2018-04-10 S&O Agenda - Attachment 1 to Item 4 - Local Disaster Recovery Subplan

Needs analysis is about assessing what has changed within a community from the normal
baseline and what programs and activities must be undertaken to assist the community to return
to normal. These assessments, from which the needs analysis is done, are generally
commenced during disaster response operations.

Community needs analysis underpins the development of the Recovery Operational Plan.
Ongoing needs analyses throughout the recovery process will inform the evolution of this plan
through the three levels of recovery (short – medium – long-term).

The LDC is responsible for ensuring that a rapid damage assessment and a preliminary
community needs analysis is undertaken prior to the establishment of the LRG. The LRC and
the LRG are responsible thereafter to ensure that ongoing needs analysis are undertaken to
inform the transition between the three levels of recovery. Community needs analysis relies on
the experience and local knowledge of the members of the LDMG, the LRG, subgroups and the
local advisory groups combining to identify all aspects of community need throughout the
recovery effort. Those undertaking needs analysis must have a sound situational awareness
emphasizing the need for early activation of recovery during the disaster response phase and
effective communications throughout recovery.

Impact assessments and rapid damage assessments undertaken to support disaster response
operations    are      a      foundation   of     community       needs         analysis.

6.2.1   Format and process for community needs analysis

There is no prescribed format or process for the conduct of community needs analysis following
a disaster event as each function of recovery will need to apply specific processes to determine
need relevant to their function. For example, the process and considerations for an economic
needs analysis (economic impact assessment) will be significantly different to that undertaken in
the environment, infrastructure or the human and social functions of recovery. Each of them will
also be different to the others.

6.2.2   Undertaking needs analysis by sectors

Needs analysis may also be undertaken by community sectors. This table details the community
sectors that may be considered when undertaking community needs analysis using a sector-
based approach. The LRG may need to engage with representatives from these sectors when
undertaking needs analysis:


  Health, Aged Care     Education            Industry & Retail       Essential Services

                                             Transport           &
  Sport & Recreation    Retail & Business                            Communications
                                             Distribution

                                                                     Community
  Rural Residential     Urban Residential    Energy
                                                                     Services

  Tourism         and                        Individuals     and Emergency
                        Primary Producers
  Recreation                                 Families            Services
  Environmental
                        Building             Youth
  Care

Selection of the correct people to the LRG and subgroups is important. Development of
appropriate local advisory groups with well thought-out and diverse representation from the
community will assist greatly in undertaking community needs analysis.


Noosa Local Disaster Recovery Subplan 2018                                                Page 25