(28-03-17) Alert – Tropical Cyclone Debbie Update (2)

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that severe tropical cyclone Debbie is a category 3 cyclone. The system is forecast to move slowly southwest over the next 12 to 18 hours before curving to a more southerly track over inland Queensland.

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Rachel Chambers has advised that although Debbie poses no direct threat to the North Burnett at this stage, Council takes this event very seriously and are constantly monitoring the situation, should it change.

Since Sunday, Council has been in discussions with the State Disaster Coordination Centre and the District Disaster Management Group along with QFES, SES and other departments regarding the event.

“The North Burnett is currently on ‘Alert’, which means that something MAY happen and staff are watching, monitoring and evaluating the situation as it unfolds AND making initial preparations should Council need to escalate its activity.”

“Alerting members of public to make their preparations such as filling prescriptions, buying groceries, raising pumps and the like as it is far better to be over prepared than under prepared in these situations.”

As of 12.36pm today the Burnett River has been issued with a flood watch. Council will continue to monitor all North Burnett river levels.

“Council will liaise with the State Disaster Coordination Centre where we will be updated as to the predicted inland route of the cyclone. There are currently many models around however the BOM has made it clear to us that until the cyclone crosses the coast, accurate predictions cannot be achieved.”

Should it be determined that the region will be impacted detrimentally from this cyclone we will move to the next stage which is ‘Lean Forward’. At this stage Council will start setting up the Local Disaster Management Centre, disaster sub-groups and pre-deploying support.

“Council will announce each and every stage very clearly and share vital information with our community through our website, social media and also ABC Wide Bay,” Mayor Chambers said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the apprehension that some members of the community may be feeling at the moment. Unfortunately, the North Burnett is no stranger to these types of events.”

“Please take this time to prepare yourselves and if possible lend every assistance to your neighbour.”

“Lets all hope that Debbie delivers much needed rain to our drought affected region and then is on her way.”

“We will update you again as soon as we have any further developments,” Mayor Chambers concluded.

For further information refer to Councils website, phone 1300 696 272 (1300 MY NBRC) or email admin@northburnett.qld.gov.au.