Redland City Council is encouraging the community to prepare now for the upcoming bushfire and severe weather season.
Acting Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Acting Chair Julie Talty said Get Ready Week from 5–11 October 2026 was a reminder for all households to ensure they were ready well in advance of a disaster event.
“I encourage everyone to understand their local risks, make an emergency plan, and pack a kit of essential items,” she said.
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“It’s important that emergency kits are up-to-date and include items such as bottled water, toiletries, a battery-powered radio, torch, spare batteries, important documents, medication, and portable chargers.
“While we can’t prevent severe weather, we can all take steps to be prepared.
“Taking small actions now can make a big difference when every second counts in a disaster.
“Remember, the best way to keep up to date during severe weather season is through the Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard, where you can also opt in to receive Redlands Coast Alerts direct to your phone.”
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Cr Talty said several recent severe weather events on Redlands Coast had reiterated the importance of being prepared early.
“Residents across our city have experienced the impacts of these events first-hand, from road closures and disrupted transport to telecommunication issues and supply shortages,” she said.
“Among our city’s biggest severe weather risks are thunderstorms, which bring the possibility of heavy rain, flash flooding, large hail, and damaging wind gusts which can cause power outages.
“There is also the potential for heatwaves to impact Redland during the summer months, so it’s important to think in advance about how the heat could impact you, your family and your pets.
“Have a plan to check in on your loved ones, create cool rooms and cross breezes in your home, and note the local libraries and other air-conditioned spaces you can visit to avoid the heat.
“I also encourage everyone to exchange contact details with a trusted neighbour and connect with those in your community who may need extra support, such as elderly residents or people living with a disability.”
Cr Talty said Council’s preparations for severe weather season had started well in advance of Get Ready Week.
“Council works year-round with emergency services, key agencies and volunteers to ensure the community is ready,” she said.
“This includes undertaking on-the-ground work such as planned burns and vegetation slashing to reduce fuel loads, participating in training exercises, and engaging with the community to improve disaster preparedness.
“As part of Get Ready Week, Council will be visiting the Mount Cotton State School sleepout to speak with students about how they can get ready for disaster season in their households.
“This is a chance to spread the disaster management message to a younger group of Redlanders and will allow Council to show its support for the students and teachers involved in the school’s sleepout initiative.
“Council’s disaster management team will also hold a pop-up Get Ready Week event at Bunnings Warehouse Victoria Point on 7 October from 10am–11am where the community can learn practical tips about disaster preparedness.”
Key links and resources:
- Get Ready Queensland (getready.qld.gov.au)
- Redlands Coast Disaster Dashboard (view here)
- Council’s Disaster Management webpage (redland.qld.gov.au)
- Emergency kit checklist (click here to download)
- Bureau of Meteorology (bom.gov.au)
- Queensland Fire Department (fire.qld.gov.au)
