Enhancing the disaster resilience skills of council employees to help them better support the community in times of disaster was the focus when Ipswich City Council joined with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), Australian Red Cross, Queensland Police, West Moreton Health, State Emergency Service and local community centres for a disaster training event.
Recovery efforts and building resilience for future extraordinary weather events remain a priority for the council. This work continues six months after devastating floods hit the region.
Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the council is working with the community and other levels of government to prepare for the coming bushfire and wet seasons.
“To prepare our teams for future natural disasters, staff recently completed training. That training was facilitated by QFES in managing evacuation centres and places of refuge. They care for residents displaced by the effects of extreme weather and other disasters,” Harding said.
“Residents who take shelter in evacuation centres during natural disasters feel vulnerable, scared and worried. This training has given staff the skills to help and care for those sheltering there.
“Residents are encouraged to plan where they will seek shelter if the need arises as evacuation centres should be used as a last resort. Anyone who can stay with friends, neighbours or family is encouraged to do so for additional comfort and privacy.
“Residents are also encouraged to plan what they will take with them to a place of refuge should they be displaced. That might include toiletries, bedding, footwear and clean clothes.”
Training exercises key to building disaster resilience
LDMG Deputy Chairperson Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said Ipswich City Council, through the City of Ipswich LDMG, retains primary responsibility for managing disaster events within the local government area.
“Council is responsible for disaster management and operations during an event. We conduct regular training and review our processing. We need to ensure we are offering the best possible service to residents,” Kunzelmann said.
LDMG Deputy Chairperson Councillor Russell Milligan said the city must continue to build its resilience to natural disasters.
“From floods to fires to storm readiness, our range of emergency management initiatives ensure our residents are kept informed, updated and safe in the event of any emergency,” Milligan said.
“Council offers educational resources and the Ipswich Disaster Dashboard. It is constantly updated through a disaster to give the latest information to residents. The dashboard also provides disaster management for the city.”
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