Community plans to fight back

Above: Flooding in Redcliffe during the March 2022 weather event. Picture Keith Zgrajewski

Community taskforces in three areas of Moreton Bay have drafted Local Resilience Plans (LRPs) to help tackle “coastal hazards”.

In a Queensland first, Moreton Bay City Council has partnered with groups in Scarborough, Donnybrook and Dohles Rocks to develop their LRPs.

The plans identify actions for people, properties and infrastructure to reduce the risks and respond to and recover from natural hazards and rising sea levels.

Working with Council, residents are empowered to identify tailored solutions, from flood-proofing homes to improving emergency preparedness.

Council estimates coastal hazards are costing City of Moreton Bay an average of $42 million per year in damages to buildings, facilities, transport infrastructure and natural assets.

That figure could climb to as high as $468 million by the year 2100 if steps are not taken to mitigate risks.

“Council and the community are working together to address the impacts of projected sea level rises to 2050 and 2100, ensuring decisions reflect local knowledge and lived experience,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“It’s rewarding to see coastal communities like Scarborough, Donnybrook and Dohles Rocks finalising their resilience plans with more communities are getting on board too.”

Council is also working with residents in Beachmere and Toorbul to continue building resilience in communities most at risk of tidal inundation.

It comes as City of Moreton Bay teams up with the State Government for Get Ready Week - an annual call to action that helps communities prepare for extreme weather and disasters.

From October 6-12, councils and local organisations will roll out activities, from community expos, school workshops and emergency services displays, to media campaigns, markets and preparedness giveaways.

City of Moreton Bay’s Emergency Service Expo will be at Bribie Island on Sunday October 12, at Brennan and Apex Parks, Bongaree, 9am-1pm.

“We often say prepare for the worst and hope for the best and that is the mindset our communities need to have as the weather events become more unpredictable,” the Mayor said.

“I’d also encourage community members to speak with their neighbours and make sure they know and understand the risks so they can take steps to protect their family and property.

Residents should refer to the Disaster Dashboard for local updates on severe weather, road closures, power outages, evacuation centres and sign up to MoretonAlert - a free SMS, email and voice alerting system.

For more information visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Disaster-Management/Before-a-Disaster