College courses commence

Queensland families will be safer through improved local emergency responses and better training of staff, as courses begin at the Regional College of Disaster Management.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said the specialised training would be delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s $11 million election commitment.

“We have a strong plan to deliver safer streets and revitalised frontline services as we promised, that will create a brighter future for communities from the Cape to Coolangatta,” Minister Dempsey said.

“25 people from across Local Government, State Government and non-government organisations will begin their studies of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management), the first of its kind offered by the Queensland Government.

“These students will complete the first two units of study for the nationally-recognised training program this week in Brisbane.

“Study units will develop their skills to work with local communities during a disaster and organise public safety awareness programs to help build strong, prepared, resilient communities.

“Students will complete 10 additional units as part of their course, developing an understanding of managing multi-agency response, risk management and planning and developing emergency management exercises.”

Assistant Minister for Emergency Volunteers Ted Malone said the Regional College of Disaster Management would revitalise frontline services by providing specialised training to those personnel at the forefront of storm, cyclone, flood and bushfire disaster response.

“Personnel from Gympie Regional Council, Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council and Murweh Regional Council will take part in the College’s first disaster management course,” Mr Malone said.

“Disaster management professionals from across eight Government agencies and departments will also make up this first group of students, displaying our commitment to skilling the public service.

“It’s also great to see candidates from non-government organisations like the Australian Red Cross and Telstra involved.

“Future training, which will include the post-graduate course, will be delivered both online and at venues in Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Rockhampton later this year.”

[ENDS] 23 June 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821 orCallum Stewart 0403 925 703