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Click here to find out moreThe Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference concluded its third and final day on Thursday 22 August 2024, with an emphasis on strengthening partnerships and exploring innovations in disaster management.
The day began with a guided tour of Hinchinbrook’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC), where delegates gained insights into the Shire’s operational capabilities and infrastructure. Council demonstrated the recently refurbished LDCC funded by the Australian Government, as part of the North Queensland Resilience Program.
The highlight of the day was an outdoor field trip to Wallaman Falls, organised in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s Ingham Senior Rangers. The trip provided participants with a unique opportunity to discuss the practicalities of Local Disaster Management Groups working together with State agencies. This was highlighted through stories of evacuations from Wallaman Falls prior to inevitable road closures in times of disaster. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the commentary and were able to marvel at the entire 262 metres of Wallaman Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Attendees shared experiences and best practices, reinforcing the conference theme of "Building a Resilient Community Through Improved Communications." The session emphasised the importance of leveraging local knowledge and partnerships to enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts. Key discussions focused on engaging with contractors for external tasks, showcasing the importance of pre-disaster collaboration to ensure swift and efficient responses when disasters unfold.
As the conference drew to a close, participants reflected on the knowledge gained and the relationships forged over the past three days. The event concluded with a collective commitment to continue innovating and collaborating in the field of disaster management, ensuring communities are better prepared for future challenges.
Image: 2024 Guardian Disaster Management User Group Conference Participants at Wallaman Falls.