Sunshine Coast Council has taken home an information technology award for its online Disaster Hub.
Sunshine Coast Council’s innovative Disaster Hub website was recently recognised with a Merit Award at the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)’s iAwards, the latest in a series of information technology awards for the organisation.
The Melbourne-based awards – sponsored by high-profile technology leaders such as Microsoft, Intel, HP, Telstra, Optus and UK Trade & Investment – recognised Australia’s latest technology innovations from government, private and institutional sectors.
Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Chair, Mayor Mark Jamieson, said Disaster Hub was an innovative and comprehensive real-time information platform.
“Disaster Hub provides real-time information for the public, media and external agencies before, during and after disaster events.
“People can visit Disaster Hub for all the information they need to prepare their homes and businesses, and then stay up to date with important information such as road closures, weather warnings, preparedness advice and breaking news.
“It’s also a critical tool for our Local Disaster Coordination Centre during all types of disasters.
“It allows us to gather intelligence and help make decisions very quickly during emergencies and disasters.
“It uses geo spatial mapping technology to identify risks and hazards in any given location, providing a damage impact assessment for emergency services during events.
“It’s a great asset for our disaster operations and it contributes significantly towards the safety of our community.”
Mayor Jamieson said council tested new risk mapping functionality during its recent annual disaster exercise, ‘Exercise Firestorm’, which involved Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and the Local Disaster Management Group.
“Disaster Hub worked with fire mapping technology to determine evacuation strategies, emergency communications and the actions required to keep our community safe during a bush fire event – and we received great feedback from all involved.”
Earlier this year, Disaster Hub was also nominated and recognised for an Excellence in e-Government Award and council IT professional Ann Yardley was awarded ICT Professional of the Year, a premier Federal Government award.
The iAwards honours organisations and companies at the cutting edge of technology innovation and recognises the achievements of home-grown Australian innovators.
