Controlled Copy Do Not Duplicate MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN (MEMP)

Transcription

1 Controlled Copy Do Not Duplicate MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN (MEMP) Issue No: 4.0 November 2013

2 Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue 4.0 Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 i

3 Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue 4.0 UPDATES It is essential that the information contained herein is amended as necessary. It is therefore of the utmost importance that all those listed advise the Municipal Emergency Management Plan Committee (MEMPC), Municipal Emergency Manager (MEM), of any changes of telephone numbers, both business and after hours and contact details for the distribution to all those concerned. Robert Tindall Municipal Emergency Manager Municipal Emergency Resource Officer Mildura Rural City Council PO Box 105 MILDURA Vic 3502 Phone: Fax: Note: All numbers listed are (03) unless otherwise stated. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 ii

4 Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue 4.0 TABLE OF CONTENTS UPDATES...II TABLE OF CONTENTS...III FOREWORD... VI DOCUMENT CONTROL... VII 1. DEFINITION OF NUMBERING CONVENTION... VII 2. ISSUE OF CONTROLLED DOCUMENTS... VIII 3. RECEIPT OF ISSUED CONTROLLED DOCUMENT BY COPY HOLDER... VIII 4. RECEIPT OF SIGNED DOCUMENT TRANSMITTAL FORMS... IX 5. ISSUE TO LIBRARY FACILITIES... IX PART 1: INTRODUCTION MUNICIPAL ENDORSEMENT STATEMENT OF AUDIT AIM OBJECTIVES RISK ASSESSMENT... 3 PART 2: AREA DESCRIPTION TOPOGRAPHY DEMOGRAPHY POPULATION INDUSTRY MAPS... 4 PART 3: MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE (MEMPC) MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY RESOURCE OFFICER (MERO) RESPONSIBILITIES MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGER (MEM) RESPONSIBILITIES MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY MUNICIPAL RECOVERY MANAGER (MRM) RESPONSIBILITIES COMMAND, CONTROL COORDINATION (EMERGENCY RESPONSE) MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY COORDINATION CENTRES (MECC) OPERATIONS CENTRE DEBRIEFING ARRANGEMENTS FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS PUBLIC INFORMATION AND WARNING PREVENTION (BEFORE EMERGENCIES) RESPONSE RECOVERY PROCESS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DISSEMINATION METHODS DISABLED OR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PERSONS INFORMATION RESOURCES RESPONSE/RECOVERY TRANSITION TERMINATION OF RESPONSE ACTIVITIES AND HAND OVER OF GOODS/FACILITIES COMPENSATION OF VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY WORKERS MAINTENANCE OF PLAN FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS...12 Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 iii

5 Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue PLAN REVIEW PLAN TESTING AUDIT...13 PART 4: PREVENTION ARRANGEMENTS THE ROLE OF THE MUNICIPALITY PREPAREDNESS COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RISK ASSESSMENT COMMUNITY AWARENESS PREVENTION/MITIGATION PLANS... 3 PART 5: RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS INTRODUCTION CONTROL AND SUPPORT AGENCIES... 1 PART 6: RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS RECOVERY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES IMPLEMENTATION MUNICIPAL RECOVERY SERVICES COMMUNITY RECOVERY COMMITTEE COMMUNITY RECOVERY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY RECOVERY COMMITTEE FUNCTION ROLE OF THE DHS IN RECOVERY SUPPLY OF GOODS/SERVICES VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE MEASURES AGENCIES ASSISTING IN RECOVERY THE ROLE OF LOCAL AGENCIES RED CROSS COUNTRY WOMEN S ASSOCIATION DEPI DHS CENTRELINK WATER AUTHORITIES LUTHERAN LADIES GUILD (MURRAYVILLE) MASONIC TASK FORCE MALLEE FAMILY CARE PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (OUYEN) POWERCOR RURAL FINANCE CORPORATION SALVATION ARMY SERVICE CLUBS SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL SUNASSIST SUNRAYSIA COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE VICROADS VICSES VICTORIAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES VICTORIAN FARMERS FEDERATION... 6 PART 7: SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS SUPPORT TASKS & FUNCTIONAL SERVICE AGENCIES EMERGENCY RELIEF EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNCTIONAL SERVICES RESOURCE SUPPLEMENTATION EVACUATION WARNING SYSTEMS OTHER FUNCTIONAL AREAS COMMUNICATIONS HEALTH AND MEDICAL TRANSPORT AND ENGINEERING POST IMPACT ASSESSMENT... 8 Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 iv

6 Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue 4.0 APPENDICES...1 APPENDIX A: MEMPC CONTACT LIST... REMOVED FROM LIBRARY COPY VERSION APPENDIX B: MAPS...1 APPENDIX C: SPECIAL PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS EVACUATION PLANS... 2 PUBLIC SCHOOLS... 2 PRIVATE SCHOOLS... 3 HOSPITALS... 3 EVACUATION GENERALLY... 3 MUTUAL AID ARRANGEMENTS...3 APPENDIX D: EMERGENCY RELIEF CENTRES...1 APPENDIX E: VULNERABLE FACILITIES LIST...1 APPENDIX F :NEIGHBOURHOOD SAFER PLACES (PLACES OF LAST RESORT))...1 APPENDIX G:GLOSSARY OF TERMS/ABBREVIATIONS...1 APPENDIX H: DISTRIBUTION LIST...1 REFERENCES...1 Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 v

7 Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue 4.0 FOREWORD The economic and social effects of emergencies including loss of life, destruction of property, and dislocation of communities are inevitable. Coping with hazards gives our reason and focus for planning. Hazards exist within all communities whether they are recognised or not. The Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) MEMP has been produced pursuant to Section 20(1) of the Emergency Management Act This plan addresses the prevention of, response to and recovery from emergencies within the MRCC and is the result of the cooperative efforts of the MEMPC and assistance from the Victorian State Emergency Service, North Region and recognises the previous planning activities of the municipal area. Privacy Notification The information show in this plan is to be used for the purpose of administrating the Mildura Rural City Council Municipal Emergency Management Plan. The personal information will be used solely for this purpose or directly related purpose. Council may disclose this information to other organisations if required by legislation. The applicant understands that the personal information provided is for the above purpose and that he or she may apply to Council for access to and/or amendment of the information. Requests for access or correction should be made to Council s Privacy Officer. Disclaimer No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without appreciating that it may be the subject of amendment or revocation from time to time without notice. The Mildura Rural City Council expressly disclaim all and any liability (including liability in negligence) to any person or body in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person or body in reliance, whether total or partial, upon the whole or any part of this publication. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 vi

8 Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue 4.0 DOCUMENT CONTROL 1. DEFINITION OF NUMBERING CONVENTION Issue Number: The issue number is displayed at the top right hand corner of each page along with the revision number. This issue number will increment by one following any complete re-issue of the entire document and will be displayed on all pages. Revision Number This number will also increment by one on any page/s that an amended has been made and re-issued. For example: A page within the document may have a number Issue 2, Revision 4 (This may be written as 2.4). This will tell the reader that the entire document has been re-issued once and the specific page has been re-issued 4 times. Version Number The version number is similar in nature to the Revision number and is only applicable to the Appendices. These tables and contact lists will be updated more regularly than the body text. Generally: Changes in the documents and the numbering shall be controlled by the MEMPC MEM. All correspondence should quote the relevant issue/revision/version numbers and applicable page number and section. Depending on the level of amendments, a complete re-issue will generally take place following not more than ten (10) revisions. Where revisions constitute > 50% of the document, a whole version shall occur. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 vii

9 Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue ISSUE OF CONTROLLED DOCUMENTS The issue and distribution of controlled documents requires that the MEMPC MEM: Preserve and safeguard the signed original master document. Stamp each Issued document as Controlled - Do Not Duplicate above the heading on the cover page using red ink. Assign each Issued document a unique destination code or number, to be recorded in the Central Copy Code. Attach a Document Transmittal Form with the first section completed, to each Issued document, and arrange for their dispatch. Maintain a register of all Issued documents by destination code or number. Maintain a record of all superseded copies or affected pages. 3. RECEIPT OF ISSUED CONTROLLED DOCUMENT BY COPY HOLDER Upon receipt of an Issued controlled document, the designated Copy Holder shall confirm that the document: Carries the Controlled - Do Not Duplicate stamp. Has been assigned a destination code or number in the Controlled Copy Number. Has an associated Document Transmittal Form describing the Issue Status and Date of Issue. The Copy Holder shall: Implement the amendment action indicated by replacement of the entire document or only those affected pages. Acknowledge incorporation of the amendment and receipt of the document on the Document Transmittal Form or via advice Return the Document Transmittal Form or to the MEMPC MEM within ten working days. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 viii

10 Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) Issue RECEIPT OF SIGNED DOCUMENT TRANSMITTAL FORMS The MEMPC MEM is to record the receipt of all returned Document Transmittal Forms or acknowledgement advice from Copy Holders. Copy Holders are to return any Document Transmittal Forms or an acknowledgement advice within ten (10) working days. Upon receipt of all Document Transmittal Forms and or acknowledgement advice, the MEMPC MEM is to indefinitely retain the now superseded original master document stamped Superseded in red ink with all associated document management forms including all document transmittal forms that relate to that issue. 5. ISSUE TO LIBRARY FACILITIES Where this document is issued to a Library facility, it will have the MEMPC Contact List - Appendix A, removed from public access. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 ix

11 PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 MUNICIPAL ENDORSEMENT The MRCC s MEMP was officially approved and adopted when signed and sealed by the MRCC on 14 August STATEMENT OF AUDIT The MRCC s MEMP has been submitted to the Victoria State Emergency Service for audit pursuant to the requirements of Section 21A of the Emergency Management Act 1986 (copy of Audit Certificate on following page). This MEMP has been audited in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Coordinator in Chief (August 1995) and a report detailing the results of the audit has been forwarded to the MRCC. The MEMP is required to be submitted for further audit within three years from the date below: Date: 7 June 2011 Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 1 - Page 1

12 Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 1 - Page 2

13 1.3 AIM The aim of the MEMP is to detail the agreed arrangements for the prevention of, the response to, and the recovery from, emergencies that could occur in the MRCC as identified in Part 4 of the Emergency Management Act, OBJECTIVES The broad objectives of the MEMP are to: 1. Implement measures to prevent or reduce the causes or effects of emergencies. 2. Manage arrangements for the utilisation and implementation of municipal resources in response to emergencies. 3. Manage support that may be provided to or from adjoining municipalities. 4. Assist the affected community to recover following an emergency. 5. Complement other local, regional and state planning arrangements. 1.5 RISK ASSESSMENT The MEMPC has conducted a Risk Assessment of all perceived emergency hazards with the municipality. The MEMPC has utilised the Emergency Risk Management model based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Risk Management (ISO (AS/NZ 4360) to analyse the hazards identified in the community. A summary of the assessment outcomes is included in Part Four of this Plan. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 1 - Page 3

14 PART 2: AREA DESCRIPTION 2.1 TOPOGRAPHY The Rural City of Mildura was formed as a result of the State Government s review of municipalities conducted by the office of Local Government during The municipality is bounded by the Murray River in the north and the South Australian border in the west. In the east it borders with sections of both the Swan Hill Rural City and the Buloke Shire. The southern boundary extends from the South Australian border (at a point due west of Lake Albacutya) to where it meets the Buloke Shire approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Sea Lake. That southern boundary has common borders with sections of the West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack Shires. The MRCC comprises almost entirely the old Shires of Walpeup and Mildura. (Image by Department of Health- Modelling, GIS and Planning Products Unit Local Government Area Profiles 2012) The municipality consists primarily of flat agricultural land plus a combination of river flats, state forests, sand dunes, gypsum flats, rolling plains, Mallee scrub and Mallee desert. Altitude in the area does not exceed 200 metres. Mildura which is the major population centre of the region is located on the Murray River at the north-east extremity of the Municipality. The main arterial roads within the municipality are as follows: Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 2 - Page 1

15 1. The Calder Highway runs north and south and almost bisects the eastern half of the municipality. It is the major link between Mildura and the cities to the south. 2. The Mallee Highway which crosses the municipality from east to west in the lower half. It enters the municipality east of Ouyen and proceeds to the South Australian border west of Murrayville. It is part of a direct link between Adelaide and the eastern half of New South Wales. 3. The Sunraysia Highway enters from the south (near the township of Speed), and proceeds north to where it meets and becomes the Calder Highway at a point just south of Ouyen. Like the Calder Highway it has direct links with the major cities and towns to the south. 4. The Sturt Highway crosses the far northern part of the municipality from east to west, entering at Mildura and leaving at the South Australian border. Like the Mallee Highway it is a major link between South Australia and New South Wales and provides a valuable access for the municipality to both of those states. The main rail freight station is Mildura with Ouyen being the only other manned station in the municipality. The line linking these two centres also provides a direct link to Melbourne. The other main rail line provides a freight capability between Ouyen and Pinnaroo (which is just over the border in South Australia). It closely follows the Mallee Highway and links a number of small unmanned stations. The Mildura Airport is a first class facility, which is located 10 km south west of the city. It covers approximately 240 hectares and is the largest and busiest regional airport in Victoria. Agriculture and tourism are assisted by the climate, which is warm and sunny. On most days of the year the municipality features as the area recording the highest temperature in the State. The average minimum/maximum temperatures range from 4.9 to 16.2 degrees Celsius in the winter months and from 15.5 to 31 degrees Celsius in the summer. Average rainfall is less than 300 mm per annum. 2.2 DEMOGRAPHY POPULATION The MRCC has a population of 52,209 (2012). Most of the population resides in Mildura and the surrounding townships of Red Cliffs, Irymple, Nichols Point and Merbein. The next largest town is Ouyen with a population of 1,082. The remaining population is dispersed throughout the municipal district in small townships and on farming properties. The major population centres with their respective numbers are as follows: Mildura (30,647)* Ouyen (1,082)* Merbein (2,671)* Nichols Point (1,463)* Irymple (5,015)* Red Cliffs (4,626)* Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 2 - Page 2

16 Other townships with a population below 1000 are: Cabarita Meringur Cardross Nichols Point Nangiloc/Colignan Underbool Cullulleraine Walpeup Koorlong Werrimull Murrayville Yelta Population Age Structure, Mildura Rural City Council, 2011 (based on place of usual residence) Age (years) Males Females Total % total LGA ,518 5,181 10, % ,302 3,247 6, % ,805 6,374 12, % ,582 6,722 13, % ,382 3,751 7, % , % Total 24,975 26,004 50, % Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census Aged and Disability Characteristics LGA Measure Rank among LGA s Victoria measure Percentage with core activity need for assistance 6.3% % Percentage of persons aged 75+ who live alone 40.1% % Proportion who are female 73.8% n/a 73.9% Proportion who are male 26.2% n/a 26.1% HACC clients aged 0-69 per 1,000 target population 342.1% % HACC clients aged 70+ per 1,000 target population 469.2% % Figures from the ABS 2011 Census indicate that the percentage of the population born outside Australia is 10.1%, with 9% of the population speaking languages other than English. Figures from the ABS 2011 Census for MRCC indicate that 13.2% of the population is aged 9 years or under, and 16.2% of the population over 65 years of age. The main languages other than English spoken include Italian, Turkish, Greek, Chinese, Arabic and Persian. *Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 Census Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 2 - Page 3

17 2.2.2 INDUSTRY Industry in the municipality revolves largely around primary production. Types of primary production include wool, wheat and other cereal crops, viticulture, horticulture (including citrus, fruit and vegetables), pastoral, wineries, and fruit and vegetable processing. Tourism is also a major generator of income, particularly in the major population centres in and around Mildura. The region has also seen growing interest in renewable energy production and mineral sands mining. 2.3 MAPS General Location Map and township maps showing key features, including the location of Relief Centres are included in Appendix B of this document. Reference Maps that are readily available include: MRCC Road Directory Spatial Vision VIC MAP book North West Region Computer based maps and aerial photos maps and aerial photos are readily available from Council s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and can be prepared at any scale to suit the needs of the agency making the request Print sizes can vary from A4 to AO and Council can supply the base data on the derived maps in MapInfo digital format. Flood Mapping Murray River Flood Plain Atlas that provides major and minor inundation extents. The 1956 flood extents are available as a GIS layer. During a municipal emergency event, the Municipal Emergency Control Centre (MECC) will have access to the above information, or the request for a map, should in the first instance be made to MRCC s Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO). History of Emergencies Emergencies in the municipality over the years have been very few. The following events are worthy of note: 1956 Major flooding of the Murray River 1970 Collision between a train and a fuel tanker 1974 Outbreak of Australian arbo-encephalitis 1977 Major property damage due to hailstorm 2011 Rain Event The municipality has from time to time experienced several bushfires but none of major proportions and none resulting in loss of life. The municipality also has a history of periodical, localised storm damage. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 2 - Page 4

18 PART 3: MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS 3.1 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE (MEMPC) The MEMPC is formed pursuant to Section 21(3) and Section 21 (4) of the Emergency Management Act, to formulate a plan for Council s consideration in relation to the prevention of, response to and the recovery from emergencies within the MRCC. The following persons shall make up the MEMPC: Council Representative/ Councillor Municipal Emergency Manager (MEM) Deputy Municipal Emergency Manager (Deputy MEM) Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO) Deputy Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (Deputy MERO) Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM) Deputy Municipal Recovery Manager (Deputy MRM) Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator (MERC) Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Fire Service (CFA) Representative Victoria SES Regional Representative Ambulance Representative Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Representative Red Cross Representative Powercor Representative Mildura Airport Representative Lower Murray Water Representative Salvation Army Representative MRCC Logistics Coordinator MRCC External Affairs Coordinator MRCC Animal Welfare Coordinator MRCC Infrastructure Coordinator MRCC Communication Coordinator MRCC Communication Coordinator MRCC Long Term Recovery Coordinator MRCC Public Health Coordinator MRCC Relief Coordinator Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 1

19 3.2 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS MRCC accepts responsibility for management of municipal resources and the coordination of community support to counter the effects of an emergency during both the response to and recovery from emergencies. This includes the management of: 1. The provision of emergency relief to combatants and affected persons during the response phase. 2. The provision of resource supplementation to control and support agencies during response and recovery. 3. Municipal assistance to agencies during the response to and recovery from emergencies. 4. The assessment of the impact of the emergency. 5. Recovery activities within the municipality, in consultation with the Department of Human Services. In order to carry out these management functions the MRCC will, when necessary, form an Emergency Management Group (EMG). This group will consist of: MERO Municipal Emergency Manager (MEM) Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM) MRCC s Chief Executive Officer Others as required Where appropriate, the EMG or part thereof will convene when the scale of the emergency dictates the requirement for the provision of any of the functions outlined above. Members of the EMG will liaise to determine what level of activation is required. The functions of the EMG will be carried out in consultation with: The MERC with respect to the coordination and provision of resources. The control agency. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 2

20 3.3 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY RESOURCE OFFICER (MERO) The MRCC has appointed a MRCC staff member to fulfill the function of MERO pursuant to Section 20(2) of the Emergency Management Act. See Appendix A RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To be responsible for the coordination of Municipal resources in responding to emergencies. 2. To establish and maintain an effective contact base so Municipal resource can be accessed on a 24-hour basis. 3. To establish and maintain effective liaison with agencies within or servicing the Municipal district and the MRM. 4. To maintain the MECC at a level of preparedness to ensure prompt activation when necessary. 5. To facilitate the arrangement of a post emergency debrief as requested by the MERC. 6. To ensure procedures and systems are in place to monitor and record all expenditure by the municipality in relation to emergencies MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY The MERO is responsible for the coordination of municipal resources in responding to emergencies and has full-delegated powers to deploy and manage council's resources during emergencies. A full list of Council s fleet resources can be accessed from the fleet data-base by contacting Council s Fleet Officer. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 3

21 3.4 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY MANAGER (MEM) The MRCC has appointed a MRCC staff member to fulfill the function of Municipal Emergency Manager (MEM) pursuant to Section 20(2) of the Emergency Management Act. See Appendix A RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To Chair the MEMPC. 2. To ensure MEMP is effective and current. 3. To ensure municipal resources are utilised effectively in a community emergency. 4. Coordinate the emergency management activities of, and liaise closely with the MERO, MRM and MFPO. 5. Ensure MECC can be activated at short notice in the event of an emergency. 6. To facilitate the arrangement of a post emergency debrief as requested by the MERC. 7. To ensure procedures and processes are developed, documented and tested by those required to use them during an emergency, and that suitable training takes place MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY The MEM is responsible for the coordination of municipal arrangements for emergency response and has the delegated powers to prepare and maintain the municipal emergency management plan. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 4

22 3.5 MUNICIPAL RECOVERY MANAGER (MRM) The MRCC has appointed a MRCC staff member to fulfil the function of MRM pursuant to Section 20(2) of the Emergency Management Act. See Appendix A RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Co-ordinate municipal and community resources within the municipality during recovery. 2. Establish Emergency Relief Centres as required. 3. Immediately following an emergency, assist with: The collation and evaluation of information gathered in the post impact assessment. The establishment of priorities for the restoration of community services and needs. 3. The MRM is to liaise with the appointed MERO for the best use of municipal resources to enable the recovery by individuals or the community from the effects of an emergency. 4. Establish an Information and Coordination Centre to be located at the Municipal Offices or a location appropriate to the emergency that has occurred to coordinate and accurately disseminate recovery information to management and the public. 5. Liaise, consult and negotiate on behalf of the affected area with recovery agencies and the municipality. 6. Liaise with the Regional Recovery Committee and Department of Human Services. 7. Undertake other specific recovery activities as determined by the municipality. 8. Support Rapid Impact Assessment process. The MRM may delegate duties to provide for effective management of the recovery functions. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 5

23 3.6 COMMAND, CONTROL COORDINATION (EMERGENCY RESPONSE) Command Refers to the direction of personnel and resources of an agency in the performance of that organisation s role and tasks. Authority to command is established in legislation or by agreement within an agency. Command relates to agencies and operates vertically within an agency. Control The overall direction of response activities in an emergency. Authority for control is established in legislation or in an emergency response plan, and carries with it the responsibility for tasking other agencies in accordance with the needs of the situation. Control relates to situations and operates horizontally across agencies. Coordination (Emergency Response) The bringing together of agencies and resources to ensure effective response to and recovery from emergencies. In relation to response, coordination includes ensuring that effective control has been established PRINCIPAL ROLE OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATORS (All Levels) Ensure that the appropriate control and support agencies are in attendance, or have been notified by the incident controller and are responding to an emergency. Ensure that effective control has been established by the control agency in responding to an emergency. In consultation with the incident controller, ensure an emergency management team has been formed. Ensure the effective co-ordination of resources and services having regard to the provision of section 13(2) of the Emergency Management Act Arrange for the provision of resources requested by control and support agencies. Ensure allocation of resources on a priority basis. In the event of uncertainty, determine which agency is to perform its statutory response role within the region or specified area, where more than one agency is empowered to perform that role. Ensure recovery agencies are in attendance, or have been notified by the incident controller of the emergency. Consider registration of persons evacuated or otherwise affected. Consider provision of relief needs to evacuees and agency personnel where necessary. In consultation with the control agency, consider the need for the declaration of an emergency area. Cooperate with all participating agencies and authorities. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 6

24 3.6.2 FIELD EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATOR This is usually the senior member of the Victoria Police (VicPol) present at the initial scene of an emergency. Primary duties listed in MERC The Officer In Charge of the Mildura Police Station, or his/her deputy is known as the MERC for the MRCC In addition to the roles listed under Section 3.6.1, undertake the following; Activates the MECC Take on active role in planning at a local level including representation on the MEMPC. During an emergency: Ensure that the MERO is advised of the emergency and available to provide access to municipal resources as required. Ensure the MERO is receiving information as appropriate. Attend at the MECC, if activated. Advise the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator regarding emergencies which have the potential to require supplementary resources from outside the municipal district. Any Control Agency requiring municipal support must request that support through the MERC who will pass on all the requirements to the MERO REGIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATOR In addition to the roles listed under Section 3.6.1, the response roles, responsibilities and duties of the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator are: Responsible to the State Emergency Response Coordinator for the effective coordination of resources or services within the emergency response region, having regard to the provisions of section 13 (2) of the Emergency Management Act In an emergency, arrange to provide regional resources requested by a MERC, to response of recovery agencies. In circumstances where requested resources are not available within the region, to request the resource through the State Emergency Response Coordinator Monitor the provision of emergency relief and supply. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 7

25 3.7 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY COORDINATION CENTRES (MECC) The MECC will co-ordinate the provision of human and material resources within the municipality, during emergencies. It will also maintain an overall view of the operational activities within the MEMP s area of responsibility, for record, planning and debrief purposes. The MECC may also become operational during support operations to a neighbouring municipality. Administrative staff for the MECC will be drawn from municipal employees. Provision of MECC functions may in the first instance be conducted from an appropriate Police Station. The MERC may request activation of an identified MECC if required. The primary MECC for the MRCC is: The Alfred Deakin Centre Benetook Room Deakin Avenue (Cnr 12th Street) Mildura The alternative MECC, in the event that the primary MECC becomes unserviceable is: Benetook Depot 464 Benetook Avenue Mildura The secondary alternative MECC is: Irymple Ambulance Station 2117 Fifteenth Street Irymple 3.8 OPERATIONS CENTRE The Centre established by an agency for the command/control functions within their own agency. The MRCC may establish an operations Centre, if necessary, to control its own resources in an emergency. 3.9 DEBRIEFING ARRANGEMENTS A debrief should take place as soon as practicable after an emergency. The MERC will convene the meeting and all agencies who participated should be represented with a view to assessing the adequacy of the MEMP and to recommend any changes. Such meetings should be chaired by the Chairperson of the MEMPC. It may also be appropriate to conduct a separate recovery debrief to address recovery issues. This should be convened and chaired by the MRM. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 8

26 3.10 FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Financial accounting for Municipal resources utilised in emergencies must be authorised by the MERO or the MRM and shall be in accordance with the normal financial arrangements of the MRCC. Control agencies are responsible for all costs involved in that agency responding to an emergency. Government agencies supporting the control agency are expected to defray all costs from their normal budgets. Depending on the magnitude of the emergency some government financial assistance may be available for prevention, response and recovery activities. The MRCC is accountable for any monies donated as a result of any emergency event and will implement systems to receive and account for all such donations PUBLIC INFORMATION AND WARNING Warnings should be used under specific circumstances where community action is necessary primarily to protect lives, and also for the protection of property or the environment. Details of warning arrangements are set out in the Victorian Warning protocol (EMMV Part 8, Appendix 10) which is available on the OESC website ( under Publications). It is important to ensure that public information and warning is maintained at an optimum level. This will provide the public with the necessary information to develop an understanding and awareness of the issues associated with the prevention of, response to and recovery from emergencies PREVENTION (BEFORE EMERGENCIES) Any information released to the public on behalf of the MRCC will be to educate and assist the community to prepare for emergencies. This information must be approved by the MRCC s MEMPC RESPONSE It is the responsibility of the Control Agency to issue warnings to the potentially affected community, and other agencies. The MRCC may have, or be asked to assist in the dissemination of this information. During response, Warnings and the release of other public information should be authorised by the Incident Controller prior to dissemination. Information can be categorised under the following headings: 1. Pre impact To enable the public to take reasonable measures to prevent, or lessen the potential effects of emergencies and to cope during the impact phase of an emergency. 2. During impact To produce suitable news releases through the media concerning the effects of the emergency and what action can be taken by the public. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 9

27 3. Post impact To maintain the crucial information flow to those in need of assistance and direction RECOVERY PROCESS Releasing information will be the responsibility of the MRCC in the first instance this may be done in consultation with the Department of Human Services (DHS). Any information released must be approved by the MRM (General Recovery Information) or CEO/Senior Management (Policy / Financial / Political matters). Liaison must take place so duplication and confusion does not occur INFORMATION MANAGEMENT During emergency response activities information is needed by all participating agencies, persons affected and the wider community. The following list summarises the principles which should be kept in mind by those responsible for managing the flow of information: Get information to the people who need it. Get the right information to the right people. Ensure it is consistent, timely, user-friendly, accurate, compatible and useful. All agencies involved in the response to the incident have a responsibility to collect, analyse, and disseminate relevant information received regarding the incident, as appropriate. Further information regarding Warnings and Information is available from Emergency Management Manual Victoria (EMMV) DISSEMINATION Immediate use of the media should be made to avoid phone congestion. The public should be advised to direct calls to appropriate agencies and centres with adequate facilities, staff and knowledge to answer questions or disseminate information. The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) may be used to assist in the delivery of public warnings and messages for major emergencies. The use of SEWS must be authorised by the Incident Controller METHODS All methods of disseminating information should be considered including: Radio Stations. Television. Emergency Alert (Telephone based system). Agency Information line (ie Bushfire enquiry, SES information line). CALD group radio stations or newspapers. Community Newsletters. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 10

28 Information Centres (One Stop Shops). Door knocks. Vehicle mounted Public Address Systems. Local Community Groups DISABLED OR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PERSONS Special considerations need to be given to warning disabled and non English speaking groups. In the case where information or communication is required with persons unable to speak English an interpreter service such as the Translating and interpreting Service may be able to assist INFORMATION RESOURCES The following systems are an essential part of these arrangements and should be utilised if and when required: Electronic Media. Police Media Liaison. Literature/Brochure Information. Print Media Information Centre If required, a public and media information centre will be established. All public and media releases shall be issued from this centre RESPONSE/RECOVERY TRANSITION Emergency Relief response functions are detailed in Part 7, recovery functions are detailed in Part 6 of this plan. It is essential to ensure a smooth transition from the response activities to the recovery process in any emergency at municipal level. While it is recognised that recovery activities will have commenced shortly after impact, there will be a cessation of response activities and a hand over to recovery agencies. This will occur when the MERC in conjunction with the control agency and MERO declare Stand Down of response. The early notification of recovery agencies involved in the emergency will ensure a smooth transition of on going activities from response to recovery. Accounts and financial commitments made during the response activities are the responsibility of the MERO through the MEMP arrangements TERMINATION OF RESPONSE ACTIVITIES AND HAND OVER OF GOODS/FACILITIES When response activities are nearing completion the MERC, in conjunction with the control agency, will call together relevant relief and recovery agencies including the MERO and the MRM, to consult and agree on the timing and process of the response stand down. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 11

29 In some circumstances, it may be appropriate for certain facilities and goods obtained under Emergency Response arrangements during response to be utilised in recovery activities. In these situations there would be an actual hand over to the MRM of such facilities and goods. This hand over will occur only after agreement has been reached between response and recovery managers. Payment for goods and services used in the Recovery process is the responsibility of the MRM through the MEMP arrangements COMPENSATION OF VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY WORKERS Compensation for all Emergency Workers will be as laid down in Part 6 of the Emergency Management Act, This includes both Registered Emergency Workers and Volunteer Emergency Workers. It is the responsibility of the Organisation utilising the Volunteer Emergency Workers to ensure that all of the Volunteer Emergency Workers are registered MAINTENANCE OF PLAN FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS The MEMPC is required under Emergency Management Act 1986 Section 21(6) and determined by the Committee to meet on at least two occasions each year. A special meeting of the MEMPC may be called in the following circumstances: An incident of significance An organisational change The identification of a significant new risk in the municipality The authority for calling a special meeting of the MEMPC is delegated to the MEM, in consultation with the other members of MRCC s EMG. Minutes of all meetings must be taken and a copy sent to the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator and the Regional Recovery Manager. Functional Sub-Committees, if formed, should meet in April each year to review and amend their arrangements where necessary, or as required PLAN REVIEW Content of the MEMP is to be reviewed annually or after an emergency which has utilised part of the MEMP. Organisations delegated with responsibilities in this Plan are required to notify the MERO of any changes of detail (e.g. contact information) as they occur. Review of the MEMP will specifically focus on the risks in the MRCC and the Contact Directory of the MEMP. Amendments are to be produced and distributed by the MRCC as required. See Appendix H for distribution list. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 12

30 PLAN TESTING Upon completion of development of the MEMP, and thereafter on an annual basis, arrangements pertaining to the MEMP should be tested. This will be done in a form determined by the MEMPC. Any procedural anomalies or short falls encountered during these exercises, or ensuing operations, should be documented and addressed and rectified at the earliest opportunity AUDIT The MRCC pursuant to Section 21A of the Emergency Management Act shall submit the MEMP to the Victoria State Emergency Service for audit. This audit will assess whether the MEMP complies with guidelines issued by the Coordinator in Chief. The MEMP will be submitted for audit at least once every three years. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 3 - Page 13

31 PART 4: PREVENTION ARRANGEMENTS 4.1 THE ROLE OF THE MUNICIPALITY The MRCC recognises it has a key role in prevention and mitigation activities to reduce the risk, or minimise the effects, of emergencies that may occur in the area. MRCC's enforcement and continued reviewing of existing policies in land use, building codes and regulations, and urban planning, along with the various agencies responsible for prevention activities throughout the community, combine to ensure that all measures possible are addressed to reduce the likelihood of emergency. The MEMPC also plays a role in prevention by identifying potential hazard areas. 4.2 PREPAREDNESS Part 5 (Response Arrangements) identifies the roles and responsibilities of the various organisations and agencies that exist in the municipality. Each agency s ability to cope with the identified threats were considered during this process. MECC s have been identified, along with an alternative in the event that the Primary MECC should become unserviceable. Likewise, Relief Centres and Assembly Areas have been determined for use during emergencies. 4.3 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RISK ASSESSMENT To complement the emergency management process and, as a means of minimising or eliminating risks within the municipality, the MEMPC is responsible for carrying out an initial assessment and subsequent reviews to identify existing and potential risks. The risk assessment addresses context, community profile, and vulnerable elements, risk identification, analysis and rating, culminating with a range of suggested treatment options for each risk. This risk assessment is a live document and is never final. Changes to hazards and controls should be reflected and actioned immediately. The risk assessment will be reviewed regularly by the MEMPC and input invited from stakeholders. The arrangements detailed in this Plan are put in place to deal with the residual risk that exists after the developed treatment plans have been implemented. Consultation Process The MEMPC has chosen to use a workshop approach involving wide representation to revise a plan for the management of emergency related risks. This includes identifying, analysing and assessing all risks that are likely to impact on the municipality, along with planning strategies that recommend treatment options. The MEMPC has used the Emergency Management Act 1986, AS/NZS 4360 and the EMA Emergency Risk Management Applications Guide to support the process. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 4 - Page 1

32 Various internal and external stakeholders were consulted for the development of the original risk assessment during 1999, and the subsequent review and updating to the Community Emergency Risk Management Assessment during This included relevant MRCC staff and representatives from the MEMPC including VicSES, DHS, VicPol, CFA and other regional agency representatives. The consultation process for the most recent review held on 21 June 2010 involved a workshop with the relevant MEMPC members and internal MRCC staff. This was to identify and assess the risks or threats that may impact on the municipality and propose appropriate treatment options to reduce the potential impact of these risks. All risks identified in the 2002 assessment and new or emerging risk exposures were included. The assessment process has been fully documented and the recommended treatment options were presented to Council for consideration and action. Listed below is a summary of the identified risks and their ratings. Risks Risk Rating Elements at Risk People Economy Environment Infrastructure Drought Extreme Industrial Explosion Extreme Utility Failure (power supply) Extreme X Transport Accident (Air) Extreme Epidemic (Human) Extreme X X Transport Accident (Road) Extreme Severe Storm High Water Pollution High Utility Failure (water supply) High Flood High X Bridge Collapse High Structural Fire High X Wildfire High Gastro-Intestinal Illness High X X Utility Failure (Gas Supply) High Utility Failure High X (Telecommunications) Transport Accident (Rail) High Heat Wave High Terrorism High Transport Accident (Water) High X Utility Failure (Sewerage) Moderate Civil Disturbance Moderate X Pollution (Air) Moderate Building Collapse Moderate X X Industrial Accident Low X X Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 4 - Page 2

33 4.4 COMMUNITY AWARENESS The ability of a community to respond to an emergency situation and in turn recover from the effects of an emergency will depend on the attitude of the people affected. Obtaining the preferred response from people during emergencies will require community education and awareness programs to be implemented for this purpose. The municipalities and the MEMPC will support and promote appropriate prevention and awareness programs within the municipalities. Methods of warning the community of an impending emergency are addressed Part PREVENTION/MITIGATION PLANS Within the municipality a number of prevention or mitigation plans have been developed. Details of these plans are listed at Appendix D & F. It is the intention of the MEMPC to develop, on behalf of the MRCC, special plans for the following highly rated hazards: Chemical/Dangerous Goods Spillage It is also the intention of the MEMPC to investigate, in conjunction with local Water Authorities, the need for a special plan dealing with the issues of water contamination. Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 4 - Page 3

34 PART 5: RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS 5.1 INTRODUCTION The Emergency Response concept provides the mechanism for the build up of appropriate resources to cope with emergencies throughout the State. It also provides for requests for physical assistance from the Commonwealth when State resources have been exhausted. Most incidents are of a local concern and can be co-ordinated from local municipal resources. However, when local resources are exhausted, the Emergency Response provides for further resource to be made available, firstly from neighbouring municipalities (on a Regional basis) and then, secondly on a State-wide basis. 5.2 CONTROL AND SUPPORT AGENCIES Detailed below are the agreed set of arrangements for the response to identify emergencies within the Mildura Rural City Council. These arrangements have been tailored to meet local response capabilities based on the agencies available within the municipality and agencies identified as Control Agencies as specified within Part 7 of the Emergency Management Manual Victoria. Support Agencies may be able to offer varying levels of support from on ground resources to information. It may be appropriate to consult with a number of identified Support Agencies for advice in relation to any given emergency. It is the prerogative of the control agency to formulate action plans for a given emergency in consultation with support agencies. EMERGENCY/THREAT CONTROL AGENCY (may vary by location) KEY SUPPORT AGENCIES ACCIDENT/INCIDENT Aircraft Victoria Police AMSA, ATSB Biological Materials DH CFA Gas Leakage CFA/MFESB Gas Distribution companies Hazardous materials, high consequence dangerous goods or dangerous goods CFA EPA, AV, Worksafe (workplace, storage facilities and transport) Lifts, cranes or scaffolding and CFA Worksafe amusement structures Marine (not including marine Victoria Police AMSA, Transport Safety pollution) Victoria. Military aircraft and ships Defence Forces AMSA, Victoria Police, Airservices Australia. Radioactive materials DH CFA Rail and tram Victoria Police PTD, DOT, CFA, V/Line, VICSES, Road Victoria Police CFA, VicSES, VicRoads, Municipal Councils Last printed 02/01/ :34:00 Section 5 - Page 1