Yarram Community Emergency Plan
Aim:
To support our community with preparation, response and recovery from emergencies that may impact the community.
To build community resilience to adverse events
Method:
Engage a Community Emergency Planning Group / Committee to assist our community to develop and enact a plan in an emergency event.
Work with relevant agencies (emergency service groups and other community groups) in developing and implementing the plan.
Auspice under an incorporated Group and report back to that Group on an agreed basis.
Why develop a Community Emergency Plan for Yarram?
Due to previous emergency events, such as the Churchill Fires of 2009, the Jack River Fire Event of 2014, Devon North fire in 2015, localised flood events, storms and other smaller events in the Yarram area, the community identified that community emergency planning was needed.
A remote / isolated township with minimal access and egress from major urban centres, especially in an emergency event.
During emergency events residents from out-lying areas evacuate into the Yarram township.
How the Plan was instigated
Following the Jack River Fire Event of 2014, funding was made available through a Bushfire Recovery Grant from Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Wellington Shire Council Emergency Management in liaison with Yarram Police worked with communities, conducted community workshops, and questionnaires were sent out to gauge community emergency preparedness. Emergency Planning was rated as important for the community.
The context of the Plan was formatted (using the WSC Emergency Planning Guide), possible hazards were identified and prioritised and action plan developed.
Regional Emergency Agencies and Organisations were engaged as part of the process.
How the Community Emergency Plan will be sustained?
The Yarram Community Emergency Plan will be reviewed six monthly, following an emergency event or a significant change in the township.
The CEP Group will provide reports to their auspice agency, Yarram & District Traders & Tourism Association Inc. on an agreed basis.
