Disaster coordination
City of Gold Coast, in conjunction with partner agencies and organisations, coordinates activities during a disaster event to minimise loss of human life, illness and injury to humans, property loss or damage, and damage to the environment. This is achieved through strategic decision making by the Local Disaster Management Group and operational activities coordinated by the Local Disaster Coordination Centre.
Recovering from a disaster event can be a complex and lengthy process, with local government providing essential support to the community-led process. Community-led recovery underpinned by support from community groups, non-government organisations, businesses and all levels of government can achieve rapid restoration and support resilience building. This is achieved through assessment, planning and coordination conducted by the Local Recovery Group.
Local Disaster Management Plan
The Local Disaster Management Plan outlines how we manage disaster risk and coordinate disaster management activities across the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases.
The plan:
- identifies the hazards and risks facing the Gold Coast
- outlines arrangements to reduce and manage disaster impacts
- establishes roles and responsibilities for disaster management
- supports coordinated decision-making and emergency response
- promotes community awareness and preparedness
- guides recovery planning and coordination following disaster events.
Local Disaster Management Group
The Gold Coast Local Disaster Management Group is the primary decision-making body for disaster management at the local level.
Chaired by the Mayor, the group brings together representatives from Council, emergency services and key partner agencies to coordinate preparedness, response and recovery activities before, during and after disasters. Through collaborative planning and decision-making, the group helps minimise impacts on people, property, the environment and the local economy.
The Local Disaster Management Group forms part of Queensland's broader disaster management system, enabling support to be escalated through district and state arrangements when required.
Local Disaster Coordination Centre
The Local Disaster Coordination Centre is our operational hub for coordinating disaster response and recovery activities.
Located within our state-of-the-art Disaster and Emergency Management Centre in Ashmore, it is activated during disasters to assist with information sharing, situational awareness, operational coordination and resource management. The Centre supports the decisions of the Local Disaster Management Group and helps ensure an effective, coordinated response to disaster events.
The Local Disaster Coordination Centre maintains a high state of readiness through ongoing training, exercises, technology and operational planning.
Disaster and Emergency Management Unit
Our Disaster and Emergency Management Unit (DEMU) provides strategic leadership, operational coordination and risk mitigation before, during and after disasters.
The unit works in close collaboration with local, state and national partners to ensure integrated and effective management of disasters. Core responsibilities include operational readiness and coordination, bushfire risk reduction, strategic planning and policy development, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement in disaster preparedness and response.