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

The Cyclone Debbie Review

Transport to the west of Rockhampton however, including the Capricorn Highway, was still affected by heavy rainfall causing road damage. The rail line to Mackay closed on 30 March and Rockhampton airport was closed 3–12 April. An evacuation centre and related support services were placed on standby for 10 days by Livingstone Shire Council, although it transpired that the centre was not needed. A Rockhampton evacuation centre operated 2–10 April under QPS leadership and received 23 people. This was far fewer than during previous similar events, although the “no pets” policy may have influenced the decisions of many pet-owning residents. In a more nuanced approach than had been adopted in the past, Ergon pre-assessed properties that would clearly be affected by flooding and arranged 467 electricity disconnections ahead of the flood. The extensive preparations in advance of the flood also assisted the subsequent relief efforts. Advice about likely hardship numbers, provided in advance by the council to DCCSDS, permitted more rapid and efficient delivery of assistance. Rapid damage assessments were

The Rockhampton LDMG concluded, at its debrief meeting, that the town of 85,000 was the most prepared it had ever been and that excellent support had been provided by the state to support local capability. Throughout the activation period, disaster management staff in the council’s and district office worked closely together to provide coordinated operations and communications and, critically, psychological support to each other. Nevertheless, the length of this activation, preceded by periods of heavy rain and minor flooding, proved gruelling for those disaster management staff who lacked access to trained people to relieve them.

The three concurrent events

North Queensland

State-level operations

Central Queensland

South East Queensland

Tartrus Station on the Mackenzie River.

Photo courtesy of Central Highlands Regional Council

undertaken, although, from the Rockhampton LDMG debrief, we learned that this was not always in consultation with the local group. A recovery hub was established in

Rockhampton between 6–13 April which processed 950 applications for immediate hardship assistance. A recovery committee, chaired by the Mayor and focusing on economic recovery, was established. The four councils of the District are eligible for NDRRA funding (Appendix D). 69

The Mackenzie River upstream from Leura Station at 4.17pm on 1 April.

Photo courtesy of Central Highlands Regional Council

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4 THE THREE CONCURRENT EVENTS

Rockhampton – slow-onset flooding