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

Inspector-General Emergency Management

Information management

Themes

The accessibility of information helps to avoid duplication of effort and facilitates learning from the experiences of others 112

A number of reviews and inquiries, and research conducted in Queensland, highlight the importance of managing and sharing of information to support effective disaster management and operations. In particular, the Queensland Floods Commission of Enquiry emphasises the need for collation and sharing of relevant and useful information between local and state governments. 113 Collectively, these reports identify the need for a single point of truth that provides a common understanding and situational awareness, enabling decisions and timely and effective response across all levels and all phases of disaster events. An effective information management approach can provide this through transparent data infrastructure, sharing accurate data between agencies, streamlined processes, and appropriate training and resources. In Queensland, the information used in disaster management and operations is captured, shared and used by various entities including local governments, not-for-profits, government-owned corporations, utilities companies and state government agencies. Of great importance is a common understanding of contextual information such as roads, rivers and local demographics; and knowledge of resources, such as drinking water, generators and bedding, their availability and where they can be sourced. Many data sets and information systems are not utilised fully. For example, local governments hold information about infrastructure critical to their local areas but, this information is not readily available to Energy Queensland to use in cases where backup power is required.

There are many agencies involved in disaster management with information systems producing considerable information that can help to support effective disaster management. The Act and disaster management guidelines direct the process of sharing information through the levels of the disaster management system in Queensland. Different information systems are used at each level of the arrangements to support operations. The Event Management System (EMS) is used at the state level and is run by QFES. At the district level, the Disaster Incident Event Management System (DIEMS) is used and run by QPS. At the local level, a range of systems is used, the most common being Guardian Control, used by around 40 councils. Various other information systems are essential in the sector, such as the Task and Management System (TAMS) used by SES. The agency specific mapping system, Total Operational Mapping (TOM), effectively visible only through QFES staff and their computers, is used to manage and display different pieces of information during disaster events. The Information Exchange Program (IXP) was developed to exchange information between Guardian Control, DIEMS and EMS. Yet, between these systems there is a general lack of sharing information with other systems and agencies. The Debbie experience highlighted three related aspects of Queensland’s information management: reporting, visibility, and interoperability.

This diagram illustrates the interoperability of systems, developed specifically for the sharing of disaster management information between the three levels. Source: Diagram based on information provided by PSBA and QFES.

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The Cyclone Debbie Review

Lessons for delivering value and confidence through trust and empowerment