Fraser Coast to host disaster management conference

More than 100 disaster management professionals from across Australia will descend on the Fraser Coast this month for a major conference expected to inject tens of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

Fraser Coast Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair George Seymour said the QIT Plus Guardian conference and training event would be held at the Beach House in Hervey Bay from 16 -18 August 2022, and focus on the latest developments in disaster management software.

“The Guardian Incident Management System is used by more than 80 local governments along with non-government agencies in Queensland, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, while it also used internationally in Fiji and Canada,” he said.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council has been using the Guardian system since 2011 and the QIT Plus Company that established the software suite also developed our Disaster Dashboard.

“With our Council having an important role to play in helping to mitigate, prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in our region, we are always keen to learn more about best practices and innovative solutions in disaster management.

“After experiencing four floods in five months ourselves this year, it’s timely that the Fraser Coast host a conference like this.

“While the three days of workshops will be at the Beach House, there will also be an informal BBQ at AquaVue and a formal dinner at the Boat Club. Local businesses and sponsors with a link to disaster management or software development will be able to have a stand at the conference venue.

“There will also be a marine incident exercise on the water to demonstrate the use of the Guardian Incident Management System anywhere at any time, which will allow us to showcase our beautiful natural environment here on the Fraser Coast.”

Cr Seymour said the conference would also be an opportunity to promote the Fraser Coast, with the numbers attending this year’s conference expected to be higher than usual given our proximity to south-east Queensland.

“The Fraser Coast is fast gaining a reputation as a major events and conference destination,” he said.

“There have been a steady stream of sporting events this year including school AFL and rugby championships, an elite Queensland rugby league game, while the  Brisbane Roar are coming back for a training camp and game later this month followed by several major triathlons.

“These events are collectively worth millions of dollars to our region, as visitors spend money with our local businesses such as accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes.

“This disaster management conference is the type of event that Council will be able to host in the Disaster Resilience Centre in a new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre once it is completed.

“It’s all part of Council’s plan to build better communities together and grow a strong, diversified and resilient economy here on the Fraser Coast.”