A fast-moving bushfire threatening homes, critical infrastructure and major transport routes south of the city was the focus of the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group’s (TLDMG) first annual disaster preparedness exercise for the year.
Representatives from Council, emergency services, government agencies, utilities and other key stakeholders today participated in a large-scale scenario exercise that centred on a bushfire developing in the Nome and Julago area following weeks of high-risk fire conditions.
The exercise challenged the TLDMG to coordinate a multi-agency response as the simulated fire threatened rural homes, major roads and strategic industrial and infrastructure facilities.
The scenario reflected the significant and ongoing bushfire risk facing the Townsville region during prolonged periods of hot, dry and windy conditions, with the region boasting extensive grasslands and rural communities capable of creating rapidly escalating emergencies.
TLDMG Chair, Mayor Nick Dametto, said the exercise highlighted the importance of continual learning and development within the TLDMG as well as strong agency coordination.
“While cyclones and flooding often dominate the disaster conversation in North Queensland, bushfires remain one of the most significant natural hazards facing our region,” Cr Dametto said.
“This exercise was designed to test how agencies would work together when faced with a fast-moving and complex emergency that threatens lives, property and critical infrastructure.
“Getting the right people around the table before disaster strikes allows us to challenge our plans, test our decision-making processes and ensure we’re ready to respond as one team when our community needs us most.”
Townsville Local Disaster Coordinator, Zac Dawes, said the exercise focused on managing the consequences of a rapidly evolving emergency while maintaining clear communication and coordinated support across agencies.
“Participants were required to work through a range of challenges, including evacuation planning, public information and warnings, infrastructure impacts and community consequence management,” Mr Dawes said.
“Exercises like this give us the chance to test the disaster management arrangements in a realistic environment, identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen our preparedness across all hazard types.”
Manager of Bushfire Mitigation for Rural Fire Service Queensland Tropical Coast, Anita Dwyer, said the bushfire simulation exercise was timely given the ongoing bushfire risk.
“From the beginning of August, QFD crews have responded to more than 120 bushfires and primary industries fires within the Townsville LGA alone,” Ms Dwyer said.
“Of those 123 incidents since August, seven involved the use of our contracted aircraft for water bombing or reconnaissance.
“This has required an enormous effort not only from our Rural Fire Service Queensland brigades and support staff, but also from Queensland Fire and Rescue crews, QFD Air Operations and our drones.”
Today’s exercise was the first of two disaster preparedness activities planned by the TLDMG this year.
The TLDMG is a multi-agency group established by Council, as required by legislation, that works to inform the community and protect them from the effects of disaster events in the local area. The group, chaired by the Mayor and featuring a broad membership, meets regularly throughout the year and as required during disaster activations.
