The Federal Government has opened the new Crisis Coordination Centre (CCC) in Canberra, which will serve to improve the government’s capability to respond to large-scale natural disasters or acts of terrorism.

 

The purpose-build facility will act as a threat detection centre that has the capacity for up to 100 officers from Commonwealth, state and territory agencies during a crisis.

 

“Operating from its temporary premises from September 2010, the CCC coordinated Australian Government assistance during the Queensland floods, Tropical Cyclone Yasi, the New Zealand earthquake and Victorian floods,” Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

 

“While state and territory authorities are the first responders during times of disasters, the Australian Government has a critical role in coordinating support from other states, the Australian Defence Force, Commonwealth agencies and overseas.

 

The new $14 million CCC facility includes a large operational room, linked video conferencing facilities with the states and territories, crisis coordination rooms as well as secure premise that can be used during a national security incident.

 

During a ‘steady’ state the CCC is staffed by approximately 20 officers from Emergency Management Australia, reporting information to the Australian Government on all potential known hazards, and undertaking contingency planning and preparation for crisis response.