Combined approach to disaster management

The recently de-amalgamated Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils have adopted a coordinated approach to disaster management for 2014.

Sunshine Coast Council today unanimously supported the Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Shire Council Local Disaster Management Plan 2014 at its Ordinary Meeting. Mayor Mark Jamieson said the arrangement was transitional and both councils would establish separate plans by 2015.

“Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide each other with disaster assistance should the need arise and to combine their local disaster management plans for 2014 into a single document,” he said.

“The plan’s primary focus is to ensure the safety of our communities. It aims to preserve lives and prevent injuries, to mitigate property damage and to protect our environment.

“This combined plan has been brought about by de-amalgamation and both councils intend to have separate plans in by next year.”

The 2014 plan has been endorsed by the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group and has been approved by the Acting Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services. It has been prepared to take into account the audit recommendations and experiences of the 2011, 2012 and 2013 wet seasons as well as the November 2010 amendments to the Disaster Management Act 2003 and the recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry.

The plan will soon be distributed to key agencies and partners and made available in hard copy to the public through council’s libraries and in electronic form upon request. The plan is currently available to the community on council’s website.