Redland City Council is continuing to strengthen its disaster response and recovery capability following an independent review into its response to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.
At its December general meeting, Council unanimously endorsed the Tropical Cyclone Alfred After-Action Review, prepared by the Yellow Company, thanked those who contributed to the review, and noted progress already underway on its recommendations.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the review identified a number of strengths in Council’s response and recovery operations during and after the March event.
“In particular, Council’s proactive preparedness was noted,” said the Mayor, who is also chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.
“This included its regular Human and Social Recovery meetings – held during business-as-usual operations – that ensured a well-connected and responsive recovery network when it was needed.
“The review also noted Council’s robust inter-agency collaboration, with 47 agencies contributing to the response, as well as how the Community Champions program continued to serve as a vital conduit between Council and the community during the event.
“The State Disaster Coordination Centre also commended Council’s timely approval and dissemination of emergency alerts.”
The review identified 18 recommendations designed to strengthen Council’s disaster management capability, improve operational efficiency and enhance community resilience.
These include succession planning, clearer roles and responsibilities within the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC), improved training, enhanced communication processes, stronger governance arrangements, and a more seamless transition from response to recovery.
In addition to the formal recommendations, the observations register highlighted several key operational takeaways for future events.
These included the “Need to reduce RCC non LDCC tasks from the LDCC (such as mayors briefings or speaking notes), managing councillor enquiries or similar that can be handled by the Customer Contact Centre” and that the “Overnight team weren’t able to do LDCC work as they were dedicated to making the Mayor’s Briefings – would be better if Mayors Support People/Comms People reused the sitrep to make these briefings- or LDC should work with LDMG Chair to make SDMC briefing info from sitrep, took trained experienced LDCC staff away from being able to work in other teams”.
Mayor Mitchell said all recommendations were informed by stakeholder feedback, operational observations and strategic analysis.
“Each recommendation was informed by stakeholder feedback, operational observations, and strategic analysis,” she said.
“In the months following the cyclone, Council has taken action toward implementing these recommendations, which are at various stages of completion.
“While action will be dependent on resourcing and funding related to the recommendations, Council is committed to continuous improvement that will result in better outcomes for the Redlands Coast community during future disaster events.”
Council officers will continue progressing the recommendations and key learnings to further strengthen preparedness, response and recovery arrangements ahead of future disaster events.
