What is a disaster?

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A disaster is an event, either natural or human-made, that causes significant harm to people, property, and the environment. In Queensland, the term "disaster" is defined by the Disaster Management Act 2003.

Under this Act, a disaster is any event that:

  • Causes serious disruption in a community,
  • Requires a coordinated response from various agencies to protect life, property, and the environment.

Disasters can include events like floods, bushfires, cyclones, severe storms, and even pandemics. These events often overwhelm local capabilities and necessitate support from government and non-government organizations to restore normalcy.

In essence, a disaster affects a community’s ability to function effectively, demanding immediate, comprehensive actions to mitigate its impact and aid in recovery.

Understanding this definition helps the community recognise the importance of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods.

Disaster Declaration

In Queensland, a disaster declaration is a formal decision made to ensure that necessary powers and resources are available to effectively manage a disaster event. This process is governed by the *Disaster Management Act 2003*, and a declaration can be made by specific authorities when a disaster impacts a community or is likely to do so.

Who Can Make a Disaster Declaration?

A disaster declaration can be made by:

  • The Queensland Premier
  • The Minister for Fire and Emergency Services
  • The District Disaster Coordinator

These authorities have the power to declare a disaster situation for all or part of Queensland when:

  • A serious event, such as a cyclone, flood, or bushfire, poses a significant threat to life, property, or the environment, and
  • The available resources or response measures are insufficient to manage the situation without further powers being invoked.

What Does a Disaster Declaration Do?

Once a disaster declaration is in place, it grants authorised officers special powers to:

  • Close roads and restrict access to disaster-affected areas,
  • Order evacuations to ensure public safety,
  • Use private property or resources for the purposes of responding to the disaster (e.g., using equipment for emergency relief),
  • Coordinate the movement and resources of emergency services.

This declaration remains in effect only for the duration of the emergency and ensures a coordinated, efficient response to help minimise damage and protect the community.

For further information, visit the Queensland Government's Disaster Management Act 2003

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