Severe storm season is approaching
There is no doubt many residents in the Scenic Rim region are starting to take special interest in the latest regional weather forecasts.
The reason is we are approaching storm season and some areas are still showing the scars of massive damage from previous years.
Front of mind is Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred which hit Tamborine Mountain on March 8 and 9 last year, bringing with it severe winds and torrential rains.
It resulted in major damage and flash flooding that turned roads into waterfalls.
In an effort to make sure the community is better prepared for another damaging weather event, a group of like-minded individuals put together a Community Disaster Exercise meeting in September 2025.
The exercise around a major bush fire was rated a success even though only about 30 residents attended.
The organising team decided it was worth doing again in September this year and followed that up with another exercise at the Tamborine Mountain Showground Hall – this time it was standing room only.
Key organiser, Arran Hassell, said he was pleased it was a bigger success this year with residents joining emergency service personnel to get the best advice on what they should do before and after a major storm.
“We got together over a few hours and discussed scenarios and action plans,” Arran said.
“We also created an extra large Google floor map of the mountain and asked those attending to stand on their property, it was shoulder to shoulder, but many met neighbors for the first time.
“It was like speed dating as we asked everyone to give a brief outline of how they reacted to the recent cyclone and what actions they took.
“Our group is about creating a co-ordinated community response in times of great need in our local area, whereas council is working on a regional response.
“Our efforts on Tamborine Mountain are now being looked at as an example of what residents in other areas across the Scenic Rim can also do for their region.”
The two objectives of the recent exercise were to determine how we could get the community working closer together and how we could help individuals prepare for a disaster.
We asked those attending what they would do in the response phase to a looming major storm and what they would do in the recovery phase.
“We specifically asked them what they would do individually, what they would do as a part of a neighborhood and what they would do to support the larger community,” Arran said.
Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue, Red Cross and SES members joined the local residents at the showground.
Planning for a similar meeting is already in progress for next year, although organisers may have to find a larger venue.
