Local Disaster Management Plan - Interim Revision for Web Publication

7/28/2019 Local Disaster Management Plan - Interim Revision for Web Publication

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Local Disaster Management PlanCairns Region


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LDMP-CR Disaster Management Plan: Main Plan November 2011 #3404699 v1 2

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Local Disaster Management Plan - Cairns Region

Foreword from Chair of LDMG-CR

Cairns Regional Council has an active Disaster Management philosophy which embracesmitigation, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery strategies.

The Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns Region aims to provide the community with thetools to ensure a full and effective response, recovery and speedy return to a safe and secureenvironment for all residents as soon after a disaster as possible.

This document provides an overview of the disaster management system in Queensland, and particularly in the Cairns Region, and is maintained by the Local Disaster Management Group.

In recent times, there has been significant activity in the Queensland disaster managementcontext, and as a result, a number of important issues, including recommendations for improvements following the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry have been identified.Those issues are being addressed by the Local Disaster Management Group.

The Queensland Government is in the process of developing new Local Disaster ManagementGuidelines and a new template for the development of Local Disaster Management Plans. TheGuidelines and template are interim documents, and are not expected to be ratified at least until

the final report of the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry.

When the new Guidelines and template are ratified, this document will be revisited and reviewedwith the intention of attaining compliance with the new requirements.

Cr Val Schier Mayor Cairns Regional Council Chairperson LDMG-CR


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Recovery ............................................................................................................................................... 43

Recovery Principles ....................................................................................................................... 43

Recovery Concepts ....................................................................................................................... 44

Recovery Components ................................................................................................................. 45

Append ices .......................................................................................................................................... 46

Appendix A Operational Plans ................................................................................................ 46

Appendix B Roles and Responsibilities of LDMG-CR Members .................................... 47

Appendix C Distribution List .................................................................................................... 50

Appendix D Definitions .............................................................................................................. 52

Appendix E Abbreviations ......................................................................................................... 60

Appendix F LDMG-CR Contact Directory ............................................................................. 61

Appendix G Resources List ..................................................................................................... 62

Appendix H Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................... 63


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Authority to Plan

Cairns Regional Council has a legislative responsibility to develop a Disaster ManagementPlan in accordance with Section 57(1) Disaster Management Act 2003 .

57 Plan for disaster management in local government area

(1) A local government must prepare a plan (a local disaster management plan) for disaster management in the local governments area.

(2) The plan must include provision for the following

a) the State groups strategic policy framework for disaster management for theState, and the local governments policies for disaster management;

b) the roles and responsibilities of entities involved in disaster operations and disaster management in the area;

c) the coordination of disaster operations and activities relating to disaster management performed by the entities mentioned in paragraph (b);

d) events that are likely to happen in the area;e) strategies and priorities for disaster management for the area;f) the matters stated in the disaster management guidelines as matters to be

included in the plan;g) other matters about disaster management in the area the local government

considers appropriate.

Requirements of plan

In accordance with s. 58A of the Act, local disaster management plan must be consistent withthe disaster management guidelines.

This document was developed under the current guidelines (2005), and will be updated tocomply with the latest iteration of local disaster management planning guidelines when theyare ratified in 2012. Changes required by legislation and the State Disaster Management Plansince the last review of this document have been included.


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Approval of Plan

This plan has been produced by and with the authority of Cairns Regional Council pursuant toSection 57 and 58 Disaster Management Act 2003 .

The Cairns Regional Council accepts its roles and responsibilities as described in the Act .

This plan is the result of the co-operative efforts of the Local Disaster Management Group -Cairns Region after consultation with those agencies and organisations identified therein. Thisplan will be reviewed in accordance with Section 59 of the Act.

Cairns Regional Council has approved this plan by resolution at the General Meeting of Council (________ ) in accordance with Section 80(1)(b) of the Act.

Cr Val Schier Mayor Cairns Regional Council Chairperson LDMG-CR


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Amendment Register and Version Control

This document is a controlled document and is not to be altered, amended or changed in anyway other than those amendments issued by the Local Disaster Management Group - CairnsRegion. From this, the plan is intended to be a live document, open to suggestedamendments.

Plans will be amended as follows:

Proposals for amendment to this plan should be made in writing to:

The Local Disaster Coordinator Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns RegionPO Box 359CAIRNS QLD 4870

With the exception of minor changes, typographical changes and changes to positiontitles all suggestions for amendments to the plan will be submitted to the LDMG-CR for discussion.

If not supported a written response will be provided to the submitter.

When necessary amendments to the plan will be ratified by Council.

Version Date Prepared by Comments

1 March 2007

Disaster

ManagementUnit

Cairns Local Disaster Management Plan - first versionunder the DM Act 2003

1 2007 Douglas ShireCouncilDouglas Local Disaster Management Plan firstversion under the DM Act 2003

2 December 2008CT ManagementGroup (Qld) Revised Plan to reflect Cairns Regional Council area

3 August 2011 C. Fitzgerald -DMURevised Plan incorporating Disaster Management Act

Amendments 2010

4 December 2011

RCM Disaster ManagementServices

Development of an interim document, addressing (inter alia) changes in local arrangements or conditions sincethe last review of the document, and prior to a fullreview of the document in compliance Local Disaster

Management Guidelines (expected in mid-2012)


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Distribution List

Refer to Appendix C

Definitions

Refer to Appendix D

Abbreviations

Refer to Appendix E


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The Disaster Management System in Queensland

STRUCTURE

The following chart depicts the Disaster Management System in operation at the local level

E V E N T

RESPONSE AGENCIES

Need help? No

Handle usingAgency procedures

Yes

Request Assistancefrom LDMG

Need help? Yes No

Request Assistance

from DDMG

Provide Support from

LDMG resources


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Introduction

Aim of Plan

The aim of this Plan is to minimise the effects of, co-ordinate the response to, and the recoveryfrom, a disaster or major emergency affecting the community of the Cairns Regional Council.

Local Government underpins the Queensland Disaster Management System as the keymanagement agency at the local level.

The primary focus of the Cairns Regional Disaster Management System is to mitigate theeffects of disasters on the community wherever possible or practical, and being prepared torespond when disasters do occur. Plans and management arrangements have beendeveloped with a community focus.

The plan shall:Ensure there is a consistent approach to disaster management in the Cairns Region;

Create an auditing tool for disaster management functions;

Demonstrate a commitment for the safety of our community;

Ensure there is a central coordination of disaster management in the Cairns Region;

Demonstrate mitigation efforts and accountability for the purpose of eligibility for available funding;

Reduce the impact of a disaster; and

Reduce community consequences following an event.

Principles of Disaster Management

Queensland has developed five main principles of disaster management which form the basisof the QDMA:

The Comprehensive ApproachSection 4A of the Act provides that disaster management in Queensland should be plannedaccording to the four phases of this approach - prevention, preparation, response andrecovery. The use of the comprehensive approach ensures a balance between the reductionof risk and the enhancement of community resilience.

The all Hazards Approach

Assumes that the functions and activities applicable to one hazard are most likely applicableto a range of hazards. This approach allows for a general, not specific, approach to thedelivery of services. It does not however, affect the need for specific plans and arrangements

for identified hazards and risk that require specific technical capability or authority to effect or direct a response.


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Key Objectives

The broad objectives of the Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns Region (LDMG-CR)are to:

Detail specific objectives to meet the overall purpose of the plan; andInclude specific statements relating to Prevention, Preparedness, Response andRecovery (PPRR).

Prevention

Increase adherence to and introduction of systems, procedures and regulations thatreduce disaster risks.Lists the studies that have been conducted, provide a short summary and identifyother studies which need to be conducted; andEnsure the community is aware of methods of mitigating the adverse effects of anevent, and preparing for, responding to and recovering from a disaster in order toreduce the impact.

Preparedness

Identify and implement risk treatment strategies that have been determined by studies;Increase community safety through public awareness, information and education;Detail how a multi agency, all hazards approach will be used by the LDMG-CR andhow some agencies will provide guidance for the group on specific hazards;Identifying resources to maximize response;Establish relationships to increase disaster management capability; andTo ensure the community is aware of methods of mitigating the adverse effects of an

event, and preparing for, responding to and recovering from a disaster so as to reducethe impact.

Response

Ensure there is centralised local co-ordination of disaster management;Try to minimize the impact on the community of a disaster event through goodresponse;

Assist with the re-establishment of the community as effectively and efficiently aspossible;Detail the strategic manner in which elements of the LDMG-CR shall deal with day today disaster management business and how information will be passed out on events

that impact on the group; andDemonstrate a commitment to the safety of the Cairns Region communities.

Recovery

Adequately provide immediate post event assistance and advice to the affectedcommunity;Ensure the recovery priorities of the community are met;Ensure the community is aware of action that can be taken after the impact to assistwith a speedy recovery and return to normality;To reduce the community consequences following an event;Provide advice and/or support to the Cairns Disaster District Recovery Committee andState disaster management and recovery agencies;Ensure a consistent approach to disaster management; andDemonstrate a commitment to the safety of the Cairns Regional communities.


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Local Government Policy for Disaster Management

This plan is consistent with the State Disaster Management Group Strategic PolicyFramework which focuses on a comprehensive, all hazards approach with all levels of government working in partnership to reduce the effects of disasters.

Local Government Functions

Section 80 of the Act outlines the functions of the local government:

To ensure it has a disaster response capabilityTo approve its local disaster management plan; andTo ensure information about an event or a disaster in its area is promptly given to theDistrict Disaster Coordinator (DDC).

A disaster response capability for a local government means the abili ty to

provide equipment and a suitable number of persons, using the resourcesavailable to the local government, to effectively deal with or help another entity to deal with, an emergency situation or a disaster in the localgovernments area.

Section 4A of the Act provides that District Disaster Management Groups (DDMGs) and theState Disaster Management Group (SDMG) should provide local governments withappropriate resources and support to help the local governments carry out disaster operations.

Integration with Councils Corporate, Strate gic and Operational PlanningProcesses

Disaster Management is an integral part of Councils core business and is an activity identifiedwithin the c ouncils new Corporate and Operational Plans.


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Local Disaster Management Group

The functions of a LDMG as outlined in s. 30 of the Disaster Management Act

Function Description

(a) to ensure that disaster management and disaster operations inthe area are consistent with the State groups strategic policyframework for disaster management for the State;

Ensure local disaster management arrangements areconsistent with the eight elements of the SPF.

(b) to develop effective disaster management, and regularly reviewand assess the disaster management;

Local disaster management arrangements are to bedeveloped consistent with the Act, the SPF, the SDMP andany guidelines. Local arrangements should be testedannually by exercise or operational activity

(c) to help the local government for its area to prepare a localdisaster management plan;

Development of disaster plan and sub-plans for the localgovernment area that mitigates against the identifiedrisks outlines roles and responsibilities of agencies andincludes a comprehensive, all-hazards, all agencies andprepared communities approach.

(d) to identify, and provide advice to the relevant district groupabout, support services required by the local group to facilitatedisaster management and disaster operations in the area;

Support services identified and communicated to theDDMG to inform district level planning.

(e) to ensure the community is aware of ways of mitigating theadverse effects of an event, and preparing for, responding to andrecovering from a disaster;

Ensure community education and awareness programsinclude local hazards and their potential impact; localarrangements; mitigation strategies; and promote self-reliance and build resilience.

(f) to manage disaster operations in the area under policies andprocedures decided by the State group;

Ensure disaster operations are managed in accordancewith the SPF, the SDMP and any guidelines.

(g) to provide reports and make recommendations to the relevantdistrict group about matters relating to disaster operations;

LDMG representation on the DDMG will provide avenuefor regular communication, reporting andrecommendations.

(h) to identify, and coordinate the use of, resources that may be usedfor disaster operations in the area;

Identify those resources that will be required and areaccessible within the local area. A gap analysis andcontingencies are implemented to ensure the shortfallcan be accessed from outside the local area, by request tothe disaster district.

(i) to establish and review communications systems in the group, andwith the relevant district group and other local groups in the disasterdistrict of the relevant district group, for use when a disasterhappens;

Establish, test and maintain communications systems,including redundancy systems, to ensure communicationcan be maintained during a disaster event.

(j) to ensure information about a disaster in the area is promptlygiven to the relevant district group;

Establish and maintain clear information reportingarrangements with the DDMG for use during disasteroperations.

(k) to perform other functions given to the group under this Act; Performance of other functions as delegated within theAct.

(l) to perform a function incidental to a function mentioned in

paragraphs (a) to (k).

Performance of other functions which are required to be

undertaken in support of the listed function.


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The Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns Region has been established in accordancewith Section 29 Disaster Management Act 2003 which states:

s 29 Establishment

A local government must establish a Local Disaster Management Group (local group)

for the local governments area.

The functions of the Group are set out in Section 30 Disaster Management Act 2003.

Membership Details

The Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns Region consists of the following positionsand the relevant persons are appointed in accordance with Section 33- 37 of the Disaster Management Act 2003 .

The membership of the Group is to be reviewed annually.

CHAIRPERSON Mayor, Cairns Regional Council

DEPUTY CHAIR Delegated Councillor

LDC Officer appointed under the Disaster Management Act 2003with the delegated authority of the CEO of Cairns RegionalCouncil.

(The executive members of the LDMG the Chair, Deputy Chair and Local Disaster Coordinator areappointed by Council, and it is a requirement of s. 35(3) of the Act that the Local Disaster Coordinator beappointed in writing.)

CORE MEMBERS Regional Manager DouglasCairns Regional Council

SES Local Controller

Manager of Sports Recreation & CommunityDevelopment / Community Support Coordinator Cairns Regional Council

Manager of Marketing and CommunicationsCairns Regional Council

Principal Environmental Health Officer Cairns Regional Council

Disaster Management Officer Cairns Regional Council

Area Director Emergency Management Queensland

Manager Cairns WorksCairns Regional Council

Manager Operations Water & WasteCairns Regional Council

Executive Engineer MossmanCairns Regional Council


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Reporting Requirements

The LDMG-CR shall report its activities to:

Cairns Regional Council in an annual report prepared by the Executive Officer. The

annual report shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 2003. Copies of the report shall be forwarded to the Regional Director EMQ;

Council in the form of meeting minutes

DDMG and Regional Director EMQ Prior to each meeting of the DDMG a Disaster Management Status Report as set out in Queensland Disaster Management Guidelines2005 - Disaster Management Status Report template shall be submitted to the RegionalDirector EMQ.

Operational Reporting shall be as required during an event and be in accordance with A.2 Local Disaster Coordination Centre Operational Plan-Cairns Region.

Roles and Responsibilities of LDMG-CR Members

Refer to Appendix B for the membership list and the Roles and Responsibilities for members.

Review and Renew Main and Operational Plans

A review of the plans in accordance with Section 59 Disaster Management Ac t 2003 is to beconducted by the LDC of the LDMG-CR subsequent to:

The performance of the Plan following an activation;Exercises designed to practice or test aspects of the plans;

Alterations to the roles or responsibilities of any agency involved in the plans;Operational procedures that have been changed;External disasters or introduction of new technology which suggest a review should becarried out;The officer responsible for overseeing a task has resigned from that position;The Plan will be reviewed at least once annually, if other review methods asmentioned above are not undertaken; andMinor changes such as typographical changes and changes to position titles may be

made to the plan from time to time.

As addressed earlier, this document was originally developed under previous planning guidelines. This review of the document is a provisional measure until the Local Disaster Management Interim Guidelines have been ratified. When these interim guidelines areratified (anticipated to be in early 2012), the entire Local Disaster Management Plan will bereviewed to ensure compliance with the new Guidelines.


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Disaster Risk Management

Geography

The Cairns Region is located in Far North Queensland, approximately 1,700 kilometres northof Brisbane. The Cairns Region is bounded by the Cook Shire and the Wujal Wujal AboriginalShire in the north, the Coral Sea and the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire in the east, the CassowaryCoast Region in the south, and the Tablelands Region in the west.

The Cairns Region includes significant areas of national park, state forest, rural areas andgrowing urban areas. The Region encompasses a total land area of over 4,100 squarekilometres. The main urban centre is Cairns, with smaller urban areas in Babinda,Gordonvale, Cooya Beach, Mossman, Newell, Port Douglas and Wonga. Urban areas includeresidential, commercial, industrial, institutional, entertainment and tourist land uses. Rural landis used predominantly for sugar cane farming.

The Cairns urban area comprises a corridor of coastal flood plains bounded on the west bymountain ranges which mark the eastern edge of the Atherton Tablelands. The Barron andRussell/Mulgrave Rivers traverse these plains and have regularly flooded river deltas,isolating Cairns. A network of small creeks flow into Trinity Inlet which acts as the harbour for the city. These small creeks can flood and together with a high tide could cause floodingwithin the city.

The main arterial roads within the Region are the Captain Cook Highway to the north, and theBruce Highway to the south. The Bruce Highway and the railway line to the south, traversethe flood plain of the Russell/Mulgrave Rivers. Flooding can quickly isolate variouscommunities. Other access roads to the Atherton Tablelands to the west and Port Douglas,Mossman and Cooktown to the north are prone to flooding, and can also be prone to

landslides.The natural vegetation of the area consists mainly of eucalypt and woodland tropicalrainforests. Extensive areas of this rainforest type exist along the ranges and areincorporated, under World Heritage listing, into the Wet Tropics Management Area with morethan 80% of Far Northern Cairns subject to World Heritage listings, National Parks and/ or forestry reserves. Rainforest grades to various forms of eucalypt dominated forest or woodland and grassland are exposed to frequent burning. Most of the valley and coastal plainareas not occupied by urban development are under sugar cane cultivation or are covered bymangrove communities.

The main drainage features are:

The Barron River which rises on the Atherton Tableland and enters the coastal plainthrough the Barron Gorge;

Freshwater Creek which joins the Barron River below the Gorge and drains the Lamband Whitfield Ranges. Freshwater Creek is dammed at Copperlode Falls to createLake Morris the main storage for Cairns water supply; and

The network of small creeks which flow into Trinity Inlet. This system represents theoriginal delta of the Mulgrave River.

The Mowbray, Mossman, Daintree and Bloomfield Rivers in the northern area of the

Region.

The Bloomfield River is the most northern geographic boundary for the Cairns RegionalCouncil, with the Great Dividing Range forming the western boundary.


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Human Settlement

The main population centre for the Cairns Regional Council is based around Cairns itself.

In the Cairns environs, the northern beaches contain pockets of significant development withsmaller towns to the south of Cairns along the main arterial road with a number of smaller townships in between.

Port Douglas and Mossman are the main centres of population in the northern areas of theRegion, along with a number of smaller population centres.

Double Island, Green Island, Fitzroy Island and Low Isles have some permanent staff on theislands and at the respective resorts, but temporary residents and day visitors can easilyexceed 500. Port Douglas is an area internationally recognised with increases in populationduring tourism seasons of more than 20,000 people per night. The whole of the Cairns Regionacts as a major tourist destination throughout the year. The peak tourist season for the Regionis during the months of July and August with population increases of approximately 27,000visitors per night.

Cairns has a significant Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community with populationsconcentrated in the Mossman, Bloomfield and Degarra areas.

Population

At the time of the 2006 Census figures, 165,015 persons were counted in the Cairns RegionalLocal Government area. This figure includes overseas and domestic visitors to the region andexcludes those that usually live in Cairns but were away visiting other areas.

The estimated residential population from the census was 147,118 as of October, 2009 whichincludes both the Cairns and Far Northern areas. This increase represents a growth rate of 3.2% in 2009, representing the fourth fastest growth rate within Queensland.


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Climate and Weather

Cairns Regional Council lies on the coast of Queensland at approximately 17 south latitudeand has a moist tropical climate. Rainfall is seasonal, with the heaviest rain occurring duringthe summer months. Extreme rainfall events are associated with tropical cyclones. Cairnscomes under the influence of tropical cyclones on average at least once every two years.Temperatures rarely exceed 35 C or go below 15 C for extended periods.

The tropical climate of the Cairns Region is characterised by:

relatively high temperatures with only small variations between daily maximum andminimum temperatures;relatively small, yet discernible, variations in seasonal temperatures;relatively high humidity with generally little variation between morning and afternoonhumidity levels;relatively small, yet discernible, variations in seasonal humidity levels; and

relatively high rainfall with greater concentrations of rainfall in the summer months(December to April).

These climatic characteristics have a number of implications for human activity anddevelopment in the Region, including:

the marked seasonality of rainfall in the Region, together with more comfortabletemperatures during the winter months, have given rise to a quite marked seasonalityin tourist visitation;the high number of rain days during the December to April period tend to restrictconstruction work during this period as it is more cost-effective to operate mainlyduring the drier months;in conjunction with the steep mountain slopes the high rainfall intensity has greater implications for soil erosion and land slippage;the high rainfall and its intensity also gives rise to greater road damage; andthe high rainfall tends to render less effective septic and sullage waste disposalthrough absorption trenches.

Monthly average annual rainfall and temperature figures (Source: Bureau of Meteorology):

Cairns Region Mean Monthly Rainfall

0

100

200

300

400

500

J an F eb M ar A pr M a y J un J ul A ug S ep Oc t N o v D ec

M i l l i m e

t r e s

( m m

)

Cairns Region Mean Monthly Temperature

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Jan Feb Mar Apr M ay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

C e l c i u s Mean Max

Mean Min


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Community Capacity

The main shopping precincts are located in the Cairns Central Business District, with other significant centres at Smithfield, Earlville, Manunda, Edmonton, Port Douglas and Mossman

There are 10 Bowls Clubs, 4 Lifesaving Clubs, 7 Golf Clubs, 3 Yacht Clubs, Cannon ParkRacecourse, several Football Clubs and numerous other Sporting Clubs.

Council Depots are located at Martyn Street, McNamara Street, Babinda, Gordonvale,Stratford, McCoombe Street, South Mossman and Port Douglas, with smaller depots locatedat Daintree and Diwan.

Cairns Region is served by the Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns Private Hospital, MossmanHospital, Babinda Hospital and Gordonvale Hospitals. There are other privately operatedmedical centres throughout the region with some providing a 24 hour service.

Cairns Regional Council supports the local State Emergency Service with Groups located at Alexandra Bay, Babinda, Buchan Point, Cairns, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Holloways Beach,Machans Beach, Mossman, Trinity Beach and Yorkeys Knob , with depots at Daintree, ForestCreek, Port Douglas and Wonga. The SES Headquarters is located in McNamara Street, Cairns.

Cairns Regional Council Offices and Council Chambers are located at 119-145 SpenceStreet, Cairns, with a Customer Service Centre located at 64-66 Front Street, Mossman.

Police Stations are located at Babinda, Cairns, Cairns Esplanade, Earlville, Trinity Beach,Smithfield, Gordonvale, Edmonton, Mossman and Port Douglas.

Broadcast Radio and TV services are provided from studios in the City, Earlville andParramatta Park, transmitters are located on Mt. Bellenden Ker, near Gordonvale and TrinityEast. Dedicated telecommunications networks are also operated by the Australian DefenceForce units, Air Services Australia and numerous private sector networks such as fishing andmining. Council also has a dedicated Trunk Mobile Radio (TMR) network, which is the firstline of communication for external Council staff and can be utilised as an alternativecommunication means during an event. TMRs rely on two communication towers, which arelocated at Yarrabah and Mt Bellenden Ker.

Many of the private UHF and VHF networks such as taxis, police, emergency services,council, etc. operate from base stations on Mt Bellenden Ker and/or on prominent features onthe coastal escarpment.

Cairns Region is not a self sufficient community. It depends on outside sources for its food,

energy and material requirements as well as its principal sources of income. Suchdependence imposes limits to the community resilience.

Industry

The predominant industry types for the Cairns Region are tourism, sugarcane and serviceindustries which support the tourism and marine industries.

Cairns is also the main government and commercial service centre for Far North Queensland,and hosts the regional offices of many State and Commonwealth government departments.

Tourism is a significant employment sector for the Region, particularly for the Cairns and PortDouglas areas.


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Public and Other Major Buildings, Spaces, and Events

Public and Other Buildings

Throughout the region there are a number of public and other major buildings, including:

Cairns Regional Council Administration Building, Spence St; Cairns Regional Art Gallery Centre; Cairns City Library plus seven branch libraries (Mossman, Smithfield, Stratford,Manunda, Earlville, Gordonvale, Babinda); Cairns Convention and Conference Centre; Cairns Reef Casino; Mossman Administration Building, Front Street; Mossman Indoor Sports Centre; Port Douglas Sports Centre; Old Douglas Shire Hall, Mossman; Port Douglas Community Hall; and

A number of resorts and accommodation precincts.

Major Public SpacesCairns Esplanade;The Pier Shopping Precinct;Cairns Night Markets;Cairns Mall City Space; andPort Douglas and Mossman Markets.

Special Events

New Years Eve;Cannon Park special race days;Festival Cairns;Carnivale at Port Douglas;Cairns and Mossman Shows; andChristmas Street Party at Mossman.


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Critical Infrastructure

Cairns International Airport;Cairns Harbour;Bruce Highway to the south;

Captain Cook Highway to the north;Kennedy Highway and Gillies Highway to the west;Rail to the south and west; andCairns Region contains:o 2713 km of road network including 338 km of unsealed roadso 234 road and pedestrian bridges including 16 timber bridgeso 311 km of bikeways/footwayso 2100 ha. recreational parks and reserveso 442 km of underground drainageo 182 km lined and unlined drainso 23 boat rampso 3 marinaso 1909 km water supply pipelineso 2442 km sewerage pipelinesDouglas Area contains;o Captain Cook Highway;o Mossman - Mt Molloy Road;o Mossman Daintree Road;o Cape Tribulation roads system;o Cape Tribulation Bloomfield Road

Airpor t s

Cairns International Airport

The Cairns International Airport has a 3200 metre main runway capable of handling 737-400,747-800 and 767 aircraft. The airport has the ability to accommodate light aircraft and rotarywing aircraft.

There is a private grass- surface airstrip located at Cow Bay north of the Daintree River, aswell as established helicopter landing points at the Sheraton Mirage Resort; Port Douglas, andadjacent to the Captain Cook Highway, 2km north of the Port Douglas Road intersection.

Throughout the region there are numerous sporting fields, resorts, school ovals, etc. whererotary wing aircraft can land in emergency situations


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Essential Services

Power Power supply for the Cairns area is managed by Ergon Energy and is sourcedthrough Powerlink from power stations near Rockhampton and Gladstone to the Bulk

Supply Station at Caravonica for the Northern Beaches, Hartley Street for thecity centre and south, Anderson Street for Cairns city north and Edmonton for thesouthern area. There are two Powerlink transmission line circuits into Cairns onevia a coastal route and the second from the Tablelands.

Power supply for the Mossman area is presently supplied via two 66kV feeder linesfrom the Atherton Tableland to a 66/22kV substation on Cassowary Creek Roadadjacent to the soccer fields about 5 kilometres southeast of Mossman. Locally, theCassowary Creek substation supplies Mossman to Daintree area. There is noreticulated power north of the Alexandra Range in the Cow Bay to Cape Tribulationarea and limited power north of the Daintree River.

Power Supply For Port Douglas is presently supplied via 2 transmissions lines from the Atherton Tablelands to a 132/22KV substation at Craiglie. Locally the Craigliesubstation supplies the Port Douglas south to Hartley's Creek.

There are limited (part of Forest Gardens and Port Douglas) reticulated gas suppliesfor Cairns with the main method of supply for the Region being in bottles.

Telecommunications

The telecommunication network has a number of providers, the main provider being

Telstra. Mobile telephone communication is generally readily available to mostinhabited localities south of the Daintree River to the Regions southern border. Mobiletelephone communications in the Wonga locality and north of the Daintree River isgenerally less reliable, however NextG mobile network and the use of satellitetelephones has improved this.

Water and Wastewater

Water supply for the Cairns Area is drawn from Lake Morris which has a capacity of 45,000 megalitres and also from the Behana Weir. Water is piped to the Freshwater Creek Water Treatment Plant and distributed to consumers by gravity feed from at

least 16 reservoirs and water towers throughout the Cairns Area. Reticulationinvolves over 1,909 km of water mains of various size, material and age.

For the northern districts, there are two main water supply service areas. TheMossman Service area contains the major water supply system, serving the townshipsof Mossman, Port Douglas, Cooya Beach, North Mossman and Newell Beach as wellas the rural and rural-residential areas of Cassowary Creek and Mowbray River Valleys. Supply is taken from Rex Creek, a tributary of the Mossman River within theMossman Gorge section of the Daintree River National Park which in turn is an integralpart of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area.

The second service area is much smaller and takes its supply from Little Falls Creek inthe Whyanbeel Valley. This system serves the townships of Wonga Beach and Mialloas well as development at Rocky Point and along Syndicate, Whyanbeel,


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ODonoghue , Bamboo Creek, Kingston and the Mossman-Daintree Roads betweenMiallo and Wonga Beach.

Water filtration and storage facilities for the Mossman Service Area are located atMossman on the hill accessed from Coral Sea Drive just to the west of the town.Storage tanks are also provided on Flagstaff Hill, Port Douglas, at ground level at Reef Park, Port Douglas, in a landmark water tower at Newell Beach, on the northern slopesof Mount Beaufort abutting Cooya Beach and at Cassowary and Mowbray. Pumpingstations are located adjacent to storage reservoirs at Flagstaff Hill and Reef Park.

Filtration and storage facilities for the second service area are located in theWhyanbeel Valley at Little Falls Creek and these are augmented by storage tanks onthe hill immediately to the west of Wonga Beach, at Rocky Point on the hill above thePort Douglas Views rural-residential subdivision.

There is also a minor reticulated water supply at Daintree Township. Water in thissystem is drawn from Intake Creek, a tributary of the Daintree River upstream of the

township and Stewart Creek. The filtration system and reservoir for this service arelocated in Daintree Township.

Wastewater Treatment Plants are located at Babinda, Gordonvale, Edmonton,Southern, Marlin Coast Port Douglas and Mossman. There are at least twenty eightwastewater pumping stations throughout Region, mainly located in low-lying areas.

There are a number of refuse disposal sites located throughout the region; however, inthe event of storm damage easy accessible sites will be required for the disposal of green waste.

Hazardous Sites

Bulk fuel and gas storage facilities are concentrated in Portsmith, with secondary(especially operational) storage of specialist products at facilities such as the airport(avgas and jet fuel), HMAS Cairns (bunker and diesel fuel) and some of the larger industrial and transport facilities (mostly diesel);

There are major hardware and cooperative warehouses at Portsmith, Bunnings inCairns CBD and Smithfield, Cairns Hardware in Bungalow, Home Timber andHardware in Mossman;

Marine facilities adjacent to Portsmith;

Bulk storage and distribution centres for products such as cement, paint, agriculturalchemicals, pharmaceuticals, raw sugar, molasses, timber and hardware, as well astransport and handling equipment are concentrated close to the port and rail-headfacilities of Portsmith;

Babinda Sugar Mill, Gordonvale Sugar Mill, Mossman Central Sugar Mill.

The Bruce Highway to the south, the Captain Cook Highway to the north, the KennedyHighway to the west and the rail links to the south and west all carry bulk hazardoussubstances in a variety of containers.


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Risk Descriptors

Vulnerable Sector

The following are the sectors of Cairns Region that are at risk and are identified in the risk

management record:

PeopleInfrastructure and PropertyEnvironment

Potential Risk

Cairns Regional people, infrastructure, environment and economy:Possible injury and fatalitiesInfrastructure including private buildings damaged and destroyedDamage to the environment

Affect on the economy as a result of reduction in tourism and industry

Likelihood

The likelihood of the event occurring in Annual Recurrence Interval (ARI) A almost certain ARI 10 B likely ARI 50 C possible ARI 100 D unlikely ARI 500 E rare ARI 1000


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Consequence Descriptors

The following are the potential risk scenarios of a disaster on Cairns Region:

Insignificant Risk

o No fatalities.o Medical treatment required.o Small number displaced for a short period, some damage.o Little disruption to the community.o Some impact on the environment, with no lasting effects.o Some financial loss.

Minor Risk

o Small number of fatalities.o Hospitalisation required.o Minor temporary displacement.o Significant damage.o Some community disruption.o Serious impact on environment with no long term effects.o Significant financial loss.

Moderate Risk

o Multiple fatalities.o Numerous injuries requiring hospitalisation.o Significant numbers displaced for short periods.o Serious damage requiring some external assistance.o Community functioning with difficulty.o Severe impact on environment with long term effects.o Serious financial loss.

Major Risk

o Numerous fatalities.o Extensive injuries, with significant hospitalisation.o Large numbers displaced for significant duration.o Severe damage that requires external resources.o Community only partially functioning.o Severe permanent damage to the environment.o

Severe financial loss.

Catastrophic Risk

o Mass fatalities.o Large numbers requiring hospitalisation.o General and widespread displacement for extended duration.o Widespread extensive damage.o Community unable to function.o Widespread severe permanent damage to the environment.o Widespread severe financial loss.


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Risk Management Record

Hazard Vulnerable sector Potential risk Likelihood Consequence Level of risk Actionpriority

Cyclone Cat 1-3 People, infrastructure, environment

Infrastructure damaged,

people injured Likely Minor High

Cyclone Cat 4+ People, infrastructure, environmentInfrastructure destroyedpeople injured or fatalities

Rare Major tocatastrophic

High

Flood (up to Q100) People, infrastructure, environment Property flooded,buildings damaged Possible Major High

Flood (PMF) People, infrastructure, environment Property flooded,buildings damaged Rare Major High

Storm Surge (Cyclonic) People, infrastructure, environmentProperty, buildingsflooded Infrastructuredamaged

Rare Catastrophic High

Bushfire People, infrastructure, environment Infrastructure destroyedpeople injured or fatalities

Likely Minor High

Earthquake People, infrastructure, environment Infrastructure damagedor destroyed

people injured or fatalities

Rare Catastrophic High

Tsunami People, infrastructure, environmentInfrastructure destroyedpeople injured or

fatalitiesRare Catastrophic Moderate

Landslip People, infrastructure, environmentInfrastructure damagedor destroyed Possible Moderate High


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LDMP-CR Disaster Management Plan: Main Plan November 2011 33

Prevention

Building Codes and Building Use RegulationsIn Cairns Regional Council the following codes and regulations apply:

Building Code AustraliaBuilding Act 1975 Building Standards Regulation 1993Building Regulations 2006 Building Fire Safety RegulationBody Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 Building Units and Group Titles Act 1980 Building and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2009Building Services Authority Act 1991CairnsPlanDouglas Shire Planning Scheme

Integrated Planning Act 1997 Local Government Act 2009Queensland Development CodeState Planning Policy 1/03 guideline: mitigating the adverse impacts of flood,bushfire and landslideState Coastal Management Plan-Mitigating the Effects of Storm TideInundationSustainable Planning Act 2009

Legislation

In addition to the Disaster Management Act 2003 the following Acts are relevant toCairns Region Disaster Management;

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Communities (Justice, Land Matters) Act 1984.

Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 Ambulance Service Act 1991Chemical Usage (Agricultural and Veterinary) Control Act 1988 Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 Criminal Code Act 1899Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001Disaster Readiness Amendment Act 2011Environmental Protection Act 1994Exotic Diseases in Animals Act 1981Explosives Act 1999Fire and Rescue Services Act 1990 Gas Supply Act 2003Health Act 1937 Information Privacy Act 2009Public Health Act 2005 Integrated Planning Act 1997 Land Act 1994Liquid Fuel Supply Act 1984Local Government Act 2009


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Major Sports Facilities Act 2001Marine Parks Act 2004Marine Parks (Great Barrier Reef Coast) Zoning Plan 2004Marine Parks Act 2004Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993

Nature Conservation Act 1992 Petroleum Act 1923Public Safety Preservation Act 1986 Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 Right to Information Act 2009Sustainable Planning Act 2009Terrorism (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2002 Water Act 2000 Workplace Health and Safety (Miscellaneous) Regulation 2008

Public EducationSection 30(e) of the Disaster Management Act 2003 requires Local Government tobe involved in an education program to ensure the community is aware of ways of mitigating the adverse effects of an event, and preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a disaster .

The Cairns Regional Council is committed to an ongoing public awareness campaign

The following are methods and the medium Cairns Regional Council uses to assistwith promoting community awareness:

BOM Weather Warnings;The LDMG-CR encourages all members of the LDMG-CR to provide publiceducation programs in their area of responsibility;SES Group Leaders provide lectures to various organisations throughout theRegion;EMQ presentations;Public displays;Brochures displayed and available in Council Offices and Libraries;Local Media including local television and radio, as well as articles in localnewspapers and Council Newsletters;Cairns phone book BoM Cyclone Information and tracking map;Cairns Re gional Council brochures: Plan, Pack, Listen Cairns Regional Council Cairns Tsunami Evacuation Guide Cairns Regional Council web site and media releases;Cairns Post Cyclone Survival Guide Supplement;Presentations to vulnerable communities;Presentations to schools and retirement villages; andProduction of multi-lingual Cyclone Emergency Action Guide in Hmong,Italian, Traditional Chinese, Thai, Arabic and Japanese.

Refer also to A.10 Public Information and Warnings Operational Plan.


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Refer to Public Education in this plan, and also to A.10 Public Information and Warnings Operational Plan


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Response Capability

Cairns Regional Council have sufficient resources and competent personnel tocontribute considerably to the response demands of any disastrous event.

If additional resources are required the resources will initially be sourced throughlocal suppliers that:

are contracted to Council to provide a service or resourceare capable of providing the resourcescan support Council in responding to a disaster through the provision of resources

If external assistance is required, Cairns Regional Council will adhere to theprocesses outlined by the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements toaccess such assistance.

Training and Exercises

Members of the LDMG and personnel who will be employed in the Local Disaster Coordination Centre will receive training commensurate with their position. Suchtraining may be delivered by Emergency Management Queensland as a part of theformal training curriculum or by staff of the Disaster Management Unit.

Each year one or more of the following exercises shall be held:

a table top exercise; anda Local Disaster Coordination Centre - Cairns Region exercise.a small scale exercise involving the SES and the testing of the LDCC-CR;andinvolvement in a District Disaster Exercise

The purpose of these exercises is to test the resource and response capabilities of the LDMG-CR and other agencies.

Records of exercises and other training activities are held by the Disaster Management Unit, and included in the annual report of the LDMG.


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Response

The principle purpose of the emergency response is the preservation of life andproperty. Response is defined as the actions taken in anticipation of, during, andimmediately after an emergency to ensure that its effects are minimised, and that

people aff ected are given immediate relief and support ( EMA 2004 ).

Activation

The authority to activate the Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns Region isvested in the Chair (or delegate) of the Local Disaster Management Group - CairnsRegion. It is the du ty of the Chair to inform the DDC regarding the Plans activation.

Activation may occur as:

A response to a worsening situation; or At the request of the responsible Lead Agency (in situations where no prior warning is possible).

Activation of the LDMG-CR is a five stage operation being:

Alert,Lean Forward (Standby)Stand Up (Activate)Stand-downDebrief.

Activation of each stage will be dependent upon the type of hazard situation. For example, an earthquake, tsunami or terrorist attack may have an immediate major or catastrophic impact and will require immediate activation. A cyclone, flood or stormsurge may be a gradual build up and a staged activation is more likely.

Refer to Appendix I of this document and A.1 Activation of LDMG-CR Operational Plan.

The Local Disaster Coordination Centre - Cairns Region (LDCC-CR) is activated bythe Local Disaster Coordinator of the LDMG-CR. The LDC has overall responsibilityfor the establishment and operation of the LDCC. The LDC should ensureappropriate levels of staff are identified and trained in the operation of the LDCC.

For Activation and Operating Procedures refer to A.2 Local Disaster CoordinationCentre - Cairns Region Operational Plan


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Accessing Support

The LDMG is responsible for managing the coordination of the response to eventsusing the local resources available to Council and the various member agencies of the LDMG. Councils preferred suppliers are outlined in a register of suppliers held by

the Procurement unit of Council.Support is requested through the agency Liaison Officers or via the usual Councilprocedures.

Such support includes human and material resources.

Requests to DDMG for Resource Support

When local resources are exhausted or are inappropriate for the task required, theCairns District Disaster Management Plan and State Disaster Management Planprovide for external resources to be made available, firstly from the District, and thensecondly on a State-wide basis.

Only the Local Disaster Coordinator or the Chair may authorise any request for external resources through the DDC.

Application is made via the Local Disaster Coordination Centre, and the process isdescribed in the Operational Plan A.2 Local Disaster Coordination Centre - CairnsRegion.


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Operational Plans

Plans have been written for specific functions:

A.1 Activation of LDMG-CR sets out the process for the activation of theLDMG-CR.

A.2 Local Disaster Coordination Centre - Cairns Region standard operatingprocedures for activating, staffing and management of the LDCC-CR duringan event.

A.3 Financial Management establishes the procedure for purchasing,procurement, emergency purchase orders and the process for trackingagency costs for response and recovery from a disaster.

A.4 Community Support includes the Community Support Sub Plan andprovides procedures and processes to be used during both the response andrecovery phase of an event.

A.5 Evacuation this plan sets out the process for evacuation, who makesthe decision, how it is activated, who gives direction to evacuate and to which

centre. A.6 Evacuation Centre Management establishes the roles andresponsibilities for the opening up, staffing, registering and in general caringfor evacuees.

A.7 Impact Assessment this plan provides the LDMG-CR with the tools tocarry out an initial and then a more detailed impact assessment on the effectof the disaster on infrastructure, private property and the people in thecommunity.

A.8 Medical Services this Plan provides a list and contact details for medicalsupport in the Cairns Region.

A.9 Public Health Cairns Regional Council Health Plan sets out theresponsibilities of the Environmental Health Officer in the event of a disaster and the support given by Queensland Public Health.

A.10 Public Information and Warnings provides the guidelines for the publicawareness and education programs undertaken by members of the LDMG-CR and also the procedure for issuing warnings or advice pre, during or postevent.

A.11 Media Management providing information to the media that isconsistent, appropriate and reliable. (For Manager Marketing andCommunications to develop).

A.12 Public Works and Engineering protection and restoration of infrastructure before, during and after an event is paramount and this planidentifies key resources and assistance that can be deployed.

A.13 Transport transport plays a key role in a disaster in not only ensuringaccess to the area for response teams but also to evacuate people if required.

A.14 Logistics resource management, particularly of material resources, isan area that can cause extreme problems in response to a major event. Thisplan addresses the issues and provides process to be followed during a major event.


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Risk Treatment Arrangements

As this Local Disaster Management Plan is based on the all-hazards approach thereare no threat specific plans as such, each threat or event is responded to in a similar manner and the key to a successful operation is to manage the consequences of theevent to produce the best outcome for the community.

The types of threat or disaster/emergency vary significantly and could be any of thefollowing, cyclone and severe storm, counter terrorism, exotic animal disease, bushfire,flood, storm surge, oil spill, pollution, contamination of town water supply, major road/railIncident, major aircraft accident, etc. Each type of event will have its own specialrequirements however the response will be in accordance with the Main Disaster Management Plan and supporting Operational Plans.

The Operational Plans are applicable to all hazards and some or all of the OperationalPlans would be implemented depending on the particular event.

Some Risk Treatment Arrangements have been prepared for specific risks.

Initial Impact Assessment

The details of who carries out initial inspections and assessments, the procedures for reporting and action to be taken is set out in A.7 Impact Assessment Operational Plan . During the risk analysis process many events will be identified as having thepotential for causing fatalities, injuries, property and environmental damage. Thetimely and accurate assessment of the health impact on the community along withthe damage to public or private property and the associated implications for businessand government continuity, which is of vital concern during a disaster event which will

have a great bearing upon the manner in which response and recovery aremanaged.

The LDMG supports the concept of a Rapid Impact assessment analysing

the extent of the affected area;affected population including the characteristics and condition;emergency medical, health nutritional water and sanitation.


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Recovery

Recovery Principles

Recovery is a remedial and developmental process encompassing the following

activities ( the source document for Recovery is the EMA Recovery Manual ):

Regeneration of the emotional, social and physical well-being of individualsand communities;Reducing future exposure to hazards and associated risks;Reducing the consequences of the disaster on a community; andTaking opportunities to adapt to meet the physical, environmental, economicand psychosocial future needs of the community.

Disaster recovery is most effective:

When management arrangements recognise that recovery from a disaster isa complex, dynamic and protracted process;When agreed plans and management arrangements are well understood bythe community and all disaster management agencies;When community service and reconstruction agencies have input to keydecision making;When conducted with the active participation of the affected community;When recovery managers are involved from initial briefing onwards;When recovery services are provided in timely, fair, equitable and flexiblemanner; andWhen supported by training programs and exercises.


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Recovery Concepts

The major themes of the Recovery Concepts are:

Community Involvement recovery processes are most effective whenaffected communities actively participate in their own recovery;

Local Level Management recovery services should be managed to theextent possible at the local level; Affected Community the identification of the affected community needs toinclude all those affected in any significant way whether defined bygeographical location or as a dispersed population;Differing Effects the ability of individuals, families and communities torecover depends upon capacity, specific circumstances of the event and itseffects;Empowerment recovery services should empower communities to managetheir own recovery through support and maintenance of identity, dignity andautonomy;Resourcefulness recognition needs to be given to the level of resourcefulness evident within an affected community and self-help should beencouraged;Responsiveness, Flexibility, Adaptability and Accountability recoveryservices need to be responsive, flexible and adaptable to meet the rapidlychanging environment, as well as being accountable;Integrated Services integration of recovery service agencies, as well as withresponse agencies, is essential to avoid overlapping services and resourcewastage;Coordination recovery services are most effective when coordinated by asingle agency; andPlanned Withdrawal planned and managed withdrawal of external services

is essential to avoid gaps in service delivery and the perception of leavingbefore the task has been completed.


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Recovery Components

There are four elements of recovery and all components are interdependent of eachother and one cannot operate effectively without the others. The Recovery Planconsiders in detail each component and addresses the issues identified:

Community Recovery families and individuals:o Community characteristics;o Resources necessary to assist in recovery;o What government agencies and non-government organisations would

be necessary during recovery; ando What financial assistance is available to the community and how to

access this assistance.

Infrastructure Recovery infrastructure and services:

o Restoration of essential services;o Community access to services;o Facilitation of restoration of living conditions and security;o Prioritising the rebuilding of infrastructure and community lifelines;o How to communicate with the community; ando How to integrate arrangements with other agencies.

Economic Recovery business continuity, industry restoration:

o What impact will the disaster have on business continuity and jobsecurity;

o Who needs to be involved in rebuilding economic viability in thecommunity; and

o Management of damaged reputation regionally, nationally and

internationally.Environmental Recovery our natural surroundings:

o Identification of issues to be considered in managing environmentaldamage caused by the disaster; and

o Identification of who should be involved in this process.


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Appendices

Appendix A Operational Plans

The Operational Plans are for Cairns Region in general with two sections whererequired, relating specifically to the Cairns Area and the Far Northern Area.

A. 1 Activation of Local Disaster Management Group - Cairns Region A. 2 Local Disaster Coordination Centre - Cairns Region A. 3 Financial Management A. 4 Community Support A. 5 Evacuation A. 6 Evacuation Centre Management A. 7 Impact Assessment A. 8 Medical Services A. 9 Public Health

A.10 Public Information and Warnings A.11 Public Works and Engineering A.12 Transport A.13 Logistics

Appendix B Roles and Responsibilities of LDMG-CRMembers

Appendix C Distribution List

Appendix D Definitions

Appendix E Abbreviations

Appendix F Cairns Region LDMG Contact Directory

Appendix G Resources List

Appendix H Roles and Responsibilities

Appendix I Activation Levels and Actions


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Appendix B Roles and Responsibilities of LDMG-CR Members

CORE MEMBERS

Position Organisation Responsibilities Contact Person

ChairpersonMayor Cairns Regional Council

To chair LDMG-CR meetings and toprovide a link between the LDMG-CRand Council

Cr Bob Manning

Deputy ChairpersonNominated Councillor

CairnsRegional Council

To chair LDMG-CR Meetings in theabsence of the Chair and to provide alink between the LDMG-CR andCouncil

Cr Terry JamesCr Steve Brain

Chief Executive Officer Cairns Regional Council (Powers delegated to Local Disaster Coordinator) Peter Tabulo

Local Disaster Coordinator


To provide expert advice and support tothe Chair and LDMG-CR. Responsibilityfor the overall management of thecoordinated response.

Ian Fell

Deputy Local Disaster Coordinator


To provide expert advice and support tothe Chair and LDMG-CR. Responsibilityfor the overall management of thecoordinated response.

Anton Mac Suibhne

Local DiscoveryRecovery Coordinator Cairns Regional Council

Responsible for Community Supportand recovery.

Lisa GoldingSioux Campbell

Disaster ManagementResilience Officer Cairns Regional Council

To provide expert advice and supportto the Chair and LDMG-CR Sioux Campbell

Disaster ManagementOfficer


To provide expert advice and supportto the Chair and LDMG-CR Mandy Walker

Regional Manager Douglas


To provide expert advice and supportto the Chair and LDMG-CR Liz Collyer

Executive Engineer Mossman


To provide expert advice and supportto the Chair and LDMG-CR Peter Cymbala

Manager Cairns Works


To provide expert advice and supporton all technical matters, includingthe provision of plant, materials andmanpower during response andrecovery.

Mick McFadden

Manager Operations Water & Waste


To provide expert advice on mattersrelating to water supply (includingCopperlode Dam)and seweragetreatment and disposal

Alex Ung

Principal EnvironmentalHealth Officer


Responsible for Public HealthOperational Plan Alex Skubij

Manager Libraries &CommunityDevelopment

Cairns Regional Council

To provide expert advice and support tothe Chair and LDMG-CR; CommunitySupport Sub-committee, and responsiblefor Community Support.

Kerrie Still

Manager Parks &Leisure Cairns Regional Council

To provide expert advice and support tothe Chair and LDMG-CR; CommunitySupport Sub-committee, and responsiblefor Parks and Leisure.

Brett Spencer

Manager CorporateCommunications Cairns Regional Council

Preparation and dissemination of allpress releases during an event Robyn Holmes

Cairns City Inspector Queensland PoliceServiceLiaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Insp Dave Lacey

Manager CommunitySafety Operations

Queensland Fire andRescue Service

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Insp Greg Strettles

Officer in ChargeCairns Station

Queensland AmbulanceService

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Cathy Sawtell

Disaster Coordinator Cairns Base Hospital Liaison between the hospital and theLDMG-CR Kathy Hill

Local Controller State EmergencyService - CairnsLiaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Glenn Dutton


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Area OperationsManager Ergon Energy

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Brett Duncan

Executive Manager EmergencyManagementQueensland

To provide advice and assistance to allagencies and committees within theQueensland disaster managementsystem

Cheryl-Lee Fitzgerald

Security OperationsManager Cairns Airport

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Jonathan Jackson

Security & EmergencyManager

Ports North Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Dan Warner

ADVISORS

Position Organisation Responsibilities Contact Person

Acting Fire StationManager Airservices Australia

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Mark Best

Manager Joint OperationsSupport Staff Australian DefenceForce Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Major Phil Duncan

Regional Manager Australian Red Cross Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Michael White

OIC CairnsMeteorology Office

Bureau of Meteorology

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Leo Farrell

IT Manager Cairns Division of General Practice

To provide expert advice on medicaland health matters Phil Jervis

Workplace & Health &Safety/ Infection ControlOfficer

Cairns PrivateHospital

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Andrea Grimes

Chamber President Cairns Chamber of CommerceLiaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Anthony Mirotsos

Manager InfrastructureManagement Cairns RegionalCouncil To provide expert advice on mattersrelating to Council infrastructure Terry Armit

Manager Waste Services& Environment

Cairns RegionalCouncil

To provide expert advice on mattersrelating to waste management anddisposal

Debra MacKeen

Senior Service Officer (Disaster Recovery)

Department of Communities

Liaison between the Cairns DistrictCommunity Recovery Committee andthe LDMG-CR

Adam Garnett

Lecturer School of Earth &Environmental Sciences James Cook University

To provide expert advice on mattersrelating to environmental issues tothe LDMG CR.

Dr Sharon Harwood

Coordinator Centre for Disaster Studies

James CookUniversity

Support and assistance to the LDMG-CR and the XO David King

Director EnvironmentalHealth Tropical PopulationHealth Unit

QueenslandHealth

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Paul Endres

Yards Supervisor,Regional CoordinatorsOffice Cairns QR

Queensland Rail Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Darcy Benham

Manager (Passenger Transport) Northern Queensland Transport

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Ross Hodgman

Senior Engineer, Traffic Main Roads Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Jim Harding-Smith

Manager Marine Safety Maritime SafetyQueenslandLiaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Nathan Best

Local DevelopmentConsultant Telstra

Liaison between the agency and theLDMG-CR Craig Bartlett

Manager MarketingOperations

Tourism Tropical NorthQueensland

To provide expert advice on mattersrelating to the tourist population Vacant


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General Manager Worksand Services

Cairns RegionalCouncil

To provide expert advice and supporton all technical matters, incl. theprovision of plant, materials andmanpower during response andrecovery

Ross McKim


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Appendix C Distribution List

Controlled Copies of Main Plan and al l Operational Plans

Organisation Controlled

Copy #

Cairns Regional CouncilChairperson LDMG-CRDeputy Chairperson LDMG-CRLDC LDMG-CRDeputy LDC LDMG-CRChief Executive Officer Disaster Management Operations Officer Community Support Coordinator LDMG-CRPrincipal Environmental Health Officer Manager Infrastructure ManagementManager Corporate CommunicationsGeneral Manager Cairns Water General Manager Works & Services

Disaster Management Unit (2 spare copies)

123456789

101112

13 & 14

Cairns AirportLDMG-CR Representative 15

Cairns Ports (Seaport)LDMG-CR Representative 16

Emergency Management QueenslandLDMG-CR Representative 17

Ergon EnergyLDMG-CR Representative 18

Queensland Ambulance ServiceLDMG-CR Representative 19

Queensland Fire & Rescue ServiceLDMG-CR Representative 20

Queensland Health, Cairns & Hinterland Health Service District (Cairns Base Hospital)LDMG-CR Representative 21

Queensland Police ServiceCairns District Disaster Coordinator LDMG-CR Representative

2223

State Emergency ServiceLDMG-CR Representative 24

Copies of Main Plan and Relevant Operational Plans

Organisation No. of Copies

Airservices Australia Aviation Rescue & Fire Fighting 1

Australian Defence Force (JOSS) 1

Australian Red Cross 1

Bureau of Meteorology, Cairns 1

Cairns Chamber of Commerce 1

Cairns Private Hospital 1


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Cairns Regional CouncilManager Operations, Cairns Water Manager Waste ServicesLibraries (9)

11

Department of Communities 1

Department of Main Roads 1

General Practice Cairns 1

James Cook University, Centre for Disaster Studies 1

Maritime Safety Queensland 1

Queensland Health, Tropical Public Health Unit 1

Queensland Rail 1

Queensland Transport 1

Telstra 1

Tourism Tropical North Queensland 1


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Appendix D Definitions

Advisor A person invited to participate in the business of a disaster management group in an advisory capacity on an as-required basis.

Alert(See Lean Forward)

A heightened level of vigilance due to the possibility of anevent in the area of responsibility. No action is requiredhowever the situation should be monitored by someonecapable of assessing the potential of the threat.

Chair The person appointed by the local government as the Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.

Chief Executive The chief executive of the department, as referred to in theDisaster Management Act 2003, is currently the Director-General of the Department of Community Safety.

Community A group of people with a commonality of association andgenerally defined by location, shared experience, or function.

CommunityResilience

The adaptive capacity of its members to respond to andinfluence the consequences of disasters to continue anacceptable level in functioning and structure

(Adapted from the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction; 2002and

The Community Resilience Manual, Canada, 2000)

Coordination

The bringing together of organisations to ensure effectivedisaster management before, during and after an event. It isprimarily concerned with systematic acquisition andapplication of resources (people, material, equipment, etc) inaccordance with priorities set by disaster managementgroups. Coordination operations horizontally acrossorganisations and agencies.

Coordination centre A facility established at State, district or local level as acentre of communication and coordination during times of disaster operations.

Deputy Chair The person appointed by the local government as the

Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.


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Disaster

A serious disruption in a community, caused by the impactof an event that requires a significant coordinated responseby the State and other entities to help the community torecover from the disruption

(Disaster Management Act 2003).

Disaster district Part of the state prescribed under a regulation as a disaster district.

Disaster management

Arrangements about managing the potential adverse effectsof an event, including, for example, arrangements for

mitigating, preventing, preparing for, responding to andrecovering a disaster (Disaster Management Act 2003)

Disaster managementfunctions

The services essential to managing the impacts andconsequences of an event.

Disaster mitigation

The taking of preventative measures to reduce the likelihoodof an event occurring or, if an event occurs, to reduce theseverity of the event

(Disaster Management Act 2003)

Disaster operations

Activities undertaken before, during or after an eventhappens to help reduce loss of human life, illness or injury tohumans, property loss or damage, or damage to theenvironment, including, for example, activities to mitigate theadverse effects of an event


Disaster preparedness

The taking of preparatory measures to ensure that, if anevent occurs, communities, resources and services are ableto cope with the effects of the event


Disaster research

May be broadly understood as a systematic inquiry, beforeand after a disaster, into a relevant disaster managementproblem

(COAG, Natural Disasters in Australia:Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements: 2002)


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Disaster response

The taking of appropriate measures to respond to an event,including action taken and measures planned in anticipationof, during, and immediately after an event to ensure that itseffects are minimised and that persons affected by the eventare given immediate relief and support


Disaster responsecapability

The ability to provide equipment and a suitable number of persons, using the resources available to the localgovernment, to effectively deal with, or help another entity todeal with, an emergency situation or a disaster in the localgovernments area


Disaster responseoperations

The phase of disaster operations that relates to respondingto a disaster


Disaster recovery

The taking of appropriate measures to recovery from anevent, including action taken to support disaster affectedcommunities in the reconstruction of infrastructure, therestoration of emotional, social, economic and physicalwellbeing, and the restoration of the environment


Disaster recoveryoperations

The phase of disaster operations that relates to recoveringfrom adisaster


Disaster relief

The provision of immediate shelter, life support and humanneeds of persons affected by, or responding to, anemergency

(COAG, Natural Disasters in Australia:Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements: 2002)

Disaster riskassessment

The process used to determine risk management prioritiesby evaluating and comparing the level of risk againstpredetermined standards, target risk levels or other criteria

(COAG, Natural Disasters in Australia:Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements: 2002).


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District Disaster Coordinator

A person appointed under the Disaster Management Act2003 who is responsible for the coordination of disaster operations in the disaster district for the District Disaster Management Group.

District Disaster Management Group

The group established under the Disaster Management Act2003 to provide coordinated State government support andresources to Local Disaster Management Groups.

District Disaster Management Plan

A plan prepared under the Disaster Management Act 2003that documents planning and resource management tocounter the effects of a disaster within the disaster district.

Event

Any of the following:(a) A cyclone, earthquake, flood, storm, storm tide,tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption or other natural happening;

(b) An explosion or fire, a chemical, fuel or oil spill,or a gas leak;

(c) An infestation, plague or epidemic;(d) A failure of, or disruption to, an essential service

or infrastructure;(e) An attack against the Sate;(f) Another event similar to an event mentioned in

paragraphs (a) to (e). An event may be natural or caused by human acts or omissions


Executive Officer DDMG

A person appointed to the position of Executive Officer tothe District Disaster Management Group by theCommissioner, Queensland Police Service

Executive Team The Chair, Deputy Chair and Local Disaster Coordinator of alocal group

Functional Lead Agency

An agency allocated responsibility to prepare for and providea disaster management function and lead organisations thatprovide support roles.

Local Disaster Management Interim Guidelines Final Draft August 2011


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Guidelines

Guidelines are developed under s63 of the Disaster Management Act 2003 to inform the SDMG, DDMGs andlocal governments about the preparation of disaster management plans, matters to be included in disaster management plans and other appropriate matters about theoperation of a DDMG or LDMG.

Hazard

A source of potential harm, or a situation with a potential tocause loss

(Emergency Management Australia, 2004)

Lean forward

An operational state prior to stand up characterised by aheightened level of situational awareness of a disaster event

(either current or impending) and a state of operationalreadiness. Disaster coordination centres are on standby;prepared but not activated.

Local Disaster Management Group

The group established under the Disaster Management Act2003 to manage disaster planning and operations on behalf of the local government.

Local Disaster Management Plan

A plan that documents arrangements to manage disaster planning and operations within the local government area of responsibility.

Post-disaster assessment

Addresses performance during and the risks revealed by adisaster event in order to improve future development of mitigation measures. Post-disaster assessment forms part of continuous improvement of the whole system

(Adapted from COAG, Natural Disasters in Australia:Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements: 2002)

Primary Agency

An agency allocated responsibility to prepare for andrespond to a specific hazard based on their legislated and/or technical capability and authority.

Queensland Disaster Management

Arrangements

Whole-of-government arrangem

Documents

Local Disaster Management Plan - Interim Revision for Web Publication