Disaster management is now more efficient and centralised with the official opening of the Cairns Local Disaster Coordination Centre taking place last Friday.

The dedicated centre was funded through the Australian Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program, the Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council.

Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Mayor Val Schier, said the opening was in time for the wet season.

“Local Government is required to take the lead in disaster management and response. This new building with its up-to-the-minute technology will allow us to do just that,” Cr Schier said.

“The centre has been designed to withstand the worst disaster situations and is connected directly to Council’s data systems at the administration building on Spence St, via optic fibre link.”

The centre will be used to locate Council’s disaster management team who will use the facility as a coordination centre for local emergency services in a crisis.

Council’s team will also deliver disaster management training, education and planning activities throughout the year at the new building.

“It will be used for training by other community groups such as SES, Red Cross, schools, and volunteer groups as well,” Cr Schier said.

The disaster coordination centre is situated above 1 in 100 flood levels on Windarra St Woree. The building is designed to withstand Category 5 cyclones and has independent emergency power and water sources.

The centre is enabled for the synchronised delivery of information and relief to the community during a crisis situation.

“We can keep everyone in the community informed through online updates, radio broadcasts and continued contact with all media services.  We can also make sure that help needed is delivered as quickly as possible,” Cr Schier said.