Source: https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/publications/guidelines-legislation-policies/regional-emergency-management-planning-guideline.aspx
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Regional Emergency Management Planning GuidelineCurrently selected
​​​Regional Emergency Management Planning Guideline
The Regional Emergency Management Planning Guideline aims to support Regional Emergency Management Committees (REMCs) to develop Regional Emergency Management Plans. This Guideline does not replace planning arrangements for specific hazards such as floods and bush fires which are contained sub plans and agency specific policies.
Regional Emergency Management Planning Guideline (pdf)
Frequently Asked Q​​uestions​
Why are Regional EMPLANs ​​required?
Effective emergency planning is key to minimising the cost and effects of emergencies, after all reasonable risk reduction measures have been taken. The emergency planning process is designed to produce arrangements that provide the basis for managing emergency impacts.
Regional Emergency Management Committees (REMC) are responsible for the preparation and review of plans in relation to the prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies in the Emergency Management Region for which it is constituted (Section 23 SERM Act 1989).
support Local Emergency Management Plans (EMPLANs) and augment them when required;
identify trigger points for regional level activation, escalation and demobilisation;
define participating organisation and Functional Area roles and responsibilities in preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies;
set out the control, co-ordination, support and liaison arrangements at the Regional level;
detail activation and alerting arrangements for involved agencies at the Regional level; and
detail arrangements for the acquisition and co-ordination of resources at the Regional level.
What is the purpose of Regional EMPLANs?
They detail arrangements for, prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies within the Emergency Management Region covered by this plan.
It encompasses arrangements for:
emergencies controlled by combat agencies;
emergencies controlled by combat agencies and supported by the Regional Emergency Operations Controller (REOCON);
emergency operations for which there is no combat agency;
circumstances where a combat agency has passed control to the REOCON; and,
demobilisation and transition of control from response to recovery.
Why is there a review of Regional Emergency Management planning processes?
A review of the Local Emergency Management Planning process was required due to changes made to the SERM Act 1989 in 2010 and the State EMPLAN in 2012.
What are the benefits of the revised Regional Emergency Management planning process?
Benefits relating to the revised process include:
consistent emergency management planning across the State
clearer understanding of the role and capability of Regional arrangements
meaningful planning that considers regional solutions and resources
easy to populate templates that will serve as a useful reference during emergencies.
Under the new arrangements​, how often do Regional EMPLANs need to be reviewed?
Regional EMPLANs must be reviewed and submitted to the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) at least every three (3) years.
This process supports high quality plans, consistent with this Guideline and identifies opportunities to improve the proposed arrangements. The OEM and the relevant REMO will maintain a register of plans which will be submitted to the SEMC annually to ensure they remain contemporary and compliant.
Under the new arrang​ements, how often to Regional EMPLANs need to be exercised?
A Regional EMPLAN must be exercised no less than every (2) years. OEM and the relevant REMO will maintain a register of exercises conducted which will be submitted to the SEMC annually to ensure arrangements are well versed.
However, a Regional EMPLAN does not need to be exercised in the event of an emergency operation occurring involving the REMC. In this case, an After Action Review (AAR) and review of the Regional EMPLAN will suffice.
How are the Regional EMPLAN templates struct​​ured?
The Regional EMPLAN provides a framework for planning that can be used by REMC members and Emergency Operation Centre personnel to inform decision making during an emergency event.
The plan is broken down in five sections:
Part 1 - Administration
Part 2 - Context and Risk Assessment
Part 3 - Local Emergency Management Plans
Part 4 - Sub Plans and Supporting Plans
Part 5 - Restricted Operational Information
Who is required to contribute to the completion of Regional EMPLANs?
REMCs are responsible for the preparation and review of plans in relation to the prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies in the Emergency Management Region for which it is constituted (Section 23 SERM Act 1989). This includes the comprehensive consultation, review and endorsement of Local Emergency Management Plans developed by LEMCs.
Who is responsible for the overall completion of the Regional EMPLANs?
The SERM Act 1989 requires the NSW Police Force to provide 'executive support' to the REMC and Regional Emergency Operations Controller (REOCON). This role is known as the Regional Emergency Management Officer (REMO). Within this planning process, the REMO is responsible for facilitating and collating the Regional EMPLAN for endorsement.
Do all Local EMPLANs need to be transitioned to the new planning framework firs​t?
No. The Regional EMPLAN should be based on the local planning arrangements in place at the time. It is inherent that the Regional EMPLAN must have a strong link to the Local EMPLANs to ensure that community requirements and major hazards and risk identified are catered for. The intent of this section is not to extract and repeat what is already contained within Local EMPLANs, but to ensure that the REMC have analysed the information contained in Local EMPLANs and have planned for elements that may require regional support or escalation.
Are Consequenc​e Management Guidelines (CMGs) required for Regional EMPLANs?
CMGs are not compulsory for use at a Regional level. However, they will remain included as an optional planning tool for any high risks that the REMC determines further planning is required. A CMG may also be developed where the sub plan or Local EMPLAN does not fully address consequence management aspects for an identified risk. A CMG may be developed for both high risk sites or the entire region and to inform activities that require significant co-ordination at a regional level, e.g. evacuation.
Who should have access to Re​​gional EMPLANs?
The REMO will ensure appropriate distribution of plans to REMC members and other key stakeholders. Parts 1 to 4 of the template may be made publicly available however Part 5 is restricted. This is further explained in the guideline document.
When should REMCs commence using the new process and templates and when should the new templates be in place by?
This process is ready for immediate use by REMCs. REMCs are encouraged to commence the plan revision process as soon as possible with completion within the next 24 months. The extended timeframe has been allowed to cater for Local Government amalgamations that are forecast to be finalised in late 2017.
25/09/2018 11:08 AM