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City of Whittlesea’s Role in an emergency

Councils play an important role in preparing for and recovering from emergencies, from reducing the level of risk that residents face to enabling social connection and emergency preparedness.

To prevent and prepare for emergencies we:

  • Prepare and maintain a Municipal Emergency Management Plan in conjunction with local emergency services
  • Implement and enforce relevant local government legislation (e.g. planning, fire, health and building)
  • Provide education and support to help improve community resilience
  • Collaborate with other Councils in the North and West Metro region to improve our capacity and capability to respond to an emergency
  • Identify and assess hazards, and undertake appropriate preventative measures

During an emergency we:

  • Have a 24/7 capability in place to coordinate necessary agencies and resources to support response and relief needs during a non-major emergency
  • If required, activate a Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre to coordinate response agency support, relief and recovery activities
  • If required, open an Emergency Relief Centre for displaced residents to provide relief and/or recovery
  • Assist with the distribution of emergency warnings and information through our Facebook page
  • Assess the impact on the community, and provide support for activities such as hazardous tree removal, waste removal, animal welfare and personal support
  • Support and empower the affected community in its long-term recovery.

The Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) includes strategies to prevent, prepare, respond to and recover from emergencies, which may occur in or near the City of Whittlesea and impact on residents and infrastructure.

Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC)

The MEMPC has broad responsibilities for ensuring all hazards are considered and planned for in relation to risk and emergency management within the Municipality.

The key roles for the MEMPC are risk assessment and development and maintenance of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) and sub plans.

Every municipality is required to develop and maintain a Municipal Emergency Management Plan. The Whittlesea Municipal Emergency Management Plan was developed by our Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC).

View the MEMPC documents