Minute With The Mayor Ramon Jayo 7 October

SUPPORTING ISOLATED COMMUNITIES DURING DISASTER EVENTS

In times of natural disaster, isolation can significantly impact the wellbeing of residents in rural and remote areas. The Queensland Government, in partnership with local councils such as Hinchinbrook Shire Council, plays a vital role in ensuring that isolated individuals and communities have reasonable access to essential goods during extended periods of isolation.

Isolated properties may include primary producers, small towns, or outstations that are cut off from retail and supply facilities due to flooding or other disaster impacts. In some cases, persons stranded on roads may also require support.

In these situations, resupply operations are coordinated by the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) through the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). These operations provide a critical lifeline for those unable to access food, medical supplies, and other necessities.

All residents have an obligation to be self-sufficient and to prepare themselves and their families for potential periods of isolation arising from a disaster event. This includes having at least 7�E��E�E���E��E10 days of supplies on hand, including non-perishable foods, fuel, water, medical needs, and pet essentials. Planning ahead is the most effective way to manage isolation during disasters.

Preparing, implementing and publicising the way residents may seek approval of a supply order including the manner in which the list of essentials is submitted for approval

All resupply operations must comply with the Queensland Resupply Manual. Failure to meet criteria may result in costs not being reimbursed and the residents receiving the service becoming responsible for delivery costs.

What is the Resupply Process?
Resupply is not a free service. Residents must purchase approved goods through available retail outlets using online methods (e.g. click and collect). The LDMG is then responsible for collecting and delivering the approved supplies.

This service is intended to assist after a prolonged period of isolation (typically seven days or more), and only when all other practical options have been exhausted.

In line with the guidelines, resupply to individuals is not permitted where access to retail facilities exists within their community. The guidelines clearly state that in isolated communities where local shops are operational (e.g. Halifax, Lucinda, or Forrest Beach), those retail facilities must be resupplied, not individuals. Residents can then access supplies through those outlets.

Only where there is no access to local shops will individuals be directly resupplied. The resupply process generally involves the following steps:

• Isolated residents identify their essential needs and contact the LDCC.
• LDCC logs and verifies requests, ensuring items meet eligibility criteria.
• Residents place and pay for their orders with local retailers or suppliers. (Note: This is expected to be a click-and-collect style arrangement, not a telephone order system.)
• Orders are consolidated and prepared for safe transport, including appropriate packaging and labelling.
• LDCC arranges delivery using suitable transport options (e.g. air, boat, or land).
• Residents may be required to collect supplies from designated pick-up points.
• LDCC and Local Area Wardens maintain contact and confirm successful deliveries.

What can be ordered?
Only essential items are eligible for disaster resupply, including:

• Non-perishable shelf-stable foodstuffs
• Baby and infant supplies
• Medication and essential medical equipment
• Cleaning and hygiene products
• Pet food
• Fuel (where safe to transport)

Excluded items include alcohol, tobacco, frozen or perishable goods, and non-essential or luxury items. Requests outside the essential list may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on logistics, safety, and equity. Visit Council website https://www.hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au/community-environment/disaster-and-emergency-information/how-to-be-prepared/resupply-to-isolated-properties/ as well as methodology of submission for approval and ordering.

We encourage all community members to take personal responsibility for their own preparedness. While support systems are in place for extended isolation, your first and best defence is always to prepare early and thoroughly.

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