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

Inspector-General Emergency Management

Leading up to the summer of 2016-17 Standing Order SO-Q-OM-3.63, Operation Fortitude 2016-17 set out the Commissioner’s intent for a unified services approach to the season, allowing for the rapid planning mobilisation and response to severe weather incidents. Four mission objectives would be pursued, dealing with protection of life, provision of public information and warnings, preservations of assets and property and support to the recovery of the community. 17 In March 2017 this well-refined system wound up to face the 20th cyclone to cross the Queensland coast since the turn of the century. 18 What it initially set out to achieve is captured in the SDCG teleconference minutes of Friday 24 March, a focus of agency preparedness and support to local and district groups, and the recommendation that all agencies continue preparations and operationalise any strategic intent from the QDMC. 19

The SDCC Commander’s intent, circulated on Saturday 25 March, was similar:

Underlying precepts

Provide effective and efficient Whole of Government support to the community, local groups, district groups, SDCG and QDMC in the management of the response to the disaster event – Cyclone “Debbie”. 1. Support all levels of the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA) to respond to the event 2. Maintain the SDCC in support of disaster operations 3. Maintain situational awareness of the event and briefing of all levels of the QDMA.

NATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

STATE ARRANGEMENTS

Local Disaster Management Group Local Disaster Coordination Centre

Local Government

Local

District Disaster Management Group

District

District Disaster Coordination Centre

State Government

State

Queensland Disaster Management Committee

State Disaster Coordination Centre

Attorney-General’s Department

Australian Government

Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre

The disaster management arrangements.

Source: www.disaster.qld.gov.au/About_disaster_management/Pages/Disaster-management-arrangements.aspx

36

The Cyclone Debbie Review

Lessons for delivering value and confidence through trust and empowerment