Qld weather: Damning disaster communications report exposes how authorities let state down

The Lessons of 2023/24: Why Training and Exercises Are Critical to Disaster Readiness

The findings of Queensland’s Inspector-General Emergency Management (IGEM) following the 2023/24 disaster season were unsurprising.

Communication failures and a lack of clarity around evacuation procedures hampered response efforts, leading to confusion and delays. IGEM’s key recommendation—calling for the co-design a whole-of-state training and exercise strategy with all disaster management entities—should serve as a wake-up call for every organisation involved in emergency response across Australia.

Agencies, government bodies, non-government organisations, and community stakeholders must understand their roles and responsibilities when managing initial response and longer term recovery efforts. Without structured training and exercises the consequences can be devastating.

At Shepherd Consulting Services, we have long recognised that exercising is the single most effective tool for preparing organisations for emergency events. It is not enough to have a plan sitting on a shelf—organisations must test, refine, and embed those plans through realistic exercises that expose an capability or capacity gaps before a real crisis occurs.

Emergency exercises are not just about ticking a compliance box; they are about ensuring that when disaster strikes, agencies and stakeholders respond with precision, confidence, and clarity. A well-designed exercise:

Tests communication pathways to ensure that information flows accurately and efficiently between agencies.

Clarifies roles and responsibilities, particularly in the transition from response to recovery.

Strengthens interagency coordination by allowing key stakeholders to rehearse working together under pressure.

Builds resilience within organisations, ensuring personnel are prepared to act decisively in a real emergency.

Shepherd Consulting Services is at the forefront of training future exercise practitioners and upskilling experienced emergency managers. Our tailored programs provide participants with the skills to design, deliver, and evaluate exercises that go beyond theory and into practical, real-world application.

If the IGEM’s findings have shown us anything, it is that Australia cannot afford to approach disaster management in a reactive manner. We must foster a culture of preparedness, where training and exercises become routine, not occasional. Organisations that fail to embed exercising into their emergency management framework are not only risking operational failures but also the safety and well-being of the communities they serve.

Shepherd Consulting Services stands ready to support agencies, businesses, and community organisations in strengthening their emergency preparedness through targeted training and expert exercise management. Investing in Exercise Management Training and multi-agency exercises will ensure that when the next disaster strikes, you are ready.