IGEM Report 1: 2017-18 - THE CYCLONE DEBBIE REVIEW

Inspector-General Emergency Management

Capability

Themes

While disaster management capability is defined in many ways in Queensland, there is no doubt of its importance. In this section of the report “capability” refers to the System’s collective ability to manage the consequences of a disaster event. Aspects of capability may include humans, resources, systems and underlying responsibilities.

The Standard outlines Shared Responsibilities.

The Components of the Shared Responsibilities reflect the key capabilities of disaster management.

As an Accountability, ”Capabilities” to refer to an entity using training and exercising to improve performance to meet disaster management outcomes.

The Act views disaster response capability in terms of equipment and people – “the ability to provide equipment and a suitable number of persons, using the resources available to the local government …” 128

The results of our community survey indicated there is some awareness of the importance of local government in providing capability. In each region the local council is the entity most likely to be nominated as being responsible for disaster management. For Mackay and Whitsunday this was 70 per cent, Rockhampton 69 per cent, and less, but still significant, in the South East at 50 per cent. But support for disaster response comes from a wider ranges of agencies. Local governments are supported first by disaster districts, subsequently by the state and ultimately the federal level. At these levels “capability” broadens to a more extensive range, adding services to equipment and people.

The focus on “local” remains important. One feature beneficial to successful recovery was the appointment of deputies, to support the State Recovery Coordinator. Those positions provided a local focus to each of the affected areas. In the same way there may be benefits of the appointment of deputy disaster coordinators. In concurrent events this could make the state’s attention and focus more relevant to local and district events.

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The Cyclone Debbie Review

Lessons for delivering value and confidence through trust and empowerment