Council tests its emergency readiness

Published on 31 October 2019

Council will join with representatives from Victoria Police, local SES Units, Australian Red Cross, Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry and Windarring for an emergency relief centre exercise in Gisborne today, Thursday 31 October.

The exercise will test how well prepared the groups are to provide assistance to residents in an emergency, where they either need to leave their home or who cannot get home.

Each year Council reviews and tests its emergency plans, and this year’s exercise will provide an opportunity for Council and agency staff to do this in a simulated emergency relief environment.

The locations of Council’s emergency relief centres are not advertised until there is an emergency. This is because we need to work with Victoria Police and the agency responsible for responding to the emergency to identify a safe area well away from danger. A safe path of travel for people leaving their homes must also be identified prior to the relief centre being established.

Council’s Manager Community Safety, Anne-Louise Lindner, said the teams were looking forward to being challenged by the exercise.

“We’re getting ready for the upcoming summer season and making sure our plans are in place,” she said. “Now is the time for all Macedon Ranges residents to do the same by preparing yourselves, your family including pets, and your properties.”

There will be increased activity in the vicinity of the Gisborne Mechanics Hall, Gisborne Library and Gardiner Reserve during the exercise, along with emergency personnel and signage.