Rockhampton Airport puts their Emergency Plan into practice

Published on 25 May 2022

Central Queensland's emergency services were put to the test today, during a simulated emergency exercise at the Rockhampton Airport.

The field exercise, a Level II incident named ‘De Havilland Dash-8 Q400 Crash on Landing’, is designed to test the effectiveness and validity of the Airport Emergency Plan.

Rockhampton Airport Chair Councillor Neil Fisher, said these types of simulated exercises are an essential part of running a safely operated airport, and are designed to ensure effective communication is taking place across the agencies.

“The simulated exercise provides the opportunity to test and evaluate the effectiveness of the current Airport Emergency Plan.

“It focuses on the response to an aircraft incident that occurs when a Dash-8 Q400 aircraft crashes on landing.

“Local emergency response agencies and community support organisations that may be called upon to assist in the event of a local disaster, all took part in today’s exercise.

“They were able to familiarise themselves with the response plan, the airport facility, and the organisational training outcomes.

“Of course, we hope that these plans never have to be used in a real life emergency, but it’s essential that we remain as prepared as possible - just in case.”