Queensland at risk of earthquake, says new Emergency Management Inspector-General Iain MacKenzie
THE man appointed to oversee and plan for the state’s worst disasters says there is a “real risk” of earthquakes in Queensland.
Newly appointed Emergency Management Inspector-General Iain MacKenzie told The Courier-Mail the state should also be prepared for cyclones despite expectations of a neutral season.
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His position – to plan for and assess emergency service responses to the state’s emergencies and disasters – was created after recommendations by former AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty in his review of emergency services.
“The risk of earthquakes in Queensland is actually quite real,” Mr MacKenzie said.
“But very few local plans consider earthquakes. That’s not to say they need a detailed plan, but they need to think what happens in their town, especially regional towns, if they do have significant buildings collapse.
“There was an earthquake in North Burnett about five weeks ago. It was low-scale and people described it as a rumble but it is something that could happen.”
Mr MacKenzie, who played a role in management of most major responses to Queensland’s disasters in the past decade, including tropical cyclones Larry and Yasi, said his first goal was to ensure better sharing of information between agencies and local, state and federal governments during disasters.