“It was a test QFES passed with flying colours, and continues to build on this storm and cyclone season, which runs for a few months yet.

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“Ten Queensland Tropical Cyclone Consultative Committee events have been completed across the State, informing local, district and other stakeholders on preparations and activities.”

The QFES has conducted exercises across Far North regions for operational personnel, including volunteers.
Crawford said the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC) is ready for activation, with the SDCC workforce to be supported by more than 35 entities to ensure agencies and stakeholders are informed in a timely manner.

“QFES has also introduced 11 inflatable motorised swiftwater rescue craft, with another six expected at the end of next month. These craft will improve the ability of swiftwater floodwater rescue crews to access casualties, and increase their mobility in water,” he said.

The Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) review of the effectiveness of Queensland’s disaster management arrangements following Tropical Cyclone Debbie, showed QFES responded well.

Queensland’s response during Debbie also earned praise from Robert Glasser, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, who heads the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

“The response to Cyclone Debbie truly epitomises the type of action we would like to see everywhere else,” Glasser said.

"It was very impressive to see how the BOM disseminated warnings which were quickly acted on by the emergency services.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the UN praise “is incredibly humbling”.

“The operational response during Debbie was incredible and a great effort by all, but there are always ways to improve and expand on lessons learned,” Carroll said.

“QFES is fully prepared to respond in times of disaster and are currently undertaking readiness activities with local stakeholders to improve our response ensuring disaster district management plans are up-to-date.

“As part of our preparation for this season, QFES has conducted preparedness exercises across all regions for operational personnel.”

Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers completed awareness training for the State Operations Centre to enable them to assist with large-scale incidents and disasters.