Updated plan takes account of new disaster management arrangements

Changes to Queensland's disaster management arrangements and their implications for the community are reflected in Scenic Rim Regional Council's updated Local Disaster Management Plan. 

The plan, which is now available on the Scenic Rim Disaster Dashboard, has been endorsed by the Local Disaster Management Group following the Queensland Disaster and Emergency Service reforms which have seen the Queensland Police Service take responsibility for the state's disaster management arrangements. 

It details the responsibilities of organisations and agencies which support the Scenic Rim's Local Disaster Management Group during a disaster and the Local Recovery and Resilience Sub Plan which guides the post-disaster recovery phase. 

Local Disaster Management Group Chair Cr Stephen Moriarty said the plan, developed in line with the Disaster Management Act 2003, aimed to minimise the impacts of disasters and major emergencies within the Scenic Rim by ensuring a coordinated risk management approach. 

"This involves preparedness, response and recovery strategies at the local, district, state and federal government levels in conjunction with emergency services," he said. 

"As a community, the Scenic Rim may not be able to prevent disasters or serious events but we can, through effective pre-planning, enhance our region's safety and resilience." 

The updated Local Disaster Management Plan considers a range of disasters, including those that disrupt essential services or may involve an attack against the state and, through its strategies, aims to reduce the impact of a disaster and assist in the community's recovery. 

It incorporates the region's experience with bushfires and flooding and the series of extreme weather events which have impacted the Scenic Rim in recent years. 

Cr Moriarty encouraged members of the Scenic Rim community to view the plan on Council's website and also to prepare for what is already shaping up as another season of extreme weather.

"This year we have already faced the threat of bushfire and, in recent weeks, our region has again been impacted by flooding which has caused significant damage to the Scenic Rim's local road network," he said. 

"In the wake of the 2023 Christmas Night storm and 2024 New Year flooding, many residents came to understand the need for disaster preparedness, the possibility of extended periods without power and the importance of community connection. 

"New residents who have come to the Scenic Rim from urban areas may not understand the risks we face in in this region so it's important for neighbours to get to know one another and to share local knowledge. 

"Whether it’s storms or bushfires, everyone needs to have a 'what if' plan." 

Council’s disaster preparedness publication, Would You Be Ready?, available on Council’s website scenicrim.qld.gov.au/council-services/disaster-management and at Scenic Rim Libraries and Customer Service Centres, has been developed specifically for the community to understand potential natural disasters and how being prepared could minimise the impact of a flood, cyclone or bushfire. 

"Now is the time to clear gutters, trim overhanging trees, check your yard for any items which could become projectiles in a storm and ensure your insurance coverage is appropriate and up to date," Cr Moriarty said.

"If you have not already done so, I urge you to sign up for the Scenic Rim Disaster Dashboard at disasterdashboard.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/  

"With bushfire alerts, weather warnings and updates on road conditions and power outages, it has everything you need to know before, during and after a disaster."