Emergency Information
Blackall–Tambo Regional Council works with emergency services, government agencies and community organisations to help prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters and emergency situations across the region.
Emergency and biosecurity management in the region is coordinated through the Blackall-Tambo Local Disaster Management Group (see bottom of page) which brings together local agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to disaster planning, response and recovery.
This page provides information for before, during and after emergencies, including warnings, contacts, disaster planning resources and support services.
In an Emergency
For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
For assistance during storms or floods contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 13 25 00.
For non-urgent police matters, contact PoliceLink on 131 444.
Always follow the directions of emergency services during an emergency event.
Stay Informed During an Emergency
During severe weather or emergency events, residents should monitor official warnings and updates.
Key information sources include:
• Council Disaster Dashboard – local emergency updates and alerts
• Bureau of Meteorology – weather forecasts and warnings
• Queensland Fire Department – bushfire warnings and incident updates
• Queensland Government Traffic and Travel Information – road closures and travel conditions
Council will also provide updates through its communication channels during emergencies.
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Facebook Page
You may also wish to download Emergency Apps relevant to your situation.
Local Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
Emergency (life-threatening)
Call 000
Police – non-urgent matters
PoliceLink – 131 444
Blackall Police Station
(07) 4652 5151
Tambo Police Station
(07) 4652 5116
State Emergency Service (SES)
13 25 00
Health Services
Blackall Hospital
(07) 4650 7700
Tambo Primary Health Centre
(07) 4621 7100
Poisons Information Centre
13 11 26
Council Emergency Contacts
Blackall–Tambo Regional Council
(07) 4621 6600
Director – Organisational Performance
0488 574 252
Emergency Livestock Housing
Blackall Saleyards may be used during emergencies to temporarily house displaced livestock.
Dan Burton
Saleyards Manager
0428 191 099
Peter Mann
Manager Environment, Health and Compliance
0456 579 679
Bushfire Information
Bushfires can occur during dry conditions and residents should remain prepared during the fire season.
Current warnings and fire information are available through:
• Queensland Fire Department
Residents are encouraged to develop a Bushfire Survival Plan and maintain firebreaks around properties where appropriate.
Rural Fire Service (RFS)
The Blackall–Tambo region is supported by the Queensland Rural Fire Service, which assists rural fire brigades and landholders with fire management and preparedness.
Services include:
• fire permits for controlled burns and backburning
• rural firefighting equipment support
• volunteer training and brigade coordination
• fire mapping and risk information
• connection with local rural fire brigades
Rural Fire Service Contacts
Barcaldine Area Office
56 Ash Street, Barcaldine
(07) 4651 1190
Central Region Office
2A Andrews Road, Emerald
(07) 4983 7580
Road Conditions and Closures
Flooding and severe weather can impact roads across the region.
Before travelling check:
• Council Disaster Dashboard
• Queensland Government Traffic and Travel Information
Never drive through floodwaters.
Flood and Severe Weather
Flooding, storms and heatwaves can impact the region throughout the year.
Weather forecasts and warnings are issued by the:
• Bureau of Meteorology
Residents should monitor warnings and follow advice from emergency services.
Biosecurity Emergencies
Biosecurity threats such as livestock disease, invasive pests or plant outbreaks can affect agriculture and the wider community.
Suspected biosecurity incidents should be reported immediately to:
Peter Mann
Manager Environment, Health and Compliance
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
0456 579 679
and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries through Biosecurity Queensland reporting channels.
Early reporting helps protect the region’s livestock, agriculture and environment.
Preparing for Disasters
Queenslanders are encouraged to prepare for disasters through the steps outlined by Get Ready Queensland.
1. Understand Your Risk
Different areas may be affected by hazards such as bushfires, floods, storms or heatwaves.
2. Make an Emergency Plan
Consider:
• where you will go if evacuation is required
• how you will communicate with family members
• arrangements for pets or livestock
3. Pack an Emergency Kit
Prepare essential supplies such as:
• drinking water
• non-perishable food
• medications
• torches and batteries
• first aid supplies
• important documents
Disaster Management Plans
Blackall–Tambo Regional Council maintains disaster management plans to guide preparedness, response and recovery during emergency events.
Key documents include:
• Local Disaster Management Plan(PDF, 708KB)
• Disaster management sub-plans
• Evacuation and recovery planning documents
For Graziers & Landholders
Primary producers and rural landholders play an important role in preparing for disasters in the region.
Livestock Evacuation and Emergency Housing
During certain emergencies livestock may need to be relocated to protect animal welfare.
Blackall Saleyards may be used for the temporary emergency housing of livestock.
For information contact:
Dan Burton
Saleyards Manager
0428 191 099
Peter Mann
Manager Environment, Health and Compliance
0456 579 679
Rural Fire Permits
Permits are required for lighting fires during the fire season or when restrictions apply.
The Queensland Rural Fire Service can assist landholders with fire permits and hazard reduction burning.
Property Preparedness
Landholders can reduce risk by preparing their property ahead of the disaster season.
This includes:
• maintaining firebreaks
• ensuring access to firefighting equipment and water
• planning livestock relocation
• maintaining emergency supplies
Further resources are available through Get Ready Queensland.
About the Blackall-Tambo Local Disaster Management Group
The Blackall-Tambo Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) coordinates disaster preparedness, response and recovery for the Blackall–Tambo region.
Operating under the Disaster Management Act 2003, the group brings together local government, emergency services and community organisations to ensure coordinated disaster management across the region.
Key Facts
Jurisdiction
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
Structure
Local coordination group within Queensland’s disaster management framework
Core functions
• disaster planning
• emergency response coordination
• recovery support
Chair
Under Queensland’s disaster management framework, the Mayor of Blackall-Tambo Regional Council serves as Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.
Membership and Coordination
Membership typically includes representatives from:
• Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
• Queensland Police Service
• Queensland Fire Department
• Queensland Ambulance Service
• state government agencies
• community organisations
The group works closely with the District Disaster Management Group when additional assistance is required.
Community Resilience
In addition to coordinating emergency response, the LDMG supports community resilience through:
• disaster preparedness education
• emergency exercises and planning
• recovery coordination after disaster events
• support for vulnerable members of the community
These activities help ensure the Blackall-Tambo region is better prepared for future emergencies.