First look: Inside the Gold Coast’s new $22 million disaster centre to fight cyclones and floods

The Gold Coast is to get a new disaster and emergency centre to rival state of the art regional operations in the north of the State built to cope with cyclones. FULL PLANS >>>

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THE Gold Coast is to get a new disaster and emergency centre to rival state of the art regional operations in the north of the State built to cope with cyclones.

The council’s latest annual report released with the budget refers to several long-term future financial items including a “$22 million disaster and emergency management centre”.

Council papers previously viewed by councillors in a closed session examined the ageing emergency management centre at Southport’s Owen Park and how a new expanded facility at Ashmore could improve the city’s response to natural disasters.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate told the Bulletin: “We have budgeted $16.7 million in 2021-22 and $5.1 million in 2022-23. We are seeking support from the State Government.”

The Government on Monday announced $9.81 million would be provided which could sustain disaster management operations for the city and the greater south east region.

The funding boost is part of the government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program which included $1.5 million for the Lower Beechmont Community Facility, $800,000 for new “Changing Places” facility at Tallebudgera Creek Parklands and $689,000 for the Paradise Point Parklands Public Amenities and Changing Places Facility.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said the program aimed to deliver economic stimulus in the face of Covid-19, after another lockdown was announced on Saturday.

“This investment will deliver 97 local jobs through four projects. The Palaszczuk Government’s South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program is investing $12.846 million in the Gold Coast as part of our region’s plan for economic recovery,” Ms Scanlon said.

The report to council shows funding has also been sought from the Commonwealth.

Cr Tate confirmed Federal funding for this facility has been applied for and to date, no advice has been received.

Asked about a timeline for the project given it was hoped a contractor could be appointed in September, he replied: “We hope to have the centre finished at the end of 2022. A September start timeline would meet that target, providing there was not significant delays such as weather.”

The council report suggests the existing building at Southport was not cyclone proof and a larger meeting area was needed for emergency staffers given the city would face more serious weather events.

“Our existing facility does not meet Category 3 so it requires a major upgrade. In making that assessment of the existing facility, council determined it was financially prudent to establish a new purpose-built centre that could withstand a Category 5 storm,” the Mayor said.

“The new centre will act as a response and long-term recovery centre with more space and better design to assist in the important recovery phase of an event.”

The council report said a fit-for-purpose building at a new Ashmore location would be able to ensure support services like power, water and sewerage could provide back-up for several days. Staffers and volunteers could remain longer on site.

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