What’s Happening?
Disaster management practitioners recently gathered on North Stradbroke Island, Minjerribah, for the annual QIT Plus Guardian User Group Event.
The conference examined how technology can improve disaster response and community resilience. Redland City Council hosted the gathering ahead of severe weather season.
Participants shared practical knowledge and discussed how Guardian software supports disaster management. The program also helped local officers build connections with practitioners from other regions.
Why It Matters
Technology supports how Council teams set priorities, share information and record decisions during disaster events. These records can later help officers review their actions and improve future responses.
Acting Mayor and LDMG Acting Chair Julie Talty said the conference also gave local officers access to new technology developments.
“Technology is a key part of how Council manages disaster situations, allowing crews to progress priorities, share critical information, and keep a record of actions which can be reviewed for learnings after an event,” Cr Talty said. “The conference was a fantastic opportunity for our disaster management officers and LDMG members to hear about advancements in the technology and connect with disaster management professionals from other regions.”
Local Impact
Hosting the event allowed Council to present its disaster arrangements while strengthening working relationships with emergency services and other councils.
Cr Talty thanked those who attended and said closer agency ties would support the Redlands Coast during future emergencies.
“We were very pleased to host this event on Redlands Coast and thank all attendees, including representatives from other councils and QIT Plus, for their participation and the valuable insights provided during the conference. Events such as these play an important role in strengthening ties between the various agencies and ensuring we are well equipped to deal with any future disaster events on Redlands Coast.”
“Council was especially pleased to highlight the expertise of the Redland City Local Disaster Management Group and the exceptional work it does to keep our community safe before and during disaster events.”
By The Numbers
- The conference ran across three days, from 26 to 28 August, on North Stradbroke Island.
- Guardian supports three key areas of disaster management, covering emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
- Three main participant groups attended, councils, emergency services and other organisations using Guardian software.
Zoom In
The program drew on practical experience from agencies involved in emergency response, environmental management and community safety.
“Expert insights were provided by experienced disaster management practitioners from agencies such as Police, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, Rural Fire Service Queensland, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, and Council,” Cr Talty said.
Council also invited visitors to tour its new Local Disaster Coordination Centre in Cleveland. The visit showed how the facility operates during an emergency.
“Council also offered visitors an opportunity to tour the new Local Disaster Coordination Centre in Cleveland during the conference, giving them a behind the scenes look at our arrangements and how the centre functions during a disaster situation.”
Zoom Out
QIT Plus CEO Chris Madsen said the conference combined workshops and panel discussions with opportunities for direct professional contact.
The event attracted people from Queensland, interstate and overseas, reflecting broader interest in disaster management technology.
“This annual event is a great opportunity for all disaster practitioners, helping to build stronger collaboration through workshops, panel discussions and networking,” she said. “The conference attracted participants from across sectors, including interstate and international attendees, reflecting a shared commitment to improving disaster response and resilience in Queensland.”
“QIT Plus provides technology that supports emergency preparedness, response and recovery, with the Guardian platform combining technology and practical insights to help councils and disaster managers protect communities.”
What To Look For Next?
Council can apply the knowledge shared during the conference as Redlands Coast prepares for severe weather season. The new professional connections should also support closer coordination between Council, emergency services and other disaster management agencies during future events.
The Cleveland coordination centre and Redland City LDMG will remain central to local planning, response and community safety.
