SUNSHINE Coast police and partner agencies participated in a disaster exercise last week (November 20) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, to test and improve emergency response capabilities.
The exercise, focused on a simulated tsunami event, evaluated disaster plans and community impacts.
Research from the Queensland Police Service, University of Newcastle, and Queensland Fire Department informs the scenario. District Disaster Coordinator Superintendent, Craig Hawkins, said it was important to collaborate.
“Though a tsunami is not anticipated to impact the Sunshine Coast, it provides a thorough test of plans,” he said.
The exercise’s aim was to enhance communication and coordination across local, district, and state disaster management teams.
Prepare this year for QLD’s storm season
The Queensland Police Service has released some pointers to stay safe
QUEENSLAND’S storm season is in full swing, with torrential rain drenching the state and more wet weather predicted.
The State Emergency Service (SES), in collaboration with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and other emergency teams, has been working tirelessly to support communities affected by severe weather.
Since the official start of storm season on October 1, the SES has received close to 1,000 calls for help statewide.
Most of these requests have been for assistance with structural issues, such as tarping roofs.
The Brisbane region has reported the highest demand for aid so far.
Preparing for Severe Weather
Residents are reminded that preparation is essential to safeguard families, homes, and communities during extreme weather events. Proactive planning can significantly enhance
resilience.
Steps to Prepare:
Make an Emergency Plan: Research local hazards, discuss potential emergency scenarios with your household, and identify evacuation or shelter options.
Consider reasons that might require leaving your home.
Pack an Emergency Kit:
Your kit should include essentials such as food, water, medical supplies, and important documents, stored in a waterproof container. Review and update it every season.
Tips for Storms and Cyclones:
Keep gutters and downpipes clear for proper drainage.
Trim overhanging branches, avoiding contact with powerlines. Secure loose items around your property to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
main water, power, and gas supplies.
Identify the safest room in your house for shelter.
Learn how to turn off
Flood Preparation: Flooding is common in Queensland, even in areas far from waterways.
To prepare: Consult local
council flood maps for risks to your property.
Store chemicals and fuels above potential flood levels. Use barriers or sandbags to protect your home, and plan for power outages if medical devices are essential.
For more tips and resources, visit SES Prepare for Severe Weather.
www.ses.qld.gov.au/ prepare-for-severe-weather
SWIMSAFE QLD is a mobile pool company solely owned and operated by Lawrence Ziliotto servicing the Sunshine Coast area.
With over 12 years experience, Lawrence has a lot of knowledge about pools and pool equipment and can easily problem solve issues.
Lawrence and his four children are based in the Maleny Hinterland so are local if you need any assistance.
“Our family run company is based on the belief that
our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. We are committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals,” says Lawrence. As a qualified pool safety inspector, Lawrence can complete the pool safety inspection and assist if there are any fence or other repair work you need to make your pool compliant and he undertakes regular training and professional development.
Spruce up your outdoor area
ARE you hosting Christmas at your place this year? If so, now is the time to book Adam’s Pressure Washing to get your property ready.
If you don’t have the time to try and deal with it yourself, Adam is the person to call to get your outdoor areas back to looking like new.
Combining his expertise in pressure washing with window cleaning, Adam offers a comprehensive service that enhances both the appearance and functionality of your property.
If you are after regular or one-off servicing, need assistance with a pool issue, have a green pool, need new parts or equipment purchased and/or installed or require a pool safety certificate, Lawrence can assist and offers competitive pricing.
If your pool needs any assistance in getting it ready for summer after not been used over the coolers months or from the recent storms, give Lawrence a call on 0448 793 148, or visit www.swimsafeqld.com.au.
From removing built-up residue, bugs, and mould to ensuring spotless windows, his meticulous approach guarantees an overall improvement to your home’s presentation.
Across the hinterland, Adam takes pride in connecting with residents and witnessing the positive impact his services have on their lives.
“Cleaning is more than just a service—it’s a rejuvenating and therapeutic experience,” he explained.
“By bringing in natural light and eliminating the stagnant energy of cobwebs, dust, mould, and dirt, I create a fresh and
inviting space for homeowners.”
Beyond driveway and window cleaning, Adam’s expertise extends to roof cleaning, solar panel maintenance, external house washes, gutter clearing, and repairing fly screens.
Whether you are a local business owner or a homeowner, Adam is committed to delivering outstanding results tailored to your specific needs.
It’s also important to clean your gutters before the storm and fire season starts.
Contact Adam’s Pressure Washing today to receive a no-obligation free quote for your home or business: 0437 732 628.
Hidden dangers of decorations
AS the Christmas period approaches, millions of households are preparing to decorate their homes with Christmas lights. While these decorations bring festive cheer, they can also pose hidden dangers to your home, health and the environment.
Electrical expert Chris Madikian outlines key dangers: PVC-coated lights may release toxic fumes when overheated, while faulty wiring and old incandescent bulbs create fire hazards.
Damaged wires and using outdoor lights inside can increase electric shock risks.
Dust and mould on stored lights can trigger allergies, and improper disposal contributes to pollution.
To stay safe, choose LED lights, avoid overloading power points, inspect for damage, and store lights in dry, sealed containers. Proper ventilation and recycling old lights are also crucial for a safer and eco-
Choose a local repairer
Let Maleny Accident Repair Centre be your fi rst point of call
JUAN and his team at Maleny Accident Repair in Lawyer Street, Maleny have been helping locals with jobs from major insurance work to minor private repairs for four years now.
Juan and his team are on hand to offer free advice and whatever assistance you need to get back on the road as quickly as possible if you have an accident.
There are a few great reasons where Maleny Accident Repair Centre should be your first point of call.
Personalised Service: Maleny Accident Repair Centre will
personalised service tailored to the needs of the local community. They understand the specifi challenges and preferences of local drivers, ensuring that your repair experience is customised to meet your expectations. This personalised approach can lead to a more satisfying and stress-free repair process.
Faster Turnaround Time: Local repair centres oft prioritise their customers’ needs and may offer quicker turnaround times compared to larger, chain repair shops. With Maleny Accident Repair Centre, you may benefi from faster service due to their familiarity with the local area, suppliers, and resources. This means you can get back on the road sooner and minimise disruptions to your daily routine.
Community Trust and Accountability: Maleny Accident Repair Centre has strong ties to the local community, which can foster a sense of trust and accountability. They have a reputation to uphold within the community and are
Be prepared for summer
UNITYWATER is encouraging the community to learn more, stay informed and do some simple checks around the house ahead of wet weather and storms this summer.
overflowing internally. The ORG should be kept clear of any items like pot plants or garden ornaments on top, to allow it to do its job by releasing water if the system becomes too full.
Wet and wild weather events can occur from November through to April in South-East Queensland, which can present challenges to property owners and the local wastewater network.
A simple check we can all do at home involves locating your Overflow Relief Gully (ORG), a round fixture in each backyard resembling a drain with a grate on top. The ORG ensures any back up in the wastewater network is released outside the property rather than
Unitywater Executive Manager Customer Delivery Rhett Duncan said wastewater and stormwater systems are two separate networks that shouldn’t mix. “When stormwater enters the wastewater system, the increased flow can overwhelm it, causing
maintenance holes to release excess water –something they’re designed to do to relieve pressure and avoid flooding on private properties,” Mr Duncan said. It’s also essential to check that downpipes are connected to the stormwater system which can generally be confirmed if the pipe is connected to an outdoor drain. “If it disappears underground, chances are your downpipes are connected to the wastewater network and will need to be inspected and rectified,” he added. Head to unitywater. com/wetweather to learn more about the wastewater network and your property.
Check that your downpipes are connected correctly
satisfaction. Choosing a local repair centre like Maleny can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re entrusting your vehicle to a business with deep roots in the area and a commitment to providing reliable service.
Quality of Work: Maleny Accident Repair Centre provide superior quality workmanship compared to the insurer’s preferred repairer. This could be due to their expertise, experience, or use of highquality materials.
offer better customer service, such as clear communication, timely updates on the repair progress, and a willingness to address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process.
Attention to Detail: They will pay more attention to detail, ensuring that your vehicle is repaired to the highest standards, which will result in a better overall outcome and satisfaction for you as the customer.
Flexibility: Maleny
terms of scheduling repairs and accommodating your specific needs, whereas insurer-preferred repairers might be more rigid due to contractual obligations with the insurer. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual priorities, such as the importance of quality, service, convenience, and trust, rather than solely on whether a repairer is preferred by your insurer. It’s essential to research and consider all options before.
Book a bin to clean up
Get your property ready with a convenient skip bin
WITH the Christmas holidays just around the corner, it’s time to spruce up your place to get ready for summer.
If you have rubbish and debris lying around or are planning any renovation projects, then it’s time to call Ace Bins.
Or maybe you’re moving house and a skip bin would be handy to throw away any unwanted items as you’re decluttering?
Ace Bins will deliver your skip bin, you fill it, and then they pick it up. It’s that easy! Don’t waste your time with taking trailer loads to the dump, just call Ace Bins to make it a convenient, stressfree process.
It’s an affordable way
to dispose of rubbish that might be causing safety hazards around the yard. It’s smart to clear up any rubbish and vegetation before summer storms and fires hit. With bins from 2m to 8m, they have a skip bin to suit every project.
Ace Bins is run by Scott and Sharon, a husband and wife team who have poured their energy into Ace Bins for 16+ years. They said “our experience has helped us cut the fluff and streamline our service so that you get great value”
Ace Bins pride themselves on excellent customer service, so give them a call on 0422 296 289 to book your skip bin, or book online at www.acebins.com.au
SUMMER is here, so now is a good time to tidy up the yard with Hinterland Tree and Stump Removal.
Wayne and his team can remove dangerous, overhanging trees in preparation for summer storms. During high winds, falling branches can cause significant property damage and bring down powerlines.
Another important factor to consider is that snakes and rats will be on the move more, so it is vital to remove trees and shrubs
that could become hiding and breeding spots.
These creatures can become pests and cause health concerns as well as give you a big fright when you or the grandkids stumble upon them!
Another often-ignored aspect to do with trees is home security, which can be jeopardised by trees that block sight and access and create a dark vibe around the house, so it’s important to remove intrusive trees to ensure clear views to all areas of the property from
any vantage point. Wayne is passionate about helping people create a brighter atmosphere around their homes by clearing unwanted trees to let in more light and give them more space to enjoy their outdoor areas.
If you’re planning some outdoor renovation projects during summer, such as plumbing, drainage, landscaping, or putting in a pool, then it might be worth talking to a tree company to get your
Prepare your trees for Summer
property ready. Clearing overhanging branches or unwanted stumps can create better access for other trades to complete jobs easier. And lastly, palm fronds can be a major nuisance around many hinterland properties, so clearing them from the yard is important. Wayne said, “always book a professional tree company that uses personal protective equipment (PPE) and has valid insurance”. Call 0477 732 170.
