Building Emergency Communications Capability Across Queensland

Emergency communications is about much more than having radios ready when disaster strikes. It starts long before an emergency, through building relationships, understanding local arrangements and becoming a trusted part of your community's disaster planning.

Speaking from outside the Disaster Coordination Centre in Atherton, Gareth VK4GED highlighted the outstanding partnership between the Tablelands Regional Council and the Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club. During significant weather events and other emergencies, this is where the Council's disaster specialists coordinate their response and where local amateur radio volunteers can quickly establish communications when required. The club also meets regularly at the centre to train and strengthen communications resilience throughout the region.

The Tablelands model provides an excellent example for amateur radio operators across Queensland. Under Queensland's disaster management arrangements, each local council is responsible for disaster response within its own area. Rather than waiting until an emergency occurs, amateur radio operators are encouraged to introduce themselves to their local Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Disaster Coordinator, explain their station capabilities and availability, and seek opportunities to participate in local disaster communications exercises.

Strong emergency communications capability is built on trust, planning and regular training. By developing these relationships before disaster strikes, radio amateurs can become an important part of their community's communications resilience when conventional systems are disrupted.

To learn more about the successful Tablelands approach, search online for the Tablelands Resilient Communications Sub-plan. Queensland amateurs interested in emergency communications can also connect with the growing VK4 EmComms community by visiting the VK4 EmComms Groups.io group at Link. Future updates will explore accreditation pathways and training opportunities available to amateur radio volunteers across Queensland.

Another example of volunteers in amateur radio providing a service for the community.

Page Last Updated: Tuesday, 07 Jul 2026 at 09:26 hours by Justin Giles-clark

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