The Minister for the Environment, Meaghan Scanlon has announced that work has begun on the Gold Coast’s Disaster and Emergency Management Centre, a new facility aimed at serving the community during times of natural disaster and emergency.
Ms Scanlon said the Centre would be built in Ashmore and would act as a command centre for first responders in times of emergency.
She said the recent flood and rain events reinforced the need for a fit-for-purpose disaster management centre and the new hub was possible through the s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program (SEQCSP).
“Having a dedicated, central location for our Agencies to coordinate and respond to emergency situations in real-time is absolutely critical, especially during times of flood or fire, which we know can quickly escalate,” she said.
“Our emergency services and Council staff always go above and beyond to help the community and this project is about better supporting them, particularly in the face of extreme weather events.”
Ms Scanlon said the State Government Agencies and Council already worked closely together to help the community during emergencies and it was great they were able to work closely on bringing the project forward.
Mayor of Gold Coast City, Tom Tate thanked the Government for its support.
“The existing facility has been the mainstay of our disaster management response for more than 30 years,’’ Mr Tate said.
“A structural assessment of the building several years ago identified it would not withstand a Category 4 or 5 cyclonic event,” he said.
“Building for the future is critical as our city will reach a population of one million in the next decade.”
Ms Scanlon said construction was expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
