Meeting papers

Section 7.10


Disaster Declaration                                    In accordance with section 64(1) of the Act, the DDC may, with
                                                        the approval of the Minister, declare a disaster situation for the
                                                        district, or a part of it if satisfied that a disaster has happened, is
                                                        happening or is likely to happen, in the disaster district and it is
                                                        necessary, or reasonably likely to be necessary, for the DDC or a
                                                        declared disaster officer to exercise declared disaster powers to
                                                        prevent or minimise any of the following:

                                                        •   Loss of human life
                                                        •   Illness or injury to humans
                                                        •   Property loss or damage
                                                        •   Damage to the environment

                                                        Before declaring a disaster situation, the DDC is to take
                                                        reasonable steps to consult with each local government in, or
                                                        partly in, the proposed declared area. As outlined in section
                                                        75 to 78 of the Act, the declaration confers extra powers on
                                                        particular groups to perform actions, give directions and control
                                                        movements within the declared area.

                                                        It is important to note that the declaration of a disaster situation
                                                        relates to the situational requirement for additional powers and
                                                        is not linked to the activation of particular disaster management
                                                        groups under the QDMA or the activation of disaster financial
                                                        assistance arrangements. All three actions are independent
                                                        processes and are not interlinked or conditional, although some
                                                        or all may occur for the same event. The declaration of a disaster
                                                        situation does not impact the requirements of a local government
                                                        under the Act to manage disaster operations in their area.



Noosa Council | 2023   Local Disaster Management Plan                                                                          84

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