Sunshine Coast Council is set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Community Safety (DCS) with respect to the management of State Emergency Services.
Local Disaster Management Group Chair, Councillor Tim Dwyer said the high level memorandum formalises both council and state responsibilities.
“The MoA is a high level strategic agreement that sets out the responsibilities of both state and local government based on the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 2003,” Cr Dwyer said.
There is also an accompanying schedule that outlines specific local arrangements.
“State Emergency Services (SES) provides an integral service for the community during disasters and played an invaluable role in last week’s wet weather conditions.
“Over a few days the SES responded to about 400 calls with 125 of those coming from Caloundra, 85 from Maroochydore, 81 in Nambour and 53 in Kawana.
“We are glad to see that weather conditions have improved and the Disaster Coordination Centre has not needed to be active since Friday evening.
“In 2011, SES volunteers from the Sunshine Coast dedicated more than 60,000 volunteer hours to assisting the local community.
“SES volunteer time is primarily dedicated to training, storm damage repair, providing search assistance to the police and at community celebrations such as the Caloundra Music Festival and the Mooloolaba New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Local arrangements on the accompanying schedule will be finalised by 30 June in consultation with the SES and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ).
“The MoA means that council will continue to work in partnership with EMQ to provide resources to the Sunshine Coast SES and will not require any increase in operational resourcing above current levels.
“Both council and EMQ provide administrative support and financial assistance to the SES. Council provides the SES with accommodation, vehicles, IT infrastructure, internal furnishings, equipment and fuel. Council also maintains SES buildings and equipment.”