INQ271

Recommendations for this Inquiry

INQ-ref REC-UID CODE SubCode SrcNUM Recommendation
INQ271 REC271-1521 F - Research and technology 26 - Research Recommendation 1

The Department of Energy and Water Supply and SunWater, undertake the necessary studies to determine whether or not it is feasible to operate Callide Dam as a flood mitigation dam. Such studies should include matters in relation to, but not limited to:

INQ271 REC271-1532 E - Agency Organisation 32 - Doctrine, standards, and reform Recommendation 12

The evacuation sub-plan component of the Local Disaster Managment Plan should be reviewed, including any identified triggers for activation. Ideally, the plan should be tested in a live, multi-agency exercise prior to next summer.

INQ271 REC271-1531 E - Agency Organisation 32 - Doctrine, standards, and reform Recommendation 11

Banana Shire Council completes business continuity planning as a matter of priority, including documentation and testing of the plan.

INQ271 REC271-1530 E - Agency Organisation 16 - Training and behaviour Recommendation 10

Local Disaster Coordination Centre capability and capacity should be reviewed to ensure adequate staffing arrangements are in place to fill key positions, and that operational protocols are known and practiced across all functions to provide redundancy.

INQ271 REC271-1529 C - Response 8 - Communications and warnings Recommendation 9

As part of the above, both the Banana Shire Council and SunWater ensure Emergency Alert messages are pre-formatted, consistent, polygons are identified according to risk, and that they are tested and practiced with the State Disaster Coordination Centre.

INQ271 REC271-1528 C - Response 8 - Communications and warnings Recommendation 8

Prior to September 2015, SunWater and the Banana Shire Council jointly develop a multi-channel, common warning strategy, including common language and consistent messaging, for residents downstream of

INQ271 REC271-1527 C - Response 8 - Communications and warnings Recommendation 7

Prior to September 2015, the Banana Shire Council develops a multi-channel warning strategy and associated public information campaign, including common language and consistent messaging, for the Banana Shire.

INQ271 REC271-1526 F - Research and technology 13 - Mapping and data quality Recommendation 6

In accordance with recommendations of the BMT WBM report, the Banana Shire Council, SunWater, and the Bureau of Meteorology, under the stewardship of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, jointly identify the requirements for a suitable gauge network for the Callide Valley to allow meani

INQ271 REC271-1525 D - Recovery 6 - Insurance and legal liability Recommendation 5

The Department of Energy and Water Supply, in conjunction with SunWater, seek clarification of the dam owners’ legal obligation to comply with Emergency Action Plans and, if required, investigate how a more flexible approach may be adopted.

INQ271 REC271-1524 A - Responsibility 9 - Community education Recommendation 4

SunWater provide downstream residents with easily understood information regarding operation of the dam, and the impacts that various outflows may have for them, in accordance with mapping prepared for the Emergency Action Plan.

INQ271 REC271-1523 A - Responsibility 9 - Community education Recommendation 3

Banana Shire Council coordinates the development of a strategy to significantly enhance public education regarding local disaster management arrangements within the Banana Shire, focusing on key identified risks.

INQ271 REC271-1522 F - Research and technology 26 - Research Recommendation 2

Banana Shire Council investigate means to prioritise the commissioning of a fit-for-purpose flood study for high-risk areas across the Banana Shire to better inform flood risk management, including improved town planning.

INQ271 REC271-1533 C - Response 14 - Incident Mgt Teams Recommendation 13

State Disaster Coordination Centre considers requesting a representative from critical infrastructure owners be present as a liaison officer in the State Disaster Coordination Centre during activations for events that may impact on their assets.