Noosa Council unveils new Local Disaster Coordination Centre

Noosa Council is set to bolster the community's preparedness and response to local disasters with the opening of its new Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC). 

(L-R) Major General Jake Ellwood (Retired), CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) joins Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie and Noosa MP Sandy Bolton to officially open the new Noosa LDCC.

Situated at the Noosa Council Depot in Noosaville, this contemporary facility represents a major enhancement in Noosa Shire’s emergency management capabilities.

The LDCC has been carefully developed to support Noosa’s resilience against both natural and man-made disasters. It features the latest technology and resources to ensure efficient and coordinated responses during times of crisis.

Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the new LDCC marked a major milestone for Noosa. 
 
“This new facility will improve how we prepare for, and respond to, natural disasters,” Cr Wilkie said. 

“Our staff and related agencies will be working with better coordination thanks to the new centre.”

All levels of government have helped with the creation of the LDCC, with more than $380,000 jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Local Recovery and Resilience Grants program under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), and more than $88,000 contributed by Noosa Shire Council. 

Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said the new LDCC is a vital step in enhancing Noosa’s resilience and preparedness for emergencies.

“This facility will not only strengthen local response capabilities, but also foster collaboration among all levels of government and local agencies to better protect the Noosa community,” Minister McAllister said.

"This joint investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments reflects our focus on working with local communities to better prepare for and respond to crises.

“Together with the local community, the Albanese and Miles Governments are building a safer Noosa, ensuring we are equipped to support those in need, better able to face challenges, and to recover.”

Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd said safe Queensland communities are paramount.

“The safety of Queenslanders is always a priority for the Miles Government and that’s why we’ve backed funding through the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for Noosa’s new LDCC,” Ms Boyd said.

“Noosa’s Local Disaster Coordination Centre brings together infrastructure, tools and local expertise to enhance disaster response.

“The new LDCC builds on Noosa’s resilience and local capability to help the community get back on its feet back sooner after extreme natural disaster events.”      

Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd), CEO of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA), said the centre is a testament to strengthening disaster resilience across Queensland.

“At QRA our focus is on creating stronger, safer, more resilient communities, and this facility ticks all those boxes,” Mr Ellwood said.

“I believe Noosa’s new LDCC will make a significant and positive difference for residents in the face of future disaster events, and I commend Council for its efforts in delivering this project.”

Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP added: “I am delighted to see the completion of the LDCC, which is a vital asset for our community.

“It’s reassuring to know Noosa is now better equipped to handle emergencies and support residents during challenging times.

“The opening of the LDCC underscores Noosa Council’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and ensuring a swift and effective response to any emergency.”

The new centre will serve as the hub for disaster coordination, bringing together various agencies and resources to manage and respond to crises in a unified manner.