A “flood scenario” tested Ipswich City Council’s emergency management skills in setting up an evacuation centre for “victims” from a neighbouring region.
Infrastructure and Emergency Management Committee Chairperson Cr Cheryl Bromage said the March 1 exercise at the Ipswich Showgrounds involved ICC and Scenic Rim Regional Council officers performing various roles.
“They were briefed on a flood scenario which affected the Scenic Rim Regional Council local government area, resulting in the exhaustion of local capacity for immediate shelter,” she said.
“ICC officers set up an evacuation centre including the registration point for evacuees. SRRC officers role-played affected residents and ICC officers undertook the intake process. ICC officers were exposed to a number of different situations that they needed to resolve.
“Following this the ICC and SRRC conducted a shift changeover where SRRC became responsible for managing the centre and ICC officers role-played evacuees.
“The conduct of the exercise allowed validation of current planning, resourcing and support that would be required during an actual disaster event.
“A key learning during the exercise is that evacuation centres are a place of last resort. Those suffering the trauma of a disaster event will have better outcomes and a more comfortable environment by seeking shelter with family or friends where possible.”
Cr Bromage said the exercise followed a recent review of Severe Tropical Cycle Debbie, which hit Queensland in March 2017, identifying several opportunities for improving response to natural disasters.
“This exercise will improve the response capability of Ipswich City Council in the event that a natural disaster necessitates opening an evacuation centre. It tested plans and procedures, adding to the process of continuous improvement. It also served to strengthen the cooperative ties between neighbouring councils and key partners, which help to increase council’s capacity to respond during an event,” she said.
