Tweed Shire Emergency Management Arrangements and Information
Emergency Contacts Information
The Tweed Shire is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and diverse regions within Australia. As part of this unique landscape we are exposed to a range of natural hazards, such as flooding, bushfires, severe storms, cyclones and lightning strikes. These emergency events can take many forms and can occur at any time, often with little or no warning.
These events can leave individuals and their families feeling potentially isolated, vulnerable and in need of immediate support.
Some of the ways that Council works to respond and recover during an emergency event include:
Planning:
- Providing support in clearing, re-establishing and maintaining damaged roads and infrastructure
- Erecting and maintaining Beach Locator Signage and Emergency Beach Access
- Constructing levees to control flooding
- Maintenance of essential water and sewer services
- Providing executive support to the Tweed Shire Local Emergency Management Committee membership
- Participating in a range of committees and supporting a variety of planning measures designed to ensure that, should an emergency occur, communities and services are capable of coping with the effects and have access to adequate resources and information.
During:
- Providing support, equipment and materials in clearing and re-establishing damaged roads and infrastructure during an incident or emergency event
- Participating prior to and during emergencies as a member of the Tweed Local Emergency Management Committee
- Providing road closure information during floods via Council’s website or by contacting the Engineering Services Unit
- Participating in the Recovery Committee that is established after an emergency event and provide information
Council is continually working with emergency services and other agencies to limit the impact that such events have upon our community, infrastructure and environment, however there are simple steps that individuals, families and businesses can take to increase preparedness for a disaster and help to protect your loved ones, pets and property. For more information follow the community support links below.
Floods
Local Flooding in Murwillumbah
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Flooding is one of the most significant hazards impacting on Tweed Shire and therefore Council undertakes significant floodplain management planning work.
Flooding occurs usually between November and May when severe storms and cyclones are most prevalent.
Tweed Shire also experiences flash flooding which results from relatively short, intense bursts of rainfall, from thunderstorms. These floods can result in property damage, loss of life to people and animals and social disruption.
Dangers associated with flooding do not stop when the flooding ends. During clean-up, people must be aware of secondary hazards such as electrocution, contaminated water, structural collapse, hazardous materials, fire, landslips, mosquito infestations and the contamination of waterways with sewage due to the malfunction or overflow of sewage pump stations.
There are steps that you can take to minimise the risks associated with flooding, follow these links:
Emergency Management in Australia Flood Action Guide
Flood Information Page - Tweed Shire Council
Further Information
SES FloodSafe
North Coast Area Health Post Flood Clean Up Information
Red Cross Coping With a Major Personal Crisis Booklet
National Flood Warning (Bureau of Meteorology)
GeoScience Australia (Flooding)
Tweed Valley Floodplain Risk Management Study - Tweed Shire Council
Coastal Creek Flood Study 2009 - Tweed Shire Council
Tweed Valley Flood Study - Tweed Shire Council
Tweed DCP Section A3 (Development of Flood Liable Land) - Tweed Shire Council
NSW Department of Health - Rain and Mosquitoes
Flood Prone areas of the Tweed Shire 2009
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Dam Safety Emergency Plan (DSEP)
Why we have a DSEP?
We need one because the dam cannot safely pass the biggest predicted flood that is possible for this area.
- Spillway will not currently pass Probable Maximum Flood (PMF = 1:10,000,000 years)
- Current Spillway can pass 1 in 2,800 year event
- Probability of dam failure is LOW
- Incremental difference is small for PMF compared to PMF with Dam Failure
- If PMF occurs Uki and valley will be flooded before dam break
- ANCOLD guidelines rates hazard based on consequence, therefore dam is classified as “HIGH A” AND “EXTREME”
What is a DSEP?
- Tweed Shire Council Plan that covers flooding, earthquake and other emergency situations at Clarrie Hall Dam
- Council responsible for DSEP and warning / notification system
- SES implement notifications on behalf of Tweed Shire Council and evacuations
- DSEP’s have existing since 1999
- Spells out notification arrangements for all events for dams.
- Procedure for potential emergency conditions.
- Set the triggers for different events and used to activate the Tweed Local Disaster Plan.
- Provides guidance on what do for different events.
DSEP is activated and closed by Tweed Shire Council
How does Tweed Shire Council monitor the dam and notify customers of potential problems?
- Monitoring – By Tweed Shire Council
- River Gauges (Upstream and downstream);
- Rainfall gauges; and
- Storage level indicators (2)
- We use inundation maps (show areas that will be flooded for different scenarios) to identify people at risk.
- This web site
- Media
- National Emergency Alert System - This is an automatic dial out system that sends emergency messages to property owners that are within a defined region (inundation area in this case). The system sends SMS to mobiles and recorded message to land-lines of the owners or persons with registered phones to that address.
When are people notified?
It should be noted that in the worst event most residents will already be evacuated from their homes due to flooding well before the dam becomes an issue. The following chart shows what occurs as the dam water level rises.
Generally SES disseminates notification and plans evacuations.
The following sound is the alert that will precede a warning message.
What effects does the dam have on flooding?
While the dam was built for water supply only the dam does provide flood mitigation. Peak flows are distributed through the spillway which softens the peaks. This is demonstrated on the chart below showing the theoretical PMF event (blue) and the resulting outflow in the spillway (pink).
Real example
In January 2012 the dam reached White Alert for the first time in its 28 year existence. The chart below shows the comparison between this event and the theoretical PMF.
Inundation Maps
Under Probable Max Flood (PMF), if the dam overtops there is a chance it may fail. If this occurs Council has developed maps that show the extent of flooding that will occur. It should be noted the incremental difference when compared to the flooding that will already exist in this event is minimal downstream from Byangum Bridge.
Below are the compilation maps for areas between the dam and Byangum Bridge.
Clarrie Hall Dam Inundation Map: 0 - 3,000m (1.54mb)
Clarrie Hall Dam Inundation Map: 3,000 - 7,000m (1.55mb)
Clarrie Hall Dam Inundation Map: 7,000 - 10,000m (1.62mb)
Clarrie Hall Dam Inundation Map: 10,000 - 13,000m (1.75mb)
Clarrie Hall Dam Inundation Map: 10,000 - 17,000m (1.22mb)
Spillway Upgrade
Council has completed design work and is currently engaging a construction contractor to complete the upgrade of the spillway on Clarrie Hall Dam. This upgrade is expected to be complete by 2013 and the purpose of the upgrade to to allow the dam to safely pass the PMF. This then means the Dam Safety Emergency Plan will only be needed for events of earthquake or other and does no longer include any reference to dam failure or flooding.
Storms, Lightning and Cyclones
Bushfires
Bushfire at Cabarita 2008
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The intensity of a bushfire depends on the type of vegetation being burnt, the location, the weather conditions and the volume of fuel being burnt. The intensity of bush fires also depends upon the time of year with most bush fires occurring during the hotter and drier summer months.
The Bureau of Meteorology provides advice on forecast weather conditions and fire danger ratings during the Bushfire Danger Period. The RFS Commissioner declares Total Fire Bans based on this advice and other information. This decision is generally made at around 5:00pm each afternoon during the Bushfire Danger Period and the Total Fire Ban applies for the following day, starting from midnight and lasting 24 hours.
There are steps that you can take to minimise the risks associated with bushfires, follow these links:
Bushfire Safety Webpages (RFS)
Home Bushfire Preparation
Bushfire Household Assessment Tool
Bushfire Survival Plan
Further Information
Rural Fire Service Fire Permits
Why do I need a fire permit?
The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period runs from October 1st to March 31st.
This Fire Danger Period may vary however depending on local conditions. If you are planning to light a fire in the open during this time, you will need a permit. The aim of the Fire Permit is to ensure fire will be used safely. A Permit imposes conditions on the way a fire is lit and maintained, and can only be issued by authorised Permit Issuing Officers.
The Permit system informs the authorities exactly when and where landowners intend to burn, to ensure adequate and appropriate measures are in place, so that fires remain under control.
Fire and Rescue NSW - What to do after a fire
Bushfire Risk Management Plan - Tweed Shire Council
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are usually caused by underground movement along a fault plane or by volcanic activity.
The Energy released by an earthquake is recorded on a seismograph, using the Richter scale. The most severe earthquakes recorded have so far not exceeded 9.5 on this scale.
There have been seventeen earthquakes in Australia registering six or more on the Richter scale in the last 80 years. Whereas this is a relatively low number in comparison to other parts of the world it is important to be aware of their potential and that the effects of an earthquake can be devastating.
There are steps you can take to minimise the risks associated with earthquakes, follow these links.
Emergency Management in Australia Earthquakes Action Guide
Further Information
Geoscience Australia
Tsunami
A Tsunami is a series of waves travelling across the ocean (not related to tides). They are most commonly caused by an underwater earthquake, although can also be the result of:
- Landslide
- Volcanic eruption
- Ocean meteorite impacts
- Explosions
Tsunami’s have the potential to cause a significant impact to low-lying areas of the Australian coast. The NSW coast has been affected by over 30 tsunami in the past 200 years but these have been generally too small to be noticed.
There are steps you can take to minimise the risks associated with tsunami, follow these links.
Emergency Management in Australia Tsunami Action Guide
Further Information
Bureau of Meteorology
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre
Create An Emergency Plan
Creating an emergency plan is one of the first steps in ensuring the safety of you and your family in an emergency. The following information will be useful in starting to think about what is involved:
- Involve everyone in the household when creating your plan
- As a household think about what different disasters may affect you and how you might deal with the effects of each.
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Consider creating a floor plan of the house, marking exits and the locations of the following
- Mains power switch
- Fire extinguishers
- Gas meter
- Water meter
- Emergency kit
- Ensure family members know how to turn utilities off (water, power and gas) and that any equipment is available that may be required
- Decide on a meeting place away from house
- Emergency contact phone numbers should you be separated (include both a local and an out of town contact)
- Consider if any elderly or vulnerable neighbours may need your help
- Don’t forget to consider the needs of your pets in an emergency Emergency Management in Australia - Pets Action Guide in Emergencies
For additional information about creating an emergency plan, follow these links:
Emergency Management in Australia
The Red Cross REDiPlan
Emergency Management QLD
Further Information
Emergency Management in Australia - Hazards Disasters and Your Community
Create an Emergency Kit
An Emergency Kit is an essential item in the effective preparation for an emergency event. Your emergency kit should contain the necessary items you and your family will require in case of an emergency event, power outage or if you need to evacuate your home. Having a well stocked emergency kit can not only provide peace of mind, but help to ensure the safety of your loved ones in an emergency situation.
Emergency Kit – at all times:
- Portable radio with spare batteries (or wind up radio)
- Torch with spare batteries
- Candles, waterproof matches and/or lighter
- First aid kit/manual
- Strong plastic garbage bags
- Copies of all important documents in sealed plastic bags
- Tarp and tape for emergency repairs
- Copy of Home emergency plan
- Any tools needed to turn off utilities
If you are required to leave the property, place in your home emergency kit:
- A good supply of family medications
- Any special requirements for babies, the disabled, infirm and/or elderly
- Strong shoes
- Fresh food and drinks
Keep your Home Emergency Kit in a waterproof container and check it on a regular basis. www.ses.nsw.gov.au/communitysafety/emergencykit
When a warning is issued:
- 3 days supply of non-perishable food, can opener and portable stove for cooking
- Provisions for pets
- Bottled water (3 litres per person per day for three day period)
- Toiletries and medications (including prescriptions)
- Mobile phone and charger
- Money and spare house and car keys
- Originals of important documents (in sealed plastic bags)
For more information on creating an emergency kit, please refer to the following www.ses.nsw.gov.au/communitysafety/emergencykit
Tweed Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC)
The Tweed Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) was established under the provisions of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989. The Committee consists of a senior representative of Council, (who is Chairperson of the Committee), a senior representative of each emergency services organisation operating in the region, representatives of organisations providing services in functional areas and the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON). Tweed Shire Council provides executive support facilities for the LEMC and the LEOCON.
The purpose of the LEMC is:
To develop, maintain, coordinate and review comprehensive multi-agency emergency management arrangements within the Tweed Shire and to provide support to Combat Agencies and other Authorities and Organisations with emergency management roles which will assist in building a safer and more resilient community.
The LEMC are responsible for and guided by the Tweed Local Disaster (DISPLAN), a document which ensures the coordinated preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies with all agencies having assigned responsibilities and functions. The DISPLAN also clearly outlines the appropriate lines of communication and responsibilities of individuals and combat agencies to ensure a coordinated all agency response to emergency events.
When an emergency occurs, the NSW Police command and control the situation at hand. Initially, response to a rescue operation and/or emergency is coordinated and directed t by the Senior Police Officer on the scene at the time. If a multi combat agency approach is required and/or the emergency may escalate, then in accordance with the DISPLAN, relevant emergency agencies and senior controllers are notified, a control centre (LEOC) is set up and the LEOCON will oversee a co-ordinated response. In addition, evacuations may be conducted and evacuation centres required depending on the type of emergency or hazard, the number of affected residents and the risk to human life and property.
Prior to producing the current Tweed DISPLAN the LEMC conducted a disaster risk assessment study. The Tweed Shire Emergency Risk Management Study identified, analysed and evaluated technological, natural and biological hazards within the Shire which had a potential to require significant and coordinated multi-agency response.
The data gathering phase involved consultation with targeted community members with knowledge of hazard events, Historical Societies, Combat Agencies and support agencies. Community consultation meetings were held throughout the Tweed Shire. The Study was put on public exhibition at Tweed Heads and Murwillumbah Civic Centres to allow for further data gathering from the community and allowing them to provide their legitimate input into the ERM process.
Contacting the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) can be undertaken through the Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) at the Tweed Shire Council offices.
Further Information
Tweed Shire Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN) (1.35mb)
District and State DISPLAN
Emergency Management Australia – A to Z Publications
Business Continuity
Main Street of Murwillumbah 1954
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Business continuity refers to a business’s ability to continue to function and provide essential business services to customers and suppliers during and after an emergency event. The prospect of an emergency event that disrupts the flow of your business is real. Recent emergency events, not only in the Tweed Shire, but across Australia have highlighted the need for all businesses to develop a resilient and functional business continuity plan.
A business continuity plan is the responsibility of the business owner and/or the business manager in charge of operations. Business continuity planning relies on leadership, clear communication and support from all staff during development, implementation and reviewing of the plan process.
Business Continuity Planning Process
The business continuity process can be separated into four main stages. Each stage should be continually reviewed, rehearsed and updated to ensure your plan meets the needs of your business.
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Preparedness
Identify the threats to your business, examine potential vulnerabilities from every angle, and discuss these issues with staff, customers and even suppliers. Do your research, contact agencies that can offer information and ideas to deal with the prospect of an emergency event. Once you have identified the threat or issues, be proactive and plan for the likelihood of an event occurring. Put a framework in place to respond to these risks. Document your plan and train your staff. Conduct regular drills to ensure all staff know how to respond to a range of emergency events.
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Response
This phase is the immediate action taken during or just after an event to minimise the damage, lose of life and ensure the continuity of the business. Your response team will delegate responsibilities, monitor timeframes, gather accurate information and coordinate the overall response process.
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Recovery
Sound planning during this phase ensures your business is back up and running as quickly as possible. Consider issues such as clean up teams, contact lists, off site work stations, secondary dangers like damaged power lines and contaminated water, as well as staff and client communication.
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Prevention
While prevention of an emergency event is not always possible, minimising unnecessary loss of income, stock, information and time is realistic. Some risks are easier to identify than others, analyse the impacts an emergency event will have on your business and treat the issues. Consider how effective your business continuity plan is in relation to different emergency events.
Areas to Consider
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Staffing
Do you know your employee’s entitlements during an emergency event?
Are your staff aware of emergency procedures within your workplace?
Can your business continue to function if isolated during an emergency event?
Will your staff be able to play an active role in your business during an emergency period?
If the emergency happens after hours can you and your staff work remotely?
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Equipment
Is your equipment and resources safe during an emergency event?
Can you access your essential equipment in the case of an emergency?
How will the loss of telephone and internet services affect your business?
Can your business function without power for extended periods?
Can your business operate without sewage facilities?
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Information storage and retrieval
Is your business data regularly backed up?
Is your backed up business data only stored on site?
Do you have remote access to your business data?
What data and information would everyone in your business need access to during an emergency event?
How much time and effort will be required to retrieve lost information?
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Property
Do you have an Emergency Plan?
Have you considered evacuation routes for your business and home?
Will your business property be accessible during an emergency?
Can you safely store you business equipment during an emergency period?
Do you know the emergency event history of your business property?
What are the current emergency risks to your business property?
Have you discussed a continuity plan with other businesses in your area?
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Insurance
Have you discussed emergency events with your insurer?
Are you covered for a range of emergency situations specific to your property and business?
What Government support is available for your business during and after an emergency event?
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Clients
Can you still service your clients during an emergency situation?
Will your reputation be compromised if you cannot service your clients during an emergency event?
Are your clients also affected by emergency events?
If your business cannot operate, will your customers wait for your business to become functional, or will they go elsewhere?
Related Links
NSW Government Industry and Investment
NSW Business Chamber (ph 132 696)
SES Business Flood Safe Plan
Business.gov.au Emergency Management and Recovery
Historical Emergency Events
This section is currently under construction
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