Council launch RegionWatch disaster and emergency software ahead of storm season

Gladstone Regional Council officially launched its online disaster and emergency dashboard, RegionWatch today.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said RegionWatch was an “online ‘one stop shop’ for reliable, up-to-date and vital information” for the community during and leading up to emergencies and disasters.

“RegionWatch is an extremely valuable platform for the community during the storm season, providing crucial, accurate and timely updates during emergencies or disaster,” said Councillor Burnett, who is also Chair of the Gladstone Local Disaster Management Group.

RegionWatch provides automatic, live updates on:

• Local and state road conditions • Weather warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology • Fire incidents from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services • Bulletins from our region’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre • Power outages, from Ergon Energy • Council’s flood cameras at flooding hotspots • School closures from the Department of Education Queensland

Cr Burnett said the system provided the community with a “single source of truth” by bringing all relevant information into one place.

“In an emergency, time is precious and reliable information is crucial,” Cr Burnett said.

“You can now quickly find the information you need on the RegionWatch dashboard.

“I urge you to visit the RegionWatch dashboard and familiarise yourself with all the services available on the site, to help you and your family prepare this storm season.

“Please remember that community safety is everyone’s responsibility and we must each ensure we and our loved ones are prepared and informed if an emergency strikes.”

The system brings all road condition information, relating to Council and State roads into one place, reducing community confusion.

Cr Burnett said although RegionWatch’s main purpose was to provide information during an emergency or disaster, the dashboard was designed to be used year-round.

“Information like power outages, weather forecasts and planned roadworks is useful any time of the year,” Cr Burnett said.

Ensure your household is prepared this storm season by accessing the Gladstone Regional Council useful guides and information available under Emergencies & Disaster on the Council website.

You can also sign up to the Early Warning Network (EWN) to receive alerts for severe weather advice, and emergency dashboard RegionWatch will keep you inform year-round, visit regionwatch.gladstone.qld.gov.au

The RegionWatch Dashboard was funded by the State Government’s Get Ready Program.