Wheatbelt District Emergency Management Plan for Flood · 2017-02-21 · Wheatbelt District...

Wheatbelt District

Emergency Management Plan

for

Flood

AUGUST 2016

Prepared by

APPROVED AT DEMC MEETING

DATE OF APPROVAL: 17 August 2016

REVIEW DATE: August 2021

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Wheatbelt District Emergency Management Plan for Flood V2– June 2016

Contact Details

For copies of this plan, or to provide comment, please contact:

Superintendent

Goldfields Midlands Region

Department of Fire and Emergency Services

79 Newcastle Street, Northam WA 6401

Amendment List

AMENDMENT

DETAILS

AMENDED BY:

(INITIALS) NO. DATE

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Copies of this District emergency management plan are available on the XXXXXX internet site at http://www.XXX.wa.gov.au/ using the following menus:

XXX website;

Publications and Resources;

District Emergency Management Plans.

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 5

1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................... 5 1.2 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.3 HAZARD DEFINITION......................................................................................................... 6 1.4 RELATED DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................................... 6 1.5 AUTHORITY TO PLAN ........................................................................................................ 6 1.6 PLAN RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................... 6 1.7 EXERCISE AND REVIEW PERIODS ......................................................................................... 6

1.7.1 Exercising .................................................................................................................... 6 1.7.2 Review ........................................................................................................................ 7

1.8 ORGANISATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................... 7

2 RISK ASSESSMENT ......................................................................... 8

3 PREVENTION AND MITIGATION ..................................................... 12

3.1 RESPONSIBILITY FOR PREVENTION AND/OR MITIGATION ....................................................... 12 3.2 LEGISLATION AND CODES ................................................................................................ 12 3.3 RISK TREATMENT STRATEGIES .......................................................................................... 12

4 PREPAREDNESS ............................................................................ 14

4.1 PLANNING AND ARRANGEMENTS ...................................................................................... 14 4.2 LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANS ......................................................................... 14

4.2.1 Groups with Special Needs ....................................................................................... 14 4.2.2 Resources .................................................................................................................. 15 4.2.3 Training..................................................................................................................... 15

4.3 COMMUNITY INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 15 4.4 DEFENCE ASSISTANCE TO THE CIVIL COMMUNITY ................................................................ 15

5 RESPONSE .................................................................................... 17

5.1 PRINCIPLES ................................................................................................................... 17 5.2 ALERT .......................................................................................................................... 17 5.3 FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM ............................................................................................... 17 5.4 ACTIVATION .................................................................................................................. 17 5.5 LEVELS OF RESPONSE ...................................................................................................... 18 5.6 INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM .................................................................................... 19 5.7 RESPONSE PRIORITIES ..................................................................................................... 19 5.8 HAZARD MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE/ARRANGEMENTS ........................................................ 19

5.8.1 Liaison Officers ......................................................................................................... 20 5.9 MULTI AGENCY SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND ARRANGEMENTS ................................................ 20

5.9.1 Incident Support Group (ISG) .................................................................................... 20 5.9.2 Operational Area Support Group (OASG) ................................................................. 20

5.10 EMERGENCY POWERS ..................................................................................................... 20 5.11 EVACUATION ................................................................................................................. 20

5.11.1 Triggers for Evacuation............................................................................................. 21 5.11.2 Notification of Evacuation Arrangements ................................................................ 21 5.11.3 Return of Evacuees ................................................................................................... 21

5.12 SUPPORT PLANS ............................................................................................................ 21 5.12.1 Communications ....................................................................................................... 22 5.12.2 Public Information and Media Management ........................................................... 22

5.13 FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESPONSE ....................................................................... 23 5.14 CONTACT ARRANGEMENTS .............................................................................................. 23

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6 RECOVERY .................................................................................... 24

6.1 RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECOVERY ........................................................................................ 24

7 INCIDENT ANALYSIS / REVIEW ...................................................... 25

7.1 INVESTIGATION/ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................... 25 7.2 IDENTIFYING MITIGATION STRATEGIES ............................................................................... 25

8 APPENDICES ................................................................................. 26

APPENDIX A - DISTRIBUTION .................................................................................................. 26 APPENDIX B - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANISATIONS ................................................. 27 APPENDIX C - OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE GUIDE – FLOOD ............................................................ 31

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INTRODUCTION

Within the Wheatbelt Emergency Management District there are three major river catchments of note; they are the Swan - Avon River Catchment, the Mortlock River Catchment and the Moore River Catchment. There are also a series of lake systems and floodplains, mainly to the east of the district. The Avon River is one of the great rivers of Australia. The main channel (from near Wickepin down to where it becomes the Swan River at Wooroloo Brook) is over 260 km in length. Above this channel there is a vast drainage basin stretching to Dalwallinu in the north, to the east beyond Southern Cross and to the south beyond Lake Grace. On the coastal plain the waters of the Avon eventually become part of the Swan Estuary, before flowing into the Indian Ocean at Fremantle1. The Shires of Beverley, Northam, Toodyay and York have experienced a number of floods as a result of the Avon River. Major floods have occurred in 1910, 1917, 1926, 1930, 1945, 1946, 1955, 1958, 1963, 1964, and 19832.

The headwaters of the Moore River lie in the Shires of Perenjori, Carnamah and Dalwallinu. The river then drains southwards through Moora, flows westerly before joining with the Moore River East near Mogumber, then flows in a westerly direction over the Edengerie Cascade, through the northern edge of the Moore River Nature Reserve, then through the Gingin Scarp, discharging into the Indian Ocean at Guilderton3.

The town of Moora has experienced a number of floods dating from 1917 with the latest events in 1999 when the Moora River flooded three times in the same year.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), through the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) Commissioner, is the Hazard Management Agency (HMA) for flood4.

1.1 Aim and Objectives

The aim of the Wheatbelt District Emergency Management Plan for Flood (Wheatbelt Flood Plan) is to detail the emergency management arrangements for potential or actual flood of the Avon River.

The objectives of this plan are to:

ensure the Wheatbelt District local governments have effective emergency management arrangements in place for potential and actual flood emergencies;

define the responsibilities of DFES, State Government agencies, local government, combat and support organisations in the event of a flood emergency;

detail arrangements in relation to the control, coordination and response of potential or actual flood emergencies;

1 Water and Rivers Commission, Avon River Management Programme, 1999.

2 Water and Rivers Commission, Avon River Management Programme, 1999.

3 Alderman, Angela; Clarke, Mike (Oct 2003) Moore River Catchment Appraisal 2003. Resource

Management Technical Report, W.A. Department of Agriculture 263. 4 Emergency Management Regulations 2006 s 17(2)

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provide guidance for flood emergency management plans at the local level.

1.2 Scope

The Wheatbelt Flood Plan covers emergency management flood planning within the geographic boundaries of the Wheatbelt District. The plan deals with risk treatment strategies, preparedness for flood, response to flood and initiation of recovery arrangements following the impact of a flood.

In the event of a secondary emergency occurring as a consequence of a flood, the relevant Westplan and/or district arrangements should be read in conjunction with the Wheatbelt Flood Plan.

1.3 Hazard Definition

A flood emergency is defined as a potential or actual flood event that requires a coordinated multi-agency response and the use of multi-agency resources.

Please refer to Appendix C for detailed information on the flood hazard.

1.4 Related Documents

Westplan – Flood; and

Local Emergency Management Arrangements.

1.5 Authority to Plan

The DEMC is responsible for assisting in the establishment and maintenance of effective emergency management arrangements for the district5.

The Minister for Water Resources has the function of “developing plans for and providing advice on flood management”6.

1.6 Plan Responsibilities

The development, implementation and revision of the Wheatbelt Flood Plan is the responsibility of DFES in consultation with the DEMC, key stakeholders, emergency management agencies and other support organisations.

In order to ensure that the plan is consistent with flood planning responsibilities under the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984, the Department of Water has been consulted during the preparation of the plan.

1.7 Exercise and Review Periods

1.7.1 Exercising

The Response elements of the Wheatbelt Flood Plan will be exercised annually at the State and Regional level in accordance with SEMP 3.1 - Emergency Management Exercises. The activation of this plan counts as an exercise, if the post incident report is completed.

5 Emergency Management (EM) Act 2005 s 32(1)

6 Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984 s 9

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1.7.2 Review

The Wheatbelt Flood Plan will be reviewed by DFES, annually, with a major review every five years.

1.8 Organisational Roles and Responsibilities

This Plan details organisational responsibilities at a District-level and requires that participating organisations support planning at district and local level.

As the HMA for flood emergencies in WA, DFES is responsible for ensuring effective preparedness and response to this risk within the community.

A coordinated response to a flood emergency requires emergency management agencies and support organisations to undertake a variety of agreed and statutory responsibilities. These responsibilities are outlined at Appendix G.

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2. Risk Assessment

As part of the district component of the state risk project the risk from Flood was formally analysed at a workshop in Northam on the 27th May 2015.

A credible worst case scenario was developed with the assistance of a number of agencies including the Bureau of Meteorology WA, Dept of Fire and Emergency Services, WA Police, Department of Water, State Emergency Services, Dept of Parks and Wildlife and the State Emergency Management Committee Secretariat.

The scenario:

Set during the southern wet season (autumn-winter) when an ex-tropical cyclone/low results in heavy rainfall with a maximum intensity of 140 mm in 24 hours. Above average rainfall in the preceding year and wet catchments from recently rainfall has exacerbated flooding. Significant stream rises and major flooding are expected in the Wheatbelt district.

Avon River at Beverly Bridge is nearing its peak 2.5 metres. Major flooding is expected to develop at Northam, York, Beverley and Toodyay. Elsewhere in the district flooding is expected to be minor to moderate.

Using the scenario as a guide, the workshop evaluated 65 risk statements across the 5 impact areas of economy, public administration, people, environment and social setting.

A summary of the risk to the Wheatbelt district from the flood scenario for the five impacted areas is set in chart and tables as below.

Figure 2.11: Percentage of risk statements at each risk level for flood.

16.9%

27.7%

30.8%

24.6%

Percentage of risk statements at each risk level for flood

Extreme

High

Medium

Low

Very Low

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Flood risk assessment E

CO

NO

MY

High risks

Damage and inundation of transport routes including bridges and the inundation of agricultural infrastructure (e.g. grain storage bins, fencing, machinery) were assessed as high risk.

Medium risks

Impacts to the district’s power and water infrastructure and aspects that support the tourism industry (e.g. access routes, facilities, caravan parks, fuel outlets) are medium risks.

Low risks

Risk statements regarding damage to communication and sewerage infrastructure, disruption of major tourism events, damage to crops and disruption to major freight routes were assessed as low risk.

Very Low risks

Damage to aviation, port, fisheries, mining and horticulture infrastructure were assessed as very low risks to the district.

PU

BL

IC A

DM

INIS

TR

AT

ION

High risks

The highest risk to the public administration is from the damage to power infrastructure affecting service delivery.

Medium risks

Local government and state agencies would be required to undertake recovery activities. As a result, there is a medium risk that their core service provision will be reduced. Other medium risks include increased demand (surge) on emergency services and public facilities, and interruptions to health care and social service providers.

Low risks

Damage to communication, transport, water and sewerage infrastructure and emergency service buildings are ranked as low risks.

Very Low risks

Increased demand on WA health services and damage to aviation and port infrastructure are assessed to be very low risks.

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Flood risk assessment P

EO

PLE

High risks

Impacts to people’s health causing injury, serious illness and/or death were assessed as high risk for the Wheatbelt.

Medium risks

The potential for emergency and health services to become overwhelmed resulting in further deaths directly attributed to the flood event were assessed as medium risks. The increase in mosquito borne diseases and contaminated floodwaters resulting in health issues were also medium risks.

Low and very low risks

No risk statements were assessed as low or very low risk.

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

High risks

The contamination of the marine/riverine environment by debris and pollutants including algal blooms was assessed to be a high risk for the district.

Medium risks

Soil erosion on the floodplain and river catchment areas and the spread of non-native flora and fauna are medium risks.

Low risks

Impacts to the health of wildlife and turbidity affecting the marine environment were both low risks.

Very Low risks

Impacts to flora and fauna, including protected flora and fauna in National Parks in the district was assessed to be low risk.

SO

CIA

L S

ET

TIN

G

High risks

No risk statements were assessed as high risk.

Medium risks

Damage to buildings (private, commercial and places of worship) impacting the community’s wellbeing were ranked as medium risk.

Low risks

Low risks to the community result from evacuation, reduced function of educational facilities and a reduction in supply of essential goods.

Very Low risks

Displacement or death of domestic animals, impacts on social service providers, damage to indigenous sites, damage to arterial road networks and the breakdown of community wellbeing were very low risks.

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Risk assessment findings

The high risks for the flood scenario related to damage and inundation of private and commercial buildings and damage to transportation networks as the floodwaters could cause major damage across the district. The flood is also likely to cause economic losses for agricultural industries and their associated infrastructure.

Disruption to the power supply was found to be a high risk and significant resources from outside the district would be required to restore services due to the widespread nature of the network and the flood event.

The flood scenario poses a number of high risks to the environment from agricultural chemicals being washed into waterways and the development of algal blooms in rivers and estuaries, which could impact on fish and marine life populations. Soil erosion within the flood plain and the spread of non-native flora and fauna area categorised as medium risks.

The Wheatbelt consequence table states that ‘at least one death’ is a major consequence, therefore if any death was likely to occur in the hazard scenarios, a major consequence had to be selected. As such the flood scenario is a high risk for injuries and fatalities.

Overall, the response and recovery activities are high risks for flood hazard as these activities would be costly due to the spread of damage across the district.

Impacts to the tourism industry itself, resulting in a decrease in revenues was assessed as a low risk to the district. Most of the other low risks for flood in the district stem from the social setting. These relate to impacts to the district including diffusion of the community from short and long term displacement, reduction in day-to-day functionality of educational and vulnerable people (aged and child care) facilities and a decrease in community morale from loss of income.

( Data taken from the “Wheatbelt District Risk Assessment – summary report May 2016”. For more detail or a copy of this report please contact the executive officer of the Wheatbelt District Emergency Management committee)

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PREVENTION AND MITIGATION

1.9 Responsibility for Prevention and/or Mitigation

Local government has the responsibility for risk treatment strategies for flood emergencies within Western Australia. DFES also has limited responsibility for coordinating the risk treatment aspects of flood within the limitations of its legislative powers and resource capabilities.

The Department of Water (DoW) also has prevention/mitigation responsibilities related to the development of floodplain management strategies which are empowered by the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984.

1.10 Legislation and Codes

Legislation is one of the key initiatives to ensure that prevention and mitigation strategies are consistent and enforceable. Refer to Westplan – Flood for further details.

1.11 Risk Treatment Strategies

It is impossible to prevent floods from occurring, but strategies to reduce the impact of these hazards on communities can include engineering solutions, such as the building of levees; social solutions, such as community education; and enforcement of legislative requirements, such as building restrictions in flood prone areas.

Treatments strategies as developed after the District Risk Project is complete will be included here..

Risk treatment strategies contribute to the increased resilience and reduction in vulnerability of our communities by proactively reducing or minimising the effects of hazardous events.

Key strategies are employed to reduce the risks associated with flood, emergencies. These strategies are shown in Table 1.

Strategy Responsible Organisations

Promotion of, and participation in, community awareness campaigns/programs for ‘at risk’ communities.

Local governments (LGs) assisted by DFES

Application and enforcement of The Building Codes of Australia and informed land use planning for vulnerable areas. Building design to elevate floor or pad levels.

LGs supported by Department of Water (DoW)

Developing resilience in the community and minimising the vulnerability of communities to effects of flood.

LG

Encourage the relocation of structures out of the floodplain.

LG

Participation in research and development programs directed towards increased mitigation, improved community warnings and better information dissemination.

DFES

Provision of support to voluntary emergency organisations.

DFES, LG

Monitoring weather patterns to identify potential and or actual floods and issue warnings to the

BoM assisted by Flood Warning Operational Group and DFES

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Table 1 Floo

d Mitigation Strategies

community.

Provision of advice to the community in the form of Flood Information Bulletins, Flood Watch and Warning Messages.

BoM

Flood mapping. DoW

Provision of advice on floodplain management. DoW

Identification of suitable buildings for designation as Evacuation Centre’s and maintenance of a register of these.

Department for Child Protection and Family Support (CPFS) in consultation with LGs

Ensuring the sustainability of service delivery of critical infrastructure through design and maintenance standards.

MRWA, Utility Providers

Providing advice to agencies related to sustainability of critical infrastructure services and access in ‘at risk’ communities.

MRWA, Utility Providers

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PREPAREDNESS

1.12 Planning and Arrangements

Successful flood operations depend on good planning, effective use of resources and a coordinated response which is timely, efficient and effective.

The concept of this plan is to employ and coordinate the resources of State and Local governments, authorities and agencies; resources available to private industry; and resources available to volunteer groups, for flood operations. This concept is based on:

availability of a 24 hour district level contact for the receipt of initial severe

weather forecasts. This is the DFES’s Regional Duty Officer.

availability of the DFES Regional Operations Centre (ROC) for receipt of flood notification reports;

establishment of operational facilities at two levels (Regional and local), from which management of flood takes place;

deployment of emergency service personnel;

provision of expert technical advice on flood modelling by State and Australian Government agencies when requested by DFES; and

tasking of agencies in a coordinated manner in support of DFES. Agency procedures are then employed to carry out tasks.

1.13 Local Emergency Management Plans

Local government is responsible for the development of local emergency management arrangements (LEMA)7. The Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is to provide advice to local government in this regard.

DFES will provide guidance and support to the State Emergency Service Local Manager (or delegate) and the Local Emergency Management Committee to develop a Local Flood Plan. The arrangements detailed in local flood plans shall be consistent with Westplan - Flood and the Wheatbelt Flood Plan and shall guide the management of a flood emergency within the local area of responsibility.

1.13.1 Groups with Special Needs

Special-needs groups include individuals and groups of people within the community for whom special consideration must be given in state, district and local level plans. These groups may require unique arrangements in regard to resources, mobility, timings, support or communications when responding to an emergency.

Groups to be considered include:

Tourists;

7 EM Act 2005 s 41

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Culturally and linguistically diverse groups, including indigenous communities;

Persons with physical, medical or mental conditions (including persons using assistance animals);

Aged care and;

Persons without means of support

Details of these special-needs groups within the district are included in the respective local government LEMAs.

1.13.2 Resources

LEMAs and district emergency plans should incorporate the use of community and industry resources, especially in relation to accommodation and welfare. Such plans should also identify methods, such as resource registers, to acquire community resources during an emergency.

1.13.3 Training

DFES is responsible for training and equipping an emergency service capable of assisting the community to manage the effects of a flood.

Emergency management and support agencies are also expected to provide trained and equipped personnel. DFES is responsible for conducting multi-agency exercises for the relevant level of emergency management, thereby ensuring all agency personnel are aware of their role in the organised response.

1.14 Community Information

DFES, BoM, and local governments provide a contribution to education programs developed to inform and educate the public on flood notification, risk and management.

During flood events, DFES will provide community information in a coordinated manner through the Incident Controller and/or Operational Area Manager.

Media and public information strategies are reviewed annually by DFES to ensure appropriate communication of flood information to the community.

1.15 Defence Assistance to the Civil Community

Defence Assistance to the Civil Community (DACC) Category 1 is emergency assistance for a specific task(s) provided by the local Defence Commander from within their own resources during localized emergency situations.

DACC Category 1 is available when:

a. Immediate action is necessary to save human life, alleviate

suffering, prevent extensive loss of animal life or prevent

widespread loss/damage to property, and;

b. Local civilian resources are inadequate, unavailable or cannot be

mobilized in time.

DACC Category 1 can be provided for periods up to 48 hours and is accessed by a direct request to the Maanger Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS), or

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their liaison officer. . . All requests must be task or effect based rather than requests for specific equipment.

More extensive Defence assistance can be provided when State resources are exhausted or not available. All such requests must be made via the process detailed in State Emergency Management Procedures Manual OP-9 Australian Government Physical Assistance.

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RESPONSE

1.16 Principles

The management of a flood emergency is based on a graduated response using the following guiding principles:

DFES is the Controlling Agency for flood emergencies in WA in accordance with SEMP 4.1 – Incident Management;

DFES is responsible for activating and controlling the response to a flood emergency within WA;

Responsibility for resourcing and responding to an emergency initially rests with the Incident Controller at the local level;

An emergency beyond the capability of local resources will receive support from district resources. State resources will be provided if district resources are inadequate; and

Communication between local, district and State authorities is essential to ensure intelligent and timely application of resources to manage the emergency.

1.17 Alert

In the event of a potential or actual flood emergency, the BoM Flood Warning Centre (FWC) will be activated and will provide DFES with information about the potential or actual flood.

Alternatively, initial information regarding a potential or actual flood impact can often originate from a local or agency source. Such sources and agencies should notify DFES.

1.18 Flood Warning System

The BoM has a responsibility for flood forecasting in WA8. The BoM exercises this responsibility through the Flood Warning Centre (FWC) which has extensive data, but may require additional information and resources from WA Government agencies when developing forecasts.

Refer to Appendix D – Operational Sequence Guide for Flood.

1.19 Activation

When DFES assesses that a potential or actual flood emergency will require a significant response, it shall “activate” emergency resources and emergency management agencies which are appropriate to the intensity and location of the storm. This may include activation of relevant emergency personnel and local or district plans as required.

8 Meteorology Act 1955 (Cwlth) s 6(b)(c).

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DFES will undertake a range of pre-emptive activities prior to the onset of the hazard, during times of potential threat, or reactively post impact. This may include a range of actions by the Regional Operation Centre (ROC) to support operations9.

More detail of the sequence of activation for the respective hazards is shown in the ALERT and CALLOUT phases of Appendix E.

1.20 Levels of Response

Sound emergency management requires a graduated response which is appropriate to the circumstances of the emergency.

Table 2 shows descriptors which have been developed to ensure a response in which the size of both the IMT and the coordination structure are proportional to the size of the flood emergency. The Table enables one of three operational levels to be selected depending upon the characteristic “factors” of the emergency.

Table 3 has been derived from, and aligned with, SEMP 4.1 and State Emergency Management Procedure OP 23 – Incident Level Declaration. The descriptors are provided as guidance to DFES Operational Managers and are used for all of DFES’s HMA and Emergency Management Agency responsibilities (refer Appendix F).

9 DFES, Fire & Emergency Services Manual – Part Two, 2014, p. 5.

FACTOR LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

General Description

Level 1 incidents are able to be resolved through the use of local or initial response within a few hours. Being relatively minor, all functions of incident management are generally undertaken by the Incident Controller.

Level 2 incidents are more complex either in size, resources, risk or community impact. They may be characterised by the need for:

deployment of resources beyond initial response; or

sectorisation of the incident; or

the establishment of an IMT.

Level 3 incidents are protracted, large and resource intensive. They may affect the community and/or public infrastructure, and may require the establishment of divisions for effective management of the situation. These incidents will usually involve delegation of all the Incident Management functions.

Resource Involvement

Local response/resources required

Resources required from outside the local area

State or National resources required

Agency Involvement

Single or limited multi-agency response (day to day business)

Requires multi-agency response

Requires significant multi-agency response

Incident Management Structures

Managed by a Controlling Agency/IMT only

Activation of Level 2 on-site IMT

Activation of Regional Operations Centre (ROC)

Possible activation of State Operations Centre (SOC) key personnel

Activation of Level 3 on-site IMT

Activation of ROC

Activation of DFES SOC

Potential activation of State Major Incident Control Centre (MICC)

Support Structures

Consider ISG Form ISG

Consider OASG Consider SECG

Impact on Community

Minimal impact on community

Medium impact on the community

Significant impact on the community

Duration Protracted duration Protracted response duration

Complexity No significant issues Medium level of complexity High level of complexity

Multiple incident areas

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Table 3 Operational Levels

1.21 Incident Management System

During all emergencies, DFES will use the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS). All agencies with agreed responsibilities under this plan are encouraged to ensure their personnel are familiar with and able to work within the AIIMS structure. Further information on incident management is detailed in SEMP 4.1.

1.22 Response Priorities

The response to a flood emergency shall be based on the priorities of:

Life;

Critical infrastructure;

Property; and; Environment.

The safety of personnel tasked to the incident will be the fundamental priority in all phases of incident management.

Priorities for Incident Action Planning (IAP) are:

The first priority will address the protection of community members and measures to keep them informed;

The protection of property, critical infrastructure and community assets will be the next priority; and

Protection of conservation and environmental values are to be factored into IAPs as the subsequent priority.

1.23 Hazard Management Structure/Arrangements

When a Flood Watch or Flood Warning has been provided, and the risk of a potential or actual flood is likely to require a level two or three management structure, then DFES will appoint an Operational Area Manager(s) (OAM).

DFES, through the OAM, will appoint the IC(s) responsible for the overall management and control of an incident within specific localised communities or geographical areas.

DFES has a Regional Operations Centre (ROC) available to:

provide a robust facility from which to oversee the coordination of emergencies;

facilitate coordination with other emergency service agencies and emergency management agencies;

coordinate regional/district response to any emergency for which DFES has responsibility;

Activation of State Emergency Measures

Low risk of incident escalation

Potential declaration of an Emergency Situation

Potential declaration of an Emergency Situation or State of Emergency

Other Medium level of media interest Significant level of media interest

Significant political interest

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manage the dissemination of information to the community; and

provide appropriate advice to all levels of government.

1.23.1 Liaison Officers

All agencies are requested to provide a Liaison Officer (LO) upon activation of the response section of this Plan. The LO must possess sufficient experience and seniority to assist DFES. LOs may be the representatives on the relevant Incident Support Group (ISG) or Operational Area Support Group (OASG). Some agencies may nominate their Agency Commander as the LO.

1.24 Multi Agency Support Structure and Arrangements

SEMP 4.1 details the multi-agency support structure used for different levels of emergency. The following paragraphs elaborate on how this policy will be applied during cyclone, earthquake, flood, storm and tsunami emergencies.

1.24.1 Incident Support Group (ISG)

The Incident Support Group/s (ISG) consist of the Local Emergency Coordinator and LOs from local organisations involved in the incident. Its purpose is to assist the IC through the provision of information, expert advice, support and resources relevant to each organisation.

DFES shall appoint the Chair of the ISG and determine membership of the ISG. The IC shall activate the ISG when an incident is designated as Level 2 or higher and/or multiple agencies need to be coordinated.

1.24.2 Operational Area Support Group (OASG)

Where the OAM identifies that the risk is likely to require a level 2 or level 3 response, an Operational Area Support Group (OASG) shall be established to assist with management of the event.

Members of the OASG should include agencies that have an agreed responsibility under this plan. Membership may change depending upon operational requirements.

1.25 Emergency Powers

The FES Commissioner has powers in relation to natural disasters under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 199810. These powers are wide-ranging and are normally adequate to respond to cyclone, earthquake, flood, storm and tsunami emergencies. Should additional powers be required, the EM Act 2005 can be used to invoke emergency powers through the declaration of an ‘Emergency Situation’11 or a ‘State of Emergency’12.

1.26 Evacuation

The decision to evacuate residents from areas after impact is the responsibility of the IC, or the OAM if appointed. The decision will normally be taken in consultation with key stakeholders.

10

FES Act 1998 s 18B. 11

EM Act 2005 s 50 12

EM Act 2005 s 56

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The responsibility for implementing the evacuation rests with DFES, which may require support from other agencies, particularly WA Police and the Department for Child Protection and Family Support.

DFES is responsible for arranging transport requirements for the evacuation from the emergency site. Local and district resources should be used wherever possible.

Refer to SEMP 4.7 Community Evacuation and the respective LG Evacuation Plan for further guidance on evacuation.

1.26.1 Triggers for Evacuation

During a flood emergency, DFES may evacuate residents in risk prone areas due to factors such as:

Structural Collapse – Buildings that are at risk of structural collapse as a result of flood damage should be evacuated.

Hazard affecting properties – Evacuation may occur if it is deemed likely that properties could be at risk from the effects of a flood.

Failure of essential services – Failure of lifelines such as sewerage, power, telecommunications and water pose significant health risks to the community. In the event of any or all of these systems failing, evacuation of individuals, families and the community may be necessary.

1.26.2 Notification of Evacuation Arrangements

When authorised by the OAM and/or IC(s), DFES may use an emergency warning system, local radio stations, television stations or other means of its choosing to warn the public of danger and provide safety advice, including evacuation advice.

1.26.3 Return of Evacuees

DFES is responsible for managing the return of persons evacuated as a result of a flood. The return of evacuees should follow consultation with relevant emergency management agencies to ensure appropriate response and recovery activities have been completed.

1.27 Support Plans

Should additional support be required during a flood emergency, it will initially be sourced through the appropriate LO. Where additional support requires a more coordinated approach, State Support Plans may be activated, including the following:

Westplan – Health;

Westplan – Emergency Public Information;

Westplan – Welfare; and

Westplan – Recovery Coordination.

The following paragraphs contain additional advice about triggers and processes for some of the support arrangements.

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1.27.1 Communications

The provision of communications for emergency response measures under this Plan are based on the use of normal day to day communication facilities of participating organisations as far as practicable. Should these services be inadequate, additional resources may be sought in accordance with Westplan – Telecommunications Support.

The DFES has a public emergency assistance line (132500) to facilitate the provision of emergency assistance to the community.

1.27.2 Public Information and Media Management

Westplan – Public Information details the emergency management arrangements for provision of emergency public information (EPI). SEMP 4.6 – Emergency Public Information details the responsibilities and requirements for HMAs, Emergency Management Agencies and Support Organisations in providing timely, accurate and consistent EPI to communities at risk.

DFES has arrangements to ensure the community of WA is informed of emergencies.

DFES Public Information Operational Plan (PIOP) is designed to provide a framework for DFES communication to the community, media and other stakeholders in a timely, consistent and accurate way during an emergency.

The PIOP addresses operational, resourcing and strategic considerations which could arise during an emergency. It takes into account internal and external stakeholders and includes media liaison, internal communication and public information alerts. Hazard specific public information requirements are included in the PIOP.

1.27.2.1 Approval of Information

DFES only comments on matters within its jurisdiction and all information is approved prior to release.

During an emergency public information talking points about the storm response will be gathered by the DFES Public Information Officer (PIO), who may form part of the:

Incident Management Team (IMT)

Regional Operations Centre (ROC), or

State Operations Centre (SOC).

Information is gathered by the PIO from the IMT, ROC or SOC and key stakeholders and used to develop talking points.

The talking points will be authorised by the DFES IC, DFES OAM or DFES Duty Assistant Commissioner (DAC) and used to complete media alert templates which are then distributed by DFES’ Media and Public Affairs (MPA) team.

1.27.2.2 Delivery Methods

After information is approved, it will be distributed by the MPA team using some or all of the following: Media and Web Alerts, Emergency Broadcasts,

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DFES Information Line – 13 3337, DFES Call Centre, TV Crawler, Emergency Alert (Telephone Warning System), or Media Releases.

For further details refer to Westplan – Flood.

1.28 Financial Arrangements for Response

SEMC Policy No 4.2 - Funding for Emergencies details the criteria for a variety of funding situations and should be consulted to determine the funding arrangements.

Where no prior arrangement has been made with DFES, only expenditure approved by the IC, OAM or DFES DAC will be funded by DFES.

1.29 Contact Arrangements

The key organisations participating in this plan are shown at Appendix G. Ongoing contact with these organisations shall be through LOs appointed by each organisation.

Detailed contact arrangements for activation of Westplan - Flood and for communication with LOs are held by DFES.

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RECOVERY

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.

1.30 Responsibility for Recovery

It is a function of local government to manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district13.

All local governments have a recovery plan and nominated recovery coordinator to coordinate and manage recovery within their districts.

For further detail refer to Westplan – Recovery Coordination and the respective local government’s recovery management plans.

13

EM Act 2005 s 36(b)

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Incident Analysis / Review

DFES conducts three levels of post incident analysis following operational incidents. These are:

Operational Debrief

Post Incident Analysis

Major Incident Review

The level of analysis required will be determined by the DFES Deputy Commissioner in accordance with DFES Policy Statement No. 54 - Incident Analysis Policy. The OAM/IC will ensure that all agencies involved in a multi-agency emergency are provided with the opportunity to submit input into any post operational analysis. Upon acceptance of recommendations an implementation schedule is to be developed and monitored for timely completion.

Post Operation Reports shall be provided to SEMC in accordance with SEMP 4.3 Post Operations Report.

1.31 Investigation/Assessment

Where DFES identifies any issue which has, or is reasonably believed to have contributed to the impact of the emergency upon the community, an investigation may be conducted into that cause. The purpose of the investigation shall be to determine the issues leading to the event, with the intent of developing mitigation prevention strategies to reduce the associated risk to the community.

1.32 Identifying Mitigation Strategies

During the recovery process there is an opportunity to identify future mitigation and preventative strategies and often an opportunity to implement such strategies. DFES will identify key areas in the community infrastructure that failed during the emergency and will promote actions and/or studies designed to minimise the effects on the community in the future. Examples of potential strategies include increasing building construction standards, improving land-use management, and disaster-hardening of key community facilities and utilities.

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A - Distribution

The Wheatbelt District Emergency Management Plan for flood is available on the DFES website (www.dfes.wa.gov.au Addressees on this list will be notified when a new or amended version of the plan is posted on the DFES website via the means shown below.

Organisation Who

Wheatbelt DEMC Members

DFES

Regional Superintendent Goldfields Midlands District Officer Northam (Natural Hazards) Goldfields Midlands Regional Operations Centre Chief Superintendent Country Operations North DFES State Operations

WA Police Service

District Superintendent Wheatbelt District LEC Beverely LEC Northam LEC Toodyay LEC York

Shire of Beverley LEMC

Shire of Northam LEMC

Shire of Toodyay LEMC

Shire of York LEMC

Table 4 Distribution List

http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/

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APPENDIX B - Roles and Responsibilities of Organisations

Introduction

DFES, through the FES Commissioner as the HMA, has the primary responsibility for managing storm effects in WA. However, DFES requires the support and assistance of other organisations to ensure an integrated community response occurs.

Agency Responsibilities

The agencies will undertake the agreed responsibilities, as detailed below. All the agencies are to maintain appropriate internal plans and procedures in relation to the specific agency responsibilities.

Note: The capability and commitment of each Local Government to undertake the tasks and meet the responsibilities identified in this State Plan should be confirmed by the HMA and detailed in the Local Hazard Emergency Plan and/or Local Emergency Management Arrangements. This will ensure the varying capabilities of individual Local Governments are recognised.

Organisation Responsibilities

Bureau of Meteorology

a. Lead and maintain the Flood Warning Operational Group (FWOG).

b. Provide a flood prediction and interpretation service including advice and outlooks on meteorological forecasts, catchment conditions, rainfall and quantitative precipitation forecasts. Issue Flood Watch and Flood Warning messages.

c. Participate in research and development of flood forecasting models and techniques to improve flood forecasts.

d. Establish and maintain real-time rainfall data collection networks and monitoring and dissemination systems to meet the needs of the FWOG.

e. Store and provide historical water and flood intelligence data and information.

f. Contribute to the planning, installation and maintenance of new and improved flood warning systems.

g. Participate in community awareness programs on total flood warning systems.

h. Maintain the operational infrastructure and systems of the BoM and meet the full costs of dissemination of Flood Watch and Warning messages.

Department for Child Protection and Family Support

a. Management of services under Westplan – Welfare and Westplan – Registration & Reunification, as required.

b. In consultation with DFES, and consideration of available department resources, determine the number and location of welfare centres to be opened during the emergency flood.

c. In consultation with the LEMC, determine a register of potential welfare centres.

d. Staff Welfare/Evacuations centres.

e. Register evacuees.

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f. Participate in the emergency recovery arrangements for people affected by floods.

g. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

Department of Health

a. Coordinate the health response in a flood situation, including the activation of Westplan - Health and Support Plans if required.

b. Advise DFES on all medical and health aspects in relation to a flood situation

c. Through the hospital stream, provide acute medical care and relief to injured persons.

d. Through the public health stream, provide environmental health and communicable disease control services, as required.

e. Provide acute mental health services, particularly to those persons within the affected community who have chronic conditions.

f. Provide health advice and support to the designated recovery committee.

g. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

Department of Water

a. Provide an appropriate representative on the DEMC.

b. Maintain real-time river level monitoring systems.

c. Store and provide historical river flood information.

d. Contribute to the planning, installation and maintenance of new and improved flood warning systems.

e. Participate in community awareness programs on total flood warning systems.

f. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

Energy Suppliers and Network Managers

a. Disconnect and restore energy services as prioritised by DFES or the designated recovery authority. Restoration priority will also be determined on other lifeline interdependence requirements.

b. Provide technical advice to DFES in relation to energy supply, disconnection and restoration.

c. Assist in the provision of emergency energy as requested by DFES or the designated recovery authority.

d. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

Department of Fire & Emergency Services

a. Discharge the duties of a HMA, as per the Emergency Management Act 2005, and liaise with other HMAs to ensure response operations are coordinated.

b. Ensure the development and maintenance of response and mitigation plans specific to floods.

c. Periodically test and validate local and district flood plans.

d. Recommend the adoption of mitigation strategies to Districtand Local Emergency Management Committees.

e. In cooperation with other agencies, provide communities with flood risk awareness, information and education.

f. Raise, train and equip an emergency service capable of responding to the effects of a flood.

g. Appoint emergency managers at all levels for a particular flood.

h. Assist with the dissemination of Flood Watch and Flood Warning information and flood advice to the community.

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i. Chair district flood planning committees.

j. Assist with the relocation of those made homeless by flooding.

k. Assist communities in the recovery process.

Local government

a. Provide resources to assist DFES when requested.

b. Make available suitable local government buildings to be used as welfare shelters.

c. Close and open roads within their jurisdiction, when requested by the appropriate authority.

d. Provide details on road conditions to DFES.

e. Lead the community recovery process.

f. Participate in improving flood warning systems to communities (as required).

g. Inspect flood affected properties and ascertain fitness for habitation.

Main Roads WA

a. Provide advice to DFES on the potential flooding impacts on the road system. This includes details on road conditions, including alternative routes when major routes have been cut by flooding or are likely to be cut by flooding.

b. Close and open roads when requested to do so by DFES. This Plan recognises that the Commissioner of Main Roads (or delegated Officers) has the power to close or open roads under the Main Roads Act 1930.

c. Assist in the recovery process through road and road infrastructure repair and reconstruction.

d. Communicate road closures to the public.

e. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

Telstra

a. Provide advice regarding the provision of emergency communications services.

b. Provide a Telstra Emergency Service Liaison Officer whose responsibilities include alerting Telstra Personnel.

c. Take into consideration the emergency communications requirements and priorities of authorities responsible for hazard and emergency management within WA. Actual service provision and restoration priorities will depend on Telstra’s network configuration, the safety and availability of staff, material availability, local community issues and national and local security issues.

d. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

Western Australia Police

a. Support DFES in conducting evacuations. b. Assist DFES with security of evacuated areas. c. Assist with the provision of road traffic management where

appropriate. d. Provide representation on local and district flood planning

committees. e. Provide LO to ROC, if required.

WA Water Corporation

a. Restore water supplies and sewerage systems as prioritised by DFES or the designated recovery agency.

b. Ensure water quality delivered by the system meets appropriate health standards.

c. Provide a LO to the ROC, if requested.

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d. Assist with the provision of potable water supplies where required.

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APPENDIX C - Operational Sequence Guide – Flood

Phase 1

ALERT (Notification that a flood response operation is pending.)

# BoM Warning Message ACTIONS

DFES Combat and Support Organisations

1.1 Flood Watch Flood Watch provides information to generate early awareness of developing hydro meteorological conditions, which may lead to possible or likely flooding in a particular district during the next 24 to 72 hours. Messages will make short generalised statements about the developing weather situation, including forecast rainfall totals, the current state of the catchments and an indication of the rivers at risk from flooding. Flood Watch enables people and the community to take action to increase safety and reduce the costs associated with flooding.

a. On receipt of advice from FWC and, where it is assessed that the level of response to an emergency may involve State level resources, DFES will notify appropriate DFES personnel in accordance with the DFES Emergency Management Coordination Guidelines.

b. Should DFES receive advice of a flood from a source other than the FWC, then DFES will ensure the FWC is aware of the event and will continue to obtain and disseminate up-to-date information from the FWC.

c. DFES may activate appropriate arrangements under Westplan - Flood and will notify relevant agencies with roles and responsibilities under the Plan.

a. Receive operational information on the situation and distribute it within their organisation.

b. Ensure relevant equipment and staff is available for deployment.

c. Ensure ongoing availability of Liaison Officers.

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Operational Sequence Guide – Flood (continued)

Phase 2

CALL OUT (Mobilisation of the flood response operation.)



2.1 Flood Warning Flood Warning provides information to enable timely appropriate action to be taken when flooding is anticipated or occurring. Messages are issued for specific river basins and, where possible, will provide forecast rainfall and river levels. A Flood Warning aims to provide sufficient information to explain what is happening, where it is happening, how it will affect the recipient of the message and what possible evasive actions could be employed.

a. Should it appear likely that the flood will become a level 2 or level 3 event, DFES will:

brief appropriate DFES Staff

appoint an Operational Area Manager(s) responsible for the overall management of the flood operation area and the provision of strategic direction to both agencies and the Incident Controller(s).

ensure that an assessment of the recovery and restoration requirements is conducted as soon as possible after the impact of the event; and

maintain liaison with Agency Liaison Officers.

b. Operational Area Manager(s) will appoint an Incident Controller(s), responsible for the overall management and control of an incident and the tasking of agencies in accordance with the situation. The Incident Controller(s) is responsible to the Operational Area Manager.

c. DFES shall determine the requirement for state assistance and activate State Support Plans as required.

a. Provide Liaison Officers as required.

b. Deploy personnel as required.

c. Fulfill role and responsibilities as outlined in Westplan - Flood.

d. Maintain liaison with DFES.

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Operational Sequence Guide – Flood (continued)

Phase 3

STAND DOWN (Completion of the flood response operation)



3.1 N/A a. DFES shall inform participating agencies and hand over to the State / Local Recovery Coordinator when the following conditions have been met:

all rescues have been accomplished;

all injured have been attended to;

all the displaced people have been provided with shelter;

the essential public services, such as water and power, have been restored;

temporary repairs have been made to designated buildings; and

physical and electronic communications have been largely restored.

a. Organisations are stood down in accordance with relevant procedures for each organisation.

b. Recovery activities in accordance with associated plans continue.

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