The NSW Government issued a new State Emergency Plan in December 2012(EMPLAN) replacing the previous DISPLAN. There are specific responsibilities in regard to communication with community under this plan but so far no evidence around North Botany Bay that responsible agencies are doing what is required. For example are they promoting an understanding of the HAZARDS faced in this community. (Letter sent to Councils in January).
Pages 6-7 from EMPLAN
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
The community is a vital part of the New South Wales emergency management arrangements. Agencies preparing plans under the EMPLAN will engage with the community and stakeholders, promote community understanding of the hazards they face, seek their input into the development of plans, especially at the local level, and involve communities and stakeholders where appropriate in exercising these plans.
This engagement enhances resilience, reduces exposure to hazards through mitigation, maximises community preparation to act effectively in the face of emergencies, and therefore allows the emergency management arrangements to target their efforts at the places, times and populations most vulnerable to a disaster.
Community Warnings
Timely and accurate warning information for the public is vital during emergencies. These warnings should include advice about options and the likely impacts of an event.
Combat Agencies have statutory responsibilities to issue warnings and public information regarding their particular hazards. All agencies should consider the provision of public information in their planning processes.
Public information and warnings are disseminated pre, during and post-event using the full suite of traditional and social media. The necessity for different organisations to issue a warning pertinent to their agency role may be triggered by the same event, and efforts should be made to ensure that appropriate coordination occurs to ensure comprehensive information is issued.
Preparation Activities – see page 22
Scope
602 Disaster preparation is the responsibility of the whole community; government and not-for-profit agencies, business and industry, local communities, individuals and households. Preparation activities delivered in partnership between all agencies, organisations and communities help build engaged and resilient communities.
603 Key elements of preparation include: planning capability development training exercises building community resilience risk communication.
Port Botany 