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| Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers
The Honourable Ann Leahy |
06 October 2026
MEDIA STATEMENT: Get Ready Queensland Week launches ahead of disaster season
- The Crisafulli Government launches Get Ready Queensland Week 2026 in Brisbane today.
- Get Ready Queensland ambassador Johnathan Thurston is helping spread the message as the face and voice of the new campaign.
- Queenslanders are being called on to prepare now during this higher-risk bushfire period and for the approaching disaster season to strengthen community resilience
- The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and backing Queenslanders as the State enters another disaster season.
The Crisafulli Government has officially launched Get Ready Queensland Week – the State’s annual disaster preparedness initiative – urging Queenslanders to get prepared as disaster season approaches and bushfire risk remains elevated.
The campaign launched at Kedron’s State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC), showcasing Queensland’s disaster response capability and the importance of working together to get prepared.
Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston is helping Queenslanders understand the importance of being prepared and stars in the new Get Queensland Ready advertising campaign.
The Bureau of Meteorology also issued its latest severe weather outlook for Queensland, predicting the upcoming severe weather season will occur against the backdrop of a strong El Niño and record high global average temperatures.
During this year’s Get Ready Queensland Week, an increased focus is being placed on bushfire preparedness, and all Queenslanders are being asked to stay alert to the conditions.
Queenslanders are encouraged to take the 3 Steps to Get Ready ahead of disaster season:
- Know your risk – Understand the disaster risks specific to you so you can best prepare for severe weather and stay safe.
- Make a plan – Create a severe weather emergency plan so your household knows what to do and who to contact in times of disaster.
- Pack a kit – Prepare an emergency kit for at least three days of isolation and have it stocked and ready in case the weather turns bad.
Queenslanders need to ensure they are taking steps to be prepared for the current high-risk bushfire period and approaching disaster season.
With the Albanese Labor Government proposing cuts to Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, Queensland communities and councils will face more of the cost of rebuilding and recovering after disasters.
The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and urging Queenslanders now more than ever, to know their risk, make a plan and pack a kit before disaster strikes.
Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said preparing early was critical to protecting Queensland communities and strengthening their ability to recover.
“People who plan for bushfires, floods and cyclones are better placed to protect their families, homes and communities when disaster strikes,” Minister Leahy said.
“We’re investing in preparedness and resilience because we know every dollar spent before a disaster can help Queenslanders recover faster afterwards, and we need that critical investment to continue so communities are ready for whatever comes next.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said small steps now can make a huge difference when a disaster arrives.
“Severe weather can strike quickly and without warning, and as we’re seeing year after year the disasters we’re facing are becoming more frequent and complex,” Mr Ellwood said.
“Queenslanders can make their own luck by taking the 3 Steps to Get Ready: Know your risk. Make a plan. Pack an emergency kit.
“These actions are key to building greater resilience in our homes, workplaces, schools, and in ourselves, and Get Ready Queensland Week is the perfect opportunity to get prepared.”
Queensland Fire Department Commissioner Steve Smith urged all Queenslanders to be aware of their local risk, whether it’s bushfire or severe weather.
“With bushfire activity on Queensland’s doorstep right now, there are some simple steps everyone can take to protect their loved ones and properties,” Commissioner Smith said.
“Clean your gutters, clear excess vegetation and create a plan so you and your family know what you will do if disaster strikes.
“Taking these steps now will help make sure you’re also prepared for severe weather.”
Get Ready Queensland Ambassador Johnathan Thurston said the new Get Queensland Ready campaign will help get this important message to the masses.
“Being prepared pays off, whether you’re running onto a footy field or approaching another disaster season,” Mr Thurston said.
“This year we’re saying to every Queenslander, don’t just Get Ready, Get Queensland Ready, because disasters hit differently in our State.
“As Get Ready Queensland ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand the positive community impact this program makes, and I’m proud to be playing a part in it.”
Suncorp Head of Home Insurance Josh Kelland said disaster resilience starts at home.
“We all know how unpredictable Queensland’s storm season can be, so taking a few simple steps to prepare, understanding the risks and having a conversation with your family can make a real difference when the unexpected happens,” Mr Kelland said.
“Set aside some time this week to check your insurance is up to date, walk around your property, check for any maintenance issues and make a plan to address them before the next storm rolls through.
“A little preparation now can go a long way when severe weather strikes.”
Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist Laura Boekel said October to April is the peak time for storms, tropical cyclones and floods across the State.
“Australia’s east coast has the highest risk of severe thunderstorms, particularly from October to December. This includes southern Queensland,” Ms Boekel said.
“October is the start of the northern wet season and this brings the risk of severe thunderstorms to Far North Queensland.
“Typically, Queensland averages about three-to-four tropical cyclones per season, along with the increased risk of associated flooding from cyclones.
“This spring and summer are likely to be hotter than usual, bringing an increased risk of heatwave conditions.”
Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith said Queensland councils and communities knew how to work together to prepare for the state’s high-risk weather season.
“Now is the time to do everything we can to prepare before the weather strikes,” Ms Smith said.
“Our locally-led framework works well, and the current level of Federal funding ensures impacted communities are supported, which is why councils are fighting so hard to convince the Federal Government to ditch its proposed dud funding deal that could threaten our recovery in years to come.”
For information, resources and tips to Get Ready for severe weather, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au.
The Queensland Fire Department has made it easy for every Queenslander to create their own Bushfire Survival Plan, tailored to an individual.
The new online Get Ready Queensland Checklist, available at getready.qld.gov.au/checklist, breaks down severe weather preparation into small, achievable actions that people can tick off and build on over time.