Municipal Emergency Management Plan
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
B3. Risk Management Arrangements
B3.1 Context
This Plan identifies the roles and responsibilities of the various organisations and agencies that exist in the
municipality, or have a role in the Municipality in the planning, preparedness, response and recovery process
of an emergency. Each agency’s ability to cope with the identified threats was considered during the
Community Emergency Risk Management (CERM) process.
Municipal Emergency Coordination Centres (MECCs) have been identified, along with an alternative in the
event that the Primary MECC should become unserviceable. Likewise, Emergency Relief Centres and
Assembly Areas have been determined for use during emergencies.
During the identification of hazards, exposure and the assessment of the risks posed to the community, the
community profile and vulnerable communities were also considered. An underlying value being that of
community resilience, this is further expanded in the section on recovery.
B3.2 Being Prepared
The City of Stonnington recognises it has a key role in prevention and mitigation activities to reduce the risk
or minimise the effects of emergencies that may occur in the area. Council’s enforcement and continued
reviewing of existing policies in land use, building codes and regulations, and urban planning, along with the
various agencies responsible for prevention activities throughout the community, combine to ensure that all
measures possible are addressed to reduce the likelihood of an emergency. Treatment and mitigation
measures may include community education. The MEMPC also plays a role in prevention by identifying
potential hazards.
B3.3 Risk Assessment Process
City of Stonnington has produced a Community Emergency Risk Management (CERM) Manual which
identifies sources of risk within the municipality, the likelihood of an event occurring and the treatment
options available to Council to deal with such an event.
The manual includes input from Council as well as emergency service organisations including Victoria
Police, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Victoria State Emergency Service and Ambulance Victoria. The process
used to establish the CERM is outlined in the document.
A sub-group from the MEMPC comprising VICSES, VICPOL, MFB and Council was established in 2010 to
review the CERM. Meetings were conducted in May and June and the revised CERM presented to and
approved by the MEMPC in August 2010 and adopted by Council May 2011.
Review of the CERM and conversion to CERA was scheduled for June 2013 but was postponed due to
VicSES implementation. In the interim a subgroup from the MEMPC was established in August 2013 to
review and update the CERM (2010). The updated CERM was adopted by Council in September 2013 and
adopted by the MEMPC in February 2014.
The CERM has been scheduled for conversion to CERA in 2015.
Risks are reviewed annually with a full review of the CERM being conducted in the June of the year prior to
the MEMP audit.
The complete CERM workbook is included as Part C5.9 of this plan.
The Committee identified hazards and elements of risk. The risks were rated according to likelihood and
consequence and action plans developed to mitigate the risk. The results of the CERM process are listed
below and form the basis of the MEMP.
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Municipal Emergency Management Plan
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
Risk Management planning to ensure business continuity is covered in the Council’s Business Continuity
Plan, 2011. All MEROs and MRMs have access to this information.
B3.4 Risk Assessment Results
Risk Register (Source: CERM, 2013 page 45) Refer to Part C5
1.
Hazard
Flash Flooding (not
river flooding)
2.
Severe Storm
including hail and
wind
3.
Earthquake
4.
A significant
Structural Collapse
5.
Structural Fires
(Commercial &
Industrial)
6.
Structural Fires
(Dwellings)
7.
HAZMAT Incident
(Chemical Liquid spill
/toxic plume)
8.
Severe Rail Accident
9.
Severe Road/Traffic
Accident
10.
Aircraft Crash
11.
Severe Tram Accident
12.
Protracted Disruption
to Gas Supply
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Elements at Risk
People trapped or
drowned. Property
flooded, roads closed,
businesses disrupted.
Environmental Damage
Residents, road users,
roof structures,
powerlines, roads,
windows, vehicles, light
scale roofing
All people, buildings,
structures, roads,
infrastructure & utilities,
environment, businesses
& economy.
People, buildings,
structures, roads,
infrastructure & utilities,
environment, businesses
& economy.
People, buildings,
infrastructure & utilities,
environment, businesses
& economy.
People, residential homes,
infrastructure & utilities,
environment & economy.
People, property and
environment close to
release. Local business &
economy. Roads and
drains.
Commuters, rail
infrastructure, property
along rail lines, local
economy.
People, vehicles & local
economy.
Consequences
Moderate
Likelihood
Likely
Risk
Rating
High
Moderate
Possible
High
Catastrophic
Rare
High
Moderate
Possible
High
Moderate
Possible
High
Moderate
Likely
High
Major
Possible
High
Major
Unlikely
High
Moderate
Likely
High
People on board and on
the ground, infrastructure,
utilities, roads, buildings &
environment.
Commuters, pedestrians,
vehicles utilities, local
economy.
Vulnerable groups.
General business & local
economy.
Major
Rare
High
Moderate
Possible
High
Major
Unlikely
High
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Municipal Emergency Management Plan
13.
Hazard
Protracted Disruption
to Electricity Supply
14.
Civil Disorder
15
16
17
18
19
Significant Public
Issues – Food
Contamination
Significant Public
Issues –
Epidemic/Disease
Outbreak
Extreme Climatic
Event (Heat
Wave/Cold Snap)
Acts of Terrorism
Hazards in
Neighbouring
Municipalities
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
Elements at Risk
Vulnerable groups.
General community,
businesses & local
economy.
People, property &
economy.
People and the economy.
Consequences
Major
Likelihood
Rare
Risk
Rating
High
Moderate
Possible
High
Major
Rare
High
People & the local
economy.
Catastrophic
Possible
Extreme
People and the local
economy.
Moderate
Likely
High
Anyone in the vicinity,
structures (including
critical infrastructure),
political/religious targets.
People, property,
environment & economy.
Catastrophic
Rare
High
Major
Possible
High
B3.5 Treatment Plans
The following treatment plans are identified in the CERM. A summary of the control measures and services
with a primary responsibility are provided below. The distribution of community education information such
as the Community Emergency booklet and the involvement of key stakeholders such as VICPOL, SES,
MFB, AV, DHS and Council are assumed for each.
A variety of resources have also been developed by emergency service agencies to assist in preparing for
and responding to specific emergency situations. These include SES resources StormSafe, FloodSafe,
QuakeSafe, and TsunamiSafe accessible from www.ses.vic.gov.au and MFB resources including smoke
alarms and home safety www.homefiresafety.com.au, Fire Safe and hoarding www.mfb.vic.gov.au. In
addition, information regarding road closures as a result of flood, fire or emergency incidents is available
from VicRoads – www.vicroads.gov.au
B3.5.1 Flash Flooding
Key control measures are already in place to assist with flash flooding caused by a heavy downpour and
rapid inundation of low lying areas. These include the Municipal Flood Emergency Plan and Flood
Management Plan, warnings on Council’s website, mapping and maintenance of storm water drains,
enforcement of Building Codes, Recovery Sub Committee processes and MEMP Communications. In
addition the SES, VICPOL and MFB are equipped to respond.
The Stonnington Planning Scheme includes two overlays which identify areas subject to flooding for the 1 in
100 year storm event.
1) Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO)
This map identifies areas subject to flooding when Gardiners Creek and the Yarra River are in flood.
The mapping has been carried out by Melbourne Water and is a Melbourne Water responsibility to revise
and amend as necessary.
2) Special Building Overlay (SBO)
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Municipal Emergency Management Plan
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
This map identifies areas subject to flooding when Melbourne Water Main Drains and the Council drains are
flowing at full capacity.
a) Mapping assorted with the Melbourne Water Main Drain was carried out by Melbourne Water and is a
Melbourne Water responsibility to revise and amend as necessary.
b) Mapping associated with the Council drainage system was carried out by Council and is a Council
responsibility to revise and amend as necessary.
The purpose of the overlays is to identify land which is subject to flooding, to manage development in these
areas and to manage flood risk (people) and flood damage (property).
To address the issues of flooding within the City of Stonnington, a Flood Emergency Plan has been
developed. Refer to Part C5 – Special Plans and Arrangements, for details of document owners and
distribution.
B3.5.2 Severe Storm
Maintaining the MEMP and the CERM are identified as key to Council managing the risks related to a severe
storm (hail and wind) which could cause widespread damage to residential and commercial properties and
infrastructure. Key control measures include warnings on Council’s website, enforcement of building codes,
tree maintenance, MEMP communications, State Emergency Response Plan and activation of emergency
response agencies.
B3.5.3 Earthquake
A severe earthquake could affect commercial and residential properties, other structures, infrastructure and
utilities. Response agencies may also include the Department of Health, Worksafe and utility companies.
Key control measures already in place include building codes and engineering controls, MEMP
communication strategies, State Health Emergency Response Plan, Fire prevention strategies, OHS
legislation and Worksafe guidelines, Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) capabilities and utility provider and
emergency management service SOPs.
B3.5.4 Significant Structural Collapse
Council’s building permit system is intended to ensure buildings are safe and structurally sound. Building
codes and engineering controls play a significant role. Building permits are issued by the Municipal Building
Surveyor and private building surveyors and Council is empowered to act at any time in response to
buildings that are considered in danger. A Rooming House Closure Protocol (Refer to Part C5) has been
developed to deal with the sudden closure of a rooming house or student accommodation facility. Additional
control measures include MEMP communications, community education, emergency management plans and
OHS guidelines. Additional agencies include DHS and Worksafe.
B3.5.5 Commercial and Industrial Fires
Council has general responsibility to administer fire safety standards. The Municipal Building Surveyor’s
office uses a fire safety strategic plan and database to respond to community fire risk. Building codes, fire
protection and engineering controls along with fire prevention programs and community and industry
education are already in place. Council’s approach to fire management is documented in the Fire
Management Plan 2012. This was developed taking into consideration the Urban Risk Profile – Stonnington
Urban Area and Surround. These plans are located on the Council IT network in the ‘MERO’ folder. This folder
appears on different drives within the IT system depending on the location at which the user logs in. All MEROs
and MRMs have access to this information.
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Municipal Emergency Management Plan
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
B3.5.6 Dwellings Fires
Fires in multi occupancy buildings used for accommodation could cause multiple casualties, property
damage, traffic congestion, utility disruption and displacement of people. Council has responsibility for
administering fire safety standards with shared accommodation buildings given priority under the fire safety
strategic plan. Control measures include building codes, fire protection and engineering controls which are
enhanced by community, public and industry education. Council’s approach to fire management is
documented in the Fire Management Plan 2012. The Rooming House Protocol may be activated when
emergency events affect group housing facilities. Additional agencies include DHS and utility companies.
Reference should also be made to the Urban Fire Risk Profile – Stonnington Urban Area and Surround. The
MFB also runs a series of intervention programs, details can be found on their website www.mfb.vic.gov.au
B3.5.7 HAZMAT Incident
A chemical spill or vapour release has the potential to cause property and environmental damage and
casualties. Key control measures include Stonnington Traffic Management Plan, Building codes, fire
protection and engineering controls, Road Transport legislation (Dangerous Goods) OHS legislation and
Worksafe guidelines and community and industry education. Key agencies include MFB, Vic Roads,
Worksafe, VICPOL, AV, SES, Department of Health and Council. Reference should also be made to the
Urban Fire Risk Profile – Stonnington Urban Area and Surround.
The MFB has advised that hazardous materials storage is a low risk for Stonnington.
B3.5.8 Severe Rail Accident
A severe rail accident could occur at a level crossing or as a result of a collision. Rail operator planning and
maintenance, Emergency Management SOPs, Critical Incident SOP and OHS legislation and Worksafe
Guidelines are control measures already in place. Additional agencies include VicTrack, Metro Rail and
Worksafe.
B3.5.9 Severe Road/Traffic Accident
A severe road/traffic accident could cause multiple injuries and/or fatalities, traffic disruption and road
closures. Maintenance of the MEMP and CERM are Council’s key responsibilities with respect to this type of
event. Additional stakeholders include VicRoads, Yarra Trams, utility services and Worksafe. Emergency
Management Service SOPs, Road Safety legislation, community education and Stonnington Traffic
Management Plan are key control measures.
B3.5.10 Aircraft Crash
An aircraft crash could cause significant damage to properties, multiple casualties, displacement of residents
and render some services unavailable. Aviation safety legislation and practices, pilot training standards,
State Emergency Response Plan and VICPOL Critical Incident Management are the key control measures in
place. Responsibility also sits with CASA and ATSB.
B3.5.11 Severe Tram Accident
A severe tram accident could cause multiple injuries/fatalities and protracted road closures. Council is
responsible for maintenance of the MEMP and CERM and traffic management and planning to manage the
risk. Key control measures also include the State Government’s Arrive Alive campaign, Emergency
management SOPs and Yarra Trams Emergency and Recovery plans. Some responsibility also sits with the
TAC.
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Municipal Emergency Management Plan
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
B3.5.12 Gas Supply Disruption
Protracted disruption to the gas supply could result in stress and disruption to the community, particularly for
vulnerable groups. It could also impact on the ability for local businesses to operate. The key control
measures in place include counter terrorism arrangements, critical infrastructure planning, business
continuity plans and the vulnerable group register. Responsibility also sits with Alinta, VENCorp, DHS, Red
Cross, Salvation Army and Department of Infrastructure (DOI).
B3.5.13 Electricity Supply Disruption
Protracted disruption to the power supply could result in stress and disruption to the community, particularly
vulnerable individuals. The key response control agency is identified as the Energy and Security Division of
DOI with other stakeholders including VENCorp, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), DHS, Red Cross
and Salvation Army. Control measures already in place include counter terrorism arrangements, critical
infrastructure planning, business continuity plans and a vulnerable groups register.
B3.5.14 Civil Disorder
Significant criminal incidents, riotous behaviour and mass gatherings may result in injuries and fatalities or
damage to property and infrastructure. Council has a role in community safety and community health and
wellbeing. Key response control agencies in addition to VICPOL include JEMP and Australian Federal
Police (AFP) supported by DHS, Red Cross, Salvation Army, St Johns Ambulance and event organisers.
Control measures include VICPOL Critical Incidents and Consultant Standing Plan, counter terrorism
strategic plans and special event guidelines permit conditions. In addition community safety initiatives such
as the Liquor Accord have been identified as potential treatments, these initiatives are ongoing.
B3.5.15 Food Contamination
A significant food contamination event related to a mass catering activity could result in casualties/fatalities
and affect the local economy. The municipality manages the risk by monitoring Food Safety Legislation
compliance through the environmental health unit. Additional strategies include established Re-call
procedures and community education. The Department of Health (DOH) is a significant stakeholder.
B3.5.16 Epidemic and Disease Outbreak
A life threatening epidemic/disease outbreak could result in large numbers of people requiring medical
treatment and quarantine. The municipality manages this risk though health regulation enforcement,
vaccinations, local laws and monitoring facilities such as air conditioning. Control measures used by Council
and the Department of Health include Public Health and Wellbeing Act (2008) and Regulations including
mandatory reporting, compliance with local laws, environmental health compliance and community
education. Council has prepared a Pandemic Continuity Plan (Refer to Part C5).
B3.5.17 Extreme Climatic Event
Prolonged extreme temperature conditions (heatwave or cold snap) can result in illness and death,
particularly for vulnerable groups, it can also impact on business and the local economy. Council manages
this risk through the MEMP and CERM, Planning Act, Heatwave Plan and policies and procedures. Other
stakeholders involved include the BOM, DHS, electricity companies and Red Cross. Key control measures
are already in place. These include the Victorian Heatwave Strategy, Red Cross RediPlan, Office of
Housing protocol, heatwave communications strategy and identification of vulnerable people. Identification
of cool places is a treatment strategy identified in the CERM. DHS, Red Cross and Department of Health
also have responsibilities during extreme climatic events. Victoria Police is the control agency for heatwave.
Council first developed a Heatwave Sub Plan (Refer to Part C5) in 2009, in consultation with organisations
and agencies supporting vulnerable groups. The plan is reviewed annually and is a reference document to
the MEMP.
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Municipal Emergency Management Plan
City of Stonnington
Part B3 – Risk Management Arrangements
B3.5.18 Acts of Terrorism
A terrorist attack could result in multiple casualties and fatalities, significant property and infrastructure
damage, utility service disruption, water contamination, traffic congestion and impacts on the local economy.
Counter terrorism arrangements, critical infrastructure planning, business continuity plans, water authority
emergency management plans and network infrastructure security plans and protocols are key control
measures. ADF, DOH, DHS, Yarra Valley Water and South East Water are stakeholders. Refer to National
Guidelines
for
the
Protection
of
places
of
mass
gatherings
from
terrorism
http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Mediaandpublications/Publications/Documents/national-guidelinesprotection-places-mass-gatherings.pdf
B3.5.19 Hazards in Neighbouring Municipalities
Hazards in neighbouring municipalities may impact on people, property and the environment in Stonnington.
This risk is managed by Council participating in the Regional Emergency Response Planning Meeting.
Additional control measures include Acts, Regulations, enforcement, education and community awareness
programs established in partnership with other municipalities.
B3.6 Monitoring and Review
The MEMPC is tasked with re-assessing threats to the community from time to time.
legislation the CERM plan was last reviewed in 2013.
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As required by
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