The Pacific Haven residents near Howard in the Fraser Coast Regional Council area are banding together to ensure they are ready to face natural disasters.
The area, nestled between the Cherwell and Burrum rivers, was cut off from the region for three days after experiencing the worst flooding in decades as ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald swept over the region last year.
“Rather than wait for outside help to arrive, Pacific Haven residents will help themselves,” Division five Councillor Rolf Light said.
The Pacific Haven Emergency Awareness Group is one of three that have started across the region following the Australia Day flood of 2013.
Similar community groups have started in Granville and the Pocket in Maryborough and Burrum Heads.
“The group was born out of the adversity of the 2013 floods,” group president Michael Woods said.
“A bunch of neighbours at a barbecue after the flood decided to put something together to support each other.
“There a lot of people out here who want to be involved and we get up to 40 people to a meeting.
“We help each other. If we know a flood, or a fire, is coming we can keep an eye out for each other and help out and shift gear and equipment.
“We’ve already improved communications by installing UHF and VHF radios.”
The residents’ efforts were welcomed by Divisional Councillor Rolf light.
“They have done a terrific job listing the assets and skills in the area so they can move quickly to help each other.
“Council has been able to help out and have delivered sand and sand bags to a couple of locations to be used as part of their emergency response.
“The group will also feed local information back to the Disaster Coordination Centre.
“Local information is vital for us to develop a response.”
The residents’ groups however do not replace the SES or other emergency services.
“If people need help they should still contact the emergency services,” Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O’Connell said.
“These groups augment what the emergency services can offer, especially in the lead up to an event when the message needs to be spread and individuals may need help.”
