Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) today (Tuesday, October 7, 2025) unveiled a suite of valuable disaster resources, and expanded language options, on its Disaster Dashboard. These are designed to help residents before, during and after a natural disaster.
TRC Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) chair, Cr Geoff McDonald, said the additional information better equipped the community to deal with all disaster stages.
"Our Disaster Dashboard has historically been used during a disaster or extreme weather event, but the additional information allows residents to access one resource to support them at all stages of a disaster," Mayor McDonald said.
"The Toowoomba Region is most prone to bushfires, severe storms, floods and heatwaves. These disasters can occur quickly and without a lot of warning, so it is crucial our community has access to information they can use to prepare in advance."
A new story board feature gives communities specific information on how to understand their risk when it comes to bushfires, severe storms, flooding and heatwaves.
This feature, which will go live in the coming weeks, also includes links which residents can use to search their property to discover if it is in a fire or flood risk area, and what actions they can take to prepare for these events.
"When people understand their risk, they can prepare a household plan, pack an emergency kit and stay up to date with any news posted on the Disaster Dashboard," Mayor McDonald said.
In addition to the new hazard-specific information, the upgraded Disaster Dashboard incorporates a new language feature where users can select their preferred language from 95 options.
"This is a fantastic addition to the Disaster Dashboard. Our Region has a diverse population, with more than 15,000 residents speaking a language other than English at home, so this new feature will be extremely helpful," Mayor McDonald said.
The upgraded Disaster Dashboard's launch coincided with an internal Council Get Ready Week event, at which staff were recognised for their roles supporting Council's disaster readiness.
"Council has many wonderful, dedicated people who are committed to keeping our community safe. They work all year across preventative operations, and to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies affecting our Region. I would like to say a heartfelt, thank you," Mayor McDonald said.
"With today's launch, TRC is one of the few Councils which has this calibre of resources available on its Disaster Dashboard. That is something we should all be proud of."
Enhancements made to the Disaster Dashboard, in collaboration with QIT+:
- Bushfire, Severe Storms, Flooding, Heatwave and Referable Dams story board tabs - providing collated hazard-specific information such as understanding your risks and how to prepare, including making a household plan and packing an emergency kit. Includes links to the authoritative/primary provider for specific disaster management information, e.g. Queensland Fire Department. This feature will go live on the Disaster Dashboard in the coming weeks.
