Minister inspects work on Townsville’s new disaster coordination centre

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford today (Friday) inspected construction work on Townsville’s new $5.7 million Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC).

Mr Crawford – who inspected the site with Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill – said the facility would enhance the ability of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) and the Local Disaster Management Group to collaborate during disasters.

Mr Crawford said QFES would have an Emergency Management Coordinator and liaison officers embedded in the LDCC “to ensure the best possible outcome for the community”.

“North Queensland is no stranger to natural disasters – especially cyclones – so it’s important that QFES can effectively collaborate with other agencies and the Local Disaster Management Group,” Mr Crawford said.

“This modern facility will be equipped with technology that will streamline information sharing between QFES’ Regional Operations Centre and the LDCC, ensuring all parties are provided with up-to-date and accurate information.

“QFES spends a lot of time training, preparing and collaborating with other agencies, including local government, to ensure that its personnel are prepared and well-practiced in disaster response.  

“QFES has a fantastic relationship with the Local Disaster Management Group and this facility will ensure we continue to work together, putting the community first,” Mr Crawford said.

The LDCC - being built at Dalrymple Rd - cost $5.7 million, with $1.9 million allocated under the joint Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Resilience Program 

The project – awarded to local firm Jackson Semler – will create up to 100 jobs before it is scheduled to be competed in September.

The new LDCC will be rated to withstand a Category 5 Cyclone, allowing the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group to coordinate emergency response for the city where and when it is needed.

The LDCC building will also house the North Queensland Regional Data Centre.

The energy-efficient Tier 3 managed data centre will allow global companies such as banks, information technology and knowledge services companies to locate facilities in the North

Cr Hill said the coordination centre will be tailored to manage the local responses before, during and after a disaster.

“The new coordination centre will have back up power and water supply – enough to be self-sufficient for several days – and allow all agencies needed to manage a disaster to be in the same room working throughout the event,” Cr Hill said.

“There will also be major IT and communications upgrades included in the new coordination centre, ensuring the most up-to-date information can be provided to the community.

“The old coordination centre at Bamford Lane is only rated to withstand a Category 3 Cyclone,” she said.

ENDS

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