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Storm Season Prep

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Be Prepared During Storm Season

 Storm season runs from October to the end of April in Queensland. While extreme weather is commonplace in many parts of the world, storm season in Queensland can be quite severe. It is the time of year when Mother Nature throws all she’s got into this part of Australia. It is not unusual to experience hail storms, lightning, strong winds, flooding, and even cyclones. This is why it is always a good idea to take precautions and prepare you, your family, and your property for Storm Season.

How bad can it get?

Well, there have been record-setting storms in Queensland. One of the most notorious was Cyclone Yasi. This was a Category 5 cyclone that hit the coast of Queensland on February 3, 2011. Yasi had wind gusts estimated at 285 km/h and was 1,450 kilometres in diameter. The storm was moving at a rate of 25km/h and forced thousands of residents of Cairns to evacuate. As it turns out, the storm did not hit there, but flattened banana and sugar cane crops, trees, and several buildings. Yasi became the most costly cyclone in Australian history with an estimated $3.6 billion in damage.

Visit Redcliffe QLD image of dark gray stormy cloud and a paim tree been blown by tyhe strong storm wind

Fortunately, storms like Cyclone Yasi are the exception. However, that does not mean you should ease up on protecting yourself and your home. They call it storm and cyclone season for a reason. It means that there are weather events that can cause damage to your property if you are not prepared properly for the possibility.

 How do you do that? We have put together a short list of tips to help you get prepared for the potential of a dangerous storm. Remember, it is always best to prepare for the worst.

 Preparation Tips For Storm Season

Tip #1

Have A Plan In Place

In case the storm is severe, and you are on evacuation alert or are about to be evacuated, there are a few things you need to attend to before leaving your home. They include:

  • Turn off all utilities
  • Follow community disaster preparedness plans
  • Have a place pre-selected where all family members can meet and be accounted for
  • Also, have an evacuation plan for your pets

Tip #2

Secure The Outside of Your Home

Remove all large outdoor furniture from patios and decks. Also remove any potted plants, bicycles, toys, or other loose belongings. Trim any large trees or shrubs and if you have large outdoor sculptures, wrap them in burlap and tie them with rope.

Tip #3

Use Storm Shutters

To give doors, windows, and skylights added protection, cover them with shutters or impact-resistant glass. For additional coverage, nail plywood sheets over windows.

Tip #4

Secure Wall Hangings

If there is artwork hanging on exterior walls, remove the pieces and store them indoors. Secure all interior artwork and document any with current damage. Photograph all of them for a record that you can update with new photos, if necessary.

Tip #5

Move All Vehicles

In case of a flash flood, it is a good idea to move all vehicles to higher ground. If that is not an option, park them inside your garage but against the garage door. Places you should not park your vehicles when a storm is on the way are in low-lying areas, near powerlines, or under a tree.

Tip #6

Fill Up Everything

Just in case services go down during a severe weather event, you don’t want to be caught without. So, fill the tanks of any vehicles. Also, charge up mobile phones, and test your power generator. Ensure you have adequate fuel for it in case there is an extended power outage.

Tip #7

Unplug Household Appliances

All household appliances should be unplugged from power sources when a storm alert has been issued. For smaller appliances, store them securely in cabinets and move all household fixtures and large appliances away from exterior doors and windows.

Tip #8

Secure Important Papers

Documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, insurance papers, banking documents, and any other legal paperwork should be either stored in a safety deposit box away from your home. If that is not an option, store them in a bolted safe sitting in an interior closet in your home. Also, lock away valuables including jewelry.

Tip #9

Have An Emergency Kit

It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit handy. You can quickly put one together by gathering the following items:

  • A battery-operated flashlight, with fresh batteries
  • A portable radio
  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Blankets
  • Clothing
  • Toiletries and medications
  • Cash

Tip #10

Designate A Home Shelter Room

A room inside your house, which is completely enclosed and located on the first floor, should be used as your shelter room. It should be in the centre of your home and have no windows. This room is a good place to stay until the storm passes.

Man Preparing Windows for a Storm
Visit Redcliffe QLD image of a house and wooden boards covering the windows in preperation for a storm

Additional Planning Information

It is always best to be prepared for a severe storm long before one approaches. This is why it is important to plan months ahead. Take a good look around your home and yard and do some clean-up and organising so that if a storm does develop and is heading your way, you will be able to do emergency preparation without the panic of rushing to complete it.

If the exterior of your home contains potential storm hazards, such as glass ornaments or plenty of small fixtures, replace them with items that are easy to store and won’t cause further damage in a storm. Reduce clutter on decks and patios. Look inside your home and decide what you can do to further protect it from serious damage resulting from a severe storm.

The better prepared you are long before a storm arrives, the better your chances of getting through it unscathed. For more storm safety tips, or advice to help you protect your home, contact the nearest emergency preparedness centre or search for the emergency preparedness website serving your area of Queensland.

 

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Celebrating Australia Day 2024 with Visit Redcliffe Qld

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Celebrating Australia Day 2024 with Visit Redcliffe Qld

What Is Australia Day?

Australia Day, observed annually on January 26th, marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. It symbolizes the foundation of the modern nation of Australia and is a day to reflect on the country’s achievements, appreciate its cultural diversity, and acknowledge its Indigenous heritage.

While Australia Day holds historical significance, it has evolved into a celebration that embraces the nation’s identity and values. It is a day for Australians to come together, express their patriotism, and appreciate the unique blend of cultures that make up the Australian society.

When Is Australia Day?

Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th each year, falling during the Australian summer. This date is a public holiday across the nation, allowing citizens to engage in various activities that celebrate the spirit of being Australian. In 2024, as we gear up for Australia Day on the Redcliffe Peninsula, we can anticipate a day filled with community events, outdoor festivities, and a strong sense of national pride.

image of Australia day celebration, showing the flag, some wine, and pavlova

How to Celebrate Australia Day on the Redcliffe Peninsula?

  1. Community Events: One of the best ways to celebrate Australia Day is by participating in local community events. Keep an eye out for parades, festivals, and gatherings happening on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Many towns organize family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and fireworks displays to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
  2. Picnics and BBQs: Embrace the Australian tradition of celebrating with outdoor gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. Pack a picnic basket, fire up the barbecue, and enjoy a day out with family and friends at one of the picturesque parks or beaches on the Redcliffe Peninsula. Many public spaces offer facilities for a perfect day of relaxation and shared meals.
  3. Water Activities: Given the stunning coastal location of the Redcliffe Peninsula, consider incorporating water activities into your Australia Day celebrations. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a boat trip, or water sports, taking advantage of the peninsula’s aquatic offerings can add an extra layer of excitement to your festivities.
  4. Cultural Celebrations: Australia Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that enriches the Redcliffe Peninsula. Attend local cultural events, visit art exhibitions, or engage in activities that showcase the unique contributions of different communities to the region.
  5. Fireworks Display: Wrap up your Australia Day celebrations with a spectacular fireworks display. Many locations on the Redcliffe Peninsula organize evening events culminating in a dazzling show of lights. Gather with the community to watch the sky come alive with vibrant colors, marking the end of a day filled with camaraderie and national pride.

Australia Day 2024 on the Redcliffe Peninsula promises to be a day of joy, community spirit, and reflection. As a local business directory, we encourage you to explore the myriad of opportunities available to make this Australia Day a memorable experience for yourself, your family, and your friends. Embrace the traditions, engage with the community, and revel in the unique charm that the Redcliffe Peninsula brings to this national celebration. Happy Australia Day!

A Snapshot of the Redcliffe Market VRQ featured image of a man in a suit holding miniture modle of a house

A Snapshot of the Redcliffe Market

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A Snapshot of the Redcliffe Market

According to 2021 ABS Census Data, the adult population of Redcliffe is 9,182. This is residents 15 years of age and older. The median age is 52 and from that total, there are 39.35% who are married, 21.49% who are divorced or separated, 30.42% who are single, and 8.78% who are widowed.

Household Size and Cost of Homes In Redcliffe

A Snapshot of the Redcliffe Market VRQ Article image of Household Size and Cost of Homes In Redcliffe

The average household size in Redcliffe is 2.0 people per dwelling. The census data also states that the median household income is roughly $6,136 per month. The median mortgage repayment from Redcliffe households is $1,610 per month or 26.24% of their income.

 There are about 6,369 households in Redcliffe. In the third quarter of 2023, the typical house price in this suburb is $717,931. The medium weekly rental rate is $495. Based on these figures, there is an indicative yield in the range of 3.59%. This is far more than the minimum attractive market requirement which makes Redcliffe a good place to invest in property for cashflow.

 

Redcliffe Socio-Economic Data

According to Redcliffe’s socio-economic fundamentals IRSAD score of 924 (on a scale of 1,217), the suburb possesses a solid socio-economic status. The score is also considered above average compared to other surrounding 

communities. That being said, the renter-to-owner ratio is a bit higher than the optimal point of 30%. In Redcliffe, that ratio sits at 42%.

 This points to an inventory that contains far more rental properties than in the other parts of the region. With more rental properties than the average, there may be lower long-term returns and more competition between property investors seeking rental property to purchase.

Redcliffe Market Composition

 The composition of the Redcliffe market is based on a units-to-houses ratio of 38%. While this indicates that there are more houses than units, the good news in this fact is that a market with somewhat more houses attracts a higher number of families and promotes longer tenancy timeframes. For property investors, this means higher rental yields can be maintained which keeps the market from becoming over saturated by rentals.

 Although these are all good indicators, the affordability index for Redcliffe sits at 46 years. This is far beyond the ideal timeframe of 30 years. As a result, the 46-year timeline suggests that the average buyer will likely find purchasing property in Redcliffe challenging at the very least. It’s not impossible, but it will take longer to see a return on the investment.

Redcliffe Housing Supply

Looking at the Redcliffe market supply metrics, there is a 0.46% percentage of houses currently

A Snapshot of the Redcliffe Market VRQ Article image of Redcliffe Market Composition

available on the market. The inventory level for houses in the suburb is pegged at 1.08 months which is an appealing timeline. It suggests that the low supply of available inventory may spark competitive property pricing. However, more houses are about to enter the market, which will skew that figure. The building approval ratio for new starts in Redcliffe is at 0.69%.

Market Demand in Redcliffe

 The number of days a house stays on the market averages at about 36 in Redcliffe. That is barely over the optimal number of 35 days, which is an indication that the demand is not greater than the available inventory. The vacancy rate for both houses and units is at 1.26% which may be contributing to the demand timeline as it points to a higher demand when vacancy levels are limited. As for the buy search index, in Redcliffe, it is at 4 for houses. This is indicative of a neutral demand.