Whilst tsunamis are rare, they have the potential for significant consequences. This is acknowledged in the 2023 State Disaster Risk Report where tsunami is listed in the top 10 risks to Queensland. In 2019, the Queensland Government listed the top 10 most at-risk locations for tsunami which includes the Gladstone Region. This region is a key strategic priority given its economic importance for Queensland and the nation, its positioning as an energy hub for Queensland and the majority of the population residing in coastal communities.
Through support from the national Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Funding program, Gladstone Regional Council funding and program partner data contributions, tsunami inundation modelling has been conducted for the region from Agnes Waters to Yeppoon. This modelling has been made possible from the major investment in tsunami hazard modelling and data collection at the national and state level, and the sharing of knowledge through the Australian Tsunami Advisory Group. This group was formed in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and has been pivotal in progressing tsunami risk management nationally. Members include every emergency services agency in Australia, including offshore territories, New Zealand, jurisdictional science agencies as well as Geoscience Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology. The ATAG has provided a forum to learn from others, both across Australia and New Zealand, but also into the broader region through the Indian Ocean and Pacific tsunami warning systems.
This presentation will demonstrate how Gladstone Regional Council has benefited from the work conducted by science and emergency management agencies and outline plans for translating this valuable information into community planning and preparedness activities and products. By sharing this approach, we aim to inspire other Queensland councils to leverage the large body of knowledge on tsunami risk management to be better prepared for a future event.