Local community groups band together to support Ex TC Alfred disaster efforts
LOCAL community members of the Glasshouse Country Disaster Management Network recently put their proactive planning into action ahead of ex-Cyclone Alfred.
The network comprises of local groups, churches, businesses, frontline services and the Sunshine Coast Council. Over the past five years, it has developed a directory of contacts and resources to support formal disaster management efforts when additional help is needed.
Network representative Natasha Odgers said the group’s preparation paid off in recent weeks. “It was pleasing to see how efficiently members communicated and prepared to support the community, thanks to our years of collaboration,” she said.
The network activated in various ways. Service groups and churches, including Mooloolah Valley and Beerwah Lions Clubs, Church on the Rise, Glasshouse Country Uniting Church and Glasshouse Country Rotary Club, coordinated a roster to provide meals at the Place of Refuge in Landsborough. Local businesses also contributed donations.
Ms Odgers said groups were prepared to provide additional Places of Refuge if needed. While an official shelter was available in Landsborough, volunteers were on standby to open community-run refuges if flooding cut off roads, leaving residents stranded.
Following Ex TC Alfred, GCDMN members met last week (Wednesday March 19) to debrief, identifying lessons and actions to improve future preparedness. One key issue raised was the lack of real-time road closure information.
“This challenge isn’t easy to fix and has been raised before,” Ms Odgers said. “The network has asked authorities to explore solutions. Fortunately, the Glasshouse Country and Maleny News, part of the network, played a vital role in sharing timely local updates via Facebook.”
For more information, visit gcdmn.com.au