Troopers muscle up for summer storm season
It was also the day for Redland residents to meet up with neighbours and form groups of Suburban Storm Troopers.
The Storm Troopers will clean up back yards and streets on September 17 and 18 in an effort to get the city tidy before storms hit.
Redland City Mayor Melva Hobson wants residents to get involved.
As part of the council's efforts, it was decided at this week's full council meeting, to hold a nine-day amnesty on tip fees for green rubbish from September 17-25.
It was also decided to compensate the Redwaste Business Unit for the loss of revenue, expected to be $26,000, during the amnesty.
"Every summer, storms in south-east Queensland cause millions of dollars of damage to homes and result in numerous injuries to residents," Cr Hobson said.
"It's really important we don't become complacent.
"Last season, we saw the tremendous community spirit of the Redlands shine through.
"The 2011 floods showcased the strength of the Redlands in an emergency.
"Getting to know elderly or infirm neighbours and taking an interest in their wellbeing can be invaluable in an emergency and provide great comfort," Cr Hobson said.
Energex's Mike Swanston said the Suburban Storm Troops clean-up campaign was a great opportunity for neighbours to show their community spirit and get set for the coming storm season.
"Every year, severe weather events cause damage to property and the electricity network in south-east Queensland," Mr Swanston said.
"At Energex, we work year-round to make the electricity network as robust and weather-proof as possible, and now we're asking for your help to minimise the risks associated with severe weather.
"To ensure you have the best chance against storms this summer, it is important to prepare your family, your home and your yard, but also get together with other residents in your street to prepare your neighbourhood.
"Time and time again, we see fallen tree branches and unsecured objects picked up by high winds causing damage to a property down the road, or causing power interruptions to a whole suburb.
"By working together, we can help address this issue," Mr Swanston said.
The Suburban Storm Trooper program is part of a joint initiative between Energex and councils including Redland City.
It aims to get residents to prepare for the storm season by tidying up their home, yards and streets.
The Suburban Storm Troopers will lead the South East Queensland mission to clean-up gardens and neighbourhoods on September 17 and 18.
Participants in the suburban Storm Trooper program will be in the running to win major prizes, including live crosses from their clean-up day with Channel 9's Today Show and a community barbecue breakfast, five trailers packed with gardening equipment worth $5000 each, and 20 storm kits worth $130 each.
Go to energex.com.au for more information or to register your participation in the Suburban Storm Troops clean-up campaign.
Source: http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/news/local/news/general/troopers-muscle-up-for-summer-storm-season/2281187.aspx
