RECOVERY EFFORTS VITAL POST-DISASTER AND WE’RE READY

AS CHAIR of the Local Disaster Management Group, I have seen firsthand the importance of the recovery side of a disaster.

Once the initial response is over and the sun comes out, in some cases our work is just beginning.

This is the often unseen “long game” we play after every event and with the current pandemic we are already undertaking recovery efforts across the city.

Recovery has become a significant focus of the city in recent years with events like the 2019-20 fires and extropical cyclones Debbie and Oswald highlighting the need to mobilise and assist our community quickly – and for extended periods.

Today, we face the COVID19 global pandemic.

Many probably are not aware that our Local Recovery

Group has been stood up alongside the LDMG since the start of the pandemic. What this means is that we activated our recovery arrangements at the same time as our disaster response so we are ready and do not waste any time working towards recovery.

Recognising this, the council released $1.5m for the COVID-19 Community Organisation Hardship Grants and the COVID-19 Community Organisation Recovery Grants. We are assessing the applications for the Recovery Grants with community and sporting clubs soon receiving up to $5000 to support their financial recovery and re-establishment activities.

We are also very aware of the impact COVID-19 has had on the local live music industry.

That is why we have been working closely with our Music Advisory Group and local music industry leaders to look at ways we can safely reignite the live music scene and help venues and the associated industry start to recover. One example is “Feedback” – the City has allocated funding to support venues to collectively deliver a series of gigs by local musicians later this year. Stay tuned for more details. I would also remind Gold Coasters that we are about to head into storm and fire season so here are some helpful contact details and information sources:

For real time alerts and updates on weather and roads during severe weather – dashboard.cityofgoldcoast .com.au

The Community Recovery Hotline – 1800 173 349

For information about support available for residents and community groups – cityofgoldcoast.com.au/ communitysupport

In terms of the city’s recovery response, I take this opportunity to recognise the good work of our officers, ably led by Alison Ewens and Brooke Denholder.

I do not often say enough how good city staff are – my bad. We have the best of the best!

Gold Coasters, you can be assured that your council is doing all it can to support the recovery of all facets of our community.

We are all in this together.