Queenslanders are being urged to know their risk and prepare now as the state enters its Higher-Risk Weather Season (HRWS).
Queensland's State Disaster Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Chris Stream joined Get Ready Queensland Ambassador and NRL great Johnathan Thurston today to officially launch Get Ready Queensland Week.
Deputy Commissioner Stream said severe weather is an unavoidable part of life in Queensland and preparation remains one of the most effective ways to reduce its impact.
"We should all take simple steps now to prepare homes, families and communities for the upcoming season.
"Queenslanders know all too well the impacts disasters can have on our communities. The reality is, the next weather event is not a matter of if, but when, which is why preparation is so important," Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
"Whether you are at risk of fires, cyclones, flooding, storm surge or severe storms, your preparation should be tailored to the hazards most likely to affect you where you live."
Queensland Police Service is also taking the opportunity to remind the community, entering floodwaters remain one of the most significant dangers during severe weather events.
Emergency Response and Coordination Command, Acting Assistant Commissioner Tim Partrige urged Queenslanders to remember the lifesaving message, If it's flooded, forget it.
"Ignoring warnings from police and emergency services not only places your own life at risk, but also the lives of emergency services personnel who may be called upon to rescue you," Acting Assistant Commissioner Partrige said.
"If you choose to drive, swim or play in floodwaters, there can be serious consequences.
"At best, you will receive an infringement notice. At worst, the outcome can be fatal."
Get Ready Week runs from 5 to 9 October.
For the latest information about severe weather in your area visit your local council's disaster dashboard. Find your local dashboard here: https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/recovery-hub/disaster-dashboards-queensland.
For information to help Queenslanders prepare, respond and recover from disasters, visit: disaster.qld.gov.au.
For storm and flood related property damage contact the State Emergency Service on 132500.qld.gov.au, on the SES Assistance QLD app, or call 132 500.
More information about preparing for and responding to severe weather can also be found at:
- Bureau of Meteorology bom.gov.au
Traffic and travel information 13 19 40 or 131940.qld.gov.au
- RACQ road conditions 1300 130 595 or roadconditions.racq.com.au
- Your local radio stations
- Queensland Police Service Facebook page
- Get Ready Queensland has plenty of helpful information, resources and tips available at www.getready.qld.gov.au.
FLOOD VISION:
r2.mypolice.qld.gov.au/uploads/2026/09/16/224427_flooding-incidents-v3.mp4
00 – 00.49: Emergency Services were called to Lower Freshwater Road in Cairns on around 4.30am on 15 March, following reports a car had become trapped in flood waters. The sole occupant of the vehicle, a 19-year-old woman, sought refuge on the car's roof, and was rescued uninjured.
00.49 - 1.38: A group of men walking through flood waters were intercepted by an officer on the Capricorn Highway in Barcaldine, around 9.20am on 13 March.
1.39 - 2.17: A group of tourists were intercepted by officers after they were observed playing in flood waters on Capricorn Street in Clermont on 13 January.
2.18 - 3.21: A 31-year-old man was intercepted after officers observed him driving through flood waters on Beaconsfield Road in Beaconsfield, around 14.20pm on 11 January. He was fined $233 for disobeying a 'NO ENTRY' sign.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
