Shire marked ready for crisis

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
THE Yarra Ranges has the best emergency management plan in the state, according to the State Emergency Service.
The Yarra Ranges Council was recently audited for its Municipal Emergency Management (MEM) plan.
The plan received a perfect score during the independent audit process conducted by the SES – this was the highest score for the state, and has set a new bench mark and best practice standard for emergency management in Victorian local government.
Staff developed the plan in partnership with emergency services and agencies including Victoria Police, the SES, the Country Fire Authority and the Department of Human Services.
The audit covers 25 questions requiring evidence that council staff have, for example, procedures to place resources on standby in the event of an emergency, identified vulnerable people in the community and how to keep them safe and how to respond to different safety risks.
Presenting a certificate of audit to the council last month, SES central region manager Ray Jasper said the council had set an “extremely high standard”.
“I would like to think other councils will strive to reach the standards set by this council,” he said.
“Yarra Ranges has set the benchmark for the state.”
Although MEM plans are audited every three years, Yarra Ranges Council CEO Glenn Patterson said after the 2009 bushfires the council developed a new model that would improve existing plans and reflect recommendations of the Bushfire Royal Commission.
“Council has also developed a nationally awarded regional Emergency Relief Centre model in partnership with eight councils in the eastern metropolitan region,” Mr Patterson said.
“This model aims to assist municipalities affected by an emergency to maintain business continuity, share skills and resources and provide support for affected community members across municipal boundaries.”