The Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM) is set to conduct a review of weather events from the 2023-24 Severe Weather Season, which will inform Queensland as it prepares for future natural disasters.
The review will include the severe storms, tropical cyclones, tropical lows, flooding and bushfires and will also include any other significant weather events that occur prior to the conclusion of the severe weather season.
The Review will identify enhancements to inform and ensure continuous improvement in Queensland disaster management arrangements.
IGEM is expected to also engage with impacted communities and consider the views of community members.
An interim IGEM report is expected by 30 July 2024.
The final Review Report is to be provided by 30 September 2024.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that Queensland is the most disaster-affected state in the country.
“That means we are better prepared in Queensland for disaster response than anywhere else in the world,” Premier Miles said.
“People literally travel from around the world to look at our response systems.
“Our first responders always do an amazing job, when faced with disaster, but we know we can always do better which is why we undertake these reviews.
“I look forward to the outcomes.”
Queensland Minister for Police, Mark Ryan, said that Queensland has a long history of dealing with severe weather events but that doesn’t mean that it can’t continue to refine and improve the way it responds to forces of nature.
“This review will examine Queensland’s responses and practices in relation to the most recent severe weather season to identify any possible improvements in the way we deal with extreme events,” Minister Ryan said.
“Queensland’s office of the Inspector-General Emergency Management leads the nation and is being closely looked at by other states and territories.
“I look forward to receiving the IGEM report and any recommendations that may accompany it.”
Acting Police Commissioner, Steve Gollschewski, said that it’s important that reviews of this nature take place because responders can always seek new and better ways to support Queenslanders when natural disasters strike.
“I know Queenslanders are resilient and have plenty of practice at recovering from severe weather events, but anything we can do to minimise the harm and damage and speed up and improve the recovery process is very worthwhile.”
