Common Disasters in Our Region

Natural disasters are never the same as there predecessor, and recent times have shown that the risks facing our community are changing faster than ever. In order to mitigate and prepare for these changing risks we need to understand them.

Three of the highest risk disasters that our region faces are bushfires, heatwaves and floods. 

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Bushfires

Bushfires are a high natural threat facing our region, and we need to work together to ensure that our community is prepared.

We have seen the nature of bushfires change over the last two decades, becoming more frequent and more dangerous. According to the Rockhampton Region Emergency Risk Management Assessment, it is likely that one will occur each year in our community. The words ‘bushfire season’ carry more certainty than they used to and, if the current trend continues, this is a threat that is only going to intensify.

In response to this increasing risk, the Local Disaster Management Group commissioned a Bushfire Management Study (2021), Bushfire Management Strategy (2021-2025) and Bushfire Management Mitigation Plan (2021-2025) for the Region. These have been condensed into a summary document that provides an overview of the Bushfire Study, Strategy, and Plan, and outlines how we can all work together to protect our community.

This document looks back on our history, examines our risk, and highlights those communities which are particularly vulnerable. It provides an outline of the nine pathways identified in the Bushfire Management Strategy, mapping the options we can take moving forward through prevention and preparedness to response and recovery. It also outlines the actions we can begin to implement immediately. This body of work is a huge step forward in protecting our community, and ensuring we’re all ready when bushfires do occur.

Read Council's Bushfire Summary Document. 

Take a look at the additional resources to prepare, respond and recover from bushfires: 

Floods

Floods

Flooding is common in our Region due to our high annual rainfall, geography and our large river system. Most flooding is minor and causes lower inconveniences such as closed roads and bridges.

If more significant flooding is expected, or in severe cases of flash flooding, you will receive information relevant to your location and may be advised to evacuate.

To prepare for a flood and stay up to date with warnings access the following:

You can view what Council is doing to improve the community's flood resilience via the Floodplain Management page.

Heatwaves

Heatwaves are another common natural impact for the Rockhampton Region. A heatwave occurs when the maximum and the minimum temperatures are unusually hot over a three-day period.

Heatwaves can impact anyone. Babies, young people, elderly people, pets, people working outdoors and those with medical conditions such as asthma are particularly vulnerable and need to take special care during heatwaves. 

To prepare for, respond to and recover from a heatwave access the following: 

 

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