Preparedness: The Key to Resilience in FNQ

By Sharni Day, Grad Cert. Emergency & Disaster Management BSc

Relying on how long you’ve lived somewhere — “I’ve been here 30 years, it’s never happened before” — isn’t a disaster plan.

Each natural disaster is different, and so too will be your response. That’s why having a clear, flexible plan is essential — it helps you act calmly and confidently when things change fast.

There may be no need to panic, but ignoring risk is dangerous. Cairns and the surrounding region face multiple natural hazards, including tropical cyclones, flooding, landslides, and storm surges.

The future is as unpredictable as a magic 8 ball, so the only real protection is preparation. That means staying informed, understanding local risks, and knowing how hazards could affect you, your family, and your pets —whether directly or indirectly.

Ask yourself:

- Do we live in a flood or storm surge zone?

- Do we have a plan — and does it include our pets?

- Do we understand what a storm surge actually is, and how it differs from flooding?

Here’s the difference:

A flood happens when rainwater overwhelms drainage systems or rivers overflow — it’s freshwater and can occur anywhere from the hills to the coast.

A storm surge, however, is when the ocean is pushed inland by the powerful winds and low pressure of a tropical cyclone — it’s saltwater flooding and can raise sea levels several meters higher than normal, inundating coastal areas within hours.

It’s also important to understand that both can happen at the same time, creating unpredictable and dangerous conditions across the region.

Both are serious threats, but storm surge is often the most life-threatening part of a cyclone.

Remember: storm surge evacuation centers do not allow pets or lying down for rest, and space is very limited due to the size of Cairns’ population — over 253,000 people in the greater region (ABS 2021).

With only two main access routes in and out — the Captain Cook Highway and Gillies/Kennedy Highways — last-minute movement is risky. Panic buying and traffic congestion can quickly disrupt essential supplies.

These are factors to consider before an emergency. Always follow updates from local, state, and federal emergency management authorities — they provide the most reliable and current information.

Prepare an emergency home kit with a battery radio, spare batteries, and key documents, and check the Cairns Disaster Dashboard or mobile app for live warnings, maps, and local advice.

For official alerts, tune in to ABC Emergency Radio for trusted, real-time updates and community information; however, in past events, local radio stations have also provided valuable updates for residents within the Cairns

region.

Preparedness isn’t fear — it’s strength. It’s how we recover faster, rebuild smarter, and protect what matters most.

Don’t panic, but don’t be complacent either.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay ready