Council organised a disaster management meeting in preparation for the upcoming disaster season, with 50 attendees present on the day. The disaster management team presented updates to the community ensuring a comprehensive, multipronged communication strategy.
Key speakers included the Executive Officer of the Townsville District Disaster Management Group, part of the Queensland Police Service, and meteorologists from the Bureau of Meteorology.
They provided a long-range forecast from November to January, noting that Burdekin's historical maximum average temperature of 28.2°C had risen to 28.7°C last month, reflecting an above-average trend seen across most of northern Queensland. Rainfall in the Burdekin was below average, similar to last year, although 2022 saw significantly less rainfall.
Looking ahead to the high-risk weather season, the Burdekin catchment area faces potential flooding risks due to above-average soil moisture levels caused by unseasonal rainfall earlier in the year. Across Queensland, there is a general trend of exceeding maximum temperatures, with a 97% chance of median temperatures surpassing 32°C. Minimum temperatures are also likely to exceed 23°C.
An increased fire warning is in place due to a combination of vegetation growth and weather patterns, including wind and rainfall. Although there is a possibility of exceeding median rainfall, there is expected to be a balance towards the end of the season. Historically, the average rainy season in Ayr brings 824 mm of rainfall, and last year, two minor floods were recorded due to the Burdekin River, while Horton experienced a few moderate floods.
The public can access all the information discussed at the meeting online. The meeting aimed to encourage preparedness for cyclone season and active disaster readiness steps within the community.
Victor Hewett, Tony Melrose, Luke Shelley, Shaun Byrnes, Brad Bleeker, Jessie Gray, Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort, Eileen Devescovi. Photo Credit: Miah Lampard
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
