Original source · versioned page text
ENDORSEMENT OF NOOSA LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2026 · Report
Plans and drawings: the text below has words only, no drawings.
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 19 JANUARY 2026
8.1 ENDORSEMENT OF NOOSA LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
2026
Author Admin and Disaster Mgmt Support Officer, Sue Lowrie
Infrastructure Services Department
Index ECM/Subject/Disaster Management/Local Disaster Management Plan
Attachments 1. ATTACHMENT 1 - 2026 Local Disaster Management Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Under the Disaster Management Act 2003 (the Act), local governments are required to
develop and regularly review a Local Disaster Management Plan (the Plan) to support
effective disaster management within their area.
• The last major assessment of the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan was undertaken
in 2023.
• This review addresses amendments resulting from the machinery of government changes.
The Plan’s format has been significantly updated to allow for easier future revisions. A
comprehensive review will be conducted following the release of the new State Disaster
Management Plan to ensure alignment and consistency. The updated State Plan is expected
in the second half of 2026.
• This review was completed in consultation with the Emergency Management Coordinator
and the Executive Officer to the District Disaster Management Group.
• The Plan was reviewed and endorsed by the Noosa Local Disaster Management Group at
its meeting in November 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council
A. Note the report by the Disaster Management Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated
19 January 2026
B. Repeal the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2023; and
C. Adopt the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2026 as provided at Attachment 1 to the
Endorsement of the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2026 report.
REPORT
1. Local Disaster Management Plan
In accordance with the Disaster Management Act 2003 (the Act), local governments are required to
develop and maintain a Local Disaster Management Plan (the Plan) to ensure effective disaster
management within their respective areas. The Act further stipulates that the Plan must be reviewed
or renewed as deemed appropriate.
The current review does not alter the intent or strategic direction of the Plan. Rather, it addresses
recent machinery-of-government changes and introduces a significantly updated format designed to
facilitate future revisions. This enhancement ensures improved usability and adaptability, making it
appropriate for Council to adopt the updated Plan at this time.
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalFull text of the other 4 pages
Page 2
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 19 JANUARY 2026 The updated format will enable easier future amendments and ensure the Plan remains a practical and living document that can be efficiently revised in response to legislative, structural, or operational changes. The Noosa Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) endorsed the 2026 Plan (Attachment 1) at its meeting dated 28 November 2025. It is proposed that the 2026 Plan will commence on 30 January 2026, pending Council adoption on 29 January 2026. It is noted that the next Australian Census is scheduled for August 2026, and the State Disaster Management Plan review is anticipated to be completed in the latter half of 2026. Following these developments, a comprehensive review of the Local Disaster Management Plan will be undertaken to ensure alignment and consistency with updated demographic data and State-level policy frameworks. 2. Local Disaster Management Operational Subplans The Local Disaster Management Plan incorporates a series of operational subplans that provide detailed guidance on specific functional and hazard-related areas. Responsibility for updating and approving these subplans was delegated to the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) in October 2023. This arrangement enables timely updates and improvements to be implemented as required. The Local Disaster Coordination Centre Subplan was reviewed and updated during 2025 and subsequently endorsed by the LDMG at its ordinary meeting held on 28 November 2025. The current suite of subplans includes: • Bushfire Hazard Specific Subplan • Evacuation Subplan • Financial Management Subplan • HAZMAT Hazard Specific Subplan • Local Disaster Coordination Centre Subplan • Logistics Subplan • Pandemic Hazard Specific Subplan • Public Health & Environment Subplan • Public Information & Warnings Subplan • Severe Wind & Water Inundation Hazard Specific Subplan A systematic approach to reviewing these subplans has been adopted, with progress reported at each LDMG meeting to ensure transparency and accountability. 3. Recent activities A comprehensive report on disaster management activities is presented to Council for review in September each year, with the previous report considered by Council at its 18 September 2024meeting. In light of recent events, this report provides an opportunity to present a brief snapshot of key activities and funding received since that time: a. Funding The ongoing support provided by the State and Federal Governments is formally acknowledged and greatly appreciated. This assistance is critical to enabling effective disaster response and recovery
Page 3
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 19 JANUARY 2026
for the Noosa community.
During the current year, significant funding contributions have been received, including:
• Tropical Cyclone Alfred – Counter Disaster Operations
$153,000 in Counter Disaster Operations funding was provided to support immediate,
essential activities undertaken by Council in coordinating the response to ex-TC Alfred along
with urgent extraordinary activities (i.e. sandbagging).
• Western Queensland Trough
Noosa Council was activated for this event, and the project team have lodged submissions
to support the Reconstruction of Essential Public Assets including 11 landslides, 10 drainage
structures, 120 gravel and asphalt roads. The program of work is forecasted at a cost of
$53,000,000. Council is awaiting final submission acceptance from Queensland
Reconstruction Authority.
• Queensland Southern Coast Severe Storms – 24–25 November 2025
Noosa Council was activated for Counter Disaster Operations and Reconstruction of
Essential Public Assets to urgently repair/make safe public infrastructure. As clean-up works
continue from this event no estimate of the final cost is not yet available. These measures
provide valuable support to impacted communities, assisting recovery and restoration efforts.
In addition, assistance for affected communities within the Noosa local government area was
activated under:
o Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Scheme
o Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme
b. Resilience Activities
In 2025, the Get Ready program achieved strong community engagement to promote awareness
and preparedness. Approximately 6,000 Get Ready packs were distributed through a range of
activities, including outreach in local schools, aged care facilities, and the Get Ready Week launch
event at Bunnings Noosaville. These initiatives were delivered in collaboration with our Emergency
Services partners, ensuring a coordinated approach to building community resilience.
Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 4. - Future
This theme is focused on our future, strengthening our relationship with First Nations peoples and to
ensure our community is prepared and resilient to change. A focus on youth, climate resilience and
adaptation, sense of place and destination management.
Objective 4.8
Deliver best practice approaches to combat and plan for natural disasters and climate change
including supporting safety, preparedness, resilience and recovery capacity.
Page 4
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 19 JANUARY 2026
Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting, 26 October 2023, Item 5.2
That Council note the report by the Disaster Management Officer to the Services & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 10 October 2023 and:
A. Repeal the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2018;
B. Adopt the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2026 as provided at Attachment 1 to the
Endorsement of the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2026 report.
Finance
Regular review of the Plan will assist with ensuring effective disaster management and compliance
with legislative requirements.
Risk & Opportunities
Regular review of the Plan will assist with ensuring effective disaster management and compliance
with legislative requirements.
Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Members of the Noosa Local Disaster Management Group.
Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
Office of the CEO, Mayor & Community Services Corporate Services
Councillors
Mayor & Councillors Director Director
Chief Executive Officer Community Development Financial Services
Executive Officers Sport & Active Lifestyles Fleet
Community Engagement Arts & Culture Revenue Services
People & Culture Community Connection ICT
Governance Customer Experience Procurement
Commercial Property
Strategy & Environment Development & Regulation Infrastructure Services
Director Director x Director
Page 5
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING 19 JANUARY 2026
Strategy & Sustainability Development Assessment Infrastructure Planning, Design
and Delivery
Economic Development & Local Laws Civil and Asset operations
Destination Management
Environmental Services Environmental Health Waste
Innovation & Digital Hub Building & Plumbing Building & Facilities
Property / Permits x Disaster Management