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

Inspector-General Emergency Management

Evacuation in Debbie

Themes

We recognise from the 2016-17 disaster management plan assessments, that evacuation is an important topic for local and districts disaster management groups. Results from the assessments showed local governments made improvements to evacuation plans and tested evacuation arrangements, more than in any other areas of plans. Many involved in Debbie activated their plans, whether evacuation occurred or not. We note that this work occurred in two separate contexts; evacuations before the event, and evacuations after

the event. Planning

Planning effort was evident throughout Debbie, from the significant planning, informed by probabilistic modelling used by Townsville, to integrated planning with local aged care providers in Burdekin. Burdekin considered three possible cyclone crossing outcomes and planned contingencies accordingly. Whitsunday prepared for a category 4 direct hit when Debbie was still a tropical low. Efforts were made there to plan the evacuation of tourists. In Moreton Bay previous experience prompted the evacuation of horses and equipment from a low-lying business. Early availability of public information enabled community members to be more resilient. Ipswich modelled rain falling 50km west of forecast, and considered evacuation options for a 2011-size event. Accommodation for pets was planned in evacuation centres in Ipswich and Logan. Such improvements, embodying lessons learned, were underpinned by a noticeable and stronger-than-before focus on the needs of Queensland’s vulnerable people. Effective community engagement and clarity about local needs and expectations were reflected in local activities. All the arrangements that we heard about planned for evacuation before an event. In Burdekin, the LDMG had not only identified the local aged care service provider but also invited a representative to join its group. This resulted in a well-integrated plan catering to the vulnerable and provides a model worthy of consideration across Queensland. In Charters Towers, event-specific planning and engagement saw the LDMG help the local aged-care facility organise transport, and identify their own staff’s capabilities. Planning identified the centre’s capacity for taking in additional people if their area was not directly affected. The process prompted business continuity planning to include all hazards, and the need for emergency action plans for them. However, it is more common than not that aged care providers require significant support and encouragement in planning and exercising evacuation. A lack of consistency across the range of providers results in varying levels of preparedness and engagement with LDMGs. In one instance, numerous attempts to engage a private aged-care service provider in disaster management planning failed. Inevitably the provider required a significant last minute response, affecting the evacuation process, and stressing the local emergency management workers. In such circumstances, we note that there would have been an effect on the clients of the service as well. In collaboration with the Queensland Chief Health Officer, the Office will raise, with the commonwealth, the need for all aged care providers to plan and exercise for evacuation to a similar safe establishment.

Recommendation The Queensland Chief Health Officer should work with the Office of the Inspector-General Emergency Management to raise, with the Commonwealth, the need for all aged care providers to plan and exercise for evacuation to a similar safe establishment. aged care facilities were overly reliant on agencies that had not been involved in the planning. The plans therefore had no guarantee of implementation. Finding A number of evacuation plans for

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The Cyclone Debbie Review

Lessons for delivering value and confidence through trust and empowerment