SES shed expands as part of disaster preparation plans

A new shed has given the Maryborough SES Group more space to train and store vital equipment while Fraser Coast residents can now register to receive email and text message alerts (in large events) about river levels and weather warnings.

Fraser Coast Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair George Seymour said while the spotlight had understandably been on the COVID-19 pandemic in recent months with the response led by Queensland Health, Council was continuing with disaster season preparations.

“Council has an important role to play in helping the community to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters in our region,” he said.

“In the past few years, we’ve had two tornado events, two flooding events and several bushfires where Council resources have been used to support other government agencies.

“Council’s Disaster Management Levy helps upgrade facilities and purchase equipment to improve our preparations and response to natural disasters, and to set up and maintain the region’s early warning network.

“Council also uses funds raised through the levy to contribute to the ongoing maintenance and support of our local State Emergency Service (SES).”

Cr Seymour said Council had funded a new shed for the Maryborough SES group, which would be used to store two flood boats and create more space for their regular training sessions.

“The SES volunteers play a vital role in our communities and I commend the volunteers who undertake regular training to ensure their skills are up-to-date during an emergency,” he said.

“They are amongst the first to respond in times of need and ensure their communities are resilient so they can recover quickly after a natural disaster.”

The project also provided a financial injection for the Fraser Coast economy.

“We brought the $50,000 project forward to support local business while the COVID-19 restrictions were in place,” Cr Seymour said.

“Two local companies were employed during the COVID-19 crisis to build and power up the facility and the project was designed and managed by Council’s Disaster Management Team.”

Other recent Disaster Management Levy projects on the Fraser Coast include:

• Working with the Poona Progress Association to install plumbing and power so rural firies can access 60,000 litres of water stored in underground tanks.
• Working with the Maaroom Community Co-ordination Committee and Progress Association to install two 22,500 water tanks and fittings to allow rural fire brigade tankers to be filled quickly.
• The Burrum Heads SES group was given a new response vehicle and the shed driveway improved to boost their all-weather access and use of the compound as a staging point for other emergency service vehicles.
• Fire fighting water tanks are also being provided to Pacific Haven, Broweena and Happy Valley (Fraser Island)

With funding support from the Queensland Government, Council installed three new flood-monitoring cameras this year at Queens Park and Guava Street in Maryborough and at Teddington Weir.

Cr Seymour said Council’s Disaster Dashboard website - http://disaster.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/ - had also been upgraded.

“The Disaster Dashboard is a ‘one stop shop’ for disaster management information, including emergency news, flood maps, river heights, road conditions, weather warnings and power outages,” he said.

“Fraser Coast residents can now register for email and text message notifications from the Disaster Dashboard and can customise their alerts for specific rivers and stations and specific flood levels.

“Households that are well prepared before a natural disaster occurs are more resilient and able to recover faster, so that’s why I encourage everyone to make a ‘What If’ plan so you and your family know what you would do if the worst happens.”

More details about how to get prepared ahead of the disaster season is available at https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/