With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting the possibility of more cyclones this Wet Season, City of Darwin is making sure they are fully prepared to respond if needed.
City of Darwin today staged a simulated post-cyclone recovery operation as part of its week-long severe weather preparations.
More than 100 staff have spent the week honing their skills in case they are needed to support post cyclone recovery operations, with the simulated operation exercise designed to test their new knowledge.
City of Darwin’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Winnellie would be stood up once the official all-clear is given after a cyclone and serve as the coordination point of Council’s post-cyclone recovery operations.
Chief Executive Officer Simone Saunders said City of Darwin needed to be ready to respond as quickly and effectively as possible in the event of a cyclone.
“The Bureau of Meteorology has made it clear this Wet has the potential to deliver more cyclones than usual in the Top End,” Ms Saunders said.
“So, this week’s staff training, including today’s simulated response exercise, helps ensure we are ready to hit the ground running to get Darwin moving again as soon as possible once a cyclone has passed.
“As was highlighted in 2018 after Cyclone Marcus, the immediate response and the subsequent clean-up operation can be massive.
“Marcus left our staff and contractors the task of clearing our streets, parks and public places of thousands of fallen trees and other debris. The clean-up took months and cost more than $17 million.
“Following a cyclone, our immediate focus is clearing priority roads to places like the hospital and the airport. Ours is a recovery role and very much about getting Darwin back to normal as soon as possible.”
Today’s exercise simulated the EOC taking calls from City of Darwin teams in the field and members of the public and then directing staff to priority response locations.
