Resources for emergency managers
Introduction
There is a wealth of information available on emergency management and related matters. This page points to some of the more useful resources to assist local government emergency managers in their role.
Contents of this page:
- The Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
- Education and training
- Australian Government grants
- Natural disaster relief arrangements
- Australian Government assistance in natural disasters
- Resources available via Emergency Management Australia
- State and territory emergency management websites
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
COAG is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, comprising the Prime Minister, state premiers, territory chief ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Key recent COAG publications on emergency management include:
- The National Emergency Protocol
(February 2006) - Report of the National Inquiry on Bushfire Mitigation and Management (March 2004)
- Natural Disasters in Australia; Reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements (August 2002)
Education and training
The Emergency Management Australia Institute is a registered training organisation which conducts a range of Australian Government-funded activities designed to improve Australia's capability to mitigate, manage and recover from disasters. The Institute conducts residential programs, traveling programs, workshops and seminars.
Australian Government grants
Under its Working Together to Manage Emergencies policy initiative, the Australian Government has allocated $49 million over 4 years "… to develop self -reliance at both the community and local government level in order to enhance community safety." This funding is available through the Local Grants Scheme and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund.
Australian Government assistance in natural disasters
This page provides an overview of the role of Australian Government departments in a natural disaster.
Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) is a framework for disaster relief assistance. It applies to bushfires, earthquakes, floods, storms, cyclones, storm surges, landslides, tsunamis, meteorite strikes, and tornadoes. It comprises a mix of grants, loans and payments.
Resources available via Emergency Management Australia
The EMA website has available extensive resources for emergency managers. These include links to the topics below.
- Community information on disasters
- This page provides useful information on preparedness and response to all disasters and emergency situations, outlines emergency management systems and services in Australia, and provides links to other relevant sites.
- Emergency management for communities
- This is a synopsis of EMA initiatives and resources to improve community capacity and to enhance community awareness and safety.
- Preparing for the unexpected
- A booklet of practical steps and useful tips for individuals and families to help them prepare for an emergency and to know what to do if one occurs.
- Recovery resources
- This page links to resources, including guidelines and fact sheets, to assist in the recovery phase.
- Emergency management volunteers
- The emergency management system across Australia relies heavily on the contribution of volunteers. This page provides information to assist both volunteer groups and those agencies working with them.
- Emergency Management Australia quick links
- The EMA website provides quick links to key emergency management initiatives.
- Department of Transport and Regional Services links
- The DOTARS website has links to information on natural disaster relief and mitigation information, to programs that provide funds for local government, and to policy and research projects.
- Pest and disease outbreaks
- The site lists the current Australian responses to plant and animal disease outbreaks. It has links to relevant state and territory sites, instructions on how to report outbreaks, and links to outbreak response plans such as AUSVETPLAN.
- Council of Australian Governments' report
- COAG's Natural disasters in Australia report on natural disaster relief and mitigation.
- Australian Red Cross
- The Australian Red Cross can provide critical services in the event of a disaster or emergency.
- U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- FEMA is part of the US Department of Homeland Security and provides extensive information on all types of natural disasters and on preparing for the impacts. Much of the information is relevant to Australian circumstances.
- American Red Cross
- The American Red Cross has an extensive list of disaster-related guides and checklists for individuals and communities.
State and territory emergency management websites
- Australian Capital Territory
- ACT Emergency Services Agency
- New South Wales
- Emergency NSW
- NSW State Emergency Service
- Northern Territory Government
- NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services
- Queensland
- Department of Emergency Services
- South Australia
- Security and Emergency Management Office
- SA State Emergency Service
- Tasmania
- Tasmania State Emergency Services
- Victoria
- Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner
- Victoria State Emergency Service
- Country Fire Authority
- Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board
- Western Australia
- Fire and Emergency Services Authority
For information regarding local government and emergency management, please contact:
- John Pritchard
- Executive Director, Policy and Research
- Australian Local Government Association
- Tel: 02 6122 9414
- john.pritchard@alga.asn.au
