Collaborating with the QRA to create a Disaster Management Arrangement

Article by Mike Waterland, General Manager

Unfortunately, disasters are becoming increasingly common, with 73 out of 77 Queensland councils having been impacted by disasters in the last 12 months.  We have learned that quick responses are vital!

We are dedicated to supporting communities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, with great projects already being procured in Queensland through our pre-qualified supplier Arrangements. Local Buy is already widely used to support Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) funded recovery works, including Aurukun Aboriginal Shire Council's $3.4 million roads recovery and betterment project, and the McKinley Shire Council's $80 million counter-disaster operations and recovery post Cyclone Kirrily.

In late 2024, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) reached out to Local Buy to see how we can assist in making it easier for councils to access trusted disaster management suppliers.  A number of challenges were identified, including councils being able to provide adequate evidence to support funding, use of Mutual Aid Reimbursement System (MARS) and understanding funding eligibility. Local Buy can help councils to overcome many of these challenges.

At the recent LGAQ Queensland Disaster Management Conference, we announced our significant investment in a new Disaster Management and Recovery Arrangement. The Arrangement is being designed specifically to help councils prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.

The new Disaster Management and Recovery Arrangement will be tailored to meet the needs of local councils, addressing challenges like supplier engagement, evidence record keeping, recovery delays, and will include special conditions of contract to support QRA and DRFA funding terms. It will cover various aspects of disaster management, including consultancy, counter disaster operations, emergency works and recovery, and project management - ensuring councils have access to the expertise and resources needed for effective disaster response.

In consultation with QRA, a robust supplier training program will be designed to build their capability and to educate suppliers appointed to the new Arrangement.

This is the first of its kind and we are proud to be working alongside the QRA to build capability and increase understanding of disaster management in local government.