November 22, 2021
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crews in the North Coast region have been kept busy with weather-related incidents ahead of what is predicted to be a significant wet season.
The Bureau of Meteorology has identified a 66 per cent chance of a higher-than-average number of cyclones and an above-average chance of rainfall for Australia’s eastern region.
QFES North Coast Region Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack said crews were prepared for the season and urged residents to do the same.
“There is a risk of increased weather activity in the coming months, so our communities need to be ready,” Mr McCormack said.
“In the first two weeks of November, North Coast Region SES has already received more than 90 requests related to flooding, structural damage to homes and trees down.
“The region can rest assured it is in safe hands. We have nine North Coast Region SES units comprising 47 groups, which equates to more than 700 active volunteers who are ready and willing to assist those in need.
“The SES delivers a wide variety of services from storm damage, flood boat operations, traffic management, land search, road crash, vertical and specialist rescue through to incident management and support for our emergency services partners, so our personnel are well-equipped to respond to a wide range of emergencies.”
Mr McCormack said crews had been conducting a considerable amount of work to help residents prepare, including attending events and open days, as well as spending time honing their skills in anticipation of a busy end to the year.
“Fire and Rescue Service swiftwater rescue technicians are always training exceptionally hard on the water and have conducted motorised swiftwater rescue workshops to sharpen their skill-set in preparation for the season ahead,” he said.
“We have the ability to deploy additional resources to any affected areas, including SES volunteers from other regions of Queensland as well as from interstate.”
To request assistance from the SES, lodge a request on the SES Assistance Qld app or call 13-25-00.
