About Civil Defence

Emergencies and disasters can strike at any time so it's important that everyone in the community is prepared.

Civil Defence operates within the Queenstown Lakes District Council's community services department. The Council employs a full-time emergency management officer who works hard to help make sure this community is prepared for an emergency. 

Civil Defence is not just a Council function.  It is an integrated activity that involves many agencies, such as police or emergency services, to ensure a successful community response.

QLDC has got a Civil Defence plan in place for the district. The plan identifies the organisations needed to maintain social stability and encourage rapid recovery in the event of a disaster.

In the event of a disaster, the Mayor makes the call to declare a Civil Defence emergency.  When this happens, an incident management team is formed to set priorities and coordinate a response. 

Emergency, medical and health services, utility operators and welfare agencies will continue managing their organisations and individual responses, but they will be required to work within the priorities set by the incident management team.