Get Ready QueenslandI urge all residents to take part in Get Ready Week and take small steps to accomplish a lot before storm season.

The Get Ready Queensland initiative is a year round program involving all sectors of the community aimed to make Queensland the most disaster resilient state in Australia.

While we cannot control the weather, we can control how we prepare for it and how we respond.

Get Ready Queensland is formed around the fact that every Queenslander can do a little, to accomplish a lot in preparation for storm and cyclone season.

It’s a great initiative and I urge all residents to become involved in Get Ready Week and prepare should the worst of summer hit.

Get Ready Week is an opportunity for everyone to take small steps to protect their property, and to assist neighbours with preparations.

It is important for neighbours to lend each other a hand in true Queensland spirit, especially if your neighbours may be elderly or disabled.

Get Ready Queensland includes $2 million in funding for local councils to support local preparedness, in addition to partnerships with organisations such as Bunnings, Energex and Commonwealth Bank.

The Government has contributed $2 million in grants during 2013-14 to support communities with the Bundaberg Regional Council receiving $36,000 and Gladstone Regional Council $22,500.

During Get Ready Week all Bunnings stores will be providing displays and information on preparedness activities including emergency kits.

I would also like to say thank you to those who volunteer whether as part of a charity or the State Emergency Service.

Some simple tasks for residents include:

  • Make up an emergency kit
  • Purchase a first aid kit
  • Keep a list of emergency numbers
  • Clean and prepare the backyard

More information is available at www.qld.gov.au/getready