The Queensland Labor Government has launched a revamped community safety campaign designed to stop Queenslanders risking their lives by driving through floodwaters.

The If it’s flooded, forget it campaign was launched following the 2011 floods, but was left completely unfunded by the former LNP Government.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, said the campaign would once again be seen across Queensland thanks to a Government investment of $5 million.

“Locals will be familiar with the If it’s flooded, forget it message, but this revamp is designed to ensure that it’s translated into real actions when drivers are faced with water on the road in front of them,” Mr Ryan said.

“We remember with great sadness the five locals who lost their lives on flooded roads during the severe weather event in May and we don’t want to see a repeat of that on our roads.

“The campaign will feature television and radio ads and will also feature across newspapers, magazines, online and on billboards.

“It’s important for people to understand that when they make a decision to enter floodwaters, they are putting their lives and the lives of their passengers at risk.”

Mr Ryan said the campaign would also feature a new, crowd-sourced flooded roads map.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has developed a handy new tool to map roads that they know flood and plot an alternative route to avoid it,” Mr Ryan said.

“Planning ahead can mean the difference between life and death. It also means you won’t be putting the lives of our emergency service officers and staf at risk when they have to rescue you.”

Mr Ryan said he hoped locals would take in the If it’s flooded, forget it message over the summer.

“No matter who you are, no matter what you drive, the moment you decide to drive through floodwater, you give up control of your life,” he said.

“The State Labor Government is committed to keeping the people of Queensland safe on the roads and this is just one way we’re delivering on that commitment.”

Visit www.qld.gov.au/floodwatersafety for more information on the campaign.