The Queensland State Government will spend a total of $76 million over five years to improve disaster response and flood infrastructure management.

 

Tabling the State Governments Response to the Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report in the State Parliament, Premier Anna Bligh said that her government would do all it could to ensure that all possible measures were in place before the next storm season.

 

Additional resources and training to be provided to emergency services staff include:

  • 19 new flood boats by the end of 2011, five more by February next year, and a further 32 following that.
  • A minimum of 18 new Disaster Training courses delivered approximately 400 times across Qld.
  • A total of 2,000 additional participants in the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements Course by 1 November, in addition to the 900 particpants who have completed the course since May.
  • An estimated 200 additional SES volunteers, available for activation by 1 November, following a highly successful SES recruitment campaign which has seen nearly 800 expressions of interest to date
  • A total of 253 swift water rescue technicians (level 2) in place by end of November
  • Personal floatation devices (including for children) and waterproof radios for all frontline personnel during disasters
  • 100 helmet kits for Qld Fire and Rescue Special Operations Unit by 1 November

 

Ms Bligh also announced that a review of the Dam Safety Manual for Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams was already well underway.

 

The State Government has confirmed that a dedicated Delivery Unit had been established within the Department of Premier and Cabinet to ensure that each Agency, GOC and Statuory Authority was doing everything possible to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations before the next wet season.