Local Emergency Management Committee Minutes 26 February 2020 - Council Chambers, 6177 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon

 
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Local Emergency Management Committee Minutes 26 February 2020 - Council Chambers, 6177 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon
Local Emergency Management Committee
                Minutes
           26 February 2020
   Council Chambers, 6177 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon
         Commencement: 10:01am      Closure: 10:44am
Local Emergency Management Committee Minutes 26 February 2020 - Council Chambers, 6177 Great Northern Highway, Bindoon
MEMBERSHIP
Membership
Membership of the LEMC is representative of agencies, community groups, non-government organisations
and expertise relevant to the identified community hazards and risks and emergency management
arrangements.

Chair                  SoC President
Deputy Chair           SoC Deputy President
Other Members          Community Emergency Services Manager / Chief Bush Fire Control Officer
                       SoC Executive Manager Development Services
                       SoC Executive Manager Corporate Services
                       SoC Executive Manager Technical Services
                       SoC Principal Environmental Health Officer
                       SoC Building Surveyor
                       St Johns Ambulance Gingin/Chittering representative
                       WA Police – Gingin representative
                       Department of Communities representative
                       DFES District Officer (North East Metropolitan)
                       DFES District Emergency Management Advisor
                       Department of Defence (RAAF) representative
                       Western Australian Meat Industry Authority representative
                       Bindoon Primary School representative
                       Edmund Rice College representative
                       Immaculate Heart College representative

Other Deputies         SoC Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officers

Tenure of Membership
Shall be in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2005, Section 38(4).

VISION
Our vision is for the Shire of Chittering to have an efficient and responsive emergency management

OBJECTIVES
(a)   To plan, administer and test the Local Emergency Management Arrangements.
(b)   To keep up to date the Contact details in the Local Emergency Management Arrangements.
(c)   Meet and produce post-incident reports.
(d)   Meet and produce post-exercise reports.
(e)   Produce an Annual report.
(f)   Produce and approve an Annual Business Plan.

The Committee will advise the local government all matters relating to Emergency Management.
Shall be in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2005, Section 39.
  The functions of a local emergency management committee are, in relation to its district or the area for which
  it is established —
  (a) to advise and assist the local government in ensuring that local emergency management
          arrangements are established for its district;
  (b)     to liaise with public authorities and other persons in the development, review and testing of local
          emergency management arrangements; and
  (c)     to carry out other emergency management activities as directed by the OEM or prescribed by the
          regulations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.     DECLARATION OF OPENING OF MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VISITORS ........................................... 1
2.     RECORD OF ATTENDANCE / APOLOGIES / APPROVED LEAVE OF ABSENCE .............................................. 2
     2.1      Attendance ........................................................................................................................................ 2
     2.2      Apologies ........................................................................................................................................... 2
     2.3      Approved leave of absence ............................................................................................................... 3
3.     DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST ......................................................................................................................... 3
4.     CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES .................................................................................................. 3
     4.1      Local Emergency Management Committee meeting: 27 November 2019 ...................................... 3
5.     REPORTS .................................................................................................................................................... 3
     5.1      Western Australia Police Force (Gingin) ............................................................................................ 3
     5.2      Department of Fire and Emergency Services – District Officer (North East Metropolitan) .............. 3
     5.3      Department of Fire and Emergency Services – District Emergency Management Advisor .............. 4
     5.4      Department of Communities ........................................................................................................... 12
     5.5      Australian Defence Force ................................................................................................................ 12
     5.6      St John Ambulance (Chittering & Gingin) ........................................................................................ 12
     5.7      Shire of Chittering............................................................................................................................ 13
     5.8      Chief Bushfire Control Officer ......................................................................................................... 13
     5.9      Swan SES .......................................................................................................................................... 17
     5.10     Bindoon Primary School .................................................................................................................. 18
     5.11     Edmund Rice College ....................................................................................................................... 18
     5.12     Immaculate Heart College ............................................................................................................... 18
6.     GENERAL BUSINESS ................................................................................................................................. 18
7.     NEXT MEETING ........................................................................................................................................ 18
8.     CLOSURE .................................................................................................................................................. 18

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1.      DECLARATION OF OPENING OF MEETING
        ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VISITORS
        Cr John Davis held the office of Chairperson in Cr Don Gibson’s absence.

        The Chairperson declared the meeting open at 10:01AM

        Good morning ladies and gentlemen, we wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land
        we are meeting on, the Yued people. We would like to pay respect to the Elders of the Nyoongar
        nation, past and present, who have walked and cared for the land, we acknowledge and respect their
        continuing culture, and the contributions made to this region.

2.      RECORD OF ATTENDANCE / APOLOGIES / APPROVED LEAVE OF
        ABSENCE
2.1     Attendance

        The following members have confirmed their attendance (Quorum – 9 Members):

        Members:         Cr John Davis          Deputy President (Chairperson)
                         Matthew Gilfellon      Chief Executive Officer
                         David Carroll          Chief Bushfire Control Officer
                         Melinda Prinsloo       Executive Manager Corporate Services
                         Jim Garrett            Executive Manager Technical Services
                         Peter Stuart           Executive Manager Development Services
                         Nathan Gough           Principal Building Surveyor
                         Yvette Grigg           Department of Fire and Emergency Services
                         Brad Slater            Department of Fire and Emergency Services
                         Donna Watts            Department of Defence
                         Richard Heith          RAAF/Department of Defence
                         Ryan Hamblion          Department of Communities
                         Marie Barton           Edmund Rice College
                         Iain Lind              Western Australia Police Force (Gingin)
                         Rick Choules           St John Ambulance
                         Maxi McDonald          St John Ambulance
                         Daryl Coleman          Swan SES
                         Ben Banyai             WAMIA
                         Andrew Schmidt         Bindoon Primary School
        Observers:       Jodie Connell          Development Services Support Officer (Minute Secretary)

2.2     Apologies

                         David Wilson           Deputy Chief Bush Fire Control Officer – South
                         Dennis Badcock         Tronox
                         Glenn Sargeson         Principal Environmental Health Officer

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2.3     Approved leave of absence

        Cr Don Gibson
        Council has previously approved leave of absence for Cr Don Gibson for the period of Friday 21
        February 2020 until Monday 16 March 2020 inclusive (Resolution 020220)

3.      DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
        Nil

4.      CONFIRMATION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
4.1     Local Emergency Management Committee meeting: 27 November 2019

           6.1     OFFICER RECOMMENDATION
           Moved Dave Carroll / Seconded Jim Garrett
           That the minutes of the Local Emergency Management Committee meeting held on Wednesday,
           27 November 2019 be confirmed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.
                                                                                CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

5.      REPORTS
5.1     Western Australia Police Force (Gingin)

        Nil

5.2     Department of Fire and Emergency Services – District Officer (North East Metropolitan)

        Brad Slater spoke to the following:
        • Relatively busy fire season, more so in eastern states than in Western Australia. Many DFES
            volunteers have been deployed across to the eastern states
            .
        High Threat Period - Current Status:
        • The summer period has seen a number of significant incidents across the landscape of WA, in
            particular the Norseman / Balladonia Bushfire which shut down the Eyre Highway for an
            extended period, the Yanchep Bushfire and the Katanning Bushfire which threatened the
            communities and had community impacts, and Tropical Cyclone Damien which had flooding
            and storm damage to areas across the Pilbara.
        • The communities of NSW and to a lesser extent of Victoria and South Australia have suffered
            significantly from the threat of bushfires, and the FES Commissioner wishes to acknowledge the
            dedication and hard work of all emergency services personnel across WA who have tirelessly
            assisted in supporting these communities.

        Projects involving LG/LEMC:
        • RAAF Base Pearce – the recent bushfire incident on RAAF Base Pearce has highlighted the need
            to review and formalise emergency arrangements between DFES and Defence; the emergency

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            response went to plan but continual improvement protocols have identified potential
            improvements in mobilisation and response capability; DFES will be working with Defence to
            develop additional plans over the upcoming period, and will include familiarisation visits for
            relevant personnel, including CESM David Carroll.

        Priorities for next quarter:
        • Business as usual activities.

5.3     Department of Fire and Emergency Services – District Emergency Management Advisor

        Yvette Grigg spoke to the following:
        • The season isn’t over yet, fires as well as storms are eminent
        • Dates to be confirmed for one – Gingin, Dandaragan, Swan, Wanneroo, Moora, hold a session
            on Recovery for Dates to be chosen, non fire season month, August, September, October are
            marked as suitable months, the rest of the LEMC agencies – Matthew put it to the rest of the
            agencies – late Sep to early October

        Nationally Catastrophic Fire Season
        LEMC members will have been watching the devastating fires across the Nation in the last few
        months. WA has not been exempt, though direct impacts on communities have been less, local
        governments and communities have still been affected by several large fires, with closures of key
        east west transport routes having widespread economic impacts at the state and local level and
        causing serious complications to travellers and communities along the highway.

        The fire season appears to be lasting longer each year, so it may be timely to ensure you are well
        prepared as there is a significant period of warm weather still ahead.

        Simple things that the Local Government and LEMC members can do;

        •   Ensure all staff within the Local Government or your agencies know who will play key roles in
            the response and recovery effort.
        •   Make sure you have considered staff leave and have contingencies in place.
        •   Consider staff fatigue should you have a major incident, and ensure you have rosters in place
            early.
        •   Remember in our small Wheatbelt communities, it is likely that some of your staff will also have
            been impacted. You may need to enact some MOUs, or informal agreements to share resources
            from your neighbours or others.
        •   Use your LEMC meetings to ensure you “know” the agencies around the table, their capabilities
            and limitations.
        •   Dust off your LEMA and recovery plans. Know who is responsible for what.
        •   Building relationships with DFES operational staff in your region prior to an emergency will be
            very valuable.
        •   Your District EM Advisor can guide you through your responsibilities before, during and after an
            emergency

        Joint EM Training and recovery days
        A series of days will be held across the Wheatbelt called “ A review of our Emergency Management
        Arrangements and Activities – A refresh of the old and update on the new”.
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        The first day is being held in Dowerin on March 10th. Commencing at approximately 10am it will
        include a refresher training on requirements of EM for LEMCs and Local Governments, followed by
        a recovery session, on recent learnings etc. and will conclude with a recovery exercise. Approx. 12
        neighbouring LGs have been invited to this session.

        Dates for other areas across the district will be scheduled for the year and advised soon.

        Emergency Management Health Check
        Sometimes it is hard to know what to include on a LEMC agenda. I have attached a document called
        the “Community Emergency Management Health Check” which is a simple way of highlighting any
        gaps that may exist, that you may wish to address at your LEMC meetings.

        Assessing any gaps in your general capability is also very useful to direct your efforts. Information
        that can help includes;
        • Your risk register
        • The preparedness survey you prepare each year
        • Local issues raised at your LEMC, DEMC or any near misses.
        • Lessons identified from exercises

        From this you may wish to list some priorities, or even develop a LEMC business plan. Emergency
        Management takes some time to implement, so it is recommended that the LEMC business plans
        span at least 3 years.

        LEMC Exercising
        The State Exercise Coordination Team has begun implementing a new exercise process which is
        capability based rather than hazard based. This aligns very well with the work as described above.
        It is still in implementation phase and I will advise formally once it has progressed further. Suffice to
        say that LEMCs are still required to exercise annually.

        Please find attached a brief document I have developed to assist in the designing of LEMC exercises
        which I hope you will find useful.

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           ATTACHMENTS TO REPORT– DISTRICT EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISOR

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5.4     Department of Communities

        Ryan Hamblion spoke to the following:
        • 17 activations, including Cyclones in northern parts of Western Australia
        • The last Emergency Welfare Centre Training session was held on 11 December 2019. Jodie and
           Annie from the Shire of Chittering attended this session.
        • The latest Local Emergency Welfare plan was recently sent through to all key stakeholders

10:15am Melinda Prinsloo entered the meeting

5.5     Australian Defence Force

        Richard Heith spoke to the following:
        • RAAF is currently hosting jets from the east coast in the training area in Muchea.
        • A Large Aerial Tanker was stationed at the base in December.
        • Two fires have recently encroached on the base, thanks to the local emergency services who
            responded to these incidents.
        • RAAF Pearce is operating with business as usual.
        • RAAF continues to support the water bombers as required.

        Brad Slater from DFES stated that he had been working Donna from Defence regarding the
        interagency capability between DFES and RAAF, including looking at what plans are currently in
        place. Donna offered that if other agencies were interested, they are welcome to contact her to
        discuss further.

5.6     St John Ambulance (Chittering & Gingin)

        Rick Choules spoke to the following:
        • An application for planning for the new sub centre is currently being considered by the Shire.
            The sub centre is to be constructed in Bindoon. Once the application for planning has been
            determined, St John’s will be tendering for a building company. Construction of the building is
            projected to be in 2021. Positioning of the building is ideal, it will be easily seen from the main
            street and will hopefully encourage new volunteers.
        • Training has begun for the year with some volunteers moving to level two.
        • Rick introduced Maxi McDonald, the Community Paramedic for the area.

        Maxi McDonald spoke to the following:
        • Introduced himself as the Community Paramedic with coverage as far north as Wubin and as
           far east as Wyalkatchem
        • Most recent large scale incidents attended have been the fires in Yanchep and the Cyclone in
           northern parts of Western Australia.
        • St John Ambulance currently has about nine or ten active volunteers who are able to attend call
           outs. However with three or four call outs per day, this creates a fair bit of activity which can be
           difficult with so few volunteers. St John Ambulance is always looking for new volunteers.
        • Training has begun again for 2020. There has been a bit more focus on Gingin given state of
           current subcentre in Bindoon.

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5.7     Shire of Chittering

        Matthew Gilfellon spoke to the following:
        • More of a focus on response. Since the last meeting, it has been fortunate as there has not
           been any large fires in the area. Resources and support have been given more to other areas.
        • The Community Welfare team have been establishing resources for each of the marked
           evacuation centres. This includes the installation of cupboards with resources and equipment in
           each of the centres.
        • The next step is testing current processes and procedures and making sure what’s in place is
           effective and fit for purpose.
        • The Recovery Plan is currently being worked on. Jodie Connell is booked in for Manage
           Recovery Activities for Local Government training at WALGA on 6 March.
        • A desktop exercise would be beneficial at the next LEMC if the Committee had any ideas. Yvette
           Grigg gave a brief example and if at the next meeting she is available, she can run a desktop
           exercise.

        Rick Choules gave information to the Committee about the security arrangements the Shire has in
        place and their effectiveness to date.

5.8     Chief Bushfire Control Officer

        David Carroll spoke to the following:
        1. Shire of Chittering
           Many LGs in recovery mode this morning after yesterdays thunderstorm which produced 126km
           hr winds, there were 600 triple 0 calls, 150 calls to SES across Perth Metro, 8000 homes without
           power, water being trucked from Bindoon to Calingiri and Moora due to the outage.

            We are currently in the High Threat Period and prohibited burning time, restricted burning
            commences midnight 31/03. Permits may be issued for stubble burning if conditions are
            favourable. We’re moving toward the storm season with dangerous storms being the most
            common natural hazard in Australia. Swan SES and Daryl are our go to people for storm issues
            if a storm has badly damaged your home and you can't safely fix it yourself, SES volunteers are
            there to help. If you need assistance call 132 500.
            For more advice about what to do before, during and after a storm download a copy of the
            Preparing for Storms Guide below.
            https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/storm/Pages/default.aspx

        2. Shire of Chittering Autumn Weather Outlook:
           The likelihood of a wetter or drier than average autumn (March to May) is roughly equal (45–
           55% chance) for much of Australia. However, parts of southwest Australia have a slightly
           increased chance of being wetter (60–70% chance).
           Both days and nights are likely to be warmer than average across most of the country for autumn,
           although days have roughly equal chances of being above or below average in the south.
           Major climate drivers, including the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean
           Dipole (IOD) are currently neutral and are forecast to remain neutral through autumn. When
           these major climate drivers are neutral, widespread above or below average seasonal rainfall is
           less likely.

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        3. Since October 2019 Shire of Chittering volunteers have been on ongoing deployments to Local,
           NSW, Qld and Goldfields fires, with volunteers learning from and enjoying their deployment
           experience. Monitoring the Eastern states fires for lessons learnt and anything we can apply

        4. Volunteers numbers are currently at 239 across the six brigades, actual regular turnout numbers
           are lower than this.

        5. Awareness: HMA Dept of Health.
           Corona Virus, COVID-19, CO stands for corona, VI stands for virus, D for disease.
           Symptoms: fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath
           Treatment: to reduce fever is aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol, currently no vaccine. Australian
           Government Department of Health 06:30hrs 25/02/20: Australia has 22 confirmed cases of
           Corona Virus: 8 in Queensland, 4 in New South Wales, 6 in Victoria, 3 in South Australia, 1 in
           Western Australia, 15 of these cases are reported to have recovered.
           The remaining cases are in a stable condition.
           Across the world, there have been approximately 79,573 confirmed cases of coronavirus and
           2,626 reported deaths.
           Of confirmed cases reported globally, the case fatality rate is approximately 3.4%
           The case fatality rate in countries and regions outside mainland China is 1.4%
           For comparison the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic fatality rate was 2-3%
           The majority of COVID-19 infections have been reported from mainland China. 2,423 cases have
           been reported from 37 countries and regions outside mainland China.
           Since 24 February there have been 225 new cases reported outside of mainland China. The
           majority of these cases are from Italy, South Korea and Iran.
           Further Information:
           https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

        Shire of Chittering Assistance / Resources Provided Inter & Intra State
            1. 29/09/19 Muchea, 78.4ha
            2. Dec 2019 Yanchep 12,060ha, 1 refuelling station lost
            3. 15/12/19 Mogumber, 6613ha
            4. 09/01/20 Karnup, 1322ha
            5. 28/01/20 Hopelands, 91ha
            6. 30/01/20 Bullsbrook, including the RAAF land 92ha
            7. Nov/Dec/Jan 19/20 New South Wales
            8. Nov/Dec/Jan 19/20 Queensland
            9. Dec/Jan 19/20 Norseman 188,374ha
            10. Dec/Jan 19/20 Balladonia, 158,000ha, Eyre Highway closed for 12 days
            11. 25/01/20 Yarawindah, 45.6ha - Seven Mile Well, east of Mogumber
            12. 09/02/20 Katanning, 4644.6ha, 1 home and 1 grader lost, involvement in concurrent
                 response and recovery activities to reduce impact and assist farmers, use of response
                 machinery for fencing site works and preparation, return paddocks to pre fire condition by
                 levelling multiple firebreak windrows using FEL/s and grader provided by Broomehill-
                 Tambellup.

                                              Total Incidents                           Personnel
    Brigade                           2018          2019          19/20
                                                                                018     019      020
    Muchea VBFB                       17            36            34
                                                                                4       5        6

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    Lower Chittering VBFB              22             40            36
                                                                                5         5     1
    Upper Chittering VBFB              22             40            28
                                                                                3         6     4
    Bindoon VBFB                       20             45            30
                                                                                7         8     4
    Wannamal VBFB                      10             12            8
                                                                                7         8     4
    Incident Support Brigade           1              5             3
                                                                                4         3     0

                                                                                10        15    39

                                                           Heavy Tankers      Light Tankers
           Appliances
                                                           8                  7
           Muchea                                                 2 – 2.4R,   1
           Lower Chittering                                1.4R               2
           Upper Chittering                                       1 – 3.4U    2
           Bindoon                                                1 – 2.4R    1
           Wannamal                                               2 – 2.4R,   1
                                                           3.4U
                                                                  1 – 2.4B
           Incident Control Vehicle                               1           Total: 19
           Fire Support Vehicle                                   2
           Incident Support Trailer, collar tank                  1

        Australian Fire Season 2019 / 2020 at a glance (Feb 26 2020)
        Black Summer, Australian Fire Season 2019/20

        Large uncontrolled fires started in the Eastern States during June 2019
        As of January 2020
        • Thirty four lives lost, including 8 volunteer firefighters
        • Number of towns affected 55
        • Estimated 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres), 186,000 square kilometres burnt
        • More than 5,900 buildings destroyed including 3,500 homes
        • Estimated one billion animals killed, some endangered species of animals and plants may now
            be extinct.
        • Air quality dropped to hazardous levels across the eastern seaboard.
        • Over 6,500 ADF personnel were deployed in support of state and territory response efforts.
        • The cost of dealing with the bushfires is approaching $100 billion, $4.4 billion was spent on the
            2009 Black Saturday fires.
        • Tourism sector revenues have fallen more than A$1 billion.
        • By 7 January 2020, the smoke had moved approximately 11,000km across the South Pacific
            Ocean to Chile and Argentina.
        • NASA estimated that 306 million tonnes of CO 2 has been emitted, as of 2nd Jan 2020 (some
            figures may be estimates).

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        Recovery:
        • Immediate base payment of $1 million to 42 of the most severely bushfire impacted councils in
           New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland to help quickly rebuild vital
           infrastructure and strengthen community resilience. Currently 40 councils across Australia are
           in receipt of Category C assistance, including 33 in New South Wales, five in Queensland and
           two in South Australia
        • National Bushfire Recovery Agency has been established by the Prime Ministers Department
           with an initial $2 billion allocated for a national bushfire recovery fund to coordinate a national
           response to rebuild communities and livelihoods after the devastating fire-front has passed.
        • An estimated A$500 million has been donated by the public, international organisations, public
           figures and celebrities for victim relief and wildlife recovery.
        • Convoys of donated food, clothing and livestock feed have been sent to affected areas.
        • Clearing of lost house debris to be fast tracked for rebuilding, aiding recovery and mental
           health of affected communities.
        • Insurance Council of Australia - 20,000 insurance claims lodged, current estimated value loss of
           $1.65 billion

        Causes:
        Fuel, weather and topography combinations - summertime temperatures, low humidity, high wind
        speeds, low fuel moisture content, 36 month drought, driest January to August on record,
        vegetation management
        2019 hottest year on record, temperatures 1.52°C above average, December 2019 3.2°C above
        average also lowest rainfall since records began.

        Sources of Ignition:
        The main ignition cause of fires during the 2019/20 fire season was reported to be lightning strikes.
        Arson has been of little impact with
        NSW – 1% - 24 individuals charged with arson
        Vic – 0.3%
        Qld – 10% - with 114 out of 1068 fires found to have been deliberately lit

                           Australian 2019/2020 Fire Season Statistics (Feb 2020)
      State/Territory                   Fatalities   Homes lost      Hectares          Acres
      New South Wales                   25           2,439           5,400,000         13,300,000
      Victoria                          5            396             1,500,000         3,710,000
      South Australia                   3            151             490,000           1,210,000
      Australian Capital Territory      1            0               56,688            140,080
      Western Australia                 0            1               2,200,000         5,440,000
      Tasmania                          0            2               36,000            89,000
      Northern Territory                0            5               6,800,000         16,800,000
      Queensland                        0            48              2,500,000         6,180,000
      Total                             34           3,042+          18,736,070        46,300,000

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        State and Federal Enquiries:
        Following the catastrophic fires of the 2019/20 fire season the Prime Minister has established a
        Royal Commission to investigate National Natural Disaster Arrangements
        This inquiry has a national focus and will look at three areas:
        • Improving natural disaster management coordination across all levels of government;
        • Improving Australia’s preparedness, resilience, and response to natural disasters, across all
            levels of government;
        • The legal framework for the Commonwealth’s involvement in responding to national
            emergencies and how that works with state and territory legal frameworks.
        • The Royal Commission is not going to duplicate the work of other inquiries. It will work with
            other inquiries announced by the States and it will also review the work and recommendations
            of previous inquiries.

        The 1939 report of the royal commission into the Victorian Black Friday bushfires noted:
        probably the best means of prevention and protection is that of education, both of adults and children.

        Yvette Grigg provided further information relating to the Coronavirus. An individual representing
        Communicable Disease Centre at a recent conference stated that the Coronavirus has a low
        infectious rate in comparison with normal influenza. Events relating to this virus do need to be
        watched. A fact sheet can be obtained from the Word Health Organisation.

        Maxi McDonald added that the vast majority of the patients that have perished have been elderly
        and already ill. If deemed necessary the World Health Organisation may declare a pandemic. Western
        Australia has been doing very well with only one case recorded. There is a degree of panic and with
        people stocking up on required equipment. St John Ambulance is equipped to deal with any
        suspected cases of the virus.

        Further discussion was held regarding the economic impact of a pandemic and that the biggest issue
        is for the virus to enter countries that have poor health systems.

        Ryan Hamblion offered to send an Agency Advisory for distribution to the Committee.

         ACTION:
         Ryan Hamblion to email Jodie Connell with an Agency Advisory (Department of Health) for
         distribution to the LEMC members.

5.9     Swan SES

        Daryl Coleman spoke to the following:
        • Perth metropolitan area was affected heavily overnight having 263 calls. Swan SES had 2 calls.
            Volunteers assisted Belmont with their call outs overnight with a great turn out last night as
            well as today.
        • Fires have been the main focus to date with storm season suddenly eminent with not a lot of
            time to prepare. This highlights the need for education around storm preparation.
        • Main reasons for calls overnight were water ingression which is usually due to gutters requiring
            cleaning. These sorts of calls take volunteers from higher priorities. Swan SES is currently
            focusing heavily on preparedness.
        • Training has recommenced with 15 new recruits going through the process. However, there has
            been a small dip in volunteer numbers.
        • Generally Swan SES is operating business as usual.
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        •     Assisted at the incident at the RAAF Airbase in Bullsbrook with staging and escorting an
              electrician onto fire ground.

        Cr John Davis and Rick Choules requested information regarding resourcing and operational
        procedures. Daryl provided information regarding the resources from DFES and SWORD as well as
        their procedures and processes followed during their call outs.

5.10    Bindoon Primary School

        Andrew Schmidt spoke to the following:
        • Introduced himself as the new Principal and although there was no report to date, Andrew
           stated if there was any communication to send out to the parents in their community that he
           was happy to attach such information to school newsletters and post on their website.

5.11    Edmund Rice College

        Nil

5.12    Immaculate Heart College

        Nil

6.      GENERAL BUSINESS
        Maxi McDonald spoke to the following:
        • A general request to those in the community who have elderly neighbours to check on them
           occasionally. This request is due to some unfortunate circumstances happening in the area
           recently.
        Brad Slater spoke to the following:
        • Requested whether the school representatives present had standalone bush fire plans. School
            representatives confirmed that they did.
        Ben Banyai from WAMIA spoke to the following:
        • Requested a contact person for the possibility of offering WAMIA as a site for hazard reduction
            burns. David Carroll confirmed that he would speak with Ben after the meeting to discuss.

7.      NEXT MEETING
        That the next meeting of the Local Emergency Management Committee is scheduled for
        Wednesday, 27 May 2020 commencing at 10.00am.

8.      CLOSURE
        The Chairperson declared the meeting closed at 10:44AM

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