Individuals, groups and organisations across Queensland are encouraged to demonstrate their resilience to natural disasters by nominating for the 2019 Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the awards, now in their 20th year, celebrated innovation and best practice in disaster preparation and resilience, and were open to all Queenslanders.
"In the past decade, Queensland has been impacted by over 70 natural disasters, with more than $14.5 billion in damage to public infrastructure," Mr Dick said.
"This disaster season alone we have faced unprecedented bushfires and cyclones, as well as devastating floods, from the Torres Strait in the north to the Queensland/South Australia border in the south-west.
"As the most disaster impacted state in the country, Queenslanders are regularly exposed to a range of hazards.
"Because of this it's important that our communities have the capacity, skills and knowledge to adequately prepare, respond and adapt to the challenges we face."
The awards highlight the work of volunteers, communities, businesses and organisations involved in making Queensland communities safer – inspiring others to build greater disaster resilience in their homes, businesses and communities.
"We want to celebrate initiatives and projects that build resilience and make our communities safer, more connected and better prepared for natural hazards and emergencies," Mr Dick said.
"Winners from Queensland will then be invited to the national Resilient Australia Awards, with Moreton Bay Regional Council, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Queensland Police Service last year recognised at the national awards for their My Resilient Community project."
The awards are open to individuals, not-for-profit organisations, small and large businesses, government, schools, education institutions, research bodies and emergency service agencies.
Categories in this year's Get Ready Queensland Resilient Australia Awards include:
- Resilient Australia Community
- Resilient Australia Business
- Resilient Australia Local Government
- Resilient Australia Government
- Resilient Australia School
- Resilient Australia Photography – People's Choice.
Submissions are open until 17 May 2019, with winners to be announced 31 October.
Learn more about the Resilient Australia Awards.
