“The system, provided by Weatherzone, distributed more than 2.7 million email and SMS alerts to residents about weather conditions and creek levels before and throughout the event,” Schrinner said.

“However, we’ve heard the message loud and clear that we need more Brisbane residents signed up to receive these weather alerts.

“This competition is just one of the ways we will be encouraging people to sign up for these alerts ahead of the storm season.”

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The council will cover the cost of prizes under the campaign, which has been launched to coincide with the start of spring.

The announcement also comes ahead of the Inspector-General of Queensland’s Emergency Management delivering its review into the response to February’s flood. Police and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan was due to receive that report on Wednesday.

This review was established to examine, among other things, “the timing and effectiveness of emergency alerts that were issued to the community of the flooding event, including interactions with the national Emergency Alert System, and any relevant local government issued warnings”.

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In 2015, the Inspector-General Emergency Management found few councils had sufficient warning systems in place.

Schrinner said council had been working hard to simplify the alerts to make them easier to understand.

“This will help residents prepare and act accordingly,” he said.

“With warnings of a third La Nina event, residents need to ensure they’re ready, and one of the important things they should do is sign up to Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts.”

Schrinner defended the decision to offer prizes to entice residents to sign up for the alerts.

“This is a win-win for Brisbane residents,” he said. “Residents will not only get access to this important service for free, they will get the chance to win some fantastic prizes.”