Councillor Column Councillor Mark Spina 28 October

As we head into the summer and festive season, we must remain vigilant and be prepared for what Mother Nature can throw at us. Early in October was Get Ready Queensland Week. You may have seen our Disaster Management Officer, Michelle Watts, set up in front of the Council Office promoting preparedness.

On the back of this, there has been a series of Community Shed Meetings announced across the district for residents to gain information on how to prepare their household, ask questions, and speak directly with Council representatives and Councillors.

• Halifax: 29 October 2025, 5:00pm at Community Hall, Argaet Street.
• Bambaroo: 5 November 2025, 5:00pm at Bambaroo Rural Fire Station.
• Abergowrie: 13 November 2025, 5:00pm at Abergowrie State School, 5 Venables Rd.
• Mount Fox: 19 November 2025, 3:00pm at Mount Fox Campground.
• Forrest Beach: 26 November 2025, 5:00pm at Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.
• Trebonne: 3 December 2025, 5:00pm at Leo Park, Trebonne.
• Taylors Beach: 8 December 2025, 2:30pm at Progress Park.
• Macknade: 8 December 2025, 5:00pm at Macknade Community Sporting Club.
• Ingham (Midday): 11 December 2025, 12:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.
• Ingham (Evening): 11 December 2025, 5:00pm at Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.

These are free community sessions to offer practical information to help you prepare for the wet season.

To quote words from Council press release: "Living in Hinchinbrook means living with the reality of severe weather — cyclones, floods, and intense storms are all part of our way of life. But being prepared can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Are you ready? Do you have enough emergency and medical supplies to last 7–10 days? What will you do if the power goes out? What if we’re cut off from supplies for days? Getting yourself and your household ready for disaster season is your responsibility. Don’t wait for the storm — act now!" Until next time, take care, stay safe, and let's prepare by heading to https://disaster.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/  — just in case.