Published Wednesday, 31 July, 2013 at 10:02 AM
Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey
Disaster management plans to be reviewed
Queensland’s management of future disasters will be reviewed over the next few weeks, as 23 District Disaster Plans go under the microscope from 5 August, Police and Community Safety Minister Jack Dempsey announced today.
Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) are working with Councils and agencies to improve preparedness and planning, which is being driven by the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry and related legislation.
Mr Dempsey said since 2010, unprecedented flooding and a severe tropical cyclone had tested Queensland’s disaster preparedness and response.
“The review will ensure all disaster management plans are effective and District Disaster Plans line up seamlessly with the state-wide approach to handling a widespread emergency,” Mr Dempsey said.
“By regularly reviewing and assessing District Disaster Plans we can ensure that when a disaster strikes local authorities and emergency services are prepared to deal with anything.”
Mr Dempsey said the annual assessment would be conducted by a panel which would ensure compliance with Queensland’s Disaster Management Act and consistency with the District Disaster Management Guidelines.
“This panel will make sure each District Disaster Plan contributes to disaster management effectiveness in Queensland and meets the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry,” he said.
EMQ Executive Director Steve Grant said District Disaster Plans outlined likely events and the priorities for disaster management in the area.
To promote continued improvement, the 2012-13 process was compared to the Victorian Government audit and the New Zealand Government Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management report.
“Overall, the 2012-13 assessments indicated a high level of compliance and consistency with the District Disaster Plans,” Mr Grant said.
“However these reviews also issued more than 150 corrective actions and recommendations for improvement to the 23 district groups, so there is always room for improvement.”
During August and September, 73 Local Disaster Management Plans will also be assessed under this review process.
[ENDS] 31 July 2013
Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) are working with Councils and agencies to improve preparedness and planning, which is being driven by the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry and related legislation.
Mr Dempsey said since 2010, unprecedented flooding and a severe tropical cyclone had tested Queensland’s disaster preparedness and response.
“The review will ensure all disaster management plans are effective and District Disaster Plans line up seamlessly with the state-wide approach to handling a widespread emergency,” Mr Dempsey said.
“By regularly reviewing and assessing District Disaster Plans we can ensure that when a disaster strikes local authorities and emergency services are prepared to deal with anything.”
Mr Dempsey said the annual assessment would be conducted by a panel which would ensure compliance with Queensland’s Disaster Management Act and consistency with the District Disaster Management Guidelines.
“This panel will make sure each District Disaster Plan contributes to disaster management effectiveness in Queensland and meets the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry,” he said.
EMQ Executive Director Steve Grant said District Disaster Plans outlined likely events and the priorities for disaster management in the area.
To promote continued improvement, the 2012-13 process was compared to the Victorian Government audit and the New Zealand Government Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management report.
“Overall, the 2012-13 assessments indicated a high level of compliance and consistency with the District Disaster Plans,” Mr Grant said.
“However these reviews also issued more than 150 corrective actions and recommendations for improvement to the 23 district groups, so there is always room for improvement.”
During August and September, 73 Local Disaster Management Plans will also be assessed under this review process.
[ENDS] 31 July 2013
Media contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114 or Danny Donald 0439 716 116