Cassowary Coast calling on residents to prepare

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) is urging residents across the region to be prepared for the possibility of Tropical Cyclone Owen impacting the Cassowary Coast this weekend.  

Council’s Disaster Plan has been activated to the ‘Alert’ stage, and officers across the organisation are making preparations to ensure the region and residents are ready for the possible impact of strong winds and associated heavy rain.

The stinger nets at South Mission Beach, North Mission Beach and Etty Bay have been removed in our standard preparation for the coming weather event.  

Cassowary Coast Mayor John Kremastos said residents who live in coastal locations need to be aware that tides this weekend have the potential to be higher than the forecast high tide and people living in coastal locations should take precautions now to ensure that the risk is minimised. 

“Also, residents should be preparing their homes now for the very strong to gale force winds that are forecast and also the heavy rainfall,” said Cr Kremastos. 

“This means yards should be cleared and all trees should be trimmed away from homes. 

“Don’t forget to put wheelie bins and other garden items in secure locations.” 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Local Disaster Coordinator Andrew Portelli said the heavy rainfall forecast over the weekend may lead to flash flooding. 

“Residents in flood prone areas should take precautions now to secure any items and move them to a higher locations,” said Mr Portelli. 

“Also remember to ensure that vehicles are in safe locations and fuelled up in case travel is required. 

Council is advising anyone who has a boat moored in a creek or river in the region to undertake checks and ensure the moorings are secure. Consideration should be given to moving the vessels to a more secure or protected location now rather than leaving it until the weather deteriorates.

“Now is also a good time to stock up on medication, especially prescription medicines that may be needed over the next few days at least,” said Mr Portelli.

“As the cyclone gets closer to the area it would be wise for residents to begin stocking up on water by filling suitable containers in case the water supply stops or becomes contaminated.

“Another top tip is to start freezing extra water or buy bags of ice, for your fridge, freezer or esky to keep food cool and safe if your power is cut. Also, prepare by filling up gas bottles for cooking.”

Residents should check Council’s flood mapping to see if they live in an area subject to flooding and/or Council’s storm surge mapping to check if they live in an area at risk via http://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/flooding. 

Residents are also encouraged to visit the Cassowary Coast Disaster Coordination Centre Facebook page for updated information and the Bureau's website to obtain the very latest forecast and warning information (http://www.bom.gov.au). 

To keep up-to-date on all weather events including bush fires, power outages, road conditions, cyclones and flooding, go to the Cassowary Coast Disaster Dashboard via http://disaster.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/.   

For more information on emergency and evacuation kits, go to the Get Ready Queensland website via https://getready.qld.gov.au/homepage/.  

END 13/12/18