Council's role

During an emergency, we support response agencies such as Fire Forest Management, VICSES and Victoria Police to coordinate relief and recovery efforts within our shire.

It's important to note, council is not the lead agency during an active emergency. Our emergency management team follow the directions and requests provided by the lead agency which varies depending on the type and severity of emergency event. 

To prepare and prevent emergencies, council:

• Prepares the Municipal Emergency Management Plan which includes specific management plans for different types of emergency events. 
• Implements relevant local government legislation such as requirements for fire, health, building and planning. 
• Assesses potential hazards and take appropriate preventative steps to protect residents such as our annual Fire Hazard Inspections.
• Works with partner agencies, such as the Grampians Public Health Unit, to identify appropriate community refuge options during events such as Extreme Heat occurrences. 
• Provides support to community resilience building programs such as our Halls Gap Community Preparedness and Resilience Project. These programs often involved multiple council teams such as our Community Development Officers. 
• Works collaboratively with other councils across Western Victoria to increase our capacity and capability to prepared and respond to emergency events. 

During an emergency, council:

• Once directed by the lead agency, activates the municipal emergency control centre. This is a location from which relief and recovery activities are centrally coordinated.   
• Supports activities such as opening and operating our emergency relief centres for displaced residents. Services available at a relief centre may include assistance with food and clothing, temporary accommodation, personal support services and access to grants or financial aid.
• Coordinates impact assessments, road/tree clearing alongside the VICSES, traffic management support, volunteers and/or donations (where appropriate), and assists with the distribution of warnings and information to the public and media.

After an emergency, council:

• Leads ongoing recovery activities with affected communities and residents. This includes activities such as cleaning up affected infrastructure, building and environmental health assessments, provision of information and agency support options, management of recovery centres, and establishment and support of community recovery committees and associated recovery programs.