Recovery Arrangements - shore-up recovery structures and systems to better streamline and sustain arrangements during transition by:
4.1 Increasing awareness of the Cairns Local Recovery Plan and associated arrangements - including the LDMG processes that support the transition from response to recovery, the span of authority for these operations (LDC/LRC; IMT or CRC BAU), and processes for the allocation of adequate resoucing - via training and functional exercises
4.2 Reviewing operational resources and information systems that support recovery processes to ensure they are up to date and accessible

Standardised guidance should be jointly developed by the insurance industry and government on clean-up processes after a severe weather event. This guidance should be consistent across all insurers and levels of government and communicated to policyholders and other stakeholders in the waste removal process.

The type and level of relief provided to insurers in an Extraordinary Catastrophe should be considered, as should the consequences for fair and efficient claims handling. This includes:
- The timing of the relief – before the event, in the immediate aftermath and up to 12 months following the event.
- Factors other than timeframes that could be subject to relief.
- The minimum commitments insurers are expected to meet; for example, prioritising vulnerable customers, supporting policyholders with emergency situations, including temporary accommodation, and communication standards.

That the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Reconstruction Authority and the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning develop an Emergency Relief strategy.

That the term ‘Emergency Supply’ be changed to ‘Emergency Relief’ in the State Disaster Management Plan.

The basic capacity needs of each functional recovery group and how this can be scaled up should be identified. Plans for functional recovery groups should reflect this in clear statements for every level of the system, for all relevant entities about their required function, role and responsibilities during recovery.

Recovery plans at all levels should include transition arrangements. They should be implemented during recovery. The arrangements should:
a. allow for the fluid and overlapping nature of phases of disaster management.
b. show the process to identify conditions for the transition from response and relief activities to recovery, and from recovery to business as usual. Operational plans should set out the conditions.
c. contain protocols for a formal and documented handover of responsibilities and issues.
d. set out how transitions will be clearly communicated to all stakeholders.

There remains a need to maximise the effect of all offers of assistance to recovering communities. This recommendation presents an opportunity to resolve any outstanding aspects of Recommendation 4 and Actions in Response from the Cyclone Debbie Review Action Plan:
The Queensland Offers of Assistance Policy, particularly for corporate donations, should be updated and exercised prior to the next season.

Greater emphasis be placed on pre-planned and pre-determined arrangements between the Australian Defence Force and State and local agencies.

State Government agencies with key roles and responsibilities around disaster recovery provide increased support in the development of recovery at the local level (pre-event). 

That a memorandum of understanding be developed between RFSQ and other organisations with fire fighting capacity at state level, to establish operational procedures when these organisations may be required for a joint response roles. Specifically, the intent will be: Vegetation Fire in a Rural Area: The Rural Fire Brigade in that area (boundary) is in charge and is the first Brigade called by Firecom. Structural Fire in a Rural Area: Firecom calls the Urban Brigade first and they control the incident. Local Rural Fire Brigade must also be notified by Firecom at the same time. Vegetation Fire in an Urban Levy Area: Firecom call the local Urban Brigade first and they control the incident. At their discretion they may call Rural Fire Brigades for assistance. Structural Fire in an Urban Levy Area: Firecom call the local Urban Brigade first and they control the incident.

That Queensland enters into a similar arrangement with Bureau of Meteorology to have an experienced forecaster seconded to Kedron State Disaster Coordination Centre for at least the duration of fire and storm seasons.

That Queensland Corrective Service, the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Health should work together to develop a position that enables prisoners to have timely access to their prescribed medication despite travel between facilities and without the need for costly re-prescription.

That the Chief Executive Officer Portfolio Business in consultation with the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner Fire & Emergency Services should provide the direction for future information and communication technology strategies and acquisitions.

That systems development in the Queensland Police Service capitalises on the advances made by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service in recent years.

That the protocols developed by the Queensland Police Service and SES for operations define the respective roles and responsibilities as well as recognise the varying capabilities of SES units across the State.

The protocol should make provision for the use of telephone and/or radio where communication by email is not possible. Where necessary, CS Energy and Seqwater should make additional radio equipment available to relevant personnel.

CS Energy and Seqwater should agree upon and adhere to a formal communication protocol that requires CS Energy personnel to advise Seqwater, through the Flood Operations Centre, of water movements between Splityard Creek Dam and Wivenhoe Dam or Pryde Creek once a flood event is declared under the Manual of Operational Procedures for Flood Mitigation at Wivenhoe Dam and Somerset Dam. The protocol should ensure that a direct line of communication is established between CS Energy personnel physically located at the power station and the Flood Operations Centre.

Current procedures to activate disaster recovery funding arrangements be retained and processes be reinforced.

The Department of Community Safety and Councils develop MOUs to reflect the genuine partnership that exists in present arrangements including an emphasis on the use of the agreed State disaster arrangements to task and deploy SES units following State/Local consultation.

The SDMG lead an initiative to deal at all levels with offers of assistance and donations from the general public in the event of disasters.