Noosa Council’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) which opened on Monday “stands as a testament to our commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that we are always ready to face the unexpected,” Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said.
The LDCC features the latest technology and resources to ensure efficient and coordinated responses against both natural and man-made disasters.
Officially opened in front of dignitaries and emergency services officers the LDCC brought together all levels government through more than $380,000 of joint funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Local Recovery and Resilience Grants program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), and more than $88,000 contributed by Noosa Shire Council.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the centre, located at the Noosa Council Depot in Noosaville, represented a major step forward in how Noosa prepared for and responded to the challenges faced during times of disaster.
“Noosa has always been a place of natural beauty but we are also a region that faces significant risks from natural disasters. From bushfires to floods, our community has experienced firsthand the devastating impacts these events can bring,” he said.
“This facility will serve as the heart of our emergency response efforts. Equipped with modern technology, it will enable us to coordinate resources, communicate effectively, and respond swiftly to any situation.”
Ms Bolton said the centre would be at the heart of efforts to coordinate both a response to a natural disaster and manage the recovery afterwards.
“Knowing that we now have this facility in place brings immense reassurance. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in facing the challenges that may come our way,” she said.
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood described the facility as a wonderful example of the QRA’s commitment to building resilience in action.
“This centre is more than just a building, it’s a hub that will empower Noosa to respond to emergencies with precision and coordination,” he said.
“The speed and effectiveness of our response during times of crisis can make a huge difference in how effectively our community handles and recovers from them. This centre will provide the infrastructure needed to ensure the people of Noosa can face disasters with greater confidence, knowing their safety is in capable hands.”
The LDCC was created using two repurposed school buildings and fitted out with the latest in emergency response technology.
Inside, it houses space for Council and emergency services operations, logistics, planning and public relations to work together.
When an LDCC response is stood up it’s where all the coordination happens and at other times it becomes a valuable space for training, planning or debriefing.
Council’s acting disaster manager Sue Lowrie said the facility would be “amazing” for the team. “In the past we had all the computers stored away so when you were stood up you had to get them out, reboot and update. It could take 2-3 hours to get going. Now everything is set up and ready to go,” she said.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the new LDCC would not only strengthen local response capabilities, but also foster collaboration among all levels of government and local agencies to better protect the Noosa community.
Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd said safe Queensland communities were paramount.
“Noosa’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre brings together infrastructure, tools and local expertise to enhance disaster response,” she said.
“The new LDCC builds on Noosa’s resilience and local capability to help the community get back on its feet back sooner after extreme natural disaster events.”
The new centre will serve as the hub for disaster coordination, bringing together various agencies and resources to manage and respond to crises in a unified manner.
