The Douglas Shire is one of the most disaster-prone regions in Australia. That is why a Dutton LNP Government will fund $5 million towards the construction of a purpose-built disaster coordination, community recovery and resilience centre.
Shadow Emergency Management Minister, Perin Davey, and LNP Candidate for Leichhardt, Jeremy Neal met with Douglas Shire Council today to announce a Dutton LNP Government will contribute $5 million to deliver this project.
“Despite its risk profile, the Douglas Shire does not have a fit-for-purpose emergency management and coordination centre,” Senator Davey said.
“It is testament to the commitment of the council that they have managed repeated disasters from their council offices, but that is not optimal. It is time the region had better infrastructure to support their capacity to manage, respond and recover from natural disasters.”
“This funding will benefit not only the Douglas Shire, but also neighbouring areas and remote communities in the region that often look to the council for help.”
Jeremy Neal said the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper in 2023 are still raw in people’s minds and the experience highlighted the need for fit for purpose facilities.
“Having been involved in disaster response and recovery, I understand the importance of a quick recovery to ensure communities return to normal as soon as possible,” Mr Neal said.
“During the Tropical Cyclone Jasper floods, the Local Disaster Management Group were using the generic board room at the local council chambers. We want to improve the response and recovery phases by having a designated centre to work from.
“I have been fighting for funding for this Resilience Centre and am proud to announce this commitment from the LNP today, which recognises the need for this facility.
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the Douglas Shire urgently required a purpose-built centre to provide coordinated support during and after cyclones, flooding and other crises.
“The impacts of Tropical Cyclone Jasper highlighted many deficiencies and vulnerabilities, severely disrupting disaster management efforts,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Disaster coordination efforts were conducted from the Douglas Shire Council Chambers at Mossman; a facility with structural disaster management weaknesses, inadequate space, inadequate communications and power continuity, minimal self-sustainment, and with no community accessible facilities for recovery and resilience building activities.
“Establishing the Douglas Shire Disaster Coordination, Community Recovery, and Resilience Centre is a critical investment in ensuring faster, more effective disaster response, reducing economic and social disruption, and strengthening community resilience.
“It would also have the capability to serve as a primary backup site for neighbouring councils during a disaster.”
This commitment is part of the LNP’s plan to strengthen our local communities and get Australia back on track.