Operation Zona tests disaster preparedness

Cairns Regional Council and partner agencies have put their disaster response capabilities to the test today during Operation Zona.

The operation is a large-scale local disaster management exercise held at the Local Disaster Coordination Centre in Woree.

About 120 participants will take part in the exercise, which simulates a severe tropical cyclone crossing the coast near Cairns.

The scenario will test the region’s Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) operations, bringing together representatives from local, state and federal agencies, the Australian Defence Force, and a range of government and non-government organisations.

Mayor Amy Eden, who is also Chair of the LDMG, said Operation Zona was an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and ensure all agencies are prepared ahead of the cyclone season.

“We know how vital it is for Cairns to be ready when severe weather strikes. Exercises like this allow us to test our disaster coordination systems, strengthen communication across agencies, and ultimately keep our community safe,” Cr Eden said.

“Just as we encourage households to ‘know your risk, make a plan and pack a kit’, Council and our partners also need to be ready. Operation Zona is about putting that into practice, testing how we respond, communicate, and support our community when it needs us most.”

The exercise aims to enhance coordination between emergency services and key partners such as Ergon Energy, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and NBN (National Broadband Network).

Participants will rehearse key aspects of Cairns’ disaster operations plan, including incident management procedures, communication systems, and logistics coordination, within a realistic cyclone scenario.