Hazards and health outbreaks
Hazardous risks include spills of chemical or petrol from a tanker, or an oil spill from a ship offshore. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak which spreads rapidly.
The Sunshine Coast has major roads, a national highway, interstate train lines and a shipping route along our coastline. This increases the risk a hazardous material accident.
Risks include a spill of a hazardous chemical or petrol from a tanker on a major road or highway, or an oil spill from a ship offshore.
You are potentially at risk of a hazardous material accident if you live within 1.5 kilometres of factories, major roads or railways that may produce or transport toxic chemicals.
Prepare for the possibility of hazardous material accidents spills by:
- drawing up an emergency plan to guide you through either evacuating or 'shelter in place', depending on the threat and the circumstances.
- assembling and maintaining an emergency kit including pre-cut plastic sheeting, duct tape, and modelling clay or other material.
- tune in to warnings and advice from authorities.
Major health outbreaks
Queensland Health is responsible for responding to major public health incidents in Queensland, including pandemic influenza. A pandemic is a global disease outbreak which spreads rapidly from person to person over a wide geographical area causing serious illness to most of those affected.
Note: Seasonal influenza which, while unpleasant, is not a pandemic.
Like any region in Australia, the Sunshine Coast may at some time have to deal with a major health outbreak. The risks do not fluctuate with the seasons and the potential for pandemic remains constant throughout the year. Should a pandemic occur, Queensland Health is the lead agency and will broadcast appropriate warnings.