Published Tuesday, 14 October, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
MERCURY MEASURES COUNTER-TERRORISM PREPAREDNESS
Premier Anna Bligh today announced that Queensland is participating in the national counter-terrorism Exercise Mercury 08 with a major field exercise running from 14 to 16 October 2008.
“The threat of terrorism presents unique challenges for government, industry and our community,” Ms Bligh said.
“We will practice how to respond to threats or acts of terrorism so that we are well prepared to respond and as a way of discouraging potential terrorism activity.
“Mercury 08 will combine the vast experience Queenslanders have in dealing with natural disasters like floods, cyclones and major fires, with the special needs of a terrorism situation.
“Police, fire and ambulance officers, along with medical staff from Queensland Health will play key roles in a simulated terrorism situation.
The exercise scenario focuses on a terrorist attack causing mass casualties, damage to buildings and infrastructure and disruption to businesses and the community.
“The scenario is set in the Brisbane CBD, but the actual field exercise took place at the Government’s Whyte Island facility.
“We will also practice our behind-the-scenes counter-terrorism arrangements, particularly involving the national security agencies that would be involved in this type of situation.
“The Prime Minister is participating in the exercise, along with other colleagues from the Commonwealth Government and other states and territories.
“Industry and local government will also take part in the exercise, to make the experience as close to a real situation as possible.
“We have worked with industry and local government, as well as most Queensland State Government departments, during five workshops held in the lead-up to the major field exercise.
“These workshops have focused on operational response, consequence management, recovery, public information and industry coordination.
Mercury 08 is sponsored by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee to enhance Australia’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from multiple threats or acts of terrorism.
October 14, 2008
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
“The threat of terrorism presents unique challenges for government, industry and our community,” Ms Bligh said.
“We will practice how to respond to threats or acts of terrorism so that we are well prepared to respond and as a way of discouraging potential terrorism activity.
“Mercury 08 will combine the vast experience Queenslanders have in dealing with natural disasters like floods, cyclones and major fires, with the special needs of a terrorism situation.
“Police, fire and ambulance officers, along with medical staff from Queensland Health will play key roles in a simulated terrorism situation.
The exercise scenario focuses on a terrorist attack causing mass casualties, damage to buildings and infrastructure and disruption to businesses and the community.
“The scenario is set in the Brisbane CBD, but the actual field exercise took place at the Government’s Whyte Island facility.
“We will also practice our behind-the-scenes counter-terrorism arrangements, particularly involving the national security agencies that would be involved in this type of situation.
“The Prime Minister is participating in the exercise, along with other colleagues from the Commonwealth Government and other states and territories.
“Industry and local government will also take part in the exercise, to make the experience as close to a real situation as possible.
“We have worked with industry and local government, as well as most Queensland State Government departments, during five workshops held in the lead-up to the major field exercise.
“These workshops have focused on operational response, consequence management, recovery, public information and industry coordination.
Mercury 08 is sponsored by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee to enhance Australia’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from multiple threats or acts of terrorism.
October 14, 2008
Media Contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500