BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13 – TSUNAMI MANAGEMENT SUB-PLAN (V2.2)
Brisbane City Council
LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13:
tsunami management sub-plan
July 2014 edition
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13 – TSUNAMI MANAGEMENT SUB-PLAN (V2.2)
AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW
This Tsunami Management Sub-plan will be reviewed, practiced and updated annually in accordance with the procedures mandated by the Brisbane LDMG.
It shall be reviewed at least once each year by a committee of appropriately qualified and experienced personnel. The committee shall, as a minimum, consist of the Manager, Disaster Management Office and a representative of Brisbane LDMG. Representatives from external agencies may also be included as needed.
- Proposed amendments to this sub-planare to be forwarded in writing to the Manager, Disaster Management Office (MDMO), who may approve minor amendments.
- Proposed amendments that affect the intent of this sub-plan, roles and responsibilities or external agencies must be endorsed by the Local Disaster Coordinator (LDC) and/or the MDMO and may be forwarded to the Brisbane LDMG for approval if required. This type of amendment is referred to as a major amendment.
- Endorsed amendments are to be listed in the table below.
- Version control of this sub-plan is managed by theDisaster Management Office. Reissue of this sub-plan following amendment or review will be recorded in the table below and advice of reissue will be distributed throughout the disaster management network. Recipients should take all appropriate action to ensure they are in possession of the most recent version, and that previous versions in both hard copy and electronic forms are archived accordingly. Further information can be requested by contacting the Disaster Management Office.
Tsunami Management Sub-plan Version Control
Version / Date / Reviewed by / Endorsed by / Comments1.0 / March 2012 / Manager, Disaster Management Office / Chair, Brisbane LDMG
District Disaster Coordinator / 2012 official version
1.1 / February 2013 / Coordinator, Disaster Management Office / Manager, Disaster Management Office / Revisions
2.0 / May 2013 / Manager, Disaster Management Office / Chair, Brisbane LDMG
District Disaster Coordinator / 2013 official version
2.1 / November 2013 / Senior Engineer, Flood Management / Reviewed – no changes
2.2 / March 2014 / Manager, Disaster Management Office / Revisions due to name change of EMQ to QFES
- This sub-plan is to be reviewed:
- On activation of an event requiring the use of this sub-plan
- On activation of similar disaster management plans in other states, territories or overseas where considered possible
- Upon annual review of Council’s Local Disaster Management Plan in accordance with the Disaster Management Act 2003 (Qld)
- This sub-plan, together with its supporting standard operating procedures (SOPs), is to be tested annually. The MDMO is to brief relevant stakeholders and the Brisbane LDMG on the results of testing this plan.
- In accordance with legislation, the Brisbane Local Disaster Management Plan and all its underpinning sub-plans will be approved by the Chair of the Brisbane LDMG annually.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AMENDMENTS AND REVIEW
1.0INTRODUCTION
1.1Purpose
1.2The Risk from Tsunami
1.3National Tsunami Warnings
1.4Sequence of Watches and Warnings
1.5Tsunami Warning Products
1.6Queensland’s Processes to Manage JATWC Warning Products
1.7References
1.8Use of QFES’s Emergency Alert System
2.0TSUNAMI RISK CONSIDERATIONS
2.1Tsunami Potential Consequences – Vulnerable Communities and Infrastructure
2.1.1Table 1
3.0AWARENESS AND CAPACITY BUILDING
3.1Community Education
3.2Training and Exercises
3.3Community Resilience Measures
4.0RESPONSE STRATEGY
4.1Warning Notification and Dissemination
4.2Queensland Tsunami Notification Responsibilities
4.3Standard Messages to the Community
4.4Concept of Operations for Response
4.4.1Roles and Responsibilities
4.4.2Levels of activation
4.4.3Disaster declaration
4.4.4Evacuation
4.4.5Agency plans
5.0MORETON ISLAND SUB-PLAN
5.1Background
5.2Moreton Island Evacuation Plan
6.0COUNCIL TSUNAMI ACTIVATION LEVEL MATRIX
7.0APPENDIX 1 – ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13 – TSUNAMI MANAGEMENT SUB-PLAN (V2.2)
1.0INTRODUCTION
1.1Purpose
The purpose of this sub-plan is to articulate the tsunami-specific preparedness, prevention and response plan for the Brisbane Local Government Area of responsibility. This sub-plan is produced in accordance with the Queensland Disaster Management Act 2003 and the Brisbane City Council Local Disaster Management Plan.
Refer to Appendix 1 – Acronyms for a list of acronyms relevant to this Plan.
1.2The Risk from Tsunami
Much of Brisbane is located outside of the risk area for tsunamis, due to nearby coastal islands offering some protection from the worst of the ocean waves. Moreton Island and some of the bayside suburbs, however, are more exposed to adverse impacts from a tsunami.
In its land inundation warnings, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advises people to move at least ten metres above sea level or at least one kilometre away from all beaches and the water’s edge of harbours and coastal estuaries.
People living or working in areas potentially affected by a tsunami need to know that they should move to safer areas if a tsunami warning is issued for their area.
The Australian Tsunami Warning System
1.3National Tsunami Warnings
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) was established to give Australia an independent warning capability of regional tsunami threats.
It is a virtual centre that includes Geoscience Australia in Canberra and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) in Melbourne.
The role of GeoScience Australia is seismic wave detection and analysis.
The role of the BoM is to determine possible impacts, verify tsunami existence and forecast wave arrival times.
Note: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, based in Hawaii, is no longer regarded as an authoritative source of tsunami warnings for Australia, although individuals can subscribe to its email warning service.
1.4Sequence of Watches and Warnings
Tsunami Warnings and Schedule
Tsunami Warnings start with detection of an earthquake by Geoscience Australia, whose seismologists assess whether the earthquake has the potential to generate a tsunami and advise the BoM of their findings. BoM completes the analysis and determines whether a threat exists to Australia or not.
If a threat does not exist then a No Threat Bulletin is issued to BoM’s Regional Forecast Centres. If a threat does exist, then a National Tsunami Watch is similarly issued.
During the Watch phase, which lasts up to 30 minutes, further information gathering and evaluation is conducted to update the threat assessment. This results in state-focussed Tsunami Warnings, if warranted, and a cancellation once the threat is over or if it does not eventuate.
1.5
Tsunami Warning Products
- National No Threat Bulletin: To advise people that the earthquake has been assessed and that no tsunami threat exists to Australia or its territories.
- National or State/Territory Watch: To advise people that a tsunami threat to Australia or its territories may exist and that they should look out for further updates.
- State/Territory Warning: To advise people that a tsunami threat to their state/territory does exist and to advise them of the level of threat (marine or land) and action they should take.
- Tsunami Watch or Warning Cancellation: To advise when the main threat to Australia and its territories has passed or a tsunami fails to eventuate.
- National Warning Summary: To provide the public, media and emergency authorities with the status of tsunami warnings nationally.
- Event Summary: To provide the public, media, emergency authorities and government with summary information that can be used in post-event analysis
JATWC warning products are issued to a range of government and non-government agencies including State and Territory Emergency Services, the media, and other agencies and individuals registered with their supporting Regional Forecast Centre
JATWC uses conventional marine forecast districts to describe the areas likely to be affected by a tsunami, with the addition of an extra district: Great Barrier Reef offshore islands and reefs (the area surrounding Swains Reef), outside central Queensland coastal waters. These are shown in the diagram ‘Marine Forecast Zones relevant to Queensland’ over the page.
Marine Forecast Zones relevant to Queensland
Near shore Tsunami Hazard Assessment – South East Queensland
1.6Queensland’s Processes to Manage JATWC Warning Products
Queensland’s management of tsunami warnings is covered in the Queensland Tsunami Notification Guidelines, in agency plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and in District Disaster Management Group (DDMG) plans.
Warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology are issued directly to Queensland-based Commonwealth agencies such as Defence, Air Services Australia and airport authorities. BoM also issues warnings directly to the media, harbour-masters and any other registered subscriber.
The Department of Community Safety, through the State Disaster Coordination Centre receives all warnings on behalf of the Queensland Government. Warnings are disseminated to all Queensland Disaster Management Arrangement stakeholders by SMS, telephone and email.
1.7References
Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre /Queensland Fire and Emergency Services /
Geoscience Australia /
Queensland Tsunami Notification Guidelines, September 2012 /
(Go to Resources, Guidelines)
1.8Use of QFES’s Emergency Alert System
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES)’s Emergency Alert System is used to alert selected parts of the community to threats and disaster events. The system utilises the landline and mobile phone networks to produce voice and text messages that are sent to selected vulnerable areas. These areas are defined by polygons on a mapping system at the State Disaster Coordination Centre (SDCC).
Important: In the event of a LAND INUNDATION Tsunami threat where the warning time is less than 2 hours, messages will be sent directly from the SDCC to the affected areas without the need for further approval from Brisbane City Council.
Brisbane City Council has forwarded mapping of vulnerable areas to QFES for use in this type of event.
For more information on QFES’s Emergency Alert System, visit emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/tsunami.
2.0
TSUNAMI RISK CONSIDERATIONS
2.1Tsunami Potential Consequences – Vulnerable Communities and Infrastructure
The following table identifies those elements of the community vulnerable to tsunami based on nationally adopted height and distance parameters.
Elements within the Community / Exposure in Vulnerable Area*Residential Dwellings, Industrial, Commercial / See Table 1
Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds / See Table 1
Public Schools, Private Schools, Childcare Centres / See Table 1
PublicHospitals, PrivateHospitals, Aged Care, Nursing Home Facilities / See Table 1
Island Communities / See Table 1
Notes:
- Vulnerable Area is defined as less than ten metres above sea level or within one kilometre of beaches or the water’s edge of harbours and coastal estuaries.
- Exposure likely to be dependent on nature of tsunami warning i.e. marine or land inundation.
Please note that as yet there is no detailed technical data or modelling available for tsunami events and how shorelines are affected. Accordingly the statistical information contained within this document is based on areas that lie within 1km of the shoreline and less than 10m in elevation above sea level.
2.1.1Table 1
Elements within the Community / Exposure in Vulnerable Area / Qty Cost ZonePopulation
Source: ABS 2011 Census CCD / Total Population / 35005
Population 65 years and over / 5498
Population 0-14 years old / 6624
Dwellings
Source: ABS 2011 Census CCD / Domestic Single Dwelling / 10921
Multiple Dwellings/Units / 2323
Vacant / 1057
Commercial / 242
Industrial / 97
Caravan Parks / 1
Source: BCC LDMP Tsunami Management Sub-Plan / School/Educational / 7
Libraries / 1
Child Care Centres / 6
Park / 23
Medical and Public Health
Source: BCC LDMP Tsunami Management Sub-Plan / Nursing Home / 2
Radiology (Qld X-Ray Services) / 1
Pharmacy / 7
Medical Centre / 7
Hospital/Medical / 1
Accommodation for Aged / 2
Accommodation, Clubs facilities
Source: BCC LDMP Tsunami Management Sub-Plan / Clubs / 11
Hotel/Motel / 7
Shelter Locations / 4
Key Government Services
Source: BCC LDMP Tsunami Management Sub-Plan / Police Station / 1
Ambulance Station / 1
Fire Station / 2
Waste Site (Nudgee Beach Transfer Station) / 1
Community Centre / 2
Correction Services / 1
source: Hazardous Industries and Chemicals Branch - / Large Dangerous Goods Location / 19
Workplace Health & Safety Queensland / Contaminated Land (trade waste, oils, pesticides, etc.) / 69
MORETON ISLAND
Source: ABS 2011 Census CCD / Total Population / 298
Population 65 years and over / 46
Population 0-14 years old / 13
Dwellings
Source: ABS 2011 Census CCD / Domestic Single Dwelling / 29
Multiple Dwellings/Units / 12
Commercial / 8
Vacant / 316
Source: BCC DMP Tsunami Management Sub-Plan / Community Centre
Park / 1
Shelter Locations / 4
Ambulance Station / 2
Contaminated Land / 12
Large Dangerous Goods Location / 1
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13 – TSUNAMI MANAGEMENT SUB-PLAN (V2.2)
3.0AWARENESS AND CAPACITYBUILDING
3.1Community Education
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology have significant tsunami information on their respective websites. The information available from these sources is considered the most up to date and reliable and persons in vulnerable areas are encouraged to familiarise themselves with it. Council may assist by combining tsunami related information with other Community Education programs.
3.2Training and Exercises
Disaster managers, including Brisbane City Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) members, should be regularly briefed on this Plan and trained on how it fits into the wider disaster management arrangements.
This Plan should also be reviewed, exercised and tested annually. This may be accomplished by a tsunami scenario being included in another pre-programmed exercise such as LDMG or LDCC exercises. District exercises including Local Government partners and the District Disaster Coordinator may also include a tsunami scenario, which may take the form of a desktop or practical exercise.
3.3Community Resilience Measures
The most effective Community Resilience measures are based on robust early warning systems and associated public awareness campaigns. The best outcome for the vulnerable community is to have in place evacuation plans that take advantage of any early warning that may be received.
These individual household or business plans will be much the same as any existing plans. Due to the characteristics of tsunamis it is acknowledged that a shorter warning timeframe may be inevitable. As the JATWC has a sophisticated warning matrix, including media, this mechanism should be used to convey the general warning.
4.0RESPONSE STRATEGY
The response phase of the Tsunami Briefing paper commences with the receipt of a Tsunami Watch Bulletinor Tsunami Warning Bulletin.
4.1Warning Notification and Dissemination
In accordance with Queensland Tsunami Notification Protocol, the State Disaster Coordination Centre will directly disseminate tsunami warning products to State Government Departments, other State Disaster Coordination Group members, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Regional Offices, District Disaster Coordinators and Local Government authorities. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Regional Offices disseminate tsunami warning products to their supported LDMGs. This is a complementary message to the warnings received from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Brisbane City LDMG members will be notified by individual telephone calls.
- Key Council staff will be notified directly by QFES to alert them of a tsunami situation. The key staff include:
- Manager, Disaster Management Office
- Coordinator,Disaster Management Office
- After hours Disaster Management Duty Officer (DMDO)
If time permits, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be notified and the Immediate Action Team (IAT) may be assembled to decide on a course of action for Council – this may include the standing up of the LDMG.
If there is insufficient time for the IAT to assemble, then the CEO and Lord Mayor’s Office will be notified and a course of action will be determined via telephone conference call.
NOTE: If a tsunami situation occurs during business hours (8.00am-4.30pm) the Manager, Disaster Management Office (MDMO) will be responsible for notifying the CEO and Lord Mayor. If the situation occurs after hours then the DMDO will notify the MDMO for further escalation.
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13 – TSUNAMI MANAGEMENT SUB-PLAN (V2.2)
4.2Queensland Tsunami Notification Responsibilities
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BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN
CHAPTER 13 – TSUNAMI MANAGEMENT SUB-PLAN (V2.2)
4.3Standard Messages to the Community
Wherever possible, tsunami warnings should be disseminated verbatim. Where this is not possible or practicable due to delivery method or technological limitations, the following abbreviated message format should be used:
The Bureau of Metrology has issued a (bulletin, warning or threat) for this part of Queensland. Please call 1300TSUNAMI (1300 8786 264) or log onto for the full text of the message.Any other proposed variation should be cleared through the Bureau of Meteorology prior to use.
4.4Concept of Operations for Response
The concept of operations to manage a tsunami event will predominantly be in accordance with the existing all hazard arrangements. This section will focus on those aspects that have been modified to address the sudden onset nature of this hazard.
4.4.1Roles and Responsibilities
Responsibility for the management of a tsunami event remains with the Brisbane LDMG. The DDMG will support the Brisbane LDMG in the management of a tsunami event.
4.4.2Levels of activation
National No Threat Bulletin / Disaster Management Officeto monitor until status changesNational or State/Territory Watch / Notify SITREP distribution groups and Moreton Island contacts. If after hours contact the on-call Disaster Management Duty Officer. Contact QFES & DDC to coordinate any actions.
State/Territory Warning / Notify SITREP distribution groups and Moreton Island contacts. If after hours contact the on-call Disaster Management Duty Officer. Contact QFES & DDC to coordinate any actions.
Tsunami Watch or Warning / Notify SITREP distribution groups and Moreton Island contacts. If after hours contact the on-call Disaster Management Duty Officer. Contact QFES & DDC to coordinate any actions.
4.4.3Disaster declaration