Livingstone residents urged to Get Ready for severe weather
Published on 08 October 2026
Livingstone Shire residents are being urged to take simple steps now to prepare for severe weather, as Get Ready Queensland Week runs from 5–11 October 2026.
Get Ready Queensland Week is an annual reminder for Queenslanders to understand their local disaster risks, make a household emergency plan and prepare an emergency kit before severe weather strikes.
Livingstone Shire Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Mayor Adam Belot, said being prepared before an event was one of the most important things residents could do to protect themselves, their families, pets and property.
“Queenslanders know firsthand that severe weather can strike at any time, making preparation an essential part of living in one of Australia's most disaster-prone states,” Mayor Belot said.
"Earlier this year, Livingstone residents experienced firsthand the impacts that severe weather can have when Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji brought heavy rainfall, flooding, road closures and periods of community isolation to parts of our region," Mayor Belot said.
"Communities including Stanage Bay, Ogmore, Canal Creek and Marlborough experienced significant access challenges as roads and creek crossings became impassable, highlighting just how important it is for households to be prepared before an event occurs."
During 2024-25, Queensland experienced 17 separate disaster events, reinforcing the need for residents across the state to be ready for flood, storm, bushfire, cyclone and heatwave hazards.
Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton encouraged the community to use this week to prepare for severe weather.
“Queensland is impacted by more disasters than any other state in Australia, so it’s important to Get Ready for what might come,” Mr Hutton said.
"Preparing doesn't have to be difficult. Taking the time to understand your local risks, discuss a plan with your family, and pack an emergency kit will help you stay safe when severe weather arrives.
“Get Ready Queensland Week is a great time for everyone to put their disaster preparations in place and gain confidence ahead of disaster season.”
Mayor Belot said Livingstone Shire Council encourages residents to be aware of severe weather regardless of the time of year.
“Throughout the year, Council's Disaster Management and Community Resilience Team has delivered community engagement and preparedness activities across the Shire, helping residents build their knowledge and understanding of local hazards and emergency preparedness,” Mayor Belot said.
“As part of Get Ready Queensland Week, Council will host a range of community activities designed to help residents prepare for the season ahead and learn more about local disaster risks,”
“As part of our First 5 Forever libraries program, we are hosting a very special Get Ready themed storytime to help children prepare for, cope with and recover from natural disasters. This will be held on Wednesday 7 October from 9.30am until 10.30am and with special guest Resilient Ricky!”
During Get Ready Week, residents are encouraged to:
- Know their local risks;
- Make a household emergency plan;
- Pack an emergency kit;
- Stay informed through local disaster dashboards and official warnings; and
- Talk with family, friends and neighbours about what they would do during an emergency.
Residents can also visit Council’s Disaster Dashboard, Council’s one-stop shop for disaster information. The dashboard helps residents check their level of preparedness, understand local risks and stay informed with warnings, emergency news, updated road conditions, power outages, evacuation centre details and recovery information.
For practical preparedness resources and information, visit Get Ready Queensland at www.getready.qld.gov.au.