Preparedness
Preparedness refers to actions taken to create and maintain the capacity to respond to, and recover from natural disasters and other emergencies. This is achieved through measures such as planning, exercises, training, community education, information management, communications and warning systems..
Role of the States and Territories
The States and Territories have principal responsibility for disaster preparedness and response within Australia and are fully responsible for managing any natural disasters within their area of jurisdiction.
The arrangements within each State and Territory are well established and implemented, with capabilities which have increased and improved considerably over time. This has been achieved through a move towards integrated whole-of-government, multi agency systems for response management which focus on community safety.
As risk assessment and hazard information improves and disaster mitigation is more widely practiced, the States and Territories expect to further update, improve and integrate their preparedness and response capabilities and performance. The States and Territories also are encouraging local governments to revise their preparedness and response arrangements in light of an improved understanding of disaster risks.
(Edited exert from: Natural Disasters in Australia: Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery. © Commonwealth of Australia 2004) - Read COAG Report
View the role of the Australian Government