Facilitating disaster recovery
Disaster Management Officer Mr Tim Steele acknowledged the significant efforts of all agency partners involved in helping the Sunshine Coast community affected by Thursday night’s major flooding.
Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group member agencies have been out in the field today conducting damage assessments and linking people with agencies offering assistance.
Disaster Management Officer Mr Tim Steele acknowledged the significant efforts of all agency partners involved in helping the Sunshine Coast community affected by Thursday night’s major flooding.
“Sunshine Coast Council works in conjunction with many agency partners who come together during disaster events,” Mr Steele said.
“The focus and attention of all our partners changes during every disaster situation.
“Initially, our SES partners respond to requests for emergency assistance – providing immediate help to keep people safe or property secure. These teams report back to Emergency Management Queensland who then, through the Local Disaster Coordination Centre, liaises with Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) to facilitate rapid assessment of damage. Results of those assessments where appropriate are then conveyed to Department of Communities or council.
“Today we’ve seen a continuation of the work conducted by QFRS rapid damage assessment teams who have so far conducted 990 assessments and made several referrals to Department of Communities’ Outreach Recovery Teams.
“Of the properties assessed 54 have experienced moderate or medium damage, 156 minor damage and 780 properties no damage.
“The results of these assessments have been passed to the Department of Communities who had six teams in the Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Warana/Buddina/Minyama and Mt Coolum areas today – knocking on doors and checking on how people are going.
The Department’s 1800 173 349 telephone number was also activated so that anyone affected by the flooding can make direct approaches. To date approximately 30 calls have been received.
Based on outcomes of assessments and advice from Outreach Recovery Teams, council has provided skip bins at a number of flood-affected locations including:
- Nicklin Way, Warana – 3 bins
- Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba – 2 bins
- Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headlands – 2 bins
- 6th Avenue, Cotton Tree – 1 bin
- Undarra Avenue, Buddina – 1 bin
- Carrothool Place, Mooloolaba – 1 bin
- Aldinga Place, Mooloolaba – 1 bin
“Although the disaster centre will stand down from its ‘active response status’ this evening, its role in co-ordinating recovery action will continue for many days to come,” Mr Steele said.
Fifteen roads remain closed and 104 are open with caution. Check council’s website for current information on road closures.