Functions of a Municipal Emergency Management Committee
In accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2006 a Municipal Emergency Management Committee has the following functions, click to reveal:
Establish and coordinate, or support the institution and coordination of, emergency management in their area or, in the combined areas
Prepare and review the Municipal Emergency Management Plan and Special Emergency Management Plans
Determine and review emergency management policy for the municipal area or municipal areas
Review the management of emergencies that have occurred in their area, or combined areas
Report to the Regional Controller on any municipal matters that relate to the functions and powers of the Regional Controller or the Regional Emergency Management Committee
Assist the Municipal Emergency Management Committee Chairperson, Municipal Emergency Management Coordinator or a council to perform and exercise functions and powers.
The Municipal Emergency Management Committee or Council may prepare additional non-statutory recovery and/or evacuation plans.
Emergency Management Plans
Emergency Management in Tasmania has adopted a risk-based approach to planning. The State Emergency Service maintains a management system for emergency management plans, including Municipal Emergency Management Plans. The TEMA outlines the emergency management planning framework for Tasmania.
The basic planning requirements for a Municipal Emergency Management Committee are:
- Prepare a plan for emergency management for the municipal area or areas for which the committee has the responsibility
- Ensure the plan details the arrangements, governance and coordination of emergency management within the Municipal Emergency Management Committee area
- Ensure the plan is reviewed by the Regional Controller
- Seek approval for the plan from the State Controller
- Ensure the plan is reviewed every two years.
The Municipal Emergency Management Guidelines provides advice for developing and reviewing a Municipal Emergency Management Plan and FAQ table.
Accessibility of Plans
Tasmanian Municipal Councils provide details of their Emergency Management Plans on their Council websites which are accessible to the community. Below are a few examples:
Municipal and Government Stakeholders engaging in Emergency Management Training.
Administration Systems
Management Authorities and Support Agencies maintain processes so information is shared during operations in an appropriate and timely way.
WebEOC is Tasmania’s all-inclusive web based multi-agency information sharing system available for use in all aspects of emergency management, when in support of the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management activities.
Within WebEOC organisations can gain situational awareness, co-ordinate response and record decisions made during an emergency response.
The WebEOC File Library enables Municipal Emergency Management Committees to store and distribute plans and other emergency management documents.
Financial Administration
It is suggested that Councils have a pre-prepared account number ready for future emergencies.
The Tasmanian video, Introduction to WebEOC was produced to assist people with emergency management responsibilities to understand the importance of accessing and utilising WebEOC.