Workshops to aid disaster preparation


Cairns Regional Council is asking residents to consider whether they would have been adequately prepared, had Tropical Cyclone Dylan taken a different path, and to take advantage of upcoming free disaster preparation workshops.

Although the Cairns region was spared any major impact from last week's cyclone, the event highlighted the need for residents and businesses to be prepared for a natural disaster.

"While Cyclone Dylan may have avoided our region, it did give us all a chance to assess our preparedness for a natural disaster – a practice run of sorts," Mayor Bob Manning said.

"We are only halfway through the cyclone season and there is still the chance of another system heading our way in the next few months.

"If you don't feel that you were as prepared as you should be, now is the time to amend that."

Council is facilitating several free public workshops to assist individuals, families and businesses to properly prepare for natural disasters.

Next week's Business Roundtable Extend will focus on business continuity and commercial resilience.

"If you own or manage a business, thought needs to be given to how you will keep that business running after a major weather event," Cr Manning said.

"The forum will recognise the important role the business community plays in recovering from a natural disaster.

"The quicker businesses are back up operating, the sooner a community can get back on its feet.

"Every business – just like every household – should have an emergency plan, which identifies what preparations you will need to make to protect your business.

"This plan will differ for every business – the key is to understand the risks so you can take action to mitigate them."

The free forum will be held on Thursday February 13 from 6pm to 7.30pm. It is presented by Volunteering Queensland in partnership with Council and is open to all business owners and representatives. Registrations are essential and must be received by close of business on Friday 7 February. Phone 4044 3571.

Council's disaster management team will also hold free public information sessions. Residents are invited to drop into Babinda Library today from 10.30am to noon.

For more information visit Cairns Regional Council