Updated plan keeps community disaster ready
The Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Plan helps Council deliver a coordinated emergency response to disaster management and community support. Since the adoption of the plan in 2023, there have been a number of changes which needed to be updated and endorsed by Council.
When it comes to emergency response and recovery during a local disaster, Sunshine Coast Council remains committed to delivering an efficient, all-hazards approach to build resilient communities.
Council’s Disaster and Emergency response actions, outlined in the revised Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Plan 2023-2024 (the plan), were endorsed by Council at last month’s Ordinary Meeting.
Since the adoption of the plan in August 2023, there have been a number of changes to legislative and structural reform within the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA) and the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) structure, which needed to be reflected in the revised plan.
- As of November 2023, the way warnings are communicated for natural disasters has changed. The new Australian Warning System means community warnings are consistent across the country, across hazards, and easier to follow and understand.
- In May 2024, state parliament passed legislation to improve the state governments disaster and emergency capabilities by reforming the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service, Queensland Police Service and their respective subsidiaries. The Queensland Reconstruction Authority’s role also increased to offer more help to community’s recovering from disasters.
- The transition of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services subsidiaries to Queensland Police Service (State Emergency Service and Maritime Rescue Queensland) occurred in June 2024, and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service transitioned to the Queensland Fire Department.
- Council updated its key personnel within the LDMG to reflect Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli as the Chairperson of the LDMG and Deputy Mayor Maria Suarez as the Deputy Chairperson of the LDMG.
LDMG Chair, Mayor Rosanna Natoli, said the Plan was based on the principles contained in the Queensland Disaster Management Act 2003.
“The Act includes an all-hazards approach and a commitment to building resilient communities by undertaking activities designed to enhance community resilience,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Integrating Australian and Queensland government disaster management arrangements, the plan details how the Local Disaster Management Group can assist when required.
“Disaster management is a shared responsibility between all levels of government, private industry, non-government organisations and the community.
“Sunshine Coast Council is committed to keeping our communities safe and to delivering a coordinated approach to disaster management across our region.”
A copy of the revised Local Disaster Management Plan can be found on Council’s website.
Stay Connected
Connect with Council and Queensland’s Emergency Services today so you always have the most up to date information WHEN the next disaster or emergency happens.
For the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency, visit Sunshine Coast Council Disaster Hub.