During an Event

In the event of a disaster or emergency, you need to stay calm, follow your prepared emergency plans based on the type of emergency and keep yourself informed.

Emergency Information

If a natural disaster is predicted or taking place, Council works closely with relevant authorities to issue regular updates and advice.  

To stay aware of the current situation, you should regularly check a combination of the following:

  • Visit Council's Disaster Dashboard for the current road closures due to flooding in the Maranoa Region. Please note conditions can change without warning.

    Never enter flood waters. This means on foot, rubber dingy, body board or in your vehicle. If it’s flooded – forget it. Flood waters include roads, causeways and creeks, etc.

    Drivers are urged to:

    • Drive to the conditions of the road.
    • Always err on the side of caution.
    • Never attempt to drive across or through flooded bridges, roads or flood ways.
    • If leaving home during wild weather, make sure someone knows your movements and expected arrival times.
    • Potholes and pavement failures may be hidden by flood waters or camouflaged by reflections off the water surface at night.

    Prepare to Leave

    • If you plan to leave - do so early - before flooding affects your ability to.
    • Advise family members, neighbours or other loved ones if you have left.
    • Stay up-to-date with the latest information and advice.
    • Refer to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website for more information about weather updates.

    Further Information

  • Prepare yourself

    Prepare your property

    • Make sure your property has cleared access for fire trucks.
    • Cut back overhanging trees.
    • Rake up leaves, twigs and branches.
    • Cut grass regularly, keeping it as short as possible.
    • Clear leaves from your roof, gutters and downpipes.
    • Do not pile-up wood or store green waste close to your house.
    • Clear space around buildings.
    • Keep your garden hose connected and ready to use.
    • Ensure your garden hose can reach every corner of your property.
    • Be mindful of the location of your gas cylinders. Make sure pressure valves face away from your house.
    • Fill in any gaps around windows, door frames and eaves.

    Prepare to leave

    If you plan to leave - do so early - before a fire reaches your area.

Evacuations

In a disaster there may be a requirement for partial or total evacuation of an area. 

During an event evacuation centres are established, residents will be advised by alerts where their nearest evacuations centres are located.

In the event of an evacuation, your family will be better prepared and safer if you have prepared and rehearsed your disaster plan,

Voluntary Evacuation

A voluntary evacuation occurs when people choose to move from a perceived area of danger to an area of safety prior to an announcement of a mandatory evacuation.

Mandatory Evacuation

A mandatory evacuation is a situation where emergency management officials put maximum emphasis on encouraging evacuation.  Mandatory evacuation is employed by the authorities as a protective action in certain emergencies.

    • Tune into warn​ings
    • Ensure all householders are aware of the warnings and advice provided
    • Don’t wait to be told – self evacuat​​e to your predetermined evacuation destination if you live in a flood prone area or require support – inform your neighbours/friends/emergency services if you do plan to self evacuate.
    • Plan your evacuation route to avoid flood water and other possible hazards
    • Raise your pre-determined furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and into roof spaces
    • Empty fridges and freezers, leaving the doors open
    • Place sandbags (strong plastic bags full of sand or earth) in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage back-flow
    • Call your out of town contact before you leave and once you arrive at your evacuation location
    • Charge your mobile phone
    • Check your neighbours and friends who may need special assistance
    • Prepare your pets - have your pets ready to go – if you are unable to take your pets with you never leave them tied up or chained and provide adequate food and water in large heavy bowls
    • Fill your petrol tank and stock your car with emergency supplies
    • Evacuate your business

    • Act quickly on the advice provided
    • Follow all instructions by emergency authorities and react to changing conditions
    • Take your emergency kit  and evacuation kit and commence your evacuation arrangements
    • Turn off all the main power, water and gas supply, unplug all appliances
    • Ensure all family members are wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing
    • Travel light – do not risk your safety with replaceable possessions
    • If available – consider putting call-forwarding on and forward your home phone number to your mobile phone number.
    • Lock your home and take the recommended evacuation routes for your area
    • Take your pets
    • Seek shelter at your predetermined evacuation location
    • If you are visiting or holidaying in the region and do not have family or friends to shelter with, contact your accommodation provider immediately to identify options for evacuation
    • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters.

    For non-emergency communications, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your mobile phone to avoid tying up voice networks.  Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion.  You can also use social media to post your status to let family and friends know you are okay.

  • In the event that evacuation centres are established, residents will be advised of the location of centres in their town.

    Some evacuation centres will not accept animals so it is critical for residents in low-lying areas to plan ahead to ensure there is a safe place for their animals at friends' or family's houses if evacuation becomes necessary.

    Whilst the Local Disaster Management Group has identified a number of facilities throughout the region, the following may or may not be utilised as evacuation centres.  During an event community members will be advised by media alerts where their nearest evacuation centres are located.​​

    AMBY Town Hall
    BEGONIA Community Hall     
    BYMOUNT & EUMAMURRIN Community Halls
    DUNKELD Sports Club/ Community Hall 
    INJUNE

    Evacuation Centre

    • MRC Works Depot

    Place of Refuge

    • Memorial Hall
    JACKSON Town Hall
    MITCHELL

    Evacuation Centre

    • Old Retirement Village 187 St George Rd

    Place of Refuge

    • MRC Works Depot
    MUCKADILLA Town Hall    Warrego Highway 
    MUNGALLALA Town Hall    Burke Street
    NOONGA Community Hall     
    ROMA

    Evacuation Centres

    • PCYC Recreation Centre
    • Cultural Centre

    Place of Refuge

    • Bassett Park
    SURAT

    Evacuation Centre

    • Town Hall & Supper Room

    Place of Refuge

    • Warroo Sporting Complex (Racecourse)
    WALLUMBILLA
    • Showgrounds
    • Town Hall
    YULEBA
    • Town Hall    Garden Street

     

     

Disaster and Emergency