REVIEW OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY IN TOWNSVILLE REGION ANNOUNCED

A review has begun into the capability of groups in the Townsville region to deliver effective disaster management outcomes.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the review commenced this week and was being undertaken by the Office of the Inspector-General Emergency Management as part of an on-going program of Statewide capability reviews.

“The review is forward-looking and will assess the individual and collective ability of local and disaster management groups in the region to meet future challenges, measured against Queensland’s ground-breaking Standard for Disaster Management,” Minister Ryan said.

“The review will focus on the Townsville District Disaster Management Group, and local disaster management groups in Richmond, Palm Island, Hinchinbrook, Flinders, Charters Towers, Burdekin and Townsville.

“Queensland is at the forefront of disaster management in Australia however we must remain vigilant in reviewing and assessing arrangements across all facets of the disaster management system and ensure we seek to continually improve.

Member for Mundingburra and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the groups and agencies in the Townsville region are advanced and well positioned to provide effective disaster management to residents however, there are always facets which can be further enhanced and opportunities highlighted to share among local disaster management groups.

“This review will not make an assessment on past performance but rather focus on strengths and development areas in the context of the anticipated future risk environment specifically within the Townsville region,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Inspector-General Emergency Management Iain MacKenzie said previous reviews within the Warwick and Mackay districts had proved highly beneficial for groups and disaster management practitioners in both areas and expected similar outcomes through the Townsville Review.

“Not only will this review provide more clarity to individual groups on their own strengths and weaknesses, importantly it will provide greater opportunities to share and leverage expertise and good practice across groups, from a district perspective,” Mr MacKenzie said.

“We already know groups in the north are generally strong and well-practiced when it comes to disaster management. This review will provide the foundation to take this expertise to the next level.”  

The review is expected to be finalised by December.

ENDS

Media contact: Cathie Thompson 0413 372 387