- Get Ready Queensland Week 2025 has launched in Brisbane and Townsville, with a packed program of events planned across the State this coming week.
- Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston is encouraging Queenslanders to take the steps to Get Ready for severe weather.
- The Crisafulli Government’s ‘Weather doesn’t plan, but you can’ Get Ready campaign has also relaunched and will run until 16 November.
The Crisafulli Government continues to back Queenslanders as the State enters another disaster season and has kicked off Get Ready Queensland Week 2025 with rugby league icon and Get Ready Ambassador Johnathan Thurston.
Today’s events at Kenmore State High School in Brisbane and Townsville Grammar School feature the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest severe weather outlook for Queensland.
In total more than 50 Get Ready events will take place this week across the State, encouraging Queenslanders to put their plans in place before severe weather strikes.
To make it easier for Queenslanders to create a severe weather plan, an online tool is available at getready.qld.gov.au/plan that steps people through the process, pre-fills localised information, and provides advice, contacts and checklists.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the historic 2024-25 disaster season proved just how committed the Crisafulli Government was to supporting Queenslanders in need.
“Queenslanders know better than anyone the need to be prepared for disaster, and the three major events this year have only reinforced our resolve,” Minister Leahy said.
“Throughout floods, cyclones and bushfires, I’ve been clear, the Crisafulli Government is in it for the long haul.
“It’s why we’ve delivered historic support for Queenslanders in need, including $450 million for the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program, focusing on key betterment projects and strengthening our resilience capabilities.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said while we couldn’t predict when extreme weather will strike, we can prepare for it.
“We want every Queenslander to share QRA’s vision of creating stronger, safer, more resilient communities,” Mr Ellwood said.
“Our 3 Steps to Get Ready – know your risk, make a plan, pack a kit – are key to us building greater resilience, and in particular this year we really want more people to formalise their disaster planning.
“A plan written down is a plan that stands up. For information, tips and resources on getting ready for disaster season, visit the Get Ready Queensland website, getready.qld.gov.au.”
Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said like success on the footy field, staying safe during severe weather was the result of good planning.
“All good sports teams have a game plan, and all good households should have a plan to Get Ready for floods, cyclones, storms and bushfires,” Mr Thurston said.
“These are easy actions for every Queenslander to make sure they are best prepared for our state’s unpredictable weather.
“Just like the latest Get Ready Queensland campaign says, ‘Weather doesn’t plan, but you can’, and there is no better time to prepare than now.”
Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Laura Boekel said that between now and April severe weather could develop quickly and threaten lives and property.
“Severe weather can damage our homes, roads and neighbourhoods. It can also disrupt essential services and isolate communities. You can reduce the impact of severe weather by getting ready before it happens,” Ms Boekel said.
“This is the peak time for thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, flooding, heatwaves and bushfires. Records show at least one tropical cyclone makes landfall in Australia each season, and it only takes one to have serious impacts from heavy rainfall, damaging winds and storm surge.
“Flooding is always a risk, with riverine and coastal areas more likely to experience its impacts. Tropical cyclones, tropical lows and severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rainfall leading to localised and widespread flooding.”
