***POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 2022*** Fraser Coast to host disaster management conference
About 120 disaster management professionals from across Australia will descend on the Fraser Coast for a major conference which will inject thousands of dollars into the local economy.
Fraser Coast Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chairman George Seymour said the QIT Plus Guardian conference would be held at the Beach House in Hervey Bay from August 17 to 19 2021, and would focus on the latest developments in disaster management software.
“The conference was to be held here last year but was cancelled due to COVID-19,” he said.
“The Guardian Incident Management System is used by more than 60 local governments and four State Government Departments.
“Council has an important role to play in helping to mitigate, prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters in our region so we are always keen to learn more about best practices and innovative solutions in disaster management.
“While the three-days of workshops and case studies will be at the Beach House, there will also be an informal BBQ at AquaVue and a formal dinner at the Boat Club, while local businesses and sponsors with a link to disaster management or software development will be able to have a stand at the conference venue.”
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 rapidly gaining a reputation as an events and conference destination,” he said.
“There have also been a steady stream of sporting events here, including a visit by the Brisbane Roar, the Touch Football State Cup, sailing championships, tennis tournaments and an Intrust Super Cup rugby league game planned for later this month.
“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.
“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.”
Caption: Be prepared … getting ready for a disaster management conference to be held in Hervey Bay next month are Fraser Coast Regional Council Disaster Management Projects Officer Lynn Bray Disaster Planning Coordinator Brendan Guy and QFES Emergency Management Co-ordinator Chris Hanlon.