SUNSHINE Coast Council’s disaster management team recently held a community session with local community members in the Coolum region about the formation of a Community Disaster Resilience Group.

This added tier of community preparedness for when disasters and emergencies strike is in response to the severe storms which lashed the region in November of last year, where it was identified that a local community-led group would be of benefit.

It is early days for the group; however, there are strong examples of similar groups in other areas on the Sunshine Coast, such as the Glasshouse Country Disaster Management Network and the North Shore Community, which is also forming a group that is slightly more advanced than the Coolum-Peregian group.

Purpose
Community Disaster Management Sub-Groups on the Sunshine Coast strengthen community input into all aspects of disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery (PPRR).

While the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) is responsible for maintaining and executing the overall regional disaster management plan, the Community Disaster Management Sub-Group, with local knowledge and resources, will act in the local community’s interests to prepare for and assist the LDMG with a major incident or natural disaster in times when normal outside assistance cannot reach the isolated community. This will be done through communication and guidance with the LDMG.

Structure 
Queensland’s disaster management arrangements are based on a four-tiered approach of providing progressive support and assistance. Community Disaster Management Sub-Groups support the LDMG to function effectively in high-risk areas.

Functions  
1. Ensure preparedness for and with local communities in high-risk areas.
2. Collect local information including the contact details of Community Disaster Management Sub-Group members’ representatives and available resources and equipment for use by the Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) in the event of major emergency events.
3. Be a communication conduit to share information in times of major emergency events, if requested.

More info will be provided to the community following the next meeting. Have a look at the Glasshouse Group to see how these groups work: https://gcdmn.com.au