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2009 Victorian Bushfires update On 31 July 2010 the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC) handed down its Final Report (Final Report). The Report makes 67 recommendations in the areas of Bushfire Safety Policy; Emergency and Incident Management; Fireground Response; Electricity caused fires; Deliberately lit fires; Planning and Building; Land and fuel management; Organisational Structure; Research and evaluation, monitorin
Bureau of Meteorology briefing Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Regional Director Mr Jim Davidson briefed Cabinet on the Queensland summer weather forecast. Mr Davidson said that Queensland could experience up to six cyclones over summer and well above average rainfalls. Mr Davidson said that historically Queensland could expect an average of four cyclones a season in the Coral Sea. While the number could be potentially higher, the
Declaration of the township of Grantham as a reconstruction area The purpose of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Regulation 2011 is to declare the Grantham area a reconstruction area to facilitate effective and timely rebuilding following severe damage to the region in January’s extreme weather events. As a result of the devastating flash flooding in Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley, and then the flooding in Brisbane and Ipswich in January 2011, the Qu
second submission to commission of inquiry 2010-2011 flood events Following the flooding events of December 2010 and January 2011, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry was established to consider flood preparedness, planning and responses. The Commission was directed to provide an interim report by 1 August 2011 containing recommendations relating to flood preparedness for the 2011/2012 wet season. The Commission was also directed to provide a final repo
Qld Government response to the Qld Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report On 1 August 2011, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry released its Interim Report. The Commission undertook a comprehensive review of Queensland’s disaster management arrangements and the emergency response to the floods. The Report focused on flood preparedness to enable early recommendations to be implemented before the next wet season. The Report made 175 recommendations, 104 of which a
Qld Reconstruction Authority Amendment Regulation 2011 The purpose of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Amendment Regulation 2011 is to enable the Development Scheme for the Grantham Reconstruction Area to take effect. On 8 April 2011, to support the request of the Council and to fast-track the rebuilding efforts at Grantham, Grantham was declared a Reconstruction Area by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Regulation 2011. The declaratio
Queensland Reconstruction Authority Bill 2011 Queensland experienced significant and widespread flooding over large areas of the State during December 2010 and January 2011, culminating in approximately 70% of the State being subject to disaster area declarations affecting 60% of Queensland’s population. Tropical Cyclone Yasi crossed the Queensland coast as a category 5 severe tropical cyclone on 2 February 2011 and moved inland on 3 Februar
Govt submission on flood events to Commission of Inquiry Following the flooding events of December 2010 and January 2011, a Commission of Inquiry was established on 17 January 2011 by the Governor in Council. The Commission was established with Justice Catherine Holmes appointed as Commissioner and Mr Jim O’Sullivan AC and Mr Phil Cummins appointed as deputies. The Commission will provide an interim report by 1 August 2011 containing recommendations t
Disaster Readiness Update - November 2011 On 17 January 2011, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry was established to examine Queensland’s flooding disaster of 2010-11. On 1 August 2011, the Commission released the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report (the Interim Report). The Interim Report made 175 recommendations, of which 105 apply to the Queensland Government, 60 apply to local government and six apply to the
Disaster Readiness Amendment Bill 2011 On 1 August 2011, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry released its Interim Report, which made 175 recommendations focused on flood preparedness before the next wet season. On 23 August 2011, the Premier and Minister for Reconstruction released the Queensland Government Response to the Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report, which supported all recommendations relevant to the State G
Bureau of Meteorology Presentation on the Seasonal Outlook for Queensland Cabinet was given a presentation on the seasonal weather outlook by Mr Bruce Gunn and Mr Jim Davidson from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The BoM briefing included: La Niña indicators much weaker than at this point in 2010. A borderline neutral/La Niña summer is less favourable for widespread above median rain than last year’s rain. An above average 2011-12 fire season over much of Queensland
Floods Comm of Inquiry Interim report implementation progress Sep11 On 1 August 2011, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry released its Interim Report which focused on flood preparedness to enable early recommendations to be implemented before the next wet season. On 23 August 2011, the Premier and Minister for Reconstruction released the Queensland Government Response to the Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report, which supported all recommendations r
Summer Disaster Readiness 2012-13 It has been almost two years since Queensland experienced its summer of disasters. Based on the lessons learned from that time, preparation for the wet season commenced well in advance of the summer period. All departments have been undertaking disaster preparedness activities across the four major disaster management phases of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Cabinet considered Qu
Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry - Implementation Progress as at 31 August 2012 On 16 March 2012, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry (the Commission) delivered its Final Report into the 2010-11 floods. The Final Report contains 177 recommendations covering a broad range of matters relating to the 2010-11 floods, including the management of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood event, floodplain management, land use planning, performance of private insurers, management of ab
Bureau of Meteorology Briefing Cabinet was given a presentation on the seasonal weather outlook by Mr Rob Webb from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). The BoM briefing included: General conditions indicate neutral conditions bordering on El Nino. Generally expect a typical wet season. Return to normal thunderstorm season – more hail and wind storms in South East Queensland compared with previous two years. Expect typical perio
Ministerial Advisory Council for Flood Mitigation A flood mitigation manual sets out the objectives and operational procedures for a flood mitigation dam during a flood event. The Final Report of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry (the Commission) recommended that the Queensland Government should amend the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 to designate the Minister as the person who must approve a flood mitigation manual (Re
Qld Floods Commission of Inquiry implementation progress 28 February 2013 On 16 March 2012, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry delivered its Final Report into the 2010-11 floods. The Final Report contains 177 recommendations covering a broad range of matters relating to the 2010-11 floods, including the management of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood event, floodplain management, land use planning, performance of private insurers, management of abandoned and opera
Inter-Governmental Agreement on National Drought Program Reform A review of the National Drought Program (NDP) has been underway since 2008. The Commonwealth and State and Territory Ministers for agricultures’ Standing Council on Primary Industries (SCoPI) are leading the reform process. SCoPI has endorsed policy principles to guide the development of a new program to help farmers move from ‘crisis’ management to ‘risk’ management. A new NDP aims to improve
Qld Floods Commission of Inquiry Implementation Update Aug13 On 16 March 2012, the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry delivered its Final Report into the 2010-11 floods. The Final Report contains 177 recommendations covering a broad range of matters relating to the 2010-11 floods, including the management of Wivenhoe Dam during the flood event, floodplain management, land use planning, performance of private insurers, management of abandoned and opera
Summer Disaster Readiness 2013-14 Following the 2011 summer of disasters and the 2013 ex Tropical Cyclone (TC) Oswald flooding events there have been significant learnings for disaster management in Queensland and, as a result, preparation for the wet season has commenced well in advance of the summer period. The Queensland Government is taking steps to ensure that the consequences of disaster events will be reduced and, for those
Qld Reconstruction Authority Bill 2013 In January 2013, ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald and an associated monsoon trough passed over parts of Queensland and New South Wales over a number of days, causing widespread impact including severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Following these disasters, the recovery and reconstruction of affected communities is an immediate priority. However, there will also be a strong focus on building Queensla
Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act 1992 Severe drought and extensive wildfire across much of western and northern Queensland in early 2013 has resulted in the loss of fodder and extreme hardship for many graziers. Drought declarations are in place for 13 local government areas covering about a third of the state. In addition to a range of drought relief measures already available to affected graziers, the Queensland Government is lookin
2013 Drought Assistance Package Northern and western Queensland is currently experiencing very dry conditions. These conditions led to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry declaring drought in the council areas of Etheridge, Croydon, Carpentaria, Burke, Doomadgee, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Flinders, Boulia, Diamantina, Murweh and Paroo, effective 1 April 2013. This is equivalent to one third of Queensland’s land area.
Response to Private Members Bill Criminal Code Looting in Declared Areas The Member for Yeerongpilly introduced the Criminal Code (Looting in Declared Areas) Amendment Bill 2013 as a Private Member’s Bill in March 2013. The Explanatory Notes to the Bill indicate that the primary objective of the Bill is to amend Queensland’s Criminal Code to insert new item 13A (Stealing by looting in a declared area) into existing section 398, which sets the punishment regime for the
North Pine Dam Optimisation Study draft report - public consultation The North Pine Dam Optimisation Study implements recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry. The optimisation study identified and assessed potential improvements to the operation of the existing dam infrastructure. The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on the report. Cabinet approved the release of the North Pine Dam Optimisation Study Report for public
Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience The Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience has been developed by the Queensland Government to define resilience and to provide strategic direction to achieve the government’s vision for resilience across all sectors: community, economy, natural environment and the built environment. Cabinet endorsed the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience and approved the strategy for official release
Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams Optimisation Study Stage 1 draft report - public consultation The Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams Optimisation Study implements recommendations of the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry. The optimisation study identified and assessed potential improvements to the operation of the existing dam infrastructure. The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on the report. Cabinet approved the release of the Wivenhoe and Somerset Dam Optimisation S
Appointment of the QRAA Board QRAA is a statutory authority established under the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994. Its main function is to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland. This includes assistance schemes under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (for example cyclone and flood recovery schemes) and
Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Progress Report April 2015 The destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flood events of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia (TC Marcia), which crossed the Queensland coast on 20 February 2015, have had a catastrophic effect on many Queensland communities. The scale and scope of damage from TC Marcia has seen the activation of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in 19 local government areas. The monthly rep
Appointments to Queensland Reconstruction Board The Queensland Reconstruction Board is established under section 28 of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011. As set out in section 29 of the Act, the functions of the Board are as follows. to set the strategic priorities for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority; to make recommendations to the Minister responsible for the Act about: priorities for community infrastructure, other pro
Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Progress Report December 2015 Report The destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flood events of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia (TC Marcia), which crossed the Queensland coast on 20 February 2015, have had a catastrophic effect on many Queensland communities. The scale and scope of damage from TC Marcia has seen the activation of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in 19 local government areas. The reports on
Appointments to Queensland Reconstruction Authority Board The Queensland Reconstruction Board is established under section 28 of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011. As set out in section 29 of the Act, the functions of the Board are as follows: to set the strategic priorities for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority; to make recommendations to the Minister responsible for the Act about: priorities for community infrastructure, other pro
Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Monthly Progress Report June 2015 The destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flood events of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia (TC Marcia), which crossed the Queensland coast on 20 February 2015, have had a catastrophic effect on many Queensland communities. The scale and scope of damage from TC Marcia has seen the activation of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in 19 local government areas. The monthly re
Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Plan Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia (TC Marcia) crossed the Queensland coast near Shoalwater Bay, north of Yeppoon as a Category 5 cyclone at approximately 8.00 am on the morning of Friday, 20 February 2015. The cyclone moved in a southerly direction, weakening and impacting many communities within its path. The scale and scope of damage as a result of TC Marcia saw the activation of the Natural Disas
Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Planning The destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flood events of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Marcia have had a catastrophic effect on many Queensland communities, with the most severe impacts centred on Rockhampton, Biloela and Yeppoon. The scale and scope of damage as a result of TC Marcia has seen the activation of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements in the local government areas of Rockha
Grantham Commission of Inquiry There have been public calls from Grantham residents and the Mayor of the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Steve Jones AM, for a new inquiry into the flooding of the Lockyer Creek between Helidon and Grantham on 10 January 2011. A Commission of Inquiry will be established into the flooding of the Lockyer Creek between Helidon and Grantham on 10 January 2011. The focus of the Commission of Inquiry
Tropical Cyclone Marcia Recovery Monthly Progress Report May 2015 The destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flood events of Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia (TC Marcia), which crossed the Queensland coast on 20 February 2015, have had a catastrophic effect on many Queensland communities. The scale and scope of damage from TC Marcia has seen the activation of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in 19 local government areas. The monthly rep
Report from the Grantham Floods Commission of Inquiry The Grantham Floods Commission of Inquiry (COI) was established on 11 May 2015 focusing on the impact of the Grantham quarry and any man-made or natural features, on the flooding of Grantham on 10 January 2011. The COI made findings against five specific terms of reference: The flooding of the Lockyer Creek between Helidon and Grantham on 10 January 2011 with specific reference to any natural or
Appointments to QRAA Board QRAA is a statutory body established under the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994. QRAA’s main function is to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland. This includes assistance schemes under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (for example cyclone and flood recovery schemes) and the
Bundaberg Flood Scoping Study After ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald devastated the Bundaberg Region in January 2013, Bundaberg Regional Council (the Council) established the Burnett River Floodplain Action Plan Community Reference Group to develop the Burnett River Floodplain Action Plan. The Council engaged international services provider GHD who undertook an analysis of the Reference Group’s final report and identified measures/o
Implementation Update on the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry Recommendations The Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry was established on 17 January 2011 with broad-ranging powers to investigate the 2010-2011 floods. The Final Report was provided on 16 March 2012, from which 177 recommendations were made, with 123 within State responsibilities. As of October 2015, 117 recommendations within state responsibilities had been completed, with six recommendations remaining. Th
Independent review of Moreton Bay Rail project flood event In May 2015, South East Queensland experienced an extreme weather event with some communities, including those within the Moreton Bay Rail (MBR) project area, receiving in excess of 300 millimetres of rain within three hours. The Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade announced on 5 May 2015 an immediate independent
Summer Season Disaster Readiness 2016-17 Prior to and during the summer season, the Government ensures they are prepared to support the community and continue to deliver government services in times of natural disaster. The preparatory work undertaken by Government agencies has been informed by reviews of recent natural disasters. The Queensland Government readiness and preparedness for the summer seasons aims to ensure consistent servic
Appointment of a Member of the Queensland Reconstruction Board The Queensland Reconstruction Board is established under section 28 of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011. As set out in section 29 of the Act, the functions of the Board are as follows. to set the strategic priorities for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority; to make recommendations to the Minister responsible for the Act about: priorities for community infrastructure, other pro
Water Legislation (Dam Safety) Amendment Bill 2016 The Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) undertook a review into SunWater and Seqwater’s Warnings Communications at the request of the Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports, Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply. One of the recommendations of the review was that the legislation and guidelines should be reviewed to ensure consistency and define key terms. The Water Le
Government response to Agriculture and Environment Committee Report No 29 Review of Drought Relief Assistance Scheme The Agriculture and Environment Committee has undertaken a review of the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme (DRAS) in accordance with its public accounts responsibilities under the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001. On 3 January 2017, the Committee tabled its report with five recommendations for the Government. The Committee recommended that the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries develop an upd
Brisbane River Catchment Flood Studies - Flood Study public release The Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry Final Report, released in March 2012, recommended a comprehensive flood study of the Brisbane River catchment to assess the probability, extent and characteristics of different floods across the floodplain. The Brisbane River Catchment Flood Study (the Flood Study) will provide a greater understanding of the Brisbane River’s behaviour across four council
Overview of State Recovery Plan 2017-19 Operation Queensland Recovery Severe Tropical Cyclone (STC) Debbie reached Category 4 severity and crossed the Queensland coast at Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach on Tuesday 28 March 2017 and its impacts have affected a significant part of the state resulting in widespread damage to public and private infrastructure, flooding and the closure of universities, schools and child care centres. On 28 March 2017, Townsville-based
Overview of impacts of Tropical Cyclone Debbie Tropical Cyclone Debbie (TC Debbie) reached Category 4 severity and crossed the Queensland Coast at Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach on Tuesday 28 March 2017. After being downgraded to a tropical low, the weather system continued to deliver significant rainfall and destructive winds across South Queensland through Wednesday 29 March and Thursday 30 March 2017. The impacts of TC Debbie have affect
Summer Season Disaster Readiness 2017-18 In the lead up to Queensland’s summer season, Queensland Government agencies work to ensure they are prepared to support the community, while continuing to deliver necessary services in a severe weather event. To ensure the readiness to prepare for, respond to and recover from impacts of natural disasters, Queensland’s Government agencies have been reviewing internal processes and ensuring their
Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2017 The Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2017 (the Strategy) has been developed in line with international best practice and seeks to incorporate the considerable knowledge and experience that already exists across government and non-government organisations to deliver a comprehensive and coordinated all-hazards approach to building disaster resilience throughout Queensland. The Strategy wi
Appointment of directors of the QRAA Board QRAA is a statutory body established under the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994. Its main function is to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland. This includes assistance schemes under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (for example cyclone and flood recovery schemes) and the Pr
Appointments to Queensland Reconstruction Authority Board The Queensland Reconstruction Board is established under section 28 of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011. As set out in section 29 of the Act, the functions of the Board are as follows: to set the strategic priorities for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority; to make recommendations to the Minister responsible for the Act about: priorities for community infrastructure, other pro
Bushfire Season Outlook The State Natural Hazard Risk Assessment recognises bushfire as one of the natural hazard risk priorities for 2017, with bushfire a frequently occurring event in Queensland. The 2017-18 bushfire season in Queensland is expected to be challenging, with seasonal weather conditions being much drier and warmer than average. To prepare for the bushfire season, Operation Cool Burn focusses on mitigatio
Tropical Cyclone Debbie Review Tropical Cyclone Debbie (TC Debbie) reached Category 4 severity and crossed the Queensland Coast at Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach on Tuesday 28 March 2017. After being downgraded to a tropical low, the weather system continued to deliver significant rainfall and destructive winds across South Queensland through Wednesday 29 March and Thursday 30 March 2017. Flooding higher than the levels exper
Callide Valley Flood Mitigation Study The Callide Valley Flood Mitigation Study was prepared jointly by SunWater and the former Department of Energy and Water Supply. The study was in response to the Inspector-General Emergency Management 2015 Callide Creek Flood Review. The study was to determine whether it is feasible to operate Callide Dam as a flood mitigation dam and whether there are alternative measures to effect improved commu
Resilient Queensland 2018-21 - Delivering the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience Resilient Queensland 2018–21 – Delivering the Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience (Resilient Queensland) seeks to incorporate the considerable knowledge and experience that already exists across government and non-government organisations to deliver a comprehensive and coordinated all-hazards approach to building disaster resilience throughout Queensland. Resilient Queensland is a road map
Disaster Management (QDMC Membership) Amendment Regulation 2018 The Disaster Management Act 2003 (the DMA) creates a State disaster management framework that is based on State, district and local levels of disaster management. The Disaster Management Regulation 2014 (the Regulation) prescribes the membership, business, meetings and other matters for the State, district and local disaster management groups and prescribes the disaster districts. Sections 17 and
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements Since the release of the Productivity Commission’s 2015 report on national natural disaster funding arrangements, the Australian Government has hosted twelve national funding reform workshops with states and territories to establish a preferred funding model, including respective capability requirements, transition timeframes, and resource commitments. The Australian Government provided jurisdicti
Summer Season Disaster Readiness 2018-19 In the lead up to Queensland’s summer season, Queensland Government agencies work to ensure they are prepared to support the community, while continuing to deliver necessary services in a severe weather event. Preparation for the 2018-19 summer season is well underway. Queensland Government agencies are prepared and ready for the summer season and this preparation aims to ensure consistent servic
Brisbane River Floodplain Strategic Management Plan The Brisbane River Strategic Floodplain Management Plan (the strategic plan) establishes key actions to strengthen the flood resilience of communities living, working and visiting the Brisbane River floodplain. The floods experienced across Queensland in 2010–11 were the catalyst for change in how we understand our flood risk and plan for the future. The Brisbane River Catchment Flood Study and th
Appointments to Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority Board The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority Board (QRIDA) is a statutory body established under the Rural and Regional Adjustment Act 1994. Its main function is to administer assistance schemes that foster the development of a more productive and sustainable rural and regional sector in Queensland. This includes: administering the Queensland Government's primary industries productivi
Queensland Drought Program Reform The Queensland Government committed to review drought programs and assistance in Queensland for future droughts. In August 2018, an independent expert panel comprised of Ms Ruth Wade and Mr Charles Burke was engaged to look at what could be done in preparation for and during future droughts through a Drought Program Review. The Independent Panel held regional forums and sought written submissions
Government Response to 2019 Monsoon Trough Rainfall and Flood Review - Report 3 2018-19 The Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) undertook a review of the effectiveness of Queensland’s disaster management system in preparing for and responding to the Monsoon Trough Rainfall and Flood event in Queensland. The review sought feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders including from disaster management agencies, local government, non-government organisations and impacted co
Government Response to 2018 Queensland Bushfires Review Report 2 - 2018-19 The Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM) undertook a review of the effectiveness of Queensland’s disaster management system in preparing for and responding to the major bushfires and heatwave that occurred in November and December 2018. The review sought feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders including from disaster management agencies, local government, non-government organisations
Economic recovery response to North and North West Queensland Monsoon Trough 2019 From late January to mid-February 2019, a monsoonal trough generated exceptional rainfall and flooding across much of northern Queensland. This extraordinary event resulted in disaster declarations in 37 local government areas and activation of Queensland’s disaster management arrangements. The extent of the disaster meant data to inform a full economic assessment of its impact was yet to be obtai
North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough - State Recovery Plan 2019-2021 The North and Far North Queensland Monsoon Trough, 25 January to 14 February 2019 (the monsoon trough) was a disaster of national significance causing catastrophic damage and losses to communities across North, Far North and North West Queensland. Thirty-nine local government areas (LGAs) have been activated for joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) assistance und
2019 Bushfire Season Preparedness Traditionally, the bushfire season in Queensland commences in the north of the State in August and concludes in December of each year, dependent on seasonal conditions. A number of factors can influence the length and severity of the bushfire season including the timing and nature of the previous wet season and the current climate outlook. The 2019 bushfire season officially commenced on 1 August
Summer Season Disaster Readiness 2019-20 Prior to, and during the summer season, Queensland Government agencies work to ensure they are prepared to support the community, while continuing to deliver necessary services in a severe weather event. The Queensland Government preparation for the 2019-20 summer season aims to ensure consistent service delivery and community support before, during and following a natural disaster. So far in 201
Appointments to Queensland Reconstruction Board The Queensland Reconstruction Board is established under the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011 (QRA Act). The functions of the Queensland Reconstruction Board under the QRA Act are to: set the strategic priorities for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA); make recommendations to the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning about: priorities for
Establishment of Paradise Dam Commission of Inquiry Engineering investigations of Paradise Dam have identified a number of structural and stability issues that, in the event of a 1-in-200 year flood, may cause the dam to fail. The Government has responded by reducing the volume of water in the dam and preparing to undertake works to lower the dam spillway in 2020. A Commission of Inquiry will be established into the design, construction and commis
Disease test orders for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) The amendments to the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 provide a legislative framework for police to apply to a magistrate for a disease test order to have a person tested for COVID-19. This will apply in circumstances where a person wilfully coughs, spits or sneezes at or on another person and has been arrested for a relevant assault offence under the Criminal Code. The disease test or
Drought Impact In August 2019, 65 per cent of Queensland was drought declared under State Government processes (32 shires and four part shires). This was down from 88.7 per cent in early 2017, however, some shires had been drought declared since mid-2013. Rainfall across many parts of southern Queensland over the past 12-24 months had been extremely low. The August to October 2019 climate outlook suggested a dri
Queensland Bushfires Review Report 2 - 2019-20 The Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM) undertook further monitoring of Queensland’s disaster management arrangements with regard to the Sarabah, Stanthorpe and Peregian Springs bushfires in September 2019, through the Queensland Bushfires Review Report 2: 2019-20. The review was undertaken with consideration of the recommendations from the 2018 Queensland Bushfires Review Report 2: 2018
Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020 The Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020 allows a declared public health emergency to be extended by regulation for periods of up to 90 days. This will allow the Queensland Government to communicate with certainty about public health emergency arrangements up to 90 days in advance. The Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020 includes
COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 On 29 January 2020, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services declared a public health emergency in relation to the outbreak of COVID-19. Following the Public Health and Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Bill 2020 (the Bill) represents a second and whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bill inclu
Amendments to Parliament of Queensland Act The laws, practices and procedures of the Legislative Assembly assume that the business of the Assembly will be conducted by members being physically present during sittings. Amendments to these provisions are necessary to enable the Assembly to meet by electronic means during the current COVID-19 public health emergency. The Bill makes legislative amendments to allow the Queensland Legislative As
2020 Bushfire Season Outlook Traditionally, the bushfire season in Queensland commences in the north of the State in August and concludes in December of each year, dependent on seasonal conditions. A number of factors can influence the length and severity of the bushfire season including the timing and nature of the previous wet season and the current climate outlook. It is anticipated that Queensland will experience above me
Amendments to the Public Health Act 2005 On 29 January 2020, a public health emergency was declared under section 319 of the Public Health Act 2005 for COVID-19. Since 28 March 2020, a public health direction made by the Chief Health Officer has been in place requiring anyone arriving in Queensland from overseas to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days in a hotel or other premises nominated by an emergency officer for the Public Health
Conduct of Executive Council Meetings On 11 March 2020, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was characterised as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. The Queensland Government has undertaken extensive activities to prepare for the impact of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of all Queenslanders. The ability for meetings of the Executive Council to be conducted by technological means has been identified as an
Further extension of declared public health emergency for COVID-19 Under the Public Health Act 2005, a declared public health emergency will lapse unless it is extended by a regulation. The public health emergency declared on 29 January 2020, and most recently extended by the Public Health (Further Extension of Declared Public Health Emergency– COVID-19) Regulation (No. 3) 2020, was due to expire on 17 August 2020 unless further extended by regulation. To ensure
Amendments to Health legislation to create position of Deputy Chief Health Officer The amendments to the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 create the position of Deputy Chief Health Officer to support the Chief Health Officer in exercising the Chief Health Officer’s functions under the Public Health Act 2005 during the COVID-19 emergency and afterwards. The amendments to the Public Health Act 2005: allow the Chief Health Officer to delegate some COVID-19 emergency powers to th
Monsoon Trough Rainfall and Flood Review Implementation Progress In January 2019, northern Queensland had an extended period of heavy rainfall as a result of an intense, slow moving monsoon and tropical lows, which cut off communities, devastated the livestock industry and destroyed infrastructure, homes and businesses. In February 2019 the Inspector-General of Emergency Management undertook a review of the effectiveness of Queensland’s disaster management syst
Storm and Cyclone Season Preparedness 2020-2021 Each year, prior to, and during the summer storm and cyclone season, Queensland Government agencies and non-government organisations work proactively to ensure they are prepared to support the community and continue to deliver government services in times of natural disasters. Ahead of the 2020-21 storm and cyclone season, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised that Queensland may experience
Personal Protective Equipment and Other Essential Products Directions Statement The COVID-19 global pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains for hygiene personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential products. Queensland responded well to the COVID-19 emergency with Queensland manufacturers pivoting their operations to address PPE shortages. To protect Queensland against future supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and other pandemics and ensure tha
Government response to Paradise Dam Commission of Inquiry The Paradise Dam Commission of Inquiry (Commission) was established on 6 December 2019 to inquire into the root causes of structural and stability issues identified in engineering and technical studies conducted between 30 January 2013 and 30 November 2019 on Paradise Dam (the Dam). The Commission delivered its report to the Premier and Minister for Trade and the Minister for Natural Resources, Mi
Queensland Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Capability Nationally, the 2019–20 bushfire season was catastrophic, with lives lost, properties destroyed and millions of hectares of land scorched. While New South Wales and Victoria were hardest hit, Queensland communities were also impacted, most significantly in the south and east of the state. Between September and December 2019, 14 local government areas were activated for assistance under the Disas
Extension of COVID-19 related commercial leasing measures On 7 April 2020, the National Cabinet agreed to a Mandatory Code of Conduct – SME Commercial Leasing Principles During COVID-19 (National Code) which provides for good faith leasing principles for negotiations between landlords and tenants to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are impacted by social distancing measures and business closures in response to the COVID-19 public health
Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker Programme in Queensland Queensland’s agribusiness and commercial fisheries are heavily reliant on seasonal workers. The Queensland horticulture sector alone needs, on average, between 15,000 and 17,000 casual and contract full time equivalent (FTE) workers each month during a good season. In a typical year, visa holders may provide up to 40% of farm labour. A shortage of seasonal farm workers has been developing since in
Government response to the Commonwealth Committee review of the operation of the National Emergency Declaration Act 2020 The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements recommended that the Commonwealth Government should create a legislative mechanism for the making of a declaration of a state of national emergency. To implement this recommendation, the National Emergency Declaration Act 2020 (Cth) (National Declaration Act) provides for the Governor-General to make a national emergency declaration
Flood Risk Management Framework and Strategic Flood Warning Infrastructure Plan Flooding causes more damage in Queensland than any other natural hazard, and effective and strategic flood risk management is important for the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability of Queensland. Flood risk management is a multi-disciplinary endeavour. Across Queensland, flood risk management is based on a decentralised model with roles and responsibilities shared across Com
Response to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (the RCNNDA) was established on 20 February 2020 in response to the extreme bushfire season of 2019–20 which resulted in loss of life, property and wildlife and environmental destruction. The RCNNDA presented its Report (the Report) to the Australian Governor-General on 28 October 2020, making 80 recommendations. The Report found t
Review into the 2022 South East Queensland Rainfall and Flood event Between 22 February to 7 March 2022, South East Queensland experienced a significant rainfall and flooding event. Intense rainfall led to flash flooding and riverine flooding across large areas of South East Queensland and the Sunshine Coast, as well as parts of New South Wales. During the event period, there were 13,105 requests for assistance to the State Emergency Services to assist with storm
2021–22 Southern Queensland Floods State Recovery and Resilience Plan 2022–24 Queensland is the most disaster-exposed state in Australia, with more than 90 natural disasters occurring across the state over the last decade, with flooding causing more damage in Queensland than any other natural hazard. The disaster season across the summer of 2021–22 saw four significant rainfall and flooding events resulting in catastrophic impacts across southern Queensland communities. The
Queensland Strategy for Disaster Resilience 2022-2027 The Queensland Government is committed to strengthening disaster resilience so our communities are better equipped to deal with the increasing prevalence of natural disasters. Queensland is the most disaster affected state in Australia. Since 2011, Queensland has experienced 97 significant natural disasters, including floods, severe weather events, cyclones and bushfires, with more than $20 billio
2021-22 Storm and Cyclone Season Preparedness and Other Matters Ahead of the 2021-22 storm and cyclone season, Queensland may experience above median rainfall for most of Queensland with above median maximum temperatures for tropical far north Queensland and below median maximum temperatures for the remainder of the State. Minimum temperatures for September to November are very likely to be warmer than median for most of Queensland. The El NiñoSouthern Oscill
2022-2023 Severe Weather Season Preparedness Queensland’s severe weather season traditionally commences on 1 November and concludes on 30 April each year. The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated in their seasonal climate outlooks that there will be an increased risk of flooding across Queensland over the coming months given the outlook for above median rainfall in combination with the many already wet catchments across the state. La Niña is
Progress Update-Response to South East Queensland Rainfall and flooding event On 15 March 2022, the Premier and Minister for the Olympics announced that the Office of the Inspector-General of Emergency Management would undertake a review of the South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding Event in February-March 2022. The South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding Event February-March 2022 Review Report 1: 2022-2023 (the Review Report) was delivered to the Minister for Pol
Response to South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding Event February to March 2022 Report 1 Over the course of 22 February 2022 to 7 March 2022, South East Queensland experienced a significant rainfall and flooding event. Intense rainfall led to flash flooding and riverine flooding across large areas of South East Queensland and the Sunshine Coast. It is estimated that approximately one-tenth of the state’s total population were directly affected in some way. Tragically 13 people lost th
Response to Review of Queensland’s Disaster Management Arrangements Report 2 - 2022-2023 On 14 December 2022, the Government requested the Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) review Queensland’s disaster management arrangements and propose any necessary legislative reforms and updates to the State Disaster Management Plan. The IGEM delivered the Review of Queensland’s Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA) Report 2: 2022-2023 on 28 April 2023. The IGEM Review of Queensla
2023-24 Severe Weather Season Preparedness Queensland’s severe weather season traditionally commences on 1 November and concludes on 30 April each year. The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast for the 2023-24 severe weather season indicates that there is a high chance of unusually warm temperatures for most of Australia until February 2024, with increased bushfire risk due to heat and below median rainfall for much of Australia, in
Our Thriving Digital Future Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy recognises the role of digital in our state’s economic future. Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy is Queensland’s next step towards a strong and vibrant digital economy, addressing priorities across digital inclusion, connectivity (particularly for our regions), building digital capability across the
2023-24 Bushfire Season Preparedness A number of factors can influence the length and severity of the bushfire season, including the timing and nature of the previous wet season and the current climate outlook. The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Winter 2023 suggests that most of Australia shows normal fire potential during the outlook period, however, notes that destructive and deadly fires can still occur during normal bushfire season. I
Emergency Services Reform Amendment package The Emergency Services Reform Amendment package is the first stage of emergency service and disaster management reforms being undertaken to meet recommendations made in the following reviews: the ‘Independent review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ and the ‘Review of Queensland’s Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA)’. The Emergency Services Reform Amendment package involves: establish
Disaster Management OLAB 2024 The Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) is the second stage of emergency service and disaster management reforms being undertaken to meet recommendations made in the following reviews: the Independent Review of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services by KPMG International Limited; and the Inspector-General of Emergency Management Review of Queensland’s Disaster