Six councils from across North West Queensland have developed a new online resource, bringing together local experience and know-how to help people prepare and respond for the wet season.
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Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Flinders, McKinlay and Richmond councils developed the platform called www.GetReadyNWQ.com.au , through the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils teaming up with local leaders, agencies, business and community.
Chair of NWQROC and Carpentaria Shire Mayor Jack Bawden said a key part of the online resource was short videos filmed across the region featuring people from local communities.
"This is the first time we've ever undertaken something like this. It was a big task with filming wrapping up at the end of January - just as the heavens began to open up," Cr Bawden said.
"Natural disasters don't stop at council boundaries. So Get Ready NWQ provides one easy step to direct links to council disaster dashboards, websites and social media channels."
Cr Bawden said that from Flinders Shire, to the NT border, and up to the Gulf, there were big difference across the region how natural disasters may unfold.
"That's why we want to put local experience and advice front of mind this wet season - or any season," he saod.
"You might be surprised at some of the responses. One of the questions we asked across the region was: 'What's 'one thing' that should be top of the list when getting ready but may often be forgotten'. Out of more than 40 interviews, most people had a different take on what that was."
"Water, getting back to basics with long-life food, and fuel for generators and cars topped the list along with some pretty strong mental health and community messages which was great to see. It was also good to hear throughout discussions the 'if it's flooded, forget it' message coming through loud and clear."
Cr Bawden said that the project helped support the council's role as coordinators of their Local Disaster Management Plans and their responsibilities to provide information and direction to their communities.
"Get Ready NWQ is a way to connect people to their communities and councils, help them get prepared and provide them with information on what support is available," Cr Bawden said.
"This will be a great resource for our communities. We'll keep updating and sharing videos, hints and tips from locals around the region as well as through council social media."
Each council across Queensland has a Local Disaster Management Plan and also coordinates its Local Disaster Management Group. Members include council, emergency services and community representatives.
The website and resources have been developed with support from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority as part of its Get Ready Queensland initiative.
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