Council Provides Clarity on Disaster Preparedness and LDCC Stages
Livingstone Shire Council and the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) are urging the community to stay informed as Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a Category 3 system, remains about 900km northeast of the coastline. As a precaution, the decision has been made to move the LDMG to the ‘Alert’ stage.
Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, Mayor Adam Belot, reassured residents that this is the first step in a well-structured disaster preparedness process.
“‘Alert’ is the initial stage of our response to these sorts of events.” Mayor Belot said.
“If the system begins to track towards us, the next phase is ‘Lean Forward’—when Council and agencies increase their preparation efforts. ‘Stand Up’ is when the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) is fully activated, which only occurs when impact is imminent.”
Mayor Belot emphasised the importance of clear communication and public awareness in disaster management.
“There are many terms and processes that may not be widely understood, so we want to ensure our community has access to accurate information and clarity around these stages,” he said.
“We encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the Disaster Dashboard, opt in for notifications, and review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to ensure they are well-prepared.”
Additional Information
When a cyclone warning is issued, it is important to remain calm and listen for the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS), which alerts the community to urgent updates and instructions from emergency authorities. Residents should check the Livingstone Shire Council Disaster Dashboard for updates on activated evacuation centres and cyclone shelters. The Yeppoon State High School Cyclone Shelter will be available if activated, and residents should bring only essential items such as medications and identification. Pets and food are not permitted inside cyclone shelters, so alternative arrangements should be made in advance.
Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) and Recovery Efforts
During a cyclone, the Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC), located on Level 2 of The Hub in James Street, Yeppoon, becomes the operational hub for emergency services, council staff, and partner agencies. The LDCC is responsible for monitoring the situation, issuing public advice and warnings, coordinating evacuations, and ensuring essential resources are allocated effectively.
Community members can stay connected with LDCC updates through the Disaster Dashboard, social media, emergency alerts, and local radio broadcasts. In life-threatening emergencies, always dial 000. For disaster-related assistance, contact details will be available on the Disaster Dashboard.
After a cyclone, the community’s safety and recovery remain the top priority. Residents seeking support can visit Recovery Hubs, with The Station in James Street likely serving as a primary recovery hub location. These hubs provide access to essential services, including financial assistance, insurance support, and emotional well-being programs. If a Recovery Hub is not yet operational, local Community Centres are available to help direct residents to the appropriate services.
Where to Get Updates and Resources
Council will continue to provide regular updates through its official communication channels, including the Livingstone Shire Council Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/livingstoneshirecouncil and the Disaster Dashboard https://disaster.livingstone.qld.gov.au/.
For the latest weather forecasts and radar updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s website at http://www.bom.gov.au/.
Want to check your level of preparedness? Head over to Council’s website and take the Preparedness Check at https://beprepared.livingstone.qld.gov.au/.
Our local business community is also encouraged to access additional resources via https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/natural-disaster/disaster-hub/cyclone