General News
28 October, 2025
Wet season – it’s in the bag
TWO new sandbagging machines, capable of producing 600 sandbags per hour, are set to become a vital asset in the Douglas Shire’s storm readiness efforts.
They arrive as the Queensland Government launched it’s ‘Get ready Queensland’ campaign urging the community to take simple steps to prepare for the wet and cyclone season.
The two $40,000 each machines – believed to be the first of their kind in the Cairns region – will be operated by the State Emergency Service (SES) and specially-trained Douglas Shire Council officers.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the new equipment would be a game changer when the community was preparing for forecast flooding.
“Filling sandbags can be back-breaking and time-consuming work and in the lead-up to a severe weather event we all want sandbags as quickly as possible,” she said.
“These machines will help ease some of the stress our community experiences, especially when time is limited and the need for storm preparedness is urgent.”
The investment, led by the council’s disaster management unit, underscores a commitment to enhance disaster response capabilities and ensuring the safety and resilience of residents.
The ‘get ready’ campaign encourages every household, from long-time locals to new residents, to know the risk, make a plan and pack a kit before severe weather arrives.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said, while extreme weather was unpredictable, but being prepared was not.
“Our three steps to get ready – know your risk, make a plan, pack a kit – are key to us building greater resilience and in particular this year we really want more people to formalise their disaster planning.
“A plan written down is a plan that stands up. For information, tips and resources on getting ready for disaster season, visit the Get Ready Queensland website, www.bit.ly/3WdHA1k.”
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