Council prepares for cyclone season
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council is entering the 2008 cyclone season equipped with a new Disaster Management Plan.
The amalgamation of the Johnstone and Cardwell Shire Councils prompted the development of the new plan, which will cover the entire Cassowary Coast region – some 4,701 square kilometres in size.
Cyclones pose a threat to the region between the months of November and April, during the wet season. Heavy rainfall after cyclones often triggers flooding around the area’s four major river systems and numerous creeks, while storm surges pose a risk to coastal areas and islands.
“It is important that both the community and Council are prepared,” said CCRC Disaster Management Coordinator, Carola Washbourne.
“Local government plays a major role in disaster management. Our primary goal is to reduce the effects of disasters on the community by ensuring a coordinated response from all government and non-government organisations which have responsibilities or the capacity to assist in disaster management.”
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council recently conducted a “desktop exercise” to enhance the capabilities of members of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) to respond to a disaster in accordance with the new plan.
“These exercises are integral to preparing personnel to carry out their functions in real emergencies,” Ms Washbourne said. “It also provides LDMG members with an opportunity to resolve questions of coordination and responsibility.”
The LDMG includes senior council officers, as well as representatives from the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire & Rescue Authority, Queensland Ambulance Service, State Emergency Services, Emergency Management Queensland, the Queensland Health Service, Growcom and Canegrowers.
Council involvement in disaster management is ongoing throughout the year, not just a role confined to the cyclone season, Ms Washbourne emphasised.
“The council undertakes public education on disaster preparedness; assists local SES groups to maintain operational standards; provides disaster management training to staff; further develops operational plans and actively reduces potential disaster situations through activities such as the annual pre-cyclone season clean-up.”
The date and other details regarding the council’s 2008 annual clean-up will be advertised in the local media within three to four weeks.
The council’s Disaster Management Plan can be viewed at council offices and libraries. For further information about the plan, please contact Carola Washbourne on 4043 9180.