Local Disaster Co-ordination Centre at The Hub hosts annual activation exercise ahead of severe weather season

The Hub was transitioned into activation mode today as part of an annual training exercise for emergency services agencies and Council staff to ensure preparedness ahead of storm, cyclone and bushfire season.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Mayor Adam Belot said this year’s exercise focussed on the warning phase of a Tsunami event, and while uncommon for our region, it still presented an important opportunity to learn valuable lessons in disaster management.

“The annual training forms part of Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan where the LDMG puts itself through the paces with an activation exercise of the Local Disaster Co-ordination Centre in The Hub, to ensure all agencies are prepared for the season and to familiarise themselves with the state-of-the-art facility,” Mayor Belot said.

“These annual exercises are an invaluable opportunity for all agencies to meet and share vital information, ask questions, and learn from one another, so that when a real disaster occurs, we are in a strong position to respond swiftly and effectively.

“It provides an opportunity to explore if relevant functional plans and procedures are robust and appropriate to the needs of the community.

“It also presents staff and stakeholders with an opportunity to practice their role and demonstrate their capabilities in a safe and supportive learning environment.

“Our region has experienced more than its fair share of natural disasters in the past, including cyclone, bushfires, flooding, and storms.

“So, it’s very important to ensure Council staff, local emergency services and agencies are given the opportunity to sharpen their training skills and response capabilities.

“Today’s training also included a test of the bulk SMS service and a switch across to generated power to ensure the building is fully functional at all times.”

Coordinator of Disaster Management and Community Resilience Karen Sandy said this year’s activation exercise brought together around 22 agencies including emergency services, volunteers, and neighbouring Councils, to work collaboratively to ensure the best possible response to a disaster.

“Queensland weather can fluctuate significantly, which is why residents should never underestimate the severity of storms and bushfires and the damage they can cause,” Mrs Sandy said.

“Disasters including flooding, rain, tropical cyclones and bushfires are an annual occurrence in our region and it’s essential that residents understand the risks in order to take the necessary steps to reduce the impact on their wellbeing, home, family, finances, and business.

“Residents can also undertake a preparedness check at https://beprepared.livingstone.qld.gov.au/ and produce a plan for their specific individual circumstances.”

Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group Councillor Pat Eastwood said the best way to minimise the disruption to you and your family’s lives, is to first understand your risk to disasters, look at the big picture and identify the scenarios you need to consider, and make a plan.

“The exercise is a timely reminder for residents to be as prepared as possible before a disaster occurs,” Cr Eastwood said.

“Council is encouraging all Livingstone Shire residents to take the time now to look at their preparation and plan for the upcoming season.”

There are several key steps residents should follow to ensure they are prepared before storm and cyclone season, which include stocking their emergency kit, cleaning up their yards, and ensuring they have an emergency plan ready to go should disaster strike.

For more information, go to https://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/