, even though the event has nothing to do with tides.           •	A shaking of the ground in coastal regions may reflect the
     of the seismograph from the earthquake. These are put into
                                                                            including overpasses and bridges                                                                                                      occurrence of a large undersea earthquake nearby that
     a formula which converts them to a magnitude, which is a
     measure of the energy released by the earthquake. For every unit    •	Listen to your car radio for warnings before moving           What are the local risks?                                               may generate a tsunami
                                                                                                                                                                                                               •	As a tsunami approaches shorelines, the sea may, but
     increase in magnitude, there is roughly a thirty-fold increase in
                                                                         After an earthquake                                              There is little recorded history of tsunami in Australia, possibly      not always, withdraw from the beach (like a very low and
     the energy released. For instance, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake
                                                                                                                                          because Australia has a relatively short history. There is              fast tide) before returning as a fast-moving tsunami
     releases approximately 30 times more energy than a magnitude        •	Turn off electricity, gas, and water. Do not light matches    evidence that the Australian coast may have experienced large        •  A roaring sound may precede the arrival of a tsunami
     5.0 earthquake, while a magnitude 7.0 earthquake releases              until after you have checked for gas or fuel leaks
     approximately 900 times (30x30) more energy than a magnitude                                                                         tsunami during the past few thousand years, even within areas
                                                                         •	Check for injuries and apply first aid. Do not move           of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef however is         What should I do if I notice the warning signs or hear a
     5.0. Earthquake magnitude was traditionally measured on the            seriously injured people unless they are in immediate         expected to provide a level of protection to the Whitsunday          warning from my local emergency services?
     Richter Scale. It is often now calculated from seismic moment,         danger
     which is proportional to the fault area multiplied by the average                                                                    Region in the event of a tsunami in the Pacific Ocean.
                                                                         •  Check for broken water, sewerage or electrical mains                                                                               •	If you are at the beach, immediately move inland or to
     displacement on the fault. The focus of an earthquake is the        •	Do not use the telephone immediately (to avoid                The Whitsunday Disaster Management Group regularly receives             higher ground
     point where it originated within the earth. The earthquake             congestion) unless there is a life-threatening situation      information about undersea earthquakes and tsunamis around           •	If your boat is in deep water and offshore, maintain your
     epicentre is the point on the Earth’s surface directly above the    •  Check for cracks and damage to your building                  the world.                                                              position
     focus.                                                              •	Evacuate the building if it is badly damaged, and be                                                                               •	If your boat is berthed or in shallow water, secure your
     This information has been provided by Geoscience Australia.            prepared for aftershocks                                      The recent 5.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 just off the                vessel and move inland or to higher ground
                                                                         •	Do not waste food and water as supplies may be                coast of the Whitsundays (the second largest on record               •	If you are on the coast and cannot move inland, seek
     What are the local risks?                                              interrupted                                                   in Queensland) was not large enough to trigger a tsunami                shelter in the upper levels of a stable building
     Earthquake risk in the Whitsunday Region is high in Queensland      •	Listen to your local radio station and heed warnings and      warning. Tsunami warnings are generally only considered for          •	Do not return to the coast until you receive official
     terms, moderate in Australian terms and low in global terms.           advice on damage and service disruptions                      earthquakes above 6.5 magnitude.                                        clearance
                                                                         •	Try to avoid driving unless in an emergency (to keep the                                                                           •	Continue to follow emergency services instructions
     On 18 August 2016 at 2.30pm the second largest earthquake on           streets free for emergency services)                          Some of this information has been provided by Geoscience
     record in Queensland of 5.8 magnitude occurred just offshore        •  Do not go sightseeing or enter damaged buildings              Australia.                                                           This information has been provided by the Joint Australian
     within the Whitsunday Region, about 50 kms from Bowen.              •  Try to stay calm and help others if possible                                                                                       Tsunami Warning Centre.
     This earthquake was felt across the entire Whitsunday Region                                                                         What should I do?
     and large amounts of Queensland and was followed by over
     fifty (50) aftershocks.                                                                                                              What are the warning signs of a tsunami?
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Useful Links:
     On 16 April 2011 a significant 5.3 magnitude earthquake             Useful Links:                                                                                                                         Geoscience Australia:
                                                                                                                                          The number one warning sign of a tsunami in Australia is the
                                                                         Geoscience Australia - http://www.ga.gov.au/earthquakes/                                                                              http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/tsunami
     occurred west of Bowen and was widely felt across the                                                                                advice you may receive from the media (on radio, television or
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Bureau of Meteorology: www.bom.gov.au/tsunami/
     Whitsunday Region, this is one of the ten (10) largest                                                                               internet) or from police and other emergency services.
     earthquakes on record in Queensland.

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WHITSUNDAY REGION - 2017-2019 EDITION Whitsunday Disaster Management Group Whitsunday Disaster & Emergency Information - Whitsunday Regional Council
PREVENTION AND
     LANDSLIDE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                PREPAREDNESS

                                                                                                      Landslide - Hideaway Bay                                                                                                                           Proserpine

     LANDSLIDE                                                                                                                              DISASTER MITIGATION                                              COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
                                                                                                                                            Although most disaster events can’t be prevented, knowing        Community resilience is a community’s capacity to absorb
     What is it?                                                                                                                            the hazards and risks, learning lessons from past events and     disturbance and respond positively to a crisis.
                                                                                                                                            implementing mitigation measures can help minimise future
     A landslide is the movement of rock, debris or earth down                                                                              impacts from disaster events.                                    Resilient communities are ones where residents are connected
     a slope. Landslides result from the failure of the materials                                                                                                                                            to one another and work together in ways that enable it to
     which make up the hill slope and are driven by the force of                                                                            Whitsunday Regional Council plays a major role in disaster       function in the face of stress and trauma. It has the ability
     gravity. Landslides are known also as landslips, slumps or                                                                             mitigation activities including:                                 to adapt to changes in the physical, social or economic
     slope failure.                                                                                                                                                                                          environment and is able to learn from experience and improve
                                                                                                                                            •  Road network upgrades (bridges, culverts, road sealing)       over time.
     What are the local risks?                                                                                                              •	Drainage works (creek clearing, upgrading infrastructure,
                                                                                                                                               non-return valves in low-lying coastal areas)                 A community’s positive response to a disaster can also allow
     There are areas of the Whitsunday Region which are                                                                                     •	Water and sewerage network improvements and                   us to focus on our capabilities and strengths and less on
     susceptible to landslides, including areas from Cannonvale                                                                                redundancy options                                            our vulnerabilities. There is no hard and fast rule on how to
     and Airlie Beach through to Shute Harbour, as well as                                                                                  •	Foreshore protection activities (rock walls, erosion          build community resilience however it is best strengthened
     Hydeaway Bay. These areas have sufficient slope and                                                                                       prevention)                                                   continuously, not just in times of crisis.
     rainfall which elevate the risk of landslides in these                                                                                 •	Installing more disaster resilient infrastructure in lower
     developed areas.                                                                                                                          risk locations                                                For example, do you know your neighbours? Are you actively
                                                                                                                                            •  Educating the community about preparedness activities         involved in your local community? Do you know what to do
     On 30th March 2011, Hydeaway Bay was affected by                                                                                                                                                        before, during and after a natural disaster?
     landslides. This was apparently as a result of about 600mm of rainfall in the area over three (3) day period, after an already heavy
     ‘wet season’.
                                                                                                                                            GET READY QUEENSLAND
                                                                                                                                                                                                             To see how well prepared you are, visit
     In 2008, a landslide at Shute Harbour damaged half the road leading into a residential estate.                                         When it comes to extreme weather events in Queensland, it’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                             www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au and complete
                                                                                                                                            not so much a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The more prepared our
                                                                                                                                                                                                             the Disaster Readiness Checklist.
     What should I do?                                                                                                                      community is, the faster we will recover afterwards.

     •	Identify if your property is at risk from landslide (refer to Council’s Local Planning Instrument).                                 The Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland website
        http://www.whitsunday.qld.gov.au/157/Planning                                                                                       contains detailed information and fact sheets about what you
     •	Monitor environmental conditions that could increase the risk of landslides such as rainfall, erosion and earthquakes.              need to know about preparing for a disaster.
     •	Watch for signs of creep that show an area is already moving. For example, movement of ancillary structures such as decks
        and patios in relation to your house, sticking doors or windows, tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations, leaning    Each person in the Whitsunday Region should take time to
        poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.”                                                                                           conduct preparedness activities around the home and business
                                                                                                                                            or sit down with the family to talk about your Household
     Some of this information has been provided by Geoscience Australia                                                                     Emergency Plan.

                                                                                                                                            Visit www.getready.qld.gov.au for more information.
     Useful Links:
     Geoscience Australia:
     http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/landslide

16                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           17
Address                                                                               Further away meeting place
       Home / work phone numbers                                                             Address

     PREVENTION       AND
       Mobile phone number                                                                   Phone number                                                                         PREVENTION AND
     PREPAREDNESS
       Email address                                                                         Email address                                                                         PREPAREDNESS
       Out-of-town contact name
                                                                                            PHONE NUMBERS
      HOUSEHOLD            EMERGENCY PLAN
       Address
                                                                                             Local Council                  (07) 4945 0200
       Home / work phone numbers
                                                                                             Electricity provider
       Mobile phone number
                                                                                             Local GP or doctors’ surgery
      HOUSEHOLD
       Email addressCONTACTS
                                                                                             Hospital
       Name                               Mobile number                     Email address
      MEETING PLACES                                                                         Veterinary practice
       Nearby meeting place                                                                  Insurance provider
       Address                                                                               Childcare provider
       Phone number                                                                          Local primary school
       Email address                                                                         Local high school
       Further away meeting place                                                            Workplace
      EMERGENCY
       Address  CONTACTS                                                                     Workplace
       Nearbynumber
       Phone  contact name                                                                   Bureau of Meteorology                                                                   www.bom.gov.au
       Address
       Email address                                                                         Friends
       Home / work phone numbers                                                             Friends
      PHONE NUMBERS
       Mobile phone number                                                                   Neighbours
       Local Council
       Email address                                                                         Neighbours
       Electricity provider
       Out-of-town contact name
       Local GP or doctors’ surgery
       Address
                                                                                            MEDICAL
                                                                                            PRACTICEINFORMATION
                                                                                                     DATES
       Hospital                                                                              Medication                      Who needs it and at what dosage?
       Home / work phone numbers                                                             Three times per year
       Veterinary practice
       Mobile phone number                                                                   1:
       Insurance provider
       Email address                                                                         2:
       Childcare provider
                                                                                             3:
      MEETING    PLACES
       Local primary school
       Nearby
       Local   meeting
             high schoolplace                                                               SHELTER
       Address
       Workplace                                                                             Where will we shelter if we are staying in the house? Where will our pets shelter?
       Phone number
       Workplace
       Email address
       Bureau of Meteorology
       Further away meeting place
       Friends
       Address
       Friends                                                                              MAINS SERVICES
       Phone number
       Neighbours                                                                            Locations in house, and how to switch off supply:
       Email address
       Neighbours                                                                            Electricity:
      PHONE NUMBERS
      MEDICAL INFORMATION
       Local Council
       Medication                         Who needs it and at what dosage?                   Gas:
       Electricity provider
       Local GP or doctors’ surgery                                                          Water:
       Hospital
      Emergency
        Veterinary
      Police,       practice
              Fire and Ambulance:        Phone 000 Triple Zero (112 from mobile)
      State Emergency   Service (SES):
        Insurance provider               Phone 132 500                                      LOCAL RADIO STATION
       Childcare provider

18     Local primary school
       Local high school
                                                                                                                                                                                                      19
PREVENTION AND                                                                                                                                                                                                                      PREVENTION AND
     PREPAREDNESS                                                                                                                                                                                                                         PREPAREDNESS

     EMERGENCY KIT                                                                                                                        EVACUATION KIT
     Every family should have a fully stocked Emergency Kit stored safely in their home. Your Emergency Kit contains the provisions for   Keep original or certified copies of these documents in your Emergency Kit. Scan copies of them and save the files on a USB
     your essential needs in the event of an emergency.                                                                                   memory stick or CD to include in your kit. Keep all of these items in sealed plastic bags.

       FOOD AND WATER                                                                                                                       Insurance papers for your house and contents,cars and for valuable items                                       o
       Range of non-perishable food items                                                                                   o               Inventory of valuable household goods                                                                          o
       Bottled water                                                                                                        o               Wills and life insurance documents                                                                             o
       MEDICAL & SANITATION                                                                                                                 House deeds/mortgage documents                                                                                 o
       First Aid Kit and manual                                                                                             o               Birth and marriage certificates                                                                                o
       Essential medications, prescriptions and dosage                                                                      o               Passport / Visa details                                                                                        o
       Toilet paper                                                                                                         o               Stocks and bonds                                                                                               o
       Toothpaste/brush                                                                                                     o               Medicare, pension cards, immunisation records                                                                  o
       Soap/shampoo                                                                                                         o               Bank account and credit card details                                                                           o
       Personal hygiene items                                                                                               o               A back-up copy of important computer files                                                                     o
       LIGHT                                                                                                                                Household Emergency Plan with emergency contact numbers                                                        o
       Flashlight/torch with extra batteries                                                                                o               Multiple changes of clothes for all household members                                                          o
       Battery powered lantern                                                                                              o               Extra essential medicines and repeat prescriptions                                                             o
       COMMUNICATIONS                                                                                                                       Extra first aid supplies, sunscreen, insect repellant                                                          o
       Battery powered radio with extra batteries                                                                           o               Extra toiletry and sanitary supplies                                                                           o
       Traditional wired telephone                                                                                          o               Pillows, sleeping bags and blankets for each household member                                                  o
       Prepaid phone cards                                                                                                  o               Books and games for children                                                                                   o
       CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR                                                                                                                Extra baby formula, food and nappies (if required)                                                             o
       Clean clothing, hat and waterproof jacket                                                                            o               Valuables, photos and mementos in waterproof plastic bags                                                      o
       Closed-toed shoes or boots                                                                                           o               Extra money as cash                                                                                            o
       TOOLS AND SUPPLIES                                                                                                                   Mobile phone, spare battery and charger                                                                        o
       Whistle, utility knife, duct/masking tape                                                                            o

       Plastic garbage bags, ties                                                                                           o

       Safety glasses and sun glasses                                                                                       o

       MISCELLANEOUS
       Special items for infants (nappies, formula etc)                                                                     o

       Special items needed by elderly or people with special needs                                                         o

       Spare house and car keys                                                                                             o

       Pet food, water and other animal needs                                                                               o

20                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      21
PREVENTION AND                                                                                                                                                                                                                       PREVENTION AND
     PREPAREDNESS                                                                                                                                                                                                                          PREPAREDNESS

     FIRST AID KIT
     Queensland Ambulance Services recommends that families include the following in their First Aid Kits:

     o    1 packet of safety pins                                     o     1 non-adhesive dressing (10 x 7.5cm)
     o    1 packet of plastic strips                                  o     1 pair stainless steel medical scissors
     o    1 roll of non-allergenic tape                               o     2 square gauze swabs
     o    2 sterile eye pads                                          o     1 pair tweezers
     o    4 triangular bandages                                       o     1 pack (10) latex gloves
     o    1 conforming cotton bandage (10cm)                          o     1 resuscitation mask
     o    1 conforming cotton bandage (7.5cm)                         o     2 bottles eye irrigation (15mL)           Hardy Beach                                                                                                                    Cyclone Ului
     o    1 conforming cotton bandage (5cm)                           o     1 bottle antiseptic cream (50g)
     o    1 hospital crepe bandage (10cm)                             o     1 wound closure steri-strip
     o    1 sterile combine dressing (9 x 10cm)                       o     1 stainless steel splinter remover                          CAR AND BOAT PREPARATION
     o    1 sterile combine dressing (20 x 20cm)                      o     1 saline sachet (30mL)
     o    1 medium wound dressing (#14)                               o     5 alcohol swabs                                             Cars                                                             •   Check your boat is watertight
                                                                                                                                                                                                         •   Reduce wind loading and remove furled sails and covers,
     o    2 non-adhesive dressings (5 x 7.5cm)                        o     1 first aid hints booklet
                                                                                                                                        •   Ensure your car insurance is current and that it covers          bimini tops and any clears
                                                                                                                                            your assets adequately

     PROPERTY PREPARATION                                                                                                               •   Ensure your car is fully fuelled prior to cyclone events.
                                                                                                                                            Cyclones nearly always involve power failure which
                                                                                                                                                                                                         Obey

                                                                                                                                            means petrol stations are unable to pump fuel unless they    •   Obey and follow all directions issued by the Regional
     The best time to take action to prepare your home is before storm, cyclone and wet season. There are a range of activities you         have an alternative power supply. Very few petrol stations       Harbour Master or others as delegated
     can undertake to minimise potential damage to you property.                                                                            in the Whitsunday Region have a generator installed and      •   Do not leave your cyclone mooring until the Regional
                                                                                                                                            ready to pump fuel in the event of power failure                 Harbour Master has given the all clear
     General Maintenance                                              If you live in a cyclone / severe storm-prone area                •   When severe weather warnings are issued, park vehicles       •   Prepare, plan and obey these simple rules and you could
     •  Keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly       •    Arrange for a professional builder to check your building        under cover, away from trees, power lines and waterways          prevent damage to your boat and others
     •  Keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain                and identify ways you can increase the structural security                                                                    •   A penalty up to $15,000 is applicable for not following the
        away quickly                                                       of your home to withstand high winds                         Boats                                                                directions of a Regional Harbour Master
     •  Trim trees and overhanging branches (be aware of any          •    Fit windows with shutters or metal screens for added
        overhead powerlines)                                               protection during high winds                                 Maritime Safety Queensland recommends mariners plan,
     •  Check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite                                                                             prepare and obey when it comes to severe weather season.         For more detailed information, please visit
        infestations and loose fittings                               Final home preparations                                                                                                            www.msq.qld.gov.au and obtain a copy of the Extreme
                                                                                                                                        Plan                                                             Weather Event Contingency Plan for Mackay Region.
     General home preparations                                        When warnings are issued for cyclone or severe storm:
     •  Ensure your home, contents and car insurance is current       •  Disconnect electrical appliances and external television /     •   Get a copy of the Extreme Weather Event Contingency
        and adequate. Check your policy includes debris clean            radio aerials and turn off electricity and gas main supplies       Plan for your area and read it
        up and removal                                                •   Secure outdoor furniture and garden items                     •   Explore your suggested shelter area or inlet before
     •  Identify your strongest room to shelter in during severe      •  Fill buckets and bath with clean water in case of                  cyclone season starts
        storm or cyclone                                                 interruptions to water supply                                  •   Update your contact details with the authorities.
     •  Identify where and how to turn off the main supply for        •  Close windows with shutters or tape windows with strong        •   Organise options to move your boat if you will be away
        water, power and gas                                             tape and draw curtains                                             during severe weather season
     •  Have items on hand, such as water storage containers,                                                                           •   Keep a record of emergency telephone numbers handy
        spare fuel for your vehicle (ensure you store it safely),     When warnings are issued for flood:                                    (for example, Regional Harbour Master, Volunteer Marine
        camp stove and fuel for cooking without power                 •  Disconnect electrical appliances                                    Rescue organisations, Queensland Police Service)
                                                                      •  Move outdoor equipment, garbage, chemicals and
     If you live in a flood-prone area                                   poisons to a higher location                                   Prepare
     •    Understand your risk                                        •  Empty and raise freezers / refrigerators and stack or
     •    Store all poisons and garden chemicals well above              move furniture, valuables and electrical items off-site        •   Know when and where your vessel needs to be during an
          ground level and out of reach of children                   •  Sandbag internal drains and toilets to prevent sewage              evacuation
     •    Identify indoor items you will need to raise or empty if      backflow                                                       •   Have plenty of line to secure your boat (rope has more
           flood threatens                                            •  Move livestock, plant and feed to higher ground                    ‘give’ than chain)
     •     Consider alternatives to carpet and relocate power-                                                                          •   Secure loose articles below deck
           points to well above previous flood levels (using a                                                                          •   Secure all hatches
           licensed contractor)

22                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         23
PREVENTION AND                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               SES
     PREPAREDNESS

                                                                                                                         Bowen

     PET EMERGENCY PLAN
     Pets are special and they are your responsibility. It is up to   • 	Secure animals inside before an emergency event, so
     you to prepare for the safety and welfare of your pets in the        they do not run away. Never leave an animal tied-up
     case of an emergency. Individual needs will vary and you will        or chained without shelter or bedding. Never leave an
     need to decide on the best plan for your circumstances and           animal in a motor vehicle.
     the options available to you.                                    • 	Should your pet be different - such as aquarium fish,
                                                                          reptiles, small livestock etc you may have to make special
     Cyclone Shelters                                                     arrangements in advance of any emergency situation.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Cyclone Ului
                                                                          Contact specialised agencies such as Department of
     Domestic pets and other animals will not be allowed in the           Agriculture and Fisheries, the RSPCA, or your local pet
     cyclone shelters and you will need to make other arrangements        shop or animal’s veterinarian for specialised advice in
     for sheltering your pets prior to the cyclone season. Please         planning for emergencies.                                    Flood Storm Emergency – Call 132 500                                Emergency Sand Stockpiles and Sand Bagging
     note: trained assistance animals are permitted to enter the
     shelter and stay with the owners.                                Boarding Kennels                                                 Life Threatening Emergency – Call 000                               To encourage residents to become self-reliant and to lessen
                                                                                                                                                                                                           requests for assistance to the SES (who are all volunteers),
     Temporary Animal Shelters                                        Bowen Pet Motel			                  07 4786 1869                 Whitsunday Regional Council, in cooperation with the State          Whitsunday Regional Council provides three (3) public
                                                                                                                                       Government, supports local State Emergency Service (SES)            access emergency sandbagging stockpiles in the urban area.
     There are currently no temporary animal shelters in the          Whitsunday Pet Resort		             07 4946 1077                 with the supply of land, buildings, vehicles and operational        These stockpiles are monitored by the SES and replenished
     Whitsunday Region during times of major emergencies or                                                                            resources.                                                          by Council when cyclones or significant flood events are
     disasters. Pet owners are encouraged to take all the necessary                                                                                                                                        threatening.
     steps to have a plan in place early.                             Veterinarians                                                    Local SES volunteers provide support to the entire Whitsunday
                                                                                                                                       Region across a range of services including:-                       These sand stockpiles are located at:-
     Ensuring safety for your pets                                    Whitsunday Veterinary Surgery       07 4946 1028                 •    Storm response                                                 •	Proserpine SES Shed,
                                                                                                                                       •    Search and rescue                                                  43-45 Hinschen Street, PROSERPINE
     Here are some basic tips to be applied to household pet          Proserpine Vet Surgery		            07 4945 1878                 •    Vertical rescue                                                •	Cannonvale SES Shed,
     emergency planning:                                                                                                               •    Boat rescue                                                        22 Schnapper Street, CANNONVALE
                                                                      Orchid Valley Veterinary Surgery    07 4946 1631                 •	Support to other emergency service agencies at                   •	Bowen Council Depot,
     • 	Properly identify your pets including registration and/                                                                            emergency incidents                                                181 Richmond Road, BOWEN
         or micro chipping and ensure your pet has a tag.             Bowen Veterinary Clinic		           07 4786 4864
         Remember, telephone lines may be down during a                                                                                The SES has operational bases in Bowen, Proserpine,
         disaster and it is important that any registered method      Brolgas Rest Veterinary Surgery     07 4786 3166                 Cannonvale and Dingo Beach. Locally based resources
         includes your current address.                                                                                                include:-
     • 	Prepare a pet emergency kit that is easily accessible. The                                                                    •     Seven (7) SES 4WD vehicles
         kit should include medications, medical and vaccination                                                                       •     Five (5) SES boats
         records, vet details, sufficient food and bottled water,                                                                      •     One (1) SES all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
         can opener, a familiar pet blanket, bedding or toy, a                                                                         •     SES Storm damage trailers
         secure pet carrier, leash or harness to move animals to
         safety and also consider your animal’s sanitation needs.                                                                      The SES can call upon additional resources and support from
                                                                                                                                       across Queensland when required.

                                                                                                                                       If you are interested in joining the SES or learning more, visit:
                                                                                                                                       http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses/

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