Review of severe weather events to ensure Queensland is ready for the next round of natural disasters

JOINT STATEMENT
  • Inspector-General Emergency Management to review the 2023-24 Severe Weather Season
  • The review will include the severe storms, tropical cyclones, tropical lows, flooding and bushfires and include any other significant weather events that occur prior to the conclusion of the severe weather season

The Inspector-General Emergency Management will conduct a review of the significant weather events, relating to the 2023-24 Severe Weather Season.

The review will include the severe storms, tropical cyclones, tropical lows, flooding and bushfires and will also include any other significant weather events that occur prior to the conclusion of the severe weather season.

It’s important to note that each extreme weather event is different, so it’s important we learn from each of them.

The Review will identify enhancements to inform and ensure continuous improvement in Queensland disaster management arrangements.

And importantly, IGEM will engage with impacted communities and consider the views of community members.

An interim IGEM report is expected by 30 July 2024.

The final Review Report is to be provided by 30 September 2024.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Queensland is the most disaster-affected state in the country.

“That means we are better prepared in Queensland for disaster response than anywhere else in the world.

“People literally travel from around the world to look at our response systems.

“Our first responders always do an amazing job, when faced with disaster, but we know we can always do better which is why we undertake these reviews.

“I look forward to the outcomes.”

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“Queensland has a long history of dealing with severe weather events but that doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to refine and improve the way we respond to forces of nature.

“This review will examine Queensland’s responses and practices in relation to the most recent severe weather season to identify any possible improvements in the way we deal with extreme events.

“Queensland’s office of the Inspector-General Emergency Management leads the nation and is being closely looked at by other states and Territories.

“I look forward to receiving the IGEM report and any recommendations that my accompany it.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:

“It’s important that review of this nature take place because we can always seek new and better ways to support Queenslanders when natural disasters strike.

“I know Queenslanders are resilient and have plenty of practice at recovering from severe weather events, but anything we can do to minimise the harm and damage and speed up and improve the recovery process is very worthwhile.”

/Public Release. View in full here.