Local Disaster Management Group Update - Bushfires

Published on 04 December 2018

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UPDATE: Tuesday 4 December 9.15am

The Rockhampton Region Local Disaster Management Group stood down this morning, after moving to the ‘alert’ stage yesterday.

Councillor Tony Williams, Chair of the LDMG, said QFES have advised that there are no fires that pose a current threat remaining in the region.

 “The LDMG stood down at 9am as we have now gone for a number of days without any serious fires.

 “The LDCC will remain closed. Residents can contact the normal Council number with any queries, call SES on 132 500 for help with damaged property, and should always call 000 if there is a threat to life.

 “The State Government is also operating their Community Recovery Program, which assists residents affected by disasters.

 “I would like to once again pay tribute to our incredible emergency services, to those men and women who run towards danger as the rest of us move away from it, to help keep us safe. That includes not only our local services, but people who travelled from across Australia to help us during our time of need. We are so very grateful.

 “The response in our community has been heart-warming, with individuals, businesses and charities all offering time, donations, and anything they could in order to help those who had to leave their homes and seek refuge.

 “We will continue to closely monitor the situation, especially with the possible upcoming storm activity, and will be able to ‘stand up’ again at short notice if required.

“All residents should continue to monitor QFES and weather warnings to ensure they can act quickly if needed.”

The one remaining fire at Stanwell/Kabra remains fully contained.

 

Monday 3 December 9.00am

The Rockhampton Region Local Disaster Management Group has moved to ‘alert’ stage this morning, following advice from QFES that there are no fires that pose a current threat remaining in the region.

Councillor Tony Williams, Chair of the LDMG, said that the conditions had improved significantly but that Council would continue to closely monitor the situation.

“Thankfully the weekend was uneventful, and the one remaining fire at Stanwell/Kabra remains fully contained.

“The LDCC re-opened at 8am this morning to review the situation but closed again at 9am. Residents can contact the normal Council number with any queries, call SES on 132 500 for help with damaged property, and should always call 000 if there is a threat to life.

“The State Government is also operating their Community Recovery Program, which assists residents affected by disasters.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation, especially with the possible upcoming storm activity, and will be able to ‘stand up’ again at short notice if required.

“All residents should continue to monitor QFES and weather warnings to ensure they can act quickly if needed.”

There is more information on the State Government’s Community Recovery program here.

  

Friday 30 November 3.00pm

Please be advised that there will be no LDMG meeting this afternoon.

As of 6pm this evening, the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) will close and will re-open at 8am Monday, subject to weather conditions.

The LDMG will continue to monitor conditions throughout the weekend and residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the QFES website or Facebook page for updates.  

For life threatening emergencies, please contact 000. To report damage or an imminent threat to property please contact the SES on 132 500.

 

Friday 30 November 9.00am

At a 9am briefing this morning, QFES have advised that there is currently only one fire in the Rockhampton Region at Stanwell/Kabra which is being contained. Crews continue to patrol the area.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Councillor Tony Williams, said no properties are at threat within the Rockhampton Region and the LDMG will continue to monitor conditions today.

“Overnight the wind dropped which has pulled up the fire at Stanwell/Kabra,” Cr Williams said.

“While conditions are much better than they have been, I would once again urge residents to remain alert to QFES warnings as these situations can change very quickly.

“Due to heavy smoke in the Alton Downs area last night, 17 residents moved to the evacuation centre, which has once again closed today.

“Fire bans remain in place and residents in Gracemere are being asked to reduce their use of sprinklers and other outside water where possible.

“The water supply capacity to Gracemere has been increased and is currently meeting demand, but we need to ensure we have some contingency in the event of significant increases in demand or power outages.”

The Community Recovery Hub is now open at the Gracemere Community Hall on Barry Street for people impacted by the bushfires. Visit the Queensland Community Recovery Centre website for details www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies  or phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

The LDMG is expected to receive another weather briefing at 3.00pm today.

For any non-urgent enquiries please contact the LDCC on 1300 652 659 or keep updated via Council’s Facebook Page.

 

Thursday 29 November 5.00pm

Following a 4.30pm briefing, Councillor Tony Williams, Chair of the LDMG, said that although conditions are improving, residents should remain alert.

“This time yesterday we were in a very serious position, and clearly things aren’t as bad as they were then.

“However, as we’ve seen, these fires can be unpredictable and the situation can change at very short notice. Please keep monitoring QFES communications for the latest warning information.

“You can also look at Council’s Facebook page, send us a message on there, or call the LDCC on 1300 652 659 for any non-urgent queries.

“QFES have advised that residents of Stanwell and Kabra are able to return home, but conditions there remain very smoky. Those residents who have already sought refuge at the Rockhampton Showgrounds are welcome to stay.

“All residents in the region should remember that conditions remain hot, dusty, and smoky. Drink plenty of fluids, keep your windows closed, and look after yourselves and your neighbours.

“Thank you once again to the outstanding emergency services, volunteers, and businesses across the region who have demonstrated a community spirit we can all be incredibly proud of.”

 

Thursday 29 November 5.30am

As of 5.30am today, the evacuation has been lifted for Gracemere residents and the road has re-opened between Rockhampton to Gracemere.

Residents are urged to be patient and drive safely as they return home.

For further updates from the LDCC visit Council’s Facebook page or contact the LDCC on 1300 652 659. Residents are also urged to monitor local media and the QFES website for further updates on fire and heat conditions.

 

Wednesday 28 November  

The Local Disaster Coordination Centre is advising all residents that all roads to Gracemere remain closed and are unlikely to reopen before tomorrow morning.

A number of social media posts on other external pages and groups have claimed that the roads have reopened, however these posts are incorrect.

Residents are advised to head to Council’s Facebook page for the latest updates from the LDCC or contact the LDCC on 1300 652 659. Residents are also urged to monitor local media and the QFES website for further updates on fire conditions