For people in the Disaster Management world, Cyclone season starts on November 1 and runs through until about April or May of the following year.

With the development of a low pressure system off the Solomon Islands, that could form into a cyclone later today, Cyclone season is here in Far North Queensland.

This is a timely reminder to make sure you are cyclone prepared around your houses and businesses.

Most people may already be prepared but a quick reminder can never hurt.

Sergeant Bill Stanley, Executive Officer, Mareeba District Disaster Management Group is asking the community to use the next few days to have a look around their homes and make sure they are prepared.

For more important information on being prepared click on 'Read More' (also the MBCA presentation from last Tuesday night can be viewed here Cyclone Awareness Presentation 2023)

It was a great turnout on Tuesday evening for our annual Cyclone Preparedness meeting - more than 80 people attended (25 whom joined MBCA Inc. on the night). Unfortunately, Danny Dade of Mission Beach Generator Hire could not attend but his brochure with handy tips will be sent out. He can be contacted on 0412 830 011 and his shop is situated at 6/9 Dewar Street Mission Beach.

The most important message is to be prepared and never having your generator inside! (The only fatality during cyclone Yasi was someone who was with his running generator in a shed).

It is also important to note that Mission Beach is often isolated because of flooding on the way to El Arish (Stagnant Creek) and just before the Bruce Highway turnoff to Tully. Diversions will be in place to go via Feluga.

Lots of brochures were available and if you missed out, some are now available from the Visitor Information Centre. Lynn Jahnke spoke on behalf of the MB Lions Club (sponsor of the brochure and delivery of it) and appealed to those in attendance to think about joining her Club.

Also - Sandbags are available at Mitre 10 (hession) $30.10 for a bulk pack.

Downloadable Presentation of the whole evening's information here: Cyclone Awareness Presentation 2023

The MBCA Inc. Committee:  Evelyn, Helen, Lynn, Guy, Patrick, Bill, Ron & Truus

Sgt. Ali Duggan & Adrian House Officer in charge MB Ambulance

Bill Tofler MB SES & Truus Biddlecombe Red Cross

MB SES is a very small group and you cannot expect instant assistance during a disaster. In case of a large disaster SES personal from other areas will assist. It is advised to download the SES Assistance Qld App. SES has their training at their station on Webb Road next to the Fire Station on Thursday evenings and new members are welcome!

Instructions how to use sandbags have been attached to our newsletter.  Hessian bags will be available from Mitre10 ($30 for 10)

Adrian House (MB ambulance) recommended for everybody to download the Emergency Plus app which automatically will show your address.

The Qld Traffic App is also handy for road closures news. Red Cross RediPlan is another great App.

For all our new members to the area, we would like to share what the Mission Beach Community Association (and hard-woring Committee Members) does for this beautiful coastal area: