Queensland Disaster Management Vulnerability Project Background The Queensland Disaster Management Vulnerably Project (the Project) is being led by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services (DCCSDS). The project delivers on Recommendation 3: A state wide strategy, including a common definition, is developed for identifying and engaging vulnerable people in emergencies. The Recommendation is a result of key findings in the Review of cyclone and storm tide sheltering arrangements Report 3: 2014-15. The report can be found here: https://www.igem.qld.gov.au/reports-andpublications/documents/Review-of-Cyclone-andStorm-Tide-Sheltering-Arrangements.pdf Project aim The overall project aims to minimise the impact of disaster and emergencies on vulnerable people by contributing to the following objectives: Disaster management stakeholders are better able to identify and engage with people who may become vulnerable or more vulnerable in disasters Disaster management arrangements support vulnerable people more effectively Vulnerable people are more resilient as a result of improved engagement and preparedness. The project will consider: definitions and the range of factors that contribute to, or protect against, vulnerability who is, or may become, most vulnerable in disasters, including those who may have pre-existing vulnerabilities as well as those who experience contributing factors such as location and poor community connectedness how vulnerability and protective factors interact to influence disaster resilience how we identify, support and engage vulnerable people to build resilience before, during and after a disaster event It will focus on evacuation and sheltering for vulnerable people and will also consider prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The project will ensure the framework is relevant for other hazards as well as storm tide and cyclones scenarios Project phases There are two phases to the project: Phase 1 - the development of a vulnerability framework for use in Queensland disaster management arrangements. Phase 2 – an implementation plan to embed the framework across Queensland during 2016. Phase 1 activities The Queensland Government wants to co design a disaster management vulnerability framework with Queensland stakeholders. This will help ensure the framework contributes to improved community outcomes and safety for those that are more at risk. To do this the project will focus on gathering evidence through two key activities. They are: 1. A review of international, national and Queensland research and evidence 2. Targeted consultation and engagement with emergency management workers and those who work with or on behalf of vulnerable people and communities. Consultation activities include a state wide survey and providing written submissions to the DCCSDS. Deliverables The key deliverable is a Phase 1 summary project report including a vulnerability framework for Queensland. Contacts If you would like to know more please contact the project team Disastermanagementvulnerabilityproject@comm unities.qld.gov.au