Disaster Declaration

In accordance with Section 64 of the Act, the District Disaster Coordinator may with the approval of the Minister, declare a disaster situation for the District or part thereof, if satisfied: a. a disaster has happened, is happening or is likely to happen, in the disaster district, and b. it is necessary, or reasonably likely to be necessary, for the district disaster coordinator or a declared disaster officer to exercise declared disaster powers to prevent or minimise any of the following: iii. Loss of human life iv. Illness or injury to humans v. Property loss or damage vi. Damage to the environment. A declaration can also be made in accordance with Section 69 of the Act by the Premier and the Minister for all or part of Queensland. Before declaring the disaster, the District Disaster Coordinator will take reasonable steps to consult with the District Disaster Management Group and the affected LDMG area/s.

The declaration can be made verbally, or in writing but if made verbally must be in written form as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter. This declaration has a fourteen (14) day duration from the date it is declared unless it is sooner ended by the Minister. Disaster declarations may be extended21 .

The disaster situation must be ended as soon as the declared disaster powers are no longer necessary. The declaration of a disaster situation does not impact the requirements of a local government under the Act to manage disaster operations in their area.