Preparedness
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Community education and engagement
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Fire communications campaign
|
The CFA implemented key programs by mid-April 2010, and is conducting a post-bushfire season evaluation.
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CFA
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The CFA has developed a print, radio, television, online and outdoor advertising campaign to provide the community with information regarding bushfire preparedness and risk.
Examples of key initiatives include fire action week activities and the use of key terms and slogans, such as ‘Prepare. Act. Survive.’ and ‘FireReady’.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0006–0007
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0051–0059
For a table of key publications, media campaigns and educational programs see Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0056–0058
Exhibit 796 – Statement of Appleford (WIT.3024.005.0295)
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Summer fire campaign/FireReady Victoria campaign
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Commenced with fire action week from 11–18 October 2009.
The CFA will complete an assessment of the effectiveness of the Household Bushfire Self-Assessment Tool by 30 June 2010.
The campaign is part of a three to five-year FireReady awareness and planning strategy.
The 2009–10 summer fire campaign was implemented throughout the fire season from October 2009 to the end of March 2010.
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CFA, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Justice
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Includes the following CFA and DSE initiatives:
• a FireReady kit, comprising information about bushfire risk and bushfire preparedness, and a Household Bushfire Self-Assessment Tool supported by a CFA helpline
• FireReady Victoria preparedness meetings, community meetings and bushfire planning workshops
• encouraging communities to form community fireguard groups
• implementation of strategies to increase bushfire information accessibility.
DSE also led an information campaign relating to fuel-reduction through planned burns.
DOJ managed the 2009-10 summer fire campaign—part of a long-term behavioural change campaign—comprising public awareness, communications, and education campaigns such as: FireReady and Prepare. Act. Survive.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0007–0010
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0045–0048, 0064–0067
For a table of key publications, media campaigns and educational programs see Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0056–0058
Exhibit 79 – Summer Fire Readiness Warning Authorised by the Victorian Government (CFA.001.016.0091)
Exhibit 831 – Summer Fire Campaign: Benchmark Research (RESP.3001.015.0076)
Exhibit 831 – Summer Fire Campaign: Wave 1 Research (RESP.3001.018.0347)
Exhibit 79 – FireReady Radio Ad: 3AW (CFA.001.016.0161)
Exhibit 137 – DSE/CFA Community Meetings and FireReady Sessions (DSE.HDD.0016.0643)
Exhibit 137 – DSE/CFA – FireReady Kits: Bushfire Information (FireReady) Kit (DSE.HDD.0016.0668)
Exhibit 137 – DSE/CFA – FireReady Kits: Bushfire Information (FireReady) Kit (DSE.HDD.0016.0669)
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Summer fire campaign/FireReady Victoria campaign continued
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|
|
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Exhibit 753 – Making Victoria FireReady – Preparing for Bushfire (DSE.HDD.0052.1576)
Exhibit 831 – Preparing your property: Make your Home Bushfire Ready (RESP.3001.001.0047)
Exhibit 831 – FireReady: What You Need To Know For The Fire Season (RESP.3001.001.0330)
Exhibit 831 – FireReady – Your Guide to Preparing for the Fire Season Ahead (RESP.3001.001.0351)
Exhibit 831 – Residential Aged Care Services Bushfire Ready Resource (RESP.3001.014.0216)
Exhibit 9 – FireReady: Bushfire Survival Plan (TEN.001.001.0068)
Exhibit 828 – Brigade: Fire, Ready, Action – Helping Victorians Prepare (WIT.3004.041.0193)
Exhibit 679 – Making Victoria FireReady: Vegetation Removal for Bushfire Protection (WIT.3018.001.0677)
Exhibit 679 – Making Victoria FireReady: Managing Erosion and Landslip Risks (WIT.3018.001.0686)
Exhibit 831 – Summer Fire Campaign Evaluation 2009–2010 (RESP.3001.025.0001)
Exhibit 831 – Advice to the Community Before and During Bushfire (RESP.3001.025.0092)
Exhibit 831 – Communications Strategy-Summer Fire Campaign 2009-2010 (RESP.3001.025.0115)
Exhibit 831 – Fire Ready Campaign – Creative Rotation – Booked Media –Preparedness and NSP Schedules (RESP.3001.025.0153)
Exhibit 831 – Fire Action Week (RESP.3001.025.0156)
Exhibit 831 – Fire Ready-What You Need to Know for the Fire Season (RESP.3001.001.0330)
Exhibit 831 – Fire Communications Task Force 2009/2010 Summary (RESP.3001.025.0197)
Exhibit 831 – Online Campaign Analysis (RESP.3001.025.0198)
Exhibit 831 – Online Campaign Analysis (RESP.3001.025.0199)
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Summer fire campaign/FireReady Victoria campaign continued
|
|
|
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Exhibit 831 – October 2009-March 2010 Bushfire Season ‘Fire Ready’ Post Analysis (RESP.3001.025.0200)
Exhibit 831 – Department of Justice Summer Fire Campaign Wave 2 Research (RESP.3001.025.0328)
Exhibit 831 – Examples of 2009/2010 Campaign (RESP.3001.026.0001)
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Fire safety officers (wildfire)
|
Officers commenced duties at the start of September 2009.
|
CFA
|
The CFA appointed 10 fire safety officers (wildfire) whose role is to assess the defendability of properties and advise property owners about bushfire risk.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0008
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0059–0060
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Internal CFA communication campaign and facilitator training
|
The CFA conducted training and briefing sessions in the lead up to and during the 2009–10 bushfire season.
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CFA
|
The CFA provided information to all its staff and volunteers about changes to its approach to community communications. The CFA:
• provided its brigades with a summer information kit containing key messages for the community
• conducted professional development workshops for staff whose role involves facilitating community FireReady and community fireguard meetings
• revised a range of CFA publications to reflect changes to the ‘stay or go’ policy.
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Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0060–0063
Exhibit 101 – Community Fireguard Facilitator Manual (WIT.3004.003.0448)
Exhibit 831 – Community Fireguard: A Bushfire Safety Program (RESP.3001.001.0121)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: Are you at risk? (TEN.001.001.0052)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: Leave or Stay? (TEN.001.001.0053)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: Make a Bushfire Plan (TEN.001.001.0055)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: Protect Yourself (TEN.001.001.0057)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: Protect Your Property (TEN.001.001.0060)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: Essential Equipment (TEN.001.001.0063)
Exhibit 9 – CFA Website: In the Event of Fire (TEN.001.001.0066)
Exhibit 9 – FireReady: Bushfire Survival Plan (TEN.001.001.0068)
Exhibit 908 – CFA Website: Neighbourhood Safer Places (TEN.275.001.0001)
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Emergency management and planning
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Township protection plans project
|
TPPs were in place prior to the 2009–10 bushfire season.
The State is conducting a 2009–10 bushfire season review of this initiative.
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CFA ,
Municipal Association of Victoria
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The CFA and MAV have developed TPPs for 52 communities in high bushfire risk areas. The TPPs include guidance on the operational response to bushfires and (in some cases) fire mitigation measures, as well as information to improve community preparedness, planning and response to the threat of bushfires.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0011–0012
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0055–0056
Exhibit 617 – Statement of Armstrong (WIT.3004.033.0001); Armstrong T13318:1–T13332:5
Exhibit 831 – Township Protection Plan Status Report (RESP.3001.011.0001)
Exhibit 831 – Township Protection Plans (RESP.3001.005.0001, RESP.3001.005.0017, RESP.3001.005.0144, RESP.3001.005.0160, RESP.3001.005.0176, RESP.3001.005.0207, RESP.3001.005.0223, RESP.3001.005.0246, RESP.3001.005.0264_R, RESP.3001.005.0280, RESP.3001.005.0192, RESP.3001.005.0311, RESP.3001.005.0327, RESP.3001.005.0343, RESP.3001.005.0365_R, RESP.3001.005.0381, RESP.3001.005.0397, RESP.3001.006.0001, RESP.3001.006.0170, RESP.3001.006.0187, RESP.3001.006.0219_R, RESP.3001.006.0235, RESP.3001.006.0320, RESP.3001.006.0339, RESP.3001.006.0355_R, RESP.3001.006.0371, RESP.3001.006.0391_R, RESP.3001.007.0001, RESP.3001.007.0041, RESP.3001.007.0060, RESP.3001.007.0076, RESP.3001.007.0093, RESP.3001.007.0111, RESP.3001.007.0127, RESP.3001.007.0143 RESP.3001.007.0167, RESP.3001.007.0189, RESP.3001.007.0203, RESP.3001.007.0221, RESP.3001.007.0237, RESP.3001.007.0252, RESP.3001.007.0283, RESP.3001.007.0297, RESP.3001.007.0330, RESP.3001.007.0359, RESP.3001.007.0391_R, RESP.3001.007.0407, RESP.3001.008.0001, RESP.3001.008.0017_R, RESP.3001.008.0037_R, RESP.3001.008.0053, RESP.3001.008.0069_R, RESP.3001.008.0085, RESP.3001.008.0126, RESP.3001.008.0141)
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Victorian Fire Risk Register
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As at January 2010, 24 municipalities had completed the VFRR process, 11 municipalities were progressing the process and nine municipalities were about to commence the process.
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CFA in collaboration with DSE, MFB and Municipal Committees
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VFRR is a bushfire risk mapping tool which identifies people and assets at risk from bushfires and any measures which may mitigate those risks.
The VFRR produces risk tables, treatment tables and maps which councils and emergency services will use to support bushfire management planning.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0012–0013
Exhibit 146 – State Fire Management Committee Information Paper: Victorian Fire Risk Registry (CFA.001.019.0235)
Exhibit 146 – State Fire Management Committee Decision Paper: Implementation of the Victorian Fire Risk Register (CFA.001.019.0249)
Exhibit 831 – Victorian Fire Risk Register: Supports and Informs Your Plan (Handout) (RESP.3001.017.0077_R)
Exhibit 831 – Victorian Fire Risk Register: Supports and Informs Your Plan (Reference Guide) (RESP.3001.017.0087_R)
Exhibit 831 – Victorian Fire Risk Register: Supports and Informs Your Plan (Vegetation Guide) (RESP.3001.017.0146_R)
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0067–0070
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Bushfire At-Risk Register
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The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development last updated the Bushfire At-Risk Register on 17 December 2009
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DEECD
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A register of schools and children’s services which are at high risk from bushfire.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0013
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Revision of emergency management procedures for schools
|
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DEECD
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DEECD has implemented new arrangements to improve the ability of schools and children’s services to respond to a bushfire emergency, including:
• developing and distributing a bushfire risk self-assessment tool to Victorian schools and children’s services
• developing guidelines for the mandatory closure of schools and children’s services on the Bushfire At-Risk Register on code red days
• revising, in conjunction with the Department of Transport, school bus transport arrangements
• providing training to school principals and directors of children’s services in high risk areas
• revising the department’s children’s services emergency management policy, including developing a Bushfire Resources Kit for children’s services
• introducing revised emergency management arrangements for school camps and off-site activities
• overhauling the incident control systems
• developing a new geo-mapping tool that maps all schools, school bus routes and centre based early childhood services in Victoria.
DEECD has commissioned an audit program for 250 high risk schools and children’s facilities. It is also developing a new compliance and review system for emergency management plans in schools and children’s services for implementation in 2010.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0013–0015
Exhibit 148 – Statement of Cook (WIT.3029.001.0001)
Exhibit 831 – Bushfire Resources Kit: Schools (RESP.3001.004.0122)
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Bushfire response: clients and services policy 2009–10
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Department of Health, Department of Human Services
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The policy provides an overarching framework for bushfire response, and contains specific DHS program guidelines.
DH and DHS have also developed:
• an online summer preparedness self-assessment tool
• a residential aged care services BushfireReady resource.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0015–0016
Exhibit 831 – Bushfire Reponse: Client and Services Policy 2009-10 (RESP.3001.014.0333)
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Management of the natural and built environment
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Building Amendment (Bushfire Construction) Interim Regulations 2009
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The Regulations came into operation on 11 March 2009 (except for Regulations 8, 9 and 10, which came into operation on 9 March 2010).
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Department of Planning and Community Development
|
The Interim Regulations require new homes built after 7 February 2009 to be constructed to improved safety standards.
The State has implemented a range of training and information initiatives to educate industry and consumers about the Interim Regulations and building related matters.
The Building Commission has implemented a range of projects relating to the Interim Regulations, including working with industry to develop windows that will meet the new building standard.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0017–0018
Exhibit 169 – Supplementary Statement of Arnel (WIT.3000.002.0220_R)
Exhibit 168 – Statement of Arnel (WIT.3000.002.0001) [150]–[153]
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Reconstruction initiatives—Victoria Planning Provision amendments
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The amendment was made on 14 May 2009.
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DPCD
|
The Minister for Planning introduced clause 52.39 into the VPPs to ensure that homes destroyed in the 2009 bushfires were reconstructed in a manner that reduced bushfire hazard.
The new clause requires local councils to approve a site plan before reconstruction can commence that shows vehicle access, water supply and the siting of the reconstructed home.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0018
Exhibit 678 – Clause 52.39 2009 Bushfire Replacement Buildings (TEN.111.001.0054)
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Reconstruction initiatives—building amendment (Bushfire Construction) Further Interim Regulations 2009
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Introduced on 1 September 2009.
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DPCD
|
The Further Interim Regulations provide that the reconstruction of homes destroyed in the 2009 bushfires must only occur once the site has an adequate water supply and access for emergency vehicles if it is subject to a Wildfire Management Overlay.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0018
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Building and planning initiatives
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Direction took effect on 1 February 2010.
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DPCD
|
The Minister for Planning issued a direction under section 30 of the Project Development and Construction Management Act 1994 to strengthen bushfire safety requirements for government-funded public-use buildings from 1 February 2010.
The direction requires public-use buildings to undergo a bushfire attack level assessment and improve use of bushfire resistant designs.
The Minister also approved a streamlined planning scheme amendment process for Wildfire Management Overlays.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0018–0019
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DSE vegetation management
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The State expects to complete strategic fuel breaks in the first half of 2010.
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DSE
|
DSE will continue to conduct native vegetation clearing and fuel reduction burning as part of its preparations for each bushfire season.
It is also constructing strategic fuel breaks to help protect Melbourne water catchments and Otways communities from the effects of bushfire.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0019–0020
Exhibit 716 – Supplementary Statement of Fogarty (WIT.3024.005.0143)
Exhibit 719 – Supplementary Statement of Tainsh (WIT.3024.005.0182)
Exhibit 721 – Supplementary Statement of Lawlor (WIT.3024.005.0199)
Exhibit 729 – Statement of Wilson (WIT.3024.005.0265)
Exhibit 753 – Statement of Miezis (WIT.3024.004.0315)
Exhibit 749 – Statement of Dripps (WIT.3024.005.0124)
Exhibit 761 – Statement of Fogarty (WIT.3024.004.0331) [12]–[31]
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Managing native vegetation on roadsides: a guideline for implementing agreements under the local government public road exemption
|
As at 18 February 2010, 37 councils had entered into agreements with DSE.
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DSE, Department of Transport, VicRoads, councils
|
DSE has entered into agreements with the Department of Transport and local councils regarding roadside clearing.
The State has developed guidelines to assist VicRoads and councils understand their obligations when removing native vegetation on roadsides.
The guidelines apply to all councils that have entered into a formal agreement with DSE.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0020
Exhibit 745 – Statement of Liddle (WIT.3027.001.0001)
Exhibit 746 – Statement of Brown (WIT.3027.001.0070)
Exhibit 749 – Statement of Dripps, Attachment 4 (DSE.HDD.0052.1867)
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Vegetation management—VPPs amendments
|
Gazetted 10 September 2009. The State made clarifying amendments on 22 January 2010.
|
DPCD
|
The Minister for Planning introduced a new clause 52.43 into the VPPs to simplify residents’ ability to clear native vegetation around their homes.
Amendment VC65 to the VPPs (gazetted 22 January 2010) amended Clause 52.43 and further clarified the permit exemptions for vegetation removal.
DSE has published information and updated its website to educate residents about their entitlements under the VPPs.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0020
Exhibit 679 – Statement of Gilmore (WIT.3018.001.0001)
Exhibit 682 – Statement of Sturzenegger (WIT.3004.028.0166)
Exhibit 684 – Statement of Fox (WIT.3004.028.0202)
Exhibit 685 – Statement of Dripps (WIT.3024.005.0081)
Exhibit 678 – Clause 52.43 Interim Measures for Bushfire Protection (TEN.077.001.0005)
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Enhancement of CFA advisory role in relation to vegetation management
|
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CFA
|
The State has provided the CFA with funding to enhance its advisory and assistance roles for vegetation management on private land, roadsides and rail corridors.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0021
Exhibit 759 – Statement of Strickland (WIT.3004.034.0025)
Exhibit 748 – Witness Statement of Leslie (WIT.3004.028.0001) [24]–[27], [28]–[33], [54]–[58]
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Community information and warnings
|
Memorandum of Understanding between the CFA, DSE and BoM regarding the National Fire Danger Ratings System
|
12 December 2009.
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CFA, DSE
|
The BoM, the CFA and DSE have entered into a MOU about the operation of FDRs and the determination of FDR levels.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0021–0022
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0034–0039
Exhibit 847 – Second Supplementary Statement of Haynes (WIT.3004.035.0200)
Exhibit 324 – Australia’s Revised Arrangements for Bushfire Advice and Alerts – 2009/2010 Fire Season (RESP.7500.001.0001)
Exhibit 324 – Australia’s Revised Arrangements for Bushfire Advice and Alerts – 2009/2010 Fire Season (Appendix 1 – Participants) (RESP.7500.001.0014)
Exhibit 324 – Australia’s Revised Arrangements for Bushfire Advice and Alerts – 2009/2010 Fire Season (Appendix 2 – National Framework for Scaled Advice and Warning to the Community) (RESP.7500.001.0016)
Exhibit 324 – Australia’s Revised Arrangements for Bushfire Advice and Alerts – 2009/2010 Fire Season (Appendix 3 – Forecast Fire Danger) (RESP.7500.001.0017)
Exhibit 324 – Australia’s Revised Arrangements for Bushfire Advice and Alerts – 2009/2010 Fire Season (Appendix 4 – Messaging the Community) (RESP.7500.001.0020)
Exhibit 831 – New Fire Danger Ratings. Look for Them, Act on Them (RESP.3001.014.0190)
Exhibit 831 – Understanding Fire Danger Ratings (RESP.3001.001.0119)
Exhibit 705 – CFA Website: Fire Danger Ratings (EXP.019.001.0215)
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National Framework for Scaled Advice and Warnings to the Community
|
The Framework was agreed to by the Australasian Emergency Management Committee on 4 September 2009.
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AEMC, representing all states and territories
|
The Framework includes a three-stage warning model and links the new fire danger ratings with trigger points for issuing messages to the community.
The framework comprises the alert messages: ‘advice’, ‘watch’, ‘act’ and ‘emergency’ predicated on the estimated time before impact, the fire danger rating, and severity of the fire.
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Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0025–0026
Exhibit 11 – Statement of Esplin (WIT.005.001.0001)
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Country Fire Authority Act (1958) amendments
|
The Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Act 2009, which inserted a new Part IIIA in the CFA Act, commenced on 2 December 2009.
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CFA, DSE, MFB,
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner, Victoria Police, DOJ
|
The amendments provide that the CFA Chief Officer will be responsible for issuing warnings and providing information to the community about bushfire risks.
On 24 December 2009 the Chief Officer delegated that responsibility to the Chief Fire Officer, DSE, and the Chief Officer, MFB, in circumstances where the delegate’s agency is the control agency for the fire.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0022
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0101–0103
Exhibit 614 – CFA Act Part IIIA – Improving Community Safety (WIT.3004.032.0164)
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CFA/DSE joint standard operating procedure on incident information and warnings
|
The State issued the SOP on 3 February 2010.
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CFA, DSE
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The CFA and DSE have developed the SOP regarding warnings to the community and relocation recommendations.
It requires Incident Controllers and others in IMTs to issue warnings to the community in appropriate circumstances.
The CFA and DSE have also revised processes and procedures to ensure that where a level 3 Incident Controller or officer of equivalent ranking is satisfied that a bushfire warning is required, then they are authorised to release a warning where the designated Incident Controller is temporarily unavailable.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0022–0023
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0048–0049, 0100
Exhibit 701 – CFA and DSE Joint SOP (J4.01): Incident Information Unit Management (DSE.HDD.0012.1341)
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Common Alerting Protocol
|
In use since October 2009.
CAP templates were to be reviewed after the 2009–10 bushfire season.
|
CFA, DSE
|
The CAP provides the CFA and DSE with template warning messages to the community regarding fire danger and recommended actions.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0023
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0021–0022
Exhibit 828 – Common Alerting Protocol (Bushfire Messages) Victoria (RESP.3001.021.0003)
Exhibit 45 – Common Alerting Protocol Presentation (TEN.004.001.0019)
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One Source–One Message software tool
|
Phase 1 of OSOM has been in use since October 2009.
Phase 2 is scheduled for mid-2010.
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CFA, DSE
|
OSOM enables warnings (including CAP warnings) to be delivered from incident control centres to a variety of outlets simultaneously, including CFA and DSE websites, Victorian Bushfire Information Line operators and media outlets.
Approved information officers upload specific information about a fire and OSOM will generate a message using a standard template. Under phase 1 of OSOM, only the CFA and DSE have the capacity to upload information. Once phase 2 is implemented, MFB will also gain access to the system.
CFA/DSE joint SOP 4.01 provides that the OSOM tool should be the primary method of warning message distribution.
CFA and DSE have also issued a joint OSOM reference guide and have revised their guidelines for the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0023
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0021–0022, 0039–0041
Exhibit 831 – One Source One Message Reference Guide (RESP.3001.017.0180)
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Bushfire severity scale project
|
DSE and the Bushfire CRC commenced work on the project in January 2010.
Research is to be completed by July 2010.
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DSE
|
This project aims to identify options for the development of a severity scale that denotes a ‘going’ bushfire’s risk.
The research will describe the power of bushfires and their potential impact on communities and the services on which those communities rely.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0023–0024
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0023–0024
Exhibit 831 – Bushfire Severity Scale Project (RESP.3001.017.0174)
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Memorandum of Understanding— broadcasters and the State
|
Some of the MOUs were in place prior to the 2009–10 bushfire season.
The State’s negotiations with other broadcasters are ongoing.
|
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner
|
The State has entered into a revised MOU with the ABC in relation to the broadcast of bushfire warnings and information.
The State has also entered into MOUs with Commercial Radio Australia (on behalf of commercial radio operators) and radio broadcaster 3UZ.
The MOUs:
• contain the undertaking of both parties to support timely and accurate emergency warnings to the community
• commit the relevant radio operators to interrupt programming and broadcast emergency messages in an agreed form
• make provision for continuous coverage during major emergencies and the use of standard emergency warning signals in accordance with the guidelines.
The State has finalised a similar MOU with Sky-TV news, and is in negotiation with SBS, community radio broadcasters and free-to-air television operators.
The OESC has developed a practice note that outlines procedures for implementing the MOUs.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0024
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0028–0029
Exhibit 831 – Letters to various emergency services agencies who participated in MOU development with broadcasters (RESP.3001.014.0016, RESP.3001.014.0018, RESP.3001.014.0020, RESP.3001.014.0022, RESP.3001.014.0024, RESP.3001.014.0026, RESP.3001.014.0028)
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Emergency Alert (formerly NEWS)
|
The State implemented phase 1 of Emergency Alert in December 2009. Work on phase 2 is ongoing.
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OESC
|
Emergency Alert allows warning messages to be delivered to the fixed and mobile phones of residents under threat from a bushfire.
The second phase of Emergency Alert proposes the delivery of warning messages to mobile phones based on the user’s location (currently warnings are delivered based on the user’s billing address).
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0024–0025
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0022, 0032–0033
Exhibit 828 – Emergency Alert: Quick Reference Guide (WIT.3004.041.0137)
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Standard Emergency Warning Signal Guidelines
|
The State Emergency Response Plan was amended to include specific reference to the SEWS in October 2009.
|
Victoria Police
|
The State has developed revised guidelines on the use of the SEWS which specify the purpose of the signal, the circumstances when it is to be used (and not used), the duration, and processes and administrative arrangements surrounding its use.
The State’s new MOUs with emergency broadcasters require the emergency broadcasters to follow the SEWS guidelines.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0025–0026
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0027–0028
Exhibit 831 – The Standard Emergency Warning Signal and Guidelines for its Use in Victoria (RESP.3001.002.0179)
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Guidelines for the use of CFA and community sirens
|
The CFA will review its sirens policy on 30 October 2012.
The OESC guidelines are interim guidelines until March 2010, but will be extended until 30 October 2012 to coincide with the CFA’s review of its sirens policy.
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OESC, CFA
|
The OESC developed guidelines to assist communities and local brigades in the use of existing brigade sirens (or community sponsored and run sirens) to alert the community to a bushfire threat.
The CFA has issued a complementary policy (included in an appendix to the OESC guidelines) which details the CFA position on the use of existing sirens and other types of community alert sirens.
The CFA and OESC guidelines identify the steps to be taken, the parties that should take them, and the issues to be addressed to obtain or use a siren as a community alert.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0026
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0030–0032
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Victorian Bushfire Information Line Service Extension Project
|
2009–10 bushfire season.
|
DSE
|
DSE has made improvements to the VBIL including:
• increasing phone line and on-hold message capacity
• improving ‘triage’ arrangements to ensure that the most urgent calls are given priority
• increasing the casual operator pool and call centre seating
• enhancing existing overflow arrangements with Centrelink and discussing new overflow arrangements with the State Revenue Office and VicRoads
• ensuring that information from operational sources is provided directly to the VBIL at the same time as other agencies (through OSOM)
• developing new FAQ templates and investigating their automation with OSOM warnings.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0026
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0041–0043
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Health and Human Services Fire Communications Strategy
|
Implemented prior to the 2009–10 bushfire season.
|
DH, DHS
|
The State developed the Health and Human Services Fire Communications Strategy to ensure human services providers receive timely, comprehensive and consistent fire information through:
• a weekly or bi-weekly newsletter
• messages targeted at vulnerable groups.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0026–0027
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Social media initiatives
|
Launched in mid-March 2010.
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CFA
|
The State plans to use social media to assist the community to gauge its level of fire readiness and to communicate important information on fire danger ratings, total fire ban status and fire warnings.
The State has invested in the development of customised Facebook and free official FireReady iPhone applications, which will extract relevant information from the CFA’s website.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0027
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0055
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Shelter options
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Private shelters—Building Amendment (Private Bushfire Shelter Construction) Interim Regulations 2009 (Interim Shelter Regulations)
|
The State introduced the Interim Shelter Regulations as a temporary measure pending the development of national standards, expected to be introduced in 2010.
The Regulations came into operation on 11 November 2009 (except for Regulations 9 and 10, which come into operation on 9 November 2010).
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Department of Planning and Community Development
|
The State has introduced the Interim Shelter Regulations to regulate construction and installation of private bushfire shelters.
The Interim Shelter Regulations make private bushfire shelters a new class of building under the Victorian Building Code.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0027–0028
Exhibit 169 – Supplementary Statement of Arnel (WIT.3000.002.0220_R)
Exhibit 313 – Bushfire Bunkers (BDC.001.001.0199)
Exhibit 500 – Fire refuges: Implementation Plan (EXH.500.0003)
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Neighbourhood Safer Places
|
The Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Act 2009 amended the CFA Act to include provisions relating to NSPs. It came into operation on 2 December 2009.
As at 7 November 2009, all 52 towns identified as most at risk from bushfires had potential NSP sites considered and 50 of those sites met CFA criteria.
As at 16 March 2010, 62 NSPs had been designated.
The State conducted a post 2009–10 bushfire season review of the NSP initiative.
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CFA
|
The Victorian Parliament has enacted legislation requiring local councils to designate NSPs in existing buildings or spaces that can be accessed as a last resort to provide some protection from bushfire.
Amendments to the CFA Act in 2009 introduced the following process for establishing a site as an NSP:
• identification of potential sites by local councils
• certification of sites satisfying the criteria in the CFA’s Guidelines (see below)
• formal designation of the site as an NSP by a local council.
When designating a site as an NSP, councils may:
• develop a Municipal NSP Plan, which relates to the identification, suitability and designation of NSPs and the inspection, maintenance and decommissioning of designated NSPs
• develop a specific management plan for the site
• conduct a separate assessment of the site for access, egress and capacity.
Where the NSP is not situated on council controlled land, local councils must obtain the consent of the land occupier/controller to use the site as an NSP.
Where a site is on Crown land, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change has consented to the use of identified Crown land reserves as NSPs by notifications contained in Special Government Gazettes. DSE is working with MAV to develop a consistent statewide process for managing consent and maintenance arrangements for these NSPs.
For the 2009–10 bushfire season the State and local councils gave priority to the identification and designation of NSPs in the 52 communities facing the highest risk of bushfire.
The CFA analysed the community outcomes resulting from the implementation of township protection plans and NSPs. It found: there appears to be a good understanding that NSPs are a place of last resort; there is considerable misunderstanding about the role of NSPs and the introduction of NSPs has not been accompanied by increased household planning.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0028–0030
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0074–0077, 0086
Exhibit 617 – Statement of Armstrong (WIT.3004.033.0001)
Exhibit 614 – Statement of Hayes (WIT.3004.032.0147)
Exhibit 831 – Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (Vic) Explanatory Memorandum (RESP.3001.002.0001)
Exhibit 831 – ‘Neighbourhood Safe Places: Places of Last Resort’ Interim Assessment Guideline (RESP.3001.001.0127)
Exhibit 831 – Statewide NSP Location Spreadsheet (RESP.3001.014.0158)
Exhibit 831 – Signage guidelines for NSPs (RESP.3001.011.0262)
Exhibit 620 – Municipal Council Neighbourhood Safer Places Plan (TEN.168.001.0001)
Exhibit 831 – Township Protection Plans CFA Progress Report (RESP.3001.026.0012)
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NSP Guidelines
|
The CFA published interim NSP assessment guidelines in October 2009.
Guidelines issued under the CFA Act (as amended by the ESA Act) were published in the Government Gazette and placed on the CFA website on 11 February 2010.
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CFA , MAV, OESC
|
The CFA has issued guidelines specifying criteria and other considerations relating to the assessment of NSPs, and has trained 20 CFA personnel on the assessment methodology.
The MAV has developed a NSP plan template to assist councils with the NSP designation process.
The OESC has published guidelines to assist councils to fulfil their obligations to ensure designated NSPs are identified with appropriate signs.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0028
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0074–0076
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Uniform NSP signage
|
The State endorsed the signs and their accompanying guidelines on 9 December 2009.
As at 16 March 2010, state approved signage had been installed at all 62 approved NSPs.
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OESC
|
The OESC, in consultation with the CFA and MAV, have developed a standard sign identifying NSPs.
The signs were: designed in accordance with AS 2341-1992, use an internationally recognised symbol for fire assembly points, and clearly state that the NSPs are places of last resort and are specific to bushfires.
In producing the NSP signage, the MAV added additional text on secondary signs to give readers information about: what to expect at an NSP, the risks associated with NSPs, and the limitations of NSPs in offering bushfire protection.
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Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0082–0085
Exhibit 831 – Signage guidelines for NSPs (RESP.3001.011.0262)
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Maintenance of NSP list
|
The CFA notified key agencies of the website listing in December 2009.
The CFA sent a list of compliant NSP sites to DSE in December 2009 for inclusion in VicMap, and to the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority for inclusion in its computer aided dispatch system.
On 30 December 2009 the State requested the VBIL to update the NSP FAQs with the information provided on the CFA website in relation to new NSPs.
On 23 February 2010 the State gave in principle endorsement of the draft guidelines for notifying agencies of newly designated NSPs.
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CFA
|
ESA Act amendments to the CFA Act require the CFA to maintain a statewide list of NSPs on its website and provide the list to the Secretary to DSE, Chief Commissioner of Police, CEO of the SES, MAV and the VBIL.
The CFA website lists the current NSPs, including those that are non-compliant or are yet to be assessed, and the single community fire refuge in Woods Point.
The interim process for the maintenance of the list provides that MAV will inform the CFA of newly designated NSPs or NSPs to be removed, and the CFA will notify ESTA and DSE accordingly. The CFA will then update its website and notify all related parties.
The State has developed draft guidelines for notifying agencies of newly designated NSPs, which clarify the responsibilities of councils, CFA, DSE and ESTA.
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Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0085–0086
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Review of state fire refuges policy
|
The Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner presented an initial draft discussion paper to the State Coordination and Management Council on 8 December 2009, and a further draft on 2 February 2010.
The review was ongoing as at 22 April 2010.
|
OESC
|
The OESC is undertaking its review of the State’s current fire refuges policy in the context of other measures and policies the Commission considered, such as the use of NSPs, the role of relocation and bunkers, and consideration of stay or go.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0030
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0072–0074
Exhibit 902 – Supplementary Statement of Bruce Esplin (WIT.3007.001.0001)
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Assessment and upgrade of school refuges
|
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has completed a review of all refuges in all schools in areas at risk of bushfire.
As at 10 February 2010, upgrades had been completed on 20 schools with work continuing on at least five others.
|
DEECD
|
The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority assessed 36 school fire refuges to ensure they complied with the safety standards contained in various building regulations.
Infrastructure consultants, GHD, reviewed the information and recommendations contained in the VMIA reports, scoped the necessary rectification works for each school, and developed a budget estimate for the completion of those works.
The GHD reports covered a range of relevant considerations based on appropriate standards and documentation.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0030–0031
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0087–0090
Exhibit 831 – DEECD Schools Fire Refuge Program (RESP.3001.019.0005)
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Review of bushfire protection measures in children’s services facilities
|
DEECD completed the review on 31 March 2010.
|
DEECD
|
DEECD has developed a comprehensive improvement program to ensure that all Victorian schools and children’s services, including kindergartens, child care centres, preschools and early learning centres, are well prepared for bushfires.
This program has identified 30 projects that DEECD is currently progressing or participating in as a stakeholder.
The process involved the development and distribution of a bushfire self-assessment tool for children’s services and to all schools (including Catholic and independent) and early childhood facilities in Victoria. The purpose of the tool was to raise awareness of the need for facilities to consider bushfire risks, and allow them to get a better understanding of their risks and level of preparedness for all emergencies.
DEECD has also issued schools and children’s services with a Bushfire Resources Kit and is developing a mapping tool to enhance its emergency management capability by allowing users to speedily locate, identify and communicate with schools and children’s facilities.
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Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0091–0094
For a table containing an overview of the main issues identified by the self-assessment tool and audit process and the Department’s responses. see Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0092
Exhibit 831 – Children’s Services Bushfire Resource Kit – Children’s Services – Version 1 (RESP.3001.004.0001)
Exhibit 831 – Schools Bushfire Resource Kit – Children’s Services – Version 1 (RESP.3001.004.0122)
Exhibit 831 – Children’s services Bushfire and Emergency Management Self-Assessment (RESP.3001.002.0044_R)
Exhibit 831 – Schools Bushfire and Emergency Management Self-Assessment ()RESP.3001.002.0088_R
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Response
|
Procedures and Guidelines
|
Review of the State Emergency Response Plan
|
The review was complete as at 31 March 2010.
|
Victoria Police
|
In response to the Commission’s interim report, the State amended the SERP to increase its emphasis on control, command and coordination principles and roles.
These substantial amendments appear to address the matters raised in the interim report. In particular, the amended SERP provides that the control agency for a fire is responsible for issuing and communicating warnings.
The revised SERP has been incorporated into the Emergency Management Manual Victoria.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0032
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0027, 0043–0045, 0103–0104, 0110–0112
Exhibit 443 – Statement of Overland (WIT.3010.009.0229) [8]
Exhibit 443 – Statement of Overland, Annexure 1 (WIT.3010.009.0244)
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Interim Command, Control and Coordination Arrangements
|
The interim arrangements were introduced for use by agencies during the 2009–10 bushfire season.
Parliament amended the Emergency Management Act 1986 (EMA Act) in 2009.
|
Victoria Police, DSE, CFA, MFB, VIC SES
|
The police Chief Commissioner introduced interim command, control and coordination arrangements for the 2009–10 bushfire season.
The State amended the EMA Act to help implement the interim arrangements.
In November 2009 the chief (fire) officers of the CFA, DSE and MFB signed the Heads of Agreement, State Command and Control Arrangements for Bushfire in Victoria. That document reflects the amendments to the EMA Act and the Emergency Management Manual. It also describes the agreed principles for establishing and exercising command and control.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0032
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0106–0110
Exhibit 443 – Statement of Overland (WIT.3010.009.0229) [9]–[16]
Exhibit 547 – State Command and Control Arrangements for Bushfire in Victoria (CFA.001.032.0300)
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Emergency Management Manual Victoria
|
The OESC released updates to the Manual in November and December 2009.
|
OESC
|
The State has revised the Manual to include:
• interim command, control and coordination arrangements
• revisions made to the State Emergency Response Plan
• policy and procedural changes introduced for the 2009–10 bushfire season, particularly in relation to stay or go, warnings and relocations.
OESC is currently working on a project with DOJ to develop an online version of the Manual. This version will provide enhanced navigation and search functionality for users.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0032
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0104–0106
For tables showing EMMV updates/revisions see Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0105–0106
Exhibit 831 – Emergency Management Manual Victoria (RESP.3001.003.0001_R)
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Relocation—CFA and DSE joint SOP on incident information and warnings
|
Issued on 3 February 2010, the SOP was to be reviewed after the 2009–10 bushfire season.
|
CFA, DSE
|
DSE and the CFA have developed SOP J4.01. It includes procedures for disseminating warnings to the community and making relocation recommendations.
The SOP indicates that the individual has the responsibility for making a decision to relocate, and that the Incident Controller’s role is to provide advice to threatened communities on appropriate responses to an incident, which may include advice to relocate.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0022–0023
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0048–0049
Exhibit 701 – CFA and DSE Joint SOP (J4.01): Incident Information Unit Management (DSE.HDD.0012.1341)
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Revision and replacement of fire agency SOPs
|
SOP J3.03 was finalised on 3 February 2010.
|
CFA, DSE
|
The CFA and DSE have revised or replaced a number of SOPs including:
• J2.03 on IMT preparedness arrangements, which identifies trigger points and default staffing preparedness levels for incident control centres and IMTs on days of predicted elevated fire danger
• J3.03 on incident action planning, which provides that incident action plans must include strategies to enhance the protection of NSPs where they are likely to be threatened
• J3.08 on the appointment of Incident Controllers which provides for their appointment and requires a joint CFA and DSE register to be maintained of personnel endorsed to perform the role
• J3.10 on traffic management during bushfires, which provides that when an Incident Controller requests the establishment of a roadblock, he or she must consider whether simultaneous advice or warnings should be issued to the community.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0032–0034
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0116–0117
Exhibit 547 – Statement of Haynes (WIT.3004.023.0011)
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The revised Guidelines for roadblocks during wildfires
|
The TMP Guidelines were reviewed, and revised guidelines were introduced for the 2009–10 bushfire season.
|
Victoria Police, CFA, DSE
|
The TMP Guidelines:
• establish access levels for various groups at roadblocks
• provide for wristband identification of residents and others requiring access
• adopt more flexible means of establishing identity.
The State has allocated funding to educate the community about the new traffic management and access arrangements.
Victoria Police has also distributed information cards regarding the revised TMP Guidelines to its members, published a TMP public information pack on its website, and issued 25,000 individually numbered wristbands to its regions, which are held in police stores and are distributed to local areas.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0034
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0113–0116
Exhibit 540 – Statement of Walshe (WIT.3010.009.0300)
Exhibit 269 – Guidelines for the Operation of Traffic Management Point during Wildfires (WIT.3004.013.0299)
Exhibit 540 – Guidelines for the Operation of Traffic Management Points during Wildfires (WIT.3010.009.0361)
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Advance notice for Telstra and the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
|
9 November 2009.
|
Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner, CFA, ESTA, Telstra
|
The OESC, CFA, ESTA and Telstra 000 have developed arrangements so that ESTA and Telstra receive advance notice of severe weather events. This will allow them to anticipate high emergency call demands.
In November 2009 the State amended the OESC Significant Incident–Severe Weather Notification SOP 2.199 to add a new section titled, ‘Severe Weather Notification’. It sets out the key procedural steps in the event of the declaration of a severe, extreme or code red day. Those amendments are reflected in ESTA and CFA SOPs which came into effect in November and December 2009.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0034–0035
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0118–0120
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Revision of State Health Emergency Response Plan
|
The State revised the SHERP for the 2009–10 bushfire season.
The State’s remedial works for health facilities were due to be completed in April 2010.
|
DHS, DH
|
The revised SHERP provides coordinated support for communities and ensures access to essential services during an emergency.
DH and DHS have inspected each of their facilities and provided them with a bushfire self-assessment tool to assist with their bushfire preparedness. Priority has been given to facilities located within the 52 high fire risk townships.
The State has also provided $1.25 million to local government to assist vulnerable people.
DHS, in conjunction with the State Emergency Service, has developed a State Coordination Agreement to better deliver services in relief centres. From April 2010 DHS will have state and regional responsibility for emergency relief.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0035
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0126
Exhibit 843 – State Health Emergency Response Plan (WIT.3003.001.0062)
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Emergency Relief Centre Guidelines
|
Planned for completion before the 2009–10 bushfire season.
An Interim Guidance Note was provided to councils on 30 October 2009.
|
Councils, with State support
|
To support municipal emergency planning, VIC SES, DHS, DOJ, Victoria Police and MAV are developing guidelines for the operation of emergency relief centres. Key elements to be addressed are:
• standard processes, including location, capacity, activation, roles and facilities
• geographic coverage
• community education and expectations
• management and scope of activities standardised operating procedures.
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Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0050
Exhibit 831 – Local Government Emergency Relief Centre Guidance Note (RESP.3001.011.0003)
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Personnel, infrastructure and resources
|
Upgrade of State Control Centre facilities
|
|
|
The upgrade will improve the SCC’s operational capacity, and includes:
• an increased seating and media capacity that will allow all relevant emergency services organisations to station officers at the SCC
• enhanced telephone and IT capabilities
• a new layout to improve information flow
• the revision and preparation of new SOPs for operation of the SCC
• improved connectivity with incident control centres across Victoria.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0036
Exhibit 210 – Statement of Brown (WIT.3024.002.0280)
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Upgrade of DSE and CFA incident control centres
|
As at 30 October 2009 the State had earmarked an upgrade for the 43 level 3 incident control centres and:
• completed upgrade works on 17
• scheduled completion of upgrade works for 24 by November 2009
• scheduled completion of the Geelong Incident Control Centre by January 2010
• scheduled completion of the Mt Gambier Incident Control Centre by June 2010.
The State expects to complete the upgrade project in June 2010.
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CFA, DSE
|
The CFA and DSE state duty officers have been given direct responsibility for ensuring pre-designated level 3 incident control centres within their control are properly staffed and equipped to enable immediate operation in the case of a fire on high fire risk days.
Equipment—the focus has been on upgrading level 3 incident control centres to ensure that they comply with CFA and DSE agreed minimum standards. Upgrade works include increasing seating capacity, upgrading equipment, and enhancing telephone and IT facilities.
Staffing—the State has retained overseas and interstate specialists to increase the number of qualified level 3 personnel available during the summer fire season. The CFA and DSE are also developing a long term strategy to attract, train and retain members with advanced skills and competencies required for level 3 IMT roles.
Pre-formed IMTs—will be deployed to strategically located incident control centres based on forecast conditions and capability requirements.
The CFA and DSE have determined that they can sustain 12 level 3 IMTs at any one time to the required capacity.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0036–0037
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0094–0097
See further Exhibit 831 – Level 3 ICCs – Upgrade Project of 15 September 2009 (RESP.3000.003.0060)
Exhibit 547 – Statement of Haynes (WIT.3004.023.0011) [199]–[206]
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Improvement and alignment of CFA and DSE IMT training
|
Joint training packages by 30 June 2011.
|
CFA, DSE
|
The State has taken steps to ensure that all CFA and DSE IMT personnel shall be endorsed to a standard as agreed between those agencies. DSE and the CFA have agreed to develop joint training packages for key IMT personnel, where they do not currently exist, by 30 June 2011.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0037
Exhibit 547 – Statement of Haynes (WIT.3004.023.0011) [158]–[169]
Exhibit 202 – Statement of Slijepcevic (WIT.3024.001.0109) [47]–[53]
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DH and DHS Incident Controller training programs
|
|
DH, DHS
|
DH and DHS have developed training programs to ensure that health and human services staff are trained to the same level as DSE and CFA Incident Controllers.
|
Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0037
|
Trial of new water bombing plane
|
|
National Aerial Firefighting Centre
|
The State allocated funding to trial a new water bombing plane, the Very Large Air Tanker, to boost the State’s firefighting capacity during the 2009–10 fire season and assess its effectiveness in fighting fires in Victoria.
NAFAC ran the procurement process.
|
Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0037–0038
|
Funding for improvements to emergency services communications
|
The State’s investment in enhanced radio communications, provision of ESTA services, and improved radio coverage will be made over four years.
Installation of the satellite downlink system in the first aircraft has been completed and is underway in the second aircraft.
The cross-training of police call takers was completed on 3 November 2009.
An additional 15 workstations and related equipment were available on 11 November 2009.
|
Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
|
The State has contributed $1.042 million toward improving ESTA surge capacity, including 15 additional work stations in Ballarat.
The State has invested in:
• enhanced radio communications between emergency services organisations and capacity to manage 000 calls
• funding for emergency services organisations and ESTA for the ongoing provision of ESTA services
• improved radio coverage in metropolitan and regional areas experiencing emergency communications ‘black spots’
• upgrading the connectivity of DSE’s incident channels and office redundancy to provide an alternative communications link that can be used by incident control centres in a bushfire emergency
• installing a satellite downlink system in two aircraft to allow data transfer from fire detection line scanners
• greater call-taking capability through additional workstations at ESTA’s Ballarat and Tally Ho communications centres and additional training in fire call taking for ESTA staff at its Ballarat centre.
ESTA has also implemented a number of other initiatives, including the creation of a virtual queue, cross training of police call takers in fire call taking, and protocols with the VBIL.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0038–0039
Exhibit 840 – Statement of Comrie, Annexure 1 (WIT.3031.001.0004) at 0120–0122
Exhibit 62 – Statement of Foster (WIT.012.001.0001)
Exhibit 868 – Statement of Lloyd (WIT.3028.001.0001)
|
Review of Emergency Services Communication Strategic Framework
|
Review is in progress.
|
The State
|
The State is currently reviewing the framework.
It aims to strengthen and enhance emergency services communications by upgrading voice, alerting and data communications, and to further integrate call taking and dispatch into those systems.
|
Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0039
Exhibit 867 – Emergency Services Communications Strategic Framework (DOJ.001.005.0159)
|
Review and upgrade of emergency alerting pager system
|
Review is continuing.
|
ESTA
|
The first phase of this review, the message type review, has rationalised customer message protocols and reduced system congestion providing an improved message throughput.
|
Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0039
Exhibit 867 – Update on Emergency Alerting System (DOJ.001.004.0307_R)
Exhibit 867 – Update on Emergency Alerting System (DOJ.001.004.0308)
|
Funding to improve the capacity and capability of fire services
|
42 new ultra light tankers were due by June 2010, with 22 units previously delivered.
The State will provide funding to assist the CFA to retire aged heavy tankers and replace its fleet of heavy pumpers in 2009–10.
The State will provide funding to replace or upgrade rural fire stations over the next two years.
|
DSE, CFA
|
The State has invested in the following improvements:
• upgrading fire service intelligence gathering, analysis, and alerting capability. In particular, DSE has trained additional staff as air observers, situation officers and fire behaviour analysts, and updated DSE and Networked Emergency Organisation staff in how to use the OSOM tool for the 2009–10 bushfire season. The CFA has purchased new portable field IT kits
• training, briefings and communications exercises on the changes were introduced for the 2009–10 bushfire season
• ordering 42 ultra light tankers and providing funding to enable CFA Brigades to acquire another 27
• constructing 18 new fire stations
• upgrading or replacing over 60 rural fire stations.
|
Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0039–0040
|
Investigation of funding options for fire services
|
The State released its Green Paper on funding options for fire services in October 2009.
The Victorian Parliament enacted legislation in December 2009 to enable a pilot study of those options.
The State proposes to release a White Paper stating its final position within six months of the tabling of the Commission’s final report.
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The State
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The State will conduct a pilot study to collect and analyse data relating to options for funding Victoria’s fire services in a fair and sustainable manner.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0040–0041
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Victoria’s volunteering strategy
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Released in May 2009.
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The State
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The strategy aims to support the growth of community volunteering. Key actions include:
• a community awareness campaign to encourage volunteering
• a new web portal to provide an easy access point for volunteering opportunities and information about organisations
• tools, resources and strategies to encourage groups currently excluded from or under-represented in community volunteering
• support to organisations to provide new volunteering opportunities to suit the way young people are able to donate their time
• small grants to community organisations seeking to create new opportunities for diverse groups of volunteers.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0041–0042
Exhibit 843 – Victoria’s Volunteering Strategy (WIT.3003.001.0240)
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Recovery
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Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority
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The State and Commonwealth established VBRRA on 10 February 2009.
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The State in partnership with the Commonwealth
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VBRRA will oversee and coordinate the recovery and rebuilding program.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0042
Exhibit 837 – Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority Report (VBRA.300.001.0001)
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Bushfire Appeal Fund
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Established within 24 hours of 7 February. Closed in April 2009.
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The State, in partnership with the Commonwealth and the Australian Red Cross; DHS provided staffing support.
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The Bushfire Appeal Fund was established to raise funds to support individuals and communities in towns and suburbs affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0042
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Case management system
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DHS
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DHS established a case management system (including a call centre) to provide a case manager to every family affected by the 2009 bushfires.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0042–0043
Exhibit 137 – DHS Assistance: Victorian Bushfire Case Management Service (DSE.HDD.0016.0600)
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Compassionate assistance funding
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The State
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State funding for assistance such as temporary housing, funeral expenses, emergency medical services, counselling services and emergency hardship grants.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0043
For psychosocial response / recovery see Exhibit 538 – Statement of Grigg (WIT.3001.001.0001)
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Community Recovery Fund
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February 2009.
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DPCD in partnership with the Commonwealth
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In the first six months after 7 February, the Community Recovery Fund made 26 sporting grants, 17 arts program grants, and a number of other grants for individual community events.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0043
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Funding for clean-up of bushfire-affected areas
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The State
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The State provided funding to help with the clean-up of bushfire-affected areas and allow rebuilding and reconstruction works to start.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0043
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Recovery, reconstruction and clean-up activities— amendments to the Victoria Planning Provisions.
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The amendments came into effect on 23 February and 12 March 2009 respectively.
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DPCD
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The Minister introduced clause 52.38 of Amendment VC53, and Amendment VC54 into the VPPs.
Taken together, the amendments support recovery and reconstruction operations by clarifying that a planning permit is not needed for activities directly associated with bushfire recovery, including site clean-up and safety, demolition and temporary accommodation, and for the reconstruction of a home destroyed by the 2009 bushfires.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0043
Exhibit 678 – Clause 52.38 Bushfire Recovery (TEN.111.001.0052)
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Restoration of health and education services
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The State
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The State has replaced destroyed health centres, ambulance services and schools.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0044
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Business assistance packages
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The State
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The State has developed packages to help small businesses and primary producers affected by the bushfires.
Assistance is provided in the form of business assistance grants, low-interest loans and business restart mentors.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0044
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Business information line
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Small Business Victoria, Rural Finance Corporation
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The information line provides information on the types of assistance available, such as counselling and mentoring services.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0044
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Architects Bushfire Homes Service
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Office of the Victorian Government Architect, VBRRA, Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Building Commission
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The service provides a range of bushfire-safe home designs for those seeking to rebuild.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0044
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Environmental regeneration and rehabilitation activities
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These activities include protection of endangered species, re-seeding forests with mountain and alpine ash eucalypts, weed control, replacement of fencing and the rehabilitation of fire control lines.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0044
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Rebuilding Together: A Statewide Plan for Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery
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Plan released on 16 October 2009.
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The State
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This plan outlines the progress of the recovery and reconstruction effort since the bushfires and announces additional state funding, including insurance money and departmental reprioritisation, to carry out the medium to long-term reconstruction and recovery effort, including funding to:
• rebuild public infrastructure and re-establish core services
• regenerate the environment
• restore local economies.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0044–0045
Exhibit 843 – Rebuilding Together: A Statewide Plan For Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery (WIT.3003.001.0257)
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Update of Emergency Coordination Centre arrangements
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Ongoing.
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DH, DHS
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The update aims to improve cross-agency integration and documentation triggers for the activation of recovery services.
New SOPs have been developed to reflect new recovery services and coordination.
This work has included the development of an operations manual for community service hubs to provide guidance on long-term recovery and assistance.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0045
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Reissue of State Recovery Operation Plan
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The Plan was reissued prior to the 2009–10 bushfire season.
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DH, DHS
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The Plan reflects new and changed recovery initiatives introduced for the 2009–10 bushfire season.
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Exhibit 843 – Statement of Robertson (WIT.3003.001.0001) at 0045
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