Community-based emergency management plans

All Victorian communities are likely to experience emergencies from time to time, many of which are due to factors outside of their control.

Where communities are more isolated - possibly due to their location or access options - the risks associated with extreme weather events, bushfires, flooding and other emergency events can be magnified.

The vision for the Victorian emergency management sector is to ‘build safer and more resilient communities’ and this can only be achieved by ensuring that the community itself is involved and understands their role in the emergency management process.

When emergency services, industry, business, government, and community come together, it becomes possible to prepare for, respond efficiently to, and minimise the effects and consequences of emergencies.

Community plans are those emergency management plans developed by and for a specific community in conjunction with the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee or local Control Agencies (such as CFA, SES, Victoria Police, etc.).

Development of Community plans allows members of a community to participate in decision making processes that affect them directly, and to foster the development of relationships across the Emergency Management Sector.

Within Mitchell Shire, there are a number of communities that have been identified as higher risk, and the Mitchell Shire Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee are keen to engage people living in these areas with the intention of developing Community Emergency Management Plans.

This survey is for people living in Reedy Creek, Tyaak, Wandong/Heathcote Junction, Upper Plenty and Clonbinane. It aims to assist in understanding community concerns, determining the level of community understanding of the different types of emergencies, and establishing a baseline of 'preparedness'. It also aims to identify those within the community who would like to be actively involved in developing a Community Plan.

Your answers will help make your community a safer place to live.

Note: If you have lived through a major catastrophe or disaster, you are more likely to re-experience grief and strong emotional reactions when you are reminded of it. Some people may find this survey distressing. If you would like to talk to someone about your experience call Lifeline’s Bushfire Recovery line 13 43 57 or visit https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/bushfire/

We have also included lots of information, helpful links and resources relating to emergency preparedness and how you can help your family and your community stay safer in the documents section of this survey.

Survey closes: 9am Monday 18 July 2022

Community drop-in sessions

Come and grab a coffee and snack at one of our information sessions and chat to members from the CFA, SES, Victoria Police, DELP and Mitchell Shire Council.

• Saturday 28 May, 11.30am to 1.30pm: Reedy Creek Community Hall, Doyle St, Reedy Creek
• Saturday 18 June, 11.30am to 1.30pm: TheShack, 1240 Wallan-Whittlesea Rd, Upper Plenty
• Saturday 2 July, 1pm to 3pm: Clonbinane Community Hall, Linton St, Waterford Park
• Saturday 16 July, 11.30am to 1.30pm: Corner Rail St and Wandong Ave, Wandong

Get involved

There are a number of ways that you can have your say:

1. Complete this Online Survey – please note that the survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

2. You can Complete a Hard Copy Survey – hard copy versions of this survey will be available at :

Kemps Bakery Wandong

Wandong Plaza, 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd, Wandong

You can return your survey:

• By email to: mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
• By mail to: Mitchell Shire Council, Reply Paid 70358, 113 High Street, Broadford, Vic, 3658 (no stamp required)

3. If you have any questions regarding this survey, or developing Community Based Emergency Management Plans, please contact the Safer Together Project Officer - By emailing emergencymanagement@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au