Disaster Ready: State-of-the-art Local disaster centre opens in Gympie
Gympie Regional Council is proud to announce the completion of a new state-of-the-art Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC), now housed in Gympie’s heritage-listed Old Bank Building (OBB).
The refurbishment of the OBB, of which $500,000 was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF), represents a significant upgrade from the previous makeshift disaster hub, providing a purpose-built space dedicated to disaster preparedness and emergency response for the Gympie region.
Key features of the upgrade include cutting-edge technology in the operations room, new breakout focus rooms, and a media room for timely updates to the community and media. The centre also boasts improved accessibility, infrastructure enhancements, and soundproofing, ensuring that staff in the operations room can remain focused during critical moments.
The new facility addresses many of the challenges experienced in the makeshift disaster hub, providing a dedicated space where the coordination team can effectively manage emergency responses, conduct regular training, and prepare for disaster scenarios.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the Albanese Government is proud to be working with Queensland communities to build greater disaster resilience.
“The opening of this centre marks a significant step forward in Gympie Council’s commitment to enhance community resilience and safety, and I congratulate those who have worked hard on this project,” Minister McAllister said.
“This joint investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments reflects our focus on working with local communities to better prepare for and respond to crises.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Queensland by ensuring we are equipped to support those in need, better able to face challenges, and to recover.
Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd said the safety of Queenslanders is a Miles Government priority.
“In partnership with the Albanese Government, we’re making a significant investment in the QRRRF to back communities like Gympie to build disaster resilience and reduce risk,” Ms Boyd said.
“Gympie’s new Local Disaster Coordination Centre will be important for enhancing the coordination of disaster responses to future extreme weather to keep Queenslanders safe.
“More than $76 million from the QRRRF has supported 252 council-led initiatives to boost local capability and get communities back on their feet sooner after natural disasters.”
Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said the opening of the new Local Disaster Coordination Centre marks a crucial advancement in our emergency response capabilities.
“This refurbishment not only preserves the heritage status of the Old Bank Building but also ensures that we have the best resources available to protect and support our community in times of crisis,” Cr Hartwig said.
“I want to express my gratitude to the QRA for helping to fund this important project and to our council staff and contractors for their dedicated efforts in bringing it to fruition.”
Queensland Reconstruction Authority CEO Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) said Gympie’s LDCC is a valuable investment that aligns perfectly with QRA’s vision of creating stronger, safer and more resilient Queensland communities.
“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority is proud to have played a part in making Gympie’s LDCC a reality through the 2020-21 QRRRF program,” Mr Ellwood said.
“This facility will provide valuable risk reduction and mitigation capability for the Gympie region, allowing council to effectively coordinate and respond to disasters.”