NEW CYCLONE DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN

A new Manual for Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Tropical Cyclones will be developed to help local communities plan to reduce property damage caused by cyclones.

The announcement comes in the lead-up to the 2006 Cyclone Summit Living with cyclones – Queensland prepared to be hosted by Peter Beattie at James Cook University, Cairns this Thursday and Friday.

Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology Robert Schwarten said today work had already begun with the Cairns City Council to develop and trial the planning process.

“Working with local councils, we are planning strategies for better management of resources and that will help communities prepare for a disaster such as a tropical cyclone,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The project with Cairns City Council will provide a template for other local councils to use to reduce the impact of cyclones on their communities.

“The guidelines in this manual will form the basis on which a vital infrastructure of public cyclone shelters is developed,” he said.

“They manual will help identify just how vulnerable a community is during a cyclone.

“The guidelines will take into consideration the possibility of flooding, storm tides, land slip or structure failure and will include evacuation routes,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Our first priority in any disaster is to plan for the safe evacuation of community members at risk and to provide them with shelter,” the Minister said.

With Emergency Management Queensland, QBuild will develop strategies for the management of future cyclone shelters.

The project will look at providing food supplies, first aid and emergency lighting as well as interpreters for non-English speaking people.

Media Contacts: David Shankey 32371184