Cook Shire initiates comprehensive review of post TC Jasper response

The decision to commission an independent review underscores the Council's unwavering commitment to transparency, civic responsibility, and accountability to its constituents. As part of this commitment, CEO Brian Joiner pledged to the community to enlist an impartial consultant to evaluate the handling of the event and subsequent recovery works.

"In the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper, it's imperative for us to assess our response comprehensively. We owe it to our community to ensure that we learn from this experience and continually improve our disaster preparedness and response capabilities," remarked Brian Joiner, CEO of Cook Shire Council. 

The review will entail an exhaustive evaluation of the Council's response actions and recovery initiatives undertaken post-cyclone. Strategic Disaster Solutions will collaborate closely with the Council's Disaster Management Team, engage with various agencies, key stakeholders, and importantly, the affected communities. Their objective is to identify areas of success, pinpoint shortcomings, and provide actionable recommendations for future enhancements.

"We are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent review process. The insights gleaned from this exercise will not only inform our future strategies but also serve to strengthen our bonds with the communities we serve," added Mr Joiner. 

To ensure community involvement and feedback, Strategic Disaster Solutions will be hosting debriefing sessions at various locations within the Cook Shire. Residents are encouraged to participate actively and share their perspectives, concerns, and suggestions. The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Ayton/Bloomfield Debrief
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Bloomfield Library, Ayton

Rossville Debrief
Date: Sunday, May 12
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Rossville Markets

Cooktown Debrief
Date: Monday, May 13
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Council Chambers, Cooktown

Additionally, a survey has been developed by the consultants, available both online and in hard copy format at the debriefing events, to further capture community input.

The findings and recommendations derived from this review will serve as a roadmap for bolstering Council's disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, ensuring the community's safety and well-being during future adversities.

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.

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