The City of Gold Coast has developed a purpose-built Disaster and Emergency Management Centre (DEMC) in Ashmore, designed to withstand a Category Five Cyclone and ensure the city is prepared for future emergencies.
Planit Consulting successfully secured the development permit for this critical facility through a competitive tender process. The single-level, 2,300m² centre has been designed to operate under the harshest conditions, complete with a back-up power system and fuel storage to ensure operational resilience.
The DEMC provides a permanent base for 15 full-time disaster management staff and has the capacity to scale up to 70 personnel during an active disaster response. The layout incorporates designated offices for the State Emergency Service (SES) and Queensland Police Service, alongside 40+ functional spaces including meeting rooms, amenities, showers, kitchen facilities, breakout areas, and dedicated rest and recovery rooms.
In 2024, Planit Consulting was further engaged to amend the original approval, enabling the DEMC to operate on a 24-hour basis year-round, not just during disaster events. Working closely with Council officers, Planit facilitated a swift approval process to ensure operational flexibility for the centre.
This project provides the community with confidence that the City of Gold Coast is equipped with the facilities, space, and resources needed to respond effectively to potential future disasters.