| The First Anniversary of Tropical Cyclone Yasi: |
| Written by Kathryn Dryden |
Environmental Impacts, Resolutions, and ResultsIt's been one year since the Category 5 Cyclone Yasi crossed the Wet Tropics coast and Terrain NRM (Terrain) has much to reflect on the year gone by. Employment of 50 local workers, delivery of significant landscape recovery works, strong partnerships developed, support to local industries and landholders and lessons learnt. The Event Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi crossed the Queensland coast near Mission Beach late on February 2nd 2011. Yasi lasted over 4 days with 12 hours spent as a category 5 over populated areas. The strongest wind gusts recorded were 285 km/h with sustained winds of 205 km/h. The event brought destruction which penetrated built and natural environments, affecting the community and the State both financially and emotionally. The AftermathLessons from Larry Lessons learnt from category 4 Cyclone Larry which devastated large tracts of the Wet Tropics coast in 2006, were drawn upon in an effort to promote the greatest positive outcome for the clean-up works. Minimising bare soil, avoiding over-clearing and cleaning, dispersing rather than collecting mulch, ensuring adequate environmental and cultural heritage training for on ground clean-up crews and being ready for the weeds that typically flourish after cyclone disturbance are a few examples. On-Ground Works a First for Terrain As a Natural Resource Management body Terrain usually has a facilitation and support role in delivering on-ground works however this time, Terrain employed and trained their own on-ground cleanup teams. Throughout the Yasi Environmental Recovery Project, Terrain employed over 50 people for on-ground work with funding from the Queensland's Governments 'Skilling Queenslanders for Work' Initiative and the Commonwealth Government's 'Caring for Our Country'. Six teams were allocated cleanup and landscape recovery tasks across the most severely affected areas from Innisfail to Ingham. Teams undertook accredited training which included chainsaw, first aid, and chemical handling certificates with some participants obtaining a Certificate II in Conservation and Land Management. The valuable experience and training led to future employment for many of the Yasi Environmental Recovery Project participants following their 26 week work program. Summary of Works The teams delivered a variety of tasks including revegetation, weed control, debris removal, fence repairs and track restoration. Accomplishments included:
The Anniversary – keeping up the momentum As we approach the first anniversary of Tropical Cyclone Yasi, Terrain recognises the long term commitment required to recovery of the natural environment and is preparing to roll out two additional on-ground work teams in early February. These teams will provide maintenance to those jobs which have already been carried out in the first round, and will also provide assistance to environmentally significant areas which have not yet been serviced. The Department of Employment and Economic Development and Innovation is funding the teams through their Jobs and Skills package. Lessons from Yasi Terrain is conducting a Lessons from Yasi project built from the Lessons from Larry experience. Stories and lessons from Yasi have been collected via workshops and individual interviews across agencies, community groups and individual property holders. The project will produce a 'Learnings from Yasi Action Strategy', recording lessons and making recommendations for future cyclone events, helping to increase preparedness and build resilience. A range of other communication materials will also be produced from the lessons and these will include a broadcast quality documentary and a range of web-based information and video clips. If you have a lesson from Yasi or a story to share, please contact Tania Simmons at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or see the Terrain website www.terrain.org.au . |