Early Warning System retesting

Published: 18 September 2020. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Live testing of nine outdoor early warning stations installed as part of Council’s Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan will occur on Thursday 24 September between 10am and 2pm.

Council conducted initial testing of the outdoor warning stations on 9 October 2019. These live testing results along with feedback from the community indicated adjustments to the system and further live testing was required.

Mayor Bob Manning said a second round of testing was originally due to occur earlier in the year, however due to COVID-19 restrictions contractors were unable to travel to Cairns to carry out the tests.

“These tests ensure the sirens work as expected and that the sound can be heard throughout the likely affected area,” Cr Manning said.

“We asked the community for feedback following the first round of tests and residents said that the siren tone did not travel as well as expected. The siren sound for this round has changed, so this should rectify those concerns.”

Nine outdoor warning stations were installed in 2019 throughout the Redlynch Valley from Crystal Cascades to Brinsmead, as one component of the Copperlode Falls Dam Emergency Action Plan Early Warning System.

The sirens have two elements: a voice notification and a siren tone. The siren tone has been changed. Family pets should be secured to ensure they do not escape their yard during the test.

Division 6 Councillor Kristy Vallely said while a dam-related emergency was very unlikely, it was important for residents to be familiar with their own evacuation plans.

“Households in the affected area have been sent copies of the Early Warning System maps and residents should be familiar with their pre-prepared Emergency Evacuation Plan,” Cr Vallely said. “This tests one component of our Copperlode Dam Action Plan and it is a test only.

“Residents should not panic when they hear the sirens however they should think about what they might need to do in the case of an emergency.”

To listen to the sound of the siren and for more information visit:

https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/natural-disasters/copperlode-emergency-action-plan/live-testing