Livingstone Shire Disaster Update #1

Livingstone Shire’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) moved to full activation mode, Standing Up at 1800 hours this evening.

LDMG Chairman Mayor Bill Ludwig said with weather conditions escalating to Catastrophic Fire Danger it was important for all LDMG’s in the region to activate to ensure there was a well-coordinated response to this major disaster event.

“With the full extent of the disaster still unfolding and spreading across areas of both Rockhampton and Livingstone it will be a challenging time ahead for both Local Government areas,” Cr Ludwig said.

“These conditions are unprecedented in Queensland’s history and it is critical that residents be prepared to comply with the direction of Queensland Fire & Emergency Services (QFES).

“To date the most significant fires in Livingstone were in the areas around Mount Etna National Park, where ten utilities, a grader and water truck are in attendance to fight the blaze.

“At the southern end of the Capricorn Coast fire crews are also still monitoring spot fires in the Zilzie area.

“Council’s communications team will continue to send out targeted messages to areas of high risk and also general messaging to encourage all residents to take care during these extreme conditions.

“Council is urging residents to keep up to date with the local information through the online Disaster Dashboard (http://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/) or through Council’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/livingstoneshirecouncil/).

“Council’s Disaster Management Team will continue to closely monitor the situation overnight and provide regular updates to the community through these two on-line portals.

The Livingstone LDMG will convene again tomorrow morning at 9am and will be working closely with State agencies to ensure community safety, make all necessary assessments and focus resources in response to prevailing conditions.

For enquiries please contact LDMG Chairman Mayor Bill Ludwig on 0428 791 792