Seven Redland City SES Unit members flew to Cairns this morning to support the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) response to Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Redland City Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair Cr Karen Williams said the local volunteers would join North Queensland crews in providing support to the community, which was preparing for the cyclone to make landfall on Wednesday 13 December.
“This is the first time Redland City SES members have been deployed before a cyclone has actually crossed the coast, but this means they will be on site and able to assist immediately when it does hit,” Cr Williams said.
“Our members, who are part of a broader south-east Queensland contingent travelling north, will be able to provide some much-needed relief for North Queensland crews who have been busy helping their communities prepare.”
Cr Williams said SES volunteers generally worked a five-day deployment roster and the seven members were expected to return to Redland City on Saturday.
“Our local SES controller has already been contacted by about 12 other members who have indicated they are prepared to travel north if a second deployment is needed,” she said.
“This is what our SES volunteers do. They give up their time to help keep our community safe, not only on Redlands Coast but throughout Australia.
“This isn’t the first time our members have been deployed to other areas.
“They have helped out in the aftermath of cyclones and storms in New South Wales and Western Australia, including four members who helped during the flooding in Casino in 2022.
“SES volunteers are true community heroes who undertake regular training so that they are ready to leap into action and help the community, reducing the potential for greater damage to property and infrastructure.
“I know our Redland City SES members will do our city proud and, on behalf of the city, I thank them for their service and send wishes for their safe return.”
