Media Release
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Full-scale exercise tests Council’s emergency
management capability
Today the Maribyrnong River hypothetically flooded, as part of an emergency management
exercise hosted by Council.
Moonee Valley Mayor, Cr Narelle Sharpe, said the full-scale exercise was designed to test
Council’s ability to respond and provide relief services for the community, should an
emergency situation arise.
“Over 250 participants took part in the all-day exercise, including staff from Moonee Valley City
Council and neighbouring councils, representatives from emergency services agencies,
emergency relief organisation staff and community members,” said Cr Sharpe.
“In response to a hypothetical situation – a severe flooding of the Maribyrnong River, leading to
the evacuation of residents - we set up a Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre at the
Civic Centre in Moonee Ponds, and also ran a simulation Emergency Relief Centre at
Avondale Heights Community Precinct.”
“At the relief centre, students from St Martin de Porres and Avondale Heights primary schools
and senior residents from local community groups contributed to the exercise by playing the
roles of evacuees seeking shelter, food, medical assistance and other support.”
“The opportunity to conduct such a large-scale exercise has been a valuable learning
experience for Council and participating agencies. We were able to test ourselves in a
controlled but authentic environment, to discover our strengths, as well as the areas we need
to improve in.”
Moonee Valley is one of 14 councils involved in the North West Metropolitan Region
Collaboration Project, which supports the collaboration of all municipalities in our region in the
case of a major emergency.
Each year two councils from the collaboration are chosen to host an emergency management
exercise, with representatives from all 14 councils participating.
“On Thursday our neighbours at Maribyrnong City Council hosted a simultaneous exercise on
their side of the river, and we worked closely with them throughout the day,” said Cr Sharpe.
“It’s so important that we’re able to work collaboratively with other councils in our region, and
put systems and processes in place to support each other in the case of a real-life
emergency.”
“Thursday’s exercise has certainly strengthened our relationships with these neighbouring
councils, and enhanced our preparedness to manage an emergency situation, should the need
arise.
“I’d like to recognise the significant contribution made by all those who participated in the
planning and execution of the exercise, including the many community volunteers who made
the day possible.”
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Letitia Duncan, Media and Communications Team Leader
Mobile: 0408 570 106; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au
Photo opportunity:
A photo opportunity will be available at the simulation Emergency Relief Centre, during the role
play part of the exercise.
Date: Thursday, 20 November
Time: 10.30am-11.30am
Address: Avondale Heights Community Precinct (Library and Learning Centre), 69-79 Military
Road, Avondale Heights
Professional photographs from the day can also be supplied upon request.
mvcc.vic.gov.au | 9243 8888
9 Kellaway Avenue – PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
/mooneevalleycc