Disaster Management

Western Queensland Regional Council Disaster Management Links

Resources for Health Professionals

• Stepped Care Approach to Mental Health - Factsheets
• RACGP Emergency planning and response in general practice Fact sheet: Flooding and its impact
• RACGP emergency planning guides and resources. Comprehensive support for managing, preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies in general practice.
• RACGP Flooding and its impact Fact Sheet. This fact sheet outlines important information about floods and flooding in Australia with hints and tips for keeping your practice and patients as safe as possible in the event of a flood.
• ACRRM Natural Disaster Readiness & Recovery. This section provides resources to help minimise the impact of crises and support a swift recovery. As part of a rural medical network, it ensures access to up-to-date information and support for you and your community in times of need.
• Queensland Reconstruction Authority Interactive Map – Disaster Funding Activations. Explore the interactive map to find disaster funding activations across Queensland. The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) can be activated after an eligible disaster event to provide financial assistance and support to affected communities. This map displays DRFA activations for the current financial year.
• Head to Health is a free mental health service funded by the Commonwealth Government, for people who are experiencing stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. Anyone can access Head to Health and a GP referral is not required.

Disaster Management Planning HealthPathways: 

• Disaster Management in General Practice
• Post-natural Disaster Health

Education for Clinicians

ACRRM Online Courses: Provides training on approaches to care and supporting children and families, with a focus on natural disaster readiness and recovery in rural and remote settings.

• Natural Disaster Readiness & Recovery 

Clinical and Peer Support

• Nurses: Support for Nurses & Midwives | Your health matters
• GPs: RACGP - The GP support program
• Frontline Emergency Support Services: Disaster Response Network | APS
• Health work­ers, health stu­dents, and fam­i­lies: Bush Support Line | 1800 805 391 | CRANAplus
• HealthCare professionals: TEN – The Essential Network for Health Professionals - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health 

Exemption to the Telehealth 12-month rule exemption & continued pharmacy dispensing arrangements 

The 12-month rule generally requires patients to have had a face-to-face consultation with their GP or practice in the past 12 months to be eligible for Medicare-subsidised telehealth. However, this rule may be waived in areas where a natural disaster has been declared, allowing greater access to care during emergencies.

• RACGP - Natural disasters

Queensland Health - Public Health Advice for Disaster Management:

• Flood safety after a disaster
• Health and safety during and after a disaster
• Medication safety in a disaster
• Mosquitos and black flies in a disaster
• Mould after a disaster
• Swimming pool safety after a disaster

Podcasts and Webinars

Sharing Rural Stories: Webinars and Podcasts from the Rural Doctors Foundation 

The Rural Doctors Foundation is highlighting the lived experiences of rural GPs through its webinar and podcast series. 

In Rebuilding After the Flood, Dr Michael Clements reflects on the 2019 Townsville flood, while Dr Bruce and Dr Kathy Chater share their experience rebuilding after the Theodore flood destroyed their practice. 

The podcast GPs in a POD – Caring for our Rural Health Practitioners explores how the Foundation supports the wellbeing of rural doctors, recognising the importance of looking after those who care for others.

Find Out More

CRANAcast: Supporting Your Wellbeing

The CRANAplus Podcast is here to support those working in rural, remote, and isolated areas. Each episode features host Drew Radford in conversation with a psychologist or mental health professional, exploring different topics around mental health and wellbeing. 

You'll hear practical strategies and advice to help you navigate the unique challenges of both work and home life. Whether you're in the car between clinics, flying out to your next destination, or taking a moment to recharge, CRANAcast is your go-to companion for mental health support on the go.

Find Out More

Posters