2015-06-23 I&S Agenda - Item 5 - Local Disaster Recovery Plan - Attachment 2

                            Noosa Local Disaster Recovery Plan 2015/2016

The diagram in Appendix 27.1 shows some of the common reactions, experiences and
emotions that may be experienced by individuals and communities following disasters and
before they feel they are able to get ‘back on their feet’.

It is important to note that individual responses will vary and that the cycle is not necessarily
a single or linear one, but may alter, extend, diminish or re-occur at different times
throughout the recovery process. Friends, family and local recovery support services can all
assist in reducing the frustrations and amount of time people spend in the ‘trough of
disillusionment’, or limit the depth of that trough.

If disaster-affected people understand the types of experiences and emotions they may
experience throughout their recovery process, they can establish a stronger understanding
that what they are experiencing is not unusual but is a fairly typical response to a post-
disaster situation. Understanding this may also help people to more strongly understand the
transient nature of these experiences, and that they will get through and recover from a
disaster.


6. Levels of recovery
Recovery typically goes through three levels; Immediate/Short Term (Relief), Medium and
Long Term Recovery. These levels are graphically depicted in Figure 3. Note that the
levels commence during operations and conclude when normal community development
processes are returned.




                            Figure 3 – Three levels of Recovery
                              (AEMI Community Recovery Handbook 2)

6.1 Immediate/short term relief
Immediate/short-term relief aims to address and support the immediate needs of individuals,
businesses and the community affected by an event. It often occurs during disaster
response operations.

Immediately after an event there is a need to identify what the impact has been, and what
needs to be done to ensure the safety of life and property, and return the community to
normal. This includes providing services such as:
   immediate provision of shelter, food, and clothing and community services
   restoration of affected utilities and communications
   clearance of debris and other hazards resulting from an event

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