Council joins forces with the Cap Coast Touch Association to host Get Ready Day!

Residents are being invited to attend a free, fun family day on Saturday, 14 October from 3pm to 7pm, to learn how they can get ready for the upcoming bushfire, storm and cyclone season while joining in on the action as part of the Cap Coast Touch Football grand finals day.

To be held at The Barmaryee Multi-Sports Precinct, Livingstone Shire Council have partnered with the Cap Coast Touch Association to deliver a fun and free family event, to help celebrate 20 years of Touch Football on the Capricorn Coast.

Chair of the Livingstone Shire Local Disaster Management Group, Mayor Andy Ireland, said Get Ready Day aims to help the community to better understand the risk of storms, coastal hazards, tsunamis, storm surges, cyclones, and bushfires.

“Council’s annual Get Ready Day events have always been well-attended, and this year we are encouraging residents to come along and enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the touch football finals, while also getting the opportunity to speak one-on-one with emergency service agencies about your individual emergency plans,” Mayor Ireland said.

With the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Niño Alert is underway, the summer season may bring reduced rainfall and increased temperatures across much of Australia.

Mayor Ireland said Get Ready Days play an important part in reminding the community of the potential hazards and dangers during bushfire, storm and cyclone season.

“With drier conditions already sparking several bushfires across Livingstone, it’s important to understand what our role is and how that affects each community member’s role during a disaster,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Queensland weather can fluctuate significantly, which is why residents should never underestimate the severity of storms and bushfires and the damage they can cause.

“Natural disasters including flooding, rain, tropical cyclones and bushfires are an annual occurrence in our region and it’s essential that residents understand the risks in order to take the necessary steps to reduce the impact of a natural disaster on their wellbeing, home, family, finances, and business.

“Residents can also undertake a preparedness check at https://beprepared.livingstone.qld.gov.au/ and produce a plan for their specific individual circumstances.”

“Council would like to thank the Commonwealth Government, Queensland Government, and Queensland Reconstruction Authority for their support of the event in partnership with Livingstone Shire Council.

“Multiple agencies will be on hand with advice and information that can help you put together your ‘what-if’ plan, so I encourage everyone to come along to find out more about coastal hazards with interactive activities, demonstrations, and family entertainment.”                           

Cap Coast Touch Association president Chris Herman said the club was thrilled to partner with Council for this important community event. 

“Saturday is going to be an exciting day jam-packed with six grand finals and two exhibition matches, while celebrating 20 years of touch football in the region,” Mr Herman said.

“We’re proud to be working with Council in helping us support this event, and look forward to seeing the community come out to take part in the celebrations.” 

Residents will get the chance to meet with local emergency services personnel and volunteers, enjoy a barbecue, amusement rides for the kids, as well as activities and interactive demonstrations and a visit from Council’s disaster crusader Resilient Ricky.

For more info on getting prepared this storm season, visit Council's Disaster Dashboard at https://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/