General News
10 October, 2025
Get ready now
THE community is being urged to take simple steps now to prepare for the wet season as part of ‘Get Ready Queensland Week 2025’.
The campaign encourages every household, from long-time locals to new residents, to know the risk, make a plan and pack a kit before severe weather arrives.
The week will culminate in the popular Get Ready Emergency Services Day on the Cairns Esplanade, Saturday 11 October from 9am to 12pm.
Organised by the Cairns local disaster management group (LDMG) , the event will feature disaster preparedness displays, emergency service demonstrations, a sausage sizzle and activities for all ages. It is a chance for residents to speak directly with emergency personnel and learn how to be ready for storm surge, flooding and cyclones.
LDMG chairwoman Mayor Amy Eden said preparation was vital for everyone.
“Disaster preparedness is not just for families with young children. It is for all of us, whether you are retired, living alone, new to Cairns or have lived here for decades,” she said.
“Storm surge, flooding and cyclones are real risks in our region. Taking time now to prepare means you, your neighbours and your loved ones will be safer when severe weather strikes.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the Cairns Disaster Dashboard to access live updates on road conditions, power outages, flood cameras and other information.
Residents can also check the Get Ready Queensland website for simple step by step guides and checklists to create a household plan and emergency kit.
Cr Eden said that being prepared made recovery faster and safer.
“Preparedness saves lives. Knowing where to go if you need to leave and having drinking water, food, medications and essential supplies ready, makes all the difference in a disaster,” she said.
“Our community is resilient and we look out for one another. But resilience begins with action. Do not wait for a storm to hit. Check the websites, make your plan and get ready today.”
Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Get Ready Queensland have hosted two free community events in Innisfail and Cardwell designed to bring people together, share knowledge and strengthen connection.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said the events were about encouraging locals to get ready and learn some great ways to protect the family and home during a severe weather event.
“On the Cassowary Coast, we know all too well the impact severe weather can have on our homes, families and communities. Get Ready Queensland Week is a reminder that preparedness is the best defence and together, a prepared community is a resilient community,” she said.
The council held an outdoor movie night at Warrina Lakes on Wednesday and a community networking lunch at Cardwell yesterday.
It comes as the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) released data that shows Australia was only behind the USA for extreme weather losses over the last 45 years.
The annual cost per person for extreme weather losses has risen from $91 in the 1980s to $291 in the 2020s.
The report said extreme weather events cost Australia about $4.5 billion a year.
The North Queensland floods in the past year had cost $289m while, in 2023, Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the subsequent flooding cost $420.1m.
