Implementing and Embedding an Emergency Management Health Check for Local Government (EMP Stage 2)
The SCCG received funding from the Office of Emergency Management under the State Emergency Management Projects Program to continue Stage 2 of the Emergency Management Health Check.
In late 2015 SCCG commenced the state wide project to enhance, implement and embed the Emergency Management Health Check into local government processes and frameworks.
The project objectives are to:
- Develop the Pilot Health Check (from the stage 1 project) into a functional tool, enabling strategic assessment of emergency management responses in Local Government
- Develop and implement a state-wide engagement program to raise awareness of and assist councils in embedding the Health Check tool
- Enable integration of emergency management actions across relevant functional areas of Councils including Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework (IPRF), Asset Management and Business Continuity Plans
- Increase the capability of Local Councils to plan for emergencies and engage with stakeholders
- Quantify local and regional emergency management commitments and improve reporting and follow up action by local councils.
A Project Advisory Committee was set up to support and advise on project deliverables; including representatives from the Office of Emergency Management, local councils, state government and Universities.
SCCG engaged consulting firm Janellis to functionalise the tool, facilitate stakeholder workshops and to develop a resource package for local councils.
View the project factsheet here.
Stakeholder engagement workshops were undertaken across NSW to raise awareness and gain feedback and input into the draft tool, particularly the questions framework. Workshops were held at North Sydney, Newcastle, Dubbo, Ballina, Ulladulla and Lidcombe.
Workshops were open to all Councils including staff involved in emergency management, risk management, business continuity planning, governance, environment, asset management and community services. The Regional Emergency Management Officers and representatives of the combat agencies were also invited to provide feedback.
As a component of the project an online ‘Health Check Tool’ and an online resource toolkit have been developed and can be accessed from the project website.
This website is now live – go to: emhealthcheck.com.au
The Tool will enable councils to assess their own level of performance ‘health’ in relation to emergency management planning, preparedness, response, recovery and overall resilience.
