MARK EDWARDS COLUMN

Cyclone Albert was a mix of good and bad fortune for many. 

It was good that it was a low intensity cyclone that limited the potential damage, however, bad in that there were significant impacts for many people. 

The extended loss of power, absent marine transport, fuel and groceries created a very real burden for our community. Others also were more greatly affected by damage to their property. 

I’m in this latter group as my house suffered some damage; a predicament that many others across our islands find themselves in.

And, for those who may be uninsured the impact is far greater. 

In my mind there are a few lessons to be learnt from this unusual cyclone event. 

The first is that this may not be unusual in the future and that cyclonic weather events may impact us more regularly; and that is something we need to be prepared for. 

A standout failure was the apparent inability of telecommunication towers to maintain effective operability beyond a day without mains power. 

This is not an islands-only situation; but a nationwide issue that needs to be addressed. 

In my opinion telco’s need to invest in alternate back up power systems that keep these communication towers operable for at least a week when the mains power is down. 

Being unable to connect suitably with family, friends and support services placed a lot of stress on people who were already under considerable strain. 

The pre-deployment of generators to the islands must be credited as a great initiative. 

However I thought, as would have others, that if the power went off then these generators would start up and life returns as normal. 

The reality is different as the cessation of mains electrical in the grid was due to numerous trees falling on the power lines. 

As a result, the lines needed to be reconnected, and the line network physically inspected before any power (from generator or the mains) could be powered up. To reduce the likelihood of mass impacts to the grid from falling trees, I believe we need a review of the tree policy by Energex, Council and the State to ensure no large trees are in potential falling distance to the power lines, with a focus on the lines that service the broader community rather than isolated residential streets. 

If the main power line to Russell Island gets cut, automatically the rest of the islands go down. 

So, if you live on Macleay, Lamb, Karragarra or North Stradbroke Island you have a vested interest for the preservation of electrical power supply running via Russell Island. 

That’s not a situation that needs to be repeated. 

 am sure that there were other issues that caused some of the community concern, however, for me we need to strengthen our communications resilience and take action to mitigate loss of electrical power due to trees falling. 

Many of us will now move on with just a memory of a wild weather event. Others who have suffered property damage will take a little longer to move on. 

One last word: the love and kindness of people in our community to help others is something that binds us together