April

Tropical Cyclone Ita

Very late in the season Tropical Cyclone Ita crossed the coast on 11 April 2014, just one week before the expected Easter tourist season, causing more than $15million of damage to essential infrastructure within the Douglas Shire. The Local Disaster Management Group, comprising the Mayor, State Agencies and Emergency personnel and senior Council staff, convened its response to the declared event from the Disaster Coordination Centre in Council’s Administration Building over a four day period. Council teams were called in as soon as safe to do so to deal with the very extensive clean up and were widely recognised for their tireless efforts in clearing roads, removing debris and getting the major tourist centre of Port Douglas ready for visitors within just a few days.

Officers provided real-time information to the community from the Local Disaster Management Group before, during and after Cyclone Ita via media releases, radio messages, Council’s website and Facebook page. Over a six-day period staff uploaded more than 140 cyclone-related posts to Facebook with the posts reaching up to 9400 Facebook users each. Every Facebook post was replicated on Council’s website and ABC Radio and other media monitored Council’s Facebook page and relayed important information, ensuring as many people as possible could be notified of the latest updates.

Staff also co-ordinated contact with the Vulnerable Persons List prior to and after Cyclone to ensure those who are disadvantaged had a plan and were safe.

Free waste disposal for residents within the Shire before and after Cyclone Ita including green waste, putrescible and landfill for residents within the Douglas region.