Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) says it is preparing for above average wild weather expected during the State’s storm and cyclone season.
Commissioner for QFES, Greg Leach said the response to the season would be known as Operation Kurrabana (pronounced Gurrabana), an Indigenous term from the Yirrganydji language.
“We are likely to have a significant wet season, with the Bureau of Meteorology identifying a 66 per cent chance of a higher-than-average number of cyclones for Australia’s eastern region and an above-average chance of rainfall,” Commissioner Leach said.
“Last season, only four tropical cyclones affected Queensland — Niran, Lucas, Kimi and Imogen — so we are likely to see more cyclone activity and impacts this time,” he said.
Commissioner Leach said while State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Rescue Service and Rural Fire Service crews were prepared year-round, they were undertaking extra preparations ahead of this season.
“Queensland faced significant severe storms last year, particularly in the Ipswich region, which was almost one year ago,” he said.
“This event was a prime example of QFES personnel coming together through responding to requests for assistance, damage assessments and helping the community through a tough time.”
Commissioner Leach said in just one weekend, the SES received more than 2,600 requests for assistance and the QFES conducted more than 440 damage assessments, with more jobs rolling in during the weeks that followed.
“This is a reminder of how quickly conditions can turn so it is crucial that everyone prepares their family and their homes for the storm and cyclone season,” he said.
Commissioner Leach said Queensland’s more than 5,000 SES volunteers had already spent more than 97,000 hours this financial year completing operational and non-operational activities.
He said while all QFES personnel were ready for severe weather, it was important Queenslanders did what they could to prepare before it was too late.
“Before heavy rainfall, severe storms or even a cyclone impacts your area, it is important residents take simple steps around their properties to clean up and also have an emergency kit on hand with a battery-operated radio, torch and spare batteries,” Commissioner Leach said.
