INTERIM STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR STATE LEVEL RECOVERY COORDINATION December 2013 WESTPLAN RECOVERY COORDINATION Approved by the State Emergency Management Committee Resolution No: 106/2013 Review Date: October 2014
CONTENTS Table of Contents CONTENTS... 2 AMENDMENT RECORD... 3 PART 1 INTRODUCTION... 4 1.1 Aim... 4 1.2 Objectives... 4 1.3 Authority and Review... 4 PART 2 PREPAREDNESS... 5 2.1 Planning for Recovery... 5 2.2 Recovery Roles and Responsibilities... 5 2.3 Recovery Subcommittee... 7 PART 3 STATE GOVERNMENT LEVEL RECOVERY COORDINATION... 8 3.1 State Recovery Coordination Group (SRCG) Establishment and Membership... 8 3.2 SRCG Functions... 8 3.3 State Recovery Coordinator (SRCO)... 9 3.4 Activation of Related Plans...10 3.5 Reports...10 3.6 Public Information/Media...10 3.7 Visits by Dignitaries...10 3.8 Cessation of State Arrangements...10 3.9 Debrief...10 PART 4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE... 11 4.1 Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA)...11 4.2 Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)...11 4.3 Centrelink...12 4.4 Public Appeals Lord Mayor s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF)...12 4.5 Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)...12 Appendix A SRCG Roles... 13 Appendix B State Level Recovery Plan... 14 2
Contact Officer For copies of this plan, or to provide comment, contact: The State Recovery Controller Ph: 6552 5854 AMENDMENT RECORD AMENDMENT DETAILS OF AMENDMENT INSERTED BY NO. DATE INITIALS/DATE 1 March 2008 Complete Re-issue 2 October 2009 Review date extended 3 December 2013 Interim Plan referencing role of SRC 4 5 6 7 8 Copies of this State emergency management plan are available on the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) internet site: http://semc.wa.gov.au/pages/stateemergencymanagementplans.aspx Main SEMC website (http://semc.wa.gov.au/) Public Document Library State Emergency Management Plans (Hazard/Support Westplans) 3
PART 1 INTRODUCTION Recovery management is the coordinated process of supporting emergency affected communities in the reconstruction and restoration of physical infrastructure, the environment and community, psychosocial, and economic wellbeing. (Emergency Management Act 2005) Under the Emergency Management Act 2005, it is a function of local government to manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district. The extent of recovery activity will, however, depend on the nature and magnitude of the emergency. In some circumstances, it may be necessary for the State Government to assume responsibility for coordinating the recovery process at a whole-of-government level and this Plan ~ State Emergency Management Plan for State Level Recovery Coordination or WESTPLAN RECOVERY COORDINATION ~ outlines the arrangements that apply in those circumstances. This higher-level coordination operates only to ensure that the affected community has equitable and appropriate access to available resources. The management of recovery must still be determined at the local government level. Terminology used in this Plan has the meaning ascribed by Section 3 of the Emergency Management Act 2005. 1.1 Aim The Plan prescribes arrangements that will apply where an emergency is assessed as being of sufficient magnitude to require coordination of the recovery process at the State level. 1.2 Objectives To establish the relationships between, and the responsibilities of, public authorities and other persons for emergency recovery at the State level. 1.3 Authority and Review This Interim Plan has been prepared in accordance with section 18 of the Emergency Management Act 2005. Responsibility for the Plan has been assigned to the State Recovery Controller. A final plan will be produced within 12 months of approval of this interim plan. 4
2.1 Planning for Recovery PART 2 PREPAREDNESS The State Recovery Controller (SRC) is to oversee all planning, preparation and maintenance of State and local recovery arrangements through the Recovery Subcommittee of the SEMC in partnership with the SEMC Secretariat who will review all State level policies, plans, procedures and guides. The Recovery Subcommittee is to provide advice on State recovery arrangements in accordance with its terms of reference. Controlling agencies are to include transition to recovery arrangements in State emergency management plans. Local governments are to ensure the preparation and maintenance of local recovery arrangements. This includes the identification of a local recovery coordinator and inclusion of a Recovery plan within the Local Emergency Management Arrangements as detailed in State Emergency Management Policy (SEMP) 2.5 Local Government Arrangements and Administrative Procedure (ADP) 5 Local Emergency Management Arrangements. 2.2 Recovery Roles and Responsibilities Roles and responsibilities for emergency recovery are detailed in State Emergency Management Policy 4.4 Recovery Coordination. Agencies that may be given a recovery leadership role for emergencies requiring state level recovery are listed in Appendix A. The extent of the role will be dependent on the nature of the emergency. The following are roles and responsibilities for all levels of recovery coordination: Controlling Agency The relevant Controlling Agency with responsibility for the response to an emergency must initiate recovery activity during the response to that emergency. The responsibilities of the Controlling Agency in relation to recovery are to: liaise with the local recovery coordinator appointed by the local government where the emergency is occurring and include them in the incident management arrangements including the Incident Support Group and Operations Area Support Group; undertake an initial impact assessment for the emergency and provide that assessment to the Local Recovery Coordinator and the State Recovery Controller; undertake a needs assessment in relation to the impact of the emergency on the local community including the identification of damage to or disruption of electricity, gas, water supplies, telecommunications, transport/road infrastructure and services, and liaise with the Local Recovery Coordinator, SRC and the providers of those services in relation to restoration; and conduct a formal handover of control of the emergency to a designated recovery controller. 5
Local Government In circumstances where local government is the Controlling agency, they are to perform the key roles listed above. Local government is to manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district (s36(b) of the EM Act). Local government must prepare local emergency management arrangements which are to include a recovery plan and the nomination of a Local Recovery Coordinator (LRC) (s41(4) of the EM Act). State Recovery Controller (SRC) The SEMC may appoint a SRC who is to support a holistic, whole of government approach to recovery preparation through the SEMC Recovery Subcommittee and the operation of recovery coordination through the State Recovery Coordination Group (SRCG). The roles of the SRC are as follows: Preparedness Coordinate the maintenance of State recovery arrangements and plans such as SEMP 4.4 Recovery Coordination and Westplan Recovery Coordination; Review the recovery arrangements established by local governments in consultation with SEMC Secretariat and in accordance with the requirements of the EM Act and SEMP 4.4; Maintain contact details for all local government recovery coordinators; and Represent the State on national and other recovery committees Response/Transition from Response to Recovery Participate in any SECG if established for an emergency and consider recovery requirements such as State level support; Liaise with the local recovery coordinator for any emergency to ensure local recovery arrangements are established; Oversee the collection, collation and distribution of impact/damage assessments for recovery purposes and reporting to the Minister for Emergency Services (the Minister); Oversee the handover of recovery from the Controlling Agency to the relevant local government; Liaise with the State Emergency Coordinator (SEC) and Controlling Agency during the response phase of an emergency; and Consider the requirement for the establishment of a State Recovery Coordination Group (SRCG) and/or recommend to the Minister the appointment of a State Recovery Coordinator (SRCO) for any emergency, and if warranted, establish such a group/arrange for the appointment of the SRCO; 6
Recovery Chair the SRCG if established and coordinate the recovery activities of Government and non-government agencies; Liaise with and support the Local Recovery Coordinator in relation to the recovery process; Provide reports and advice on recovery process and activities to the Minister, SECG & the Controlling Agency; Contribute to the controlling agency Post Operation Report (Refer SEMP 4.3) for consideration by the SEMC; Establish a review process for the evaluation of the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of each state level recovery operation; and Monitor and report on the progress of recovery activities including preparedness. State Emergency Coordination Group (SECG) The SECG is responsible for state level recovery coordination in the short term following an emergency, until recovery is handed to the SRCG. State Recovery Coordination Group (SRCG) The SRCG, where established by the SRC, is responsible for state level recovery coordination in complex or prolonged recovery operations. State Recovery Coordinator (SRCO) If extraordinary arrangements are required for a specific emergency, the SRC may, in consultation with the SEC, recommend that the Minister appoint a SRCO. The appointment of an SRCO will usually occur when an emergency impacts several communities and a regional coordination approach is necessary. The SRCO is to ensure the provision of coordinated recovery support to emergency affected communities by public authorities and other persons. The SRCO may request assistance from the SRC and SECG/SRCG, where necessary. 2.3 Recovery Subcommittee The terms of reference of the Recovery Subcommittee are as follows: Objective To provide a forum for promoting and supporting the development and maintenance of emergency recovery capability. Functions 7
Develop and implement a program of work to meet the subcommittee objective. Consider recommendations from reviews, and undertake research and projects to improve the systems, processes and procedures associated with emergency recovery. Identify gaps and develop advice and recommendations on emergency recovery policy and planning, including relevant public information messages, for SEMC consideration. Oversee the planning of, and review, State level recovery arrangements. Provide a forum for continuous improvement, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, practice and research on initiatives and issues relating to emergency recovery. Provide input to the review of policies and plans, as referred by the SEMC Secretariat. Undertake activities to improve the State s emergency recovery arrangements and preparedness, as requested by the SEMC. PART 3 STATE GOVERNMENT LEVEL RECOVERY COORDINATION 3.1 State Recovery Coordination Group (SRCG) Establishment and Membership The decision to activate State level recovery arrangements, to ensure the provision of coordinated support to emergency affected communities by public authorities and other persons, will be made by the SRC following consultation with the State Emergency Coordinator and the Controlling Agency for the emergency. Once the decision is made to establish the SRCG the SRC is to determine the appropriate membership. The SRC is to chair the SRCG, unless a SRCO is appointed, and an executive officer will be provided by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. The membership of the SRCG will be tailored to ensure that State level recovery operations can identify and respond to recovery needs in the following recovery environments: Social recovery Built Environment Economic Recovery Natural Environment 3.2 SRCG Functions Upon activation of the arrangements the SRCG will: Assess, in conjunction with the local government/local recovery committee and/or other public authorities, the assistance required by the affected community. This may require on-site assessment Assist the local government/local recovery committee to implement the local recovery plan 8
Identify a public authority with lead responsibility for each of the social, built environment, economic and natural environment aspects of recovery. Develop a State Level Recovery Plan specifically for the emergency and coordinate the most effective use of government and non-government resources to implement that plan (template available at Appendix B) Monitor the progress of recovery and receive periodic reports from the local government/local recovery committee and other public authorities involved in the recovery process Advise the Premier and Minister on the conduct and progress of recovery Determine, if necessary, specific assistance measures for consideration by the State Government. A public authority with responsibility for a key area of recovery may convene working groups to assist coordination of the recovery process for that key area. 3.3 The State Level Recovery Plan The State Level Recovery Plan is unique to each event and guided by the needs of the community. The plan will be responsive to identified needs and will cover the four environments (social, built environment, economic and natural). An example of plan contents is at Appendix B. The plan is to provide assistance across the different recovery environments. Primary emphasis is placed on strengthening community capabilities and capacity for recovery and establishing effective cooperation among assisting agencies. The plan is to include a Public Information Plan. Efficient and effective dissemination of information to the affected community and the community at large in respect to recovery measures and contact points is essential. Information provided to affected people aims to reduce anxiety levels and to restore a sense of certainty through accurate and credible information regarding the types of services available to assist and hasten recovery as well as the means and ways of accessing those services. The plan is to include a strategy for the cessation of SRCG activities and is to include the arrangements for completing outstanding tasks. Withdrawal of formal recovery assistance requires a handover of the activities to agencies that usually have responsibility for those activities, under normal circumstances. 3.3 State Recovery Coordinator (SRCO) If extraordinary arrangements are required for a specific emergency, the SRC may, in consultation with the SEC, recommend that the Minister appoint a SRCO. The appointment of a SRCO will usually occur when an emergency impacts several communities, is ongoing, requires state level assistance to resolve issues and a regional coordination approach is necessary. 9
The SRCO is to ensure the provision of coordinated recovery support to emergency affected communities by public authorities and other persons. The SRC will assist the SRCO. The SRCO may either establish a SRCG for the emergency or establish another coordination arrangement/structure, but not both. The SRCO will chair the SRCG if it is established and will control the State level recovery arrangements. 3.4 Activation of Related Plans Depending on the nature and magnitude of the emergency, consideration may be given to the activation of other State Emergency Management Plans in support of recovery coordination arrangements. The SRC will discuss any such requirements with the responsible public authority. 3.5 Reports The SRCG will report to the Minister and the Premier. Where appointed, a SRCO will report direct to a Minister as determined by the Government. 3.6 Public Information/Media Dissemination of information relating to State level recovery coordination will be undertaken using the State Public Information Emergency Management Support Plan WESTPLAN EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFORMATION, following discussion with the designated Emergency Public Information Coordinator. The State Recovery Controller, or if appointed a Recovery Media Liaison Officer, will initiate this action. 3.7 Visits by Dignitaries The SRC will liaise with the local government/local recovery committee and WA Police to coordinate visits by dignitaries to affected areas to ensure that the timing and outcome of such visits is most effective for the community. Where possible the SRC will brief dignitaries prior to the visit. 3.8 Cessation of State Arrangements The SRC will determine when the State level recovery coordination arrangements cease. This decision will be made following consultation with the affected local government/local recovery committee to ensure there are no gaps in service delivery or non-completion of tasks. Where a State Recovery Coordinator is appointed, cessation will be as determined by the Premier or the Minister. 3.9 Debrief 10
The State Recovery Controller will arrange for all public authorities and other organisations which have participated in the recovery process to be debriefed as soon as possible after cessation of the arrangements and prepare a report for the SEMC or Government as appropriate. PART 4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The primary responsibility for safeguarding and restoring public and private assets affected by an emergency rests with the owner. However, government recognises that communities and individuals do not always have the resources to provide for their own recovery and financial assistance is available in some circumstances. It is important to note that such assistance is NOT provided as an alternative to commercial insurance or other mitigation strategies, and generally it remains the owner s responsibility to safeguard assets. For instance, in a bush fire, insurable assets including houses, vehicles and fencing will generally not be considered as eligible losses by the Government when considering the provision of financial assistance. Wherever possible, State Government resources and services will be provided in accordance with a public authority s existing statutory and contractual responsibilities, policies or plans. Any recommendations for the implementation of assistance measures outside existing policies must be submitted to the Premier for consideration. 4.1 Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA) The State Government has established a range of relief measures designed to address specific needs that may exist within an affected community. The measures are designed to address the following community impacts: Individuals and families Business and residential Rural industry, and Local government. The State Recovery Controller is responsible for the overall administration of the WANDRRA. 4.2 Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) The NDRRA Determinations outline the principles, guidelines, practices and processes under which the Commonwealth provides financial assistance to the States and Territories for the provision of natural disaster relief payments and infrastructure restoration. The Commonwealth NDRRA do not apply directly to disaster affected communities. 11
The State Recovery Controller is the State s coordinator for the NDRRA. 4.3 Centrelink In an emergency, Centrelink will ensure that payments to its existing clients in the area affected by the emergency are not disrupted. In addition, it can often provide financial assistance to any person whose livelihood has been affected by the emergency. Centrelink is represented on the State Emergency Welfare Committee and where possible should be invited to join Local Recovery Committees. 4.4 Public Appeals Lord Mayor s Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF) State Emergency Management Policy No. 4.4 outlines the policy for initiating and managing appeals and donations. The policy directs that all donations of cash or trading stock resulting from a public appeal should be directed to the LMDRF. This body was established in 1961, in conjunction with the State Government, under the Charitable Collections Act to provide for the alleviation and relief of distress, suffering, hardship and misfortune brought about by any emergency within or outside the State of Western Australia, through cash donations. Calls for public donations to assist with any emergency recognised by any government or statutory body within Western Australia or Australia in general should be initiated by the Board of the LMDRF. Such calls may be either on the initiative of the Board itself or by the Board in consultation with any Government or statutory body. The commencement of an appeal fund does not override the statutory obligations, on the part of various government agencies, to provide welfare, relief and reconstruction assistance to those affected by emergencies. 4.5 Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) In some circumstances, NGOs can provide assistance by way of emergency relief funds, shelter, accommodation or household supplies. Where possible, all offers of, or requests for, assistance should be coordinated through the Local Welfare Committee or the Local Recovery Committee to avoid duplication of effort and confusion. At the State Government level this coordination will be undertaken through the State Welfare Emergency Committee. 12
Appendix A SRCG Roles Agencies likely to have a leadership role during state level recovery 1. Department of the Premier and Cabinet 2. Department for Child Protection and Family Support 3. Department of Health 4. Department of Parks and Wildlife 5. Department of Fire and Emergency Services 6. Department of Agriculture and Food 13
Appendix B State Level Recovery Plan Title: << insert name of community>> Recovery Plan Name of event: Event date: Plan Date: Introduction Background on the nature of the emergency or incident Aim or purpose of the plan Authority for plan Assessment of Recovery Requirements Detail loss and damage to residential, commercial and industrial buildings, transport, essential services (including State and Local Government infrastructure) and the environment Detail impact on the community fabric, individuals and the economy Estimate of costs of damage Temporary accommodation requirements (includes details of evacuation centres) Additional personnel requirements (general and specialist) Human services (personal and psychiatric support) requirements Other health issues Organisational Aspects Identify lead public authorities for the social, built, economic and natural environments. Detail the composition, structure and reporting lines of the committees set up to manage the recovery process Detail the inter-agency relationships and responsibilities Detail the roles, key tasks and responsibilities of the various committees and those appointed to various positions Identify the Recovery Coordinator Operational Aspects Detail resources available and required Redevelopment Plans (includes mitigation proposals) Reconstruction and restoration programme and priorities, (including estimated timeframes) Include programs and strategies of government agencies to restore essential services and policies for mitigation against future emergencies. Include the program for community and individual support. Include the program for economic and environmental restoration. Include the program for restoration/continuation of local government services Detail financial arrangements (eg, assistance programs (NDRA), insurance, public appeals and donations). Detail the plan for public information dissemination 14
Appendix B cont. Administrative Arrangements Detail administration of recovery funding and other general financial issues Detail public appeals policy and administration (including policies and strategies for distribution of funds) Detail office and living accommodation, furniture and equipment details for additional temporary personnel Conclusion Summarise goals, priorities and timetable of plan Signed by State Recovery Controller/ State Recovery Coordinator Date: 15