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

Inspector-General Emergency Management

Interoperability

Themes

The Debbie experience demonstrated strong interoperability k between groups, agencies and systems in some circumstances. The Rapid Damage Assessment l data is shared by QFES to many local governments and state agencies through data feeds. This information can then be overlayed in other agencies’ systems. Many local governments share local road closure information with TMR through Guardian Control. The information is combined with state road closure information by TMR, which then provides a complete overview of road closures. This information is shared through data feeds with various agencies and made available to the public through the QLDTraffic website. It was identified at the SDCG debrief that the integration of the Guardian, DIEMS and EMS systems had improved information sharing, but had not solved interoperability issues adequately. Users of these three systems appear satisfied with them for managing disasters at their level, but not up and down the system. Recipients of the outputs of these systems also seem to be satisfied. However, other than for the processing of Requests for Assistance, the lack of interoperability between these systems slows processes and increases user error. It requires workarounds, manual adjustments, and more staff. We heard examples of inaccurate information being shared. In one case, information from a utility’s public website was used by a state agency in situational reports, but it was not the point of truth and was not current information.

We also heard that information made visible through Guardian Command is not always relied upon. One reason for this is that the validity of the information varies. We heard cases where information was not shared in an appropriate format – for example, mapping information sent as a PDF rather than a GIS file – and cases where information was not always up-to-date, such as the activation status of local groups. We heard this resulted in poor visibility of the situation which puts an increased demand on local groups in the form of additional information requests. We note that QFES, which has been solely responsible for leading the work to integrate the various information systems, has plans for further interoperability between these three systems. There have been a number of disaster management reviews highlighting the need for better data sharing. In 2011, the All Hazards Information Management System program, which resulted in the development of the IXP, sought to address this complex issue. The program’s objective was “the right information, to the right place, at the right time.” The Debbie experience showed that this is still an aspiration in some places. We recognise the many barriers to introducing a common system across different agencies with separate agendas, priorities, and procurement processes. However, the facts are that the current system is inefficient in its use of staff, contributes to sub-optimal information being presented to decision-makers, and is a cause of concern for practitioners at all levels.

Recommendation Significant effort should be invested to provide disaster decision-makers at every level with a shared understanding of risks, the situation, and capability, so that they can agree the best decisions for the communities they serve. Finding The technical inability to share information successfully contributes to misunderstandings between decision-makers at different levels. Misunderstanding erodes trust, and trust affects the relationships that are an important enabler of successful disaster management operations. is hindered by the number and connectivity of systems in which it is managed. We understand the background to the Systems’ variety, and commend the initiative, energy and workarounds, of those who manipulate the system to make it work. Finding Sharing of information in disasters

Notes k. Interoperable is defined in the Macquarie Dictionary as ‘(computer systems or software) able to connect with each other for the exchange of data, programs, etc.’ The Standard for Disaster Management in Queensland expands on this to ‘interoperability of systems, programs and resources to enable integration seamlessly across the sector.’ l. Rapid Damage Assessments (RDA) are conducted by Queensland Fire and Emergency Service to support Local and District Disaster Management Groups with an assessment of the amount of damage sustained immediately following a significant event.

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The Cyclone Debbie Review

Lessons for delivering value and confidence through trust and empowerment