EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The MEMP includes key requirements for each of the following:

• Roles and responsibilities of FCRM within the state/regional/local emergency framework
• Identifying and quantifying principle high impact hazards related to the resort
• Prevention/mitigation strategies for each key hazard
• Procedures for response to emergencies and interaction with response agencies
• Provision of relief to affected community members
• Management of recovery from emergency events

The Emergency Management Act 2013 defines an emergency as:

the actual or imminent occurrence of an event which in any way endangers or threatens to endanger the safety or health of any person in Victoria or which destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, any property in Victoria or endangers or threatens to endanger the environment or an element of the environment in Victoria, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

1. an earthquake, flood, wind-storm or other natural event;
2. a fire;
3. an explosion;
4. a road accident or any other accident;
5. a plague or an epidemic or contamination; please visit the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services for updates regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
6. a warlike act or act of terrorism, whether directed at Victoria or a part of Victoria or at any other State or Territory of the Commonwealth;
7. a hi-jack, siege or riot; and
8. a disruption to an essential service.

Emergency Management involves the plans, structures and arrangements which are established to bring together the endeavours of government, voluntary and private organisations and communities in a comprehensive and coordinated way to deal with the whole spectrum of emergency needs, including prevention, response and recovery.

The economic and social effects of emergencies including loss of life, destruction of property and dislocation of communities can be significant. However, good planning for the use of resources in preventative (risk management) activities, in the response to emergencies and towards the relief and recovery of affected communities and environments, can significantly lessen the harmful effects of emergencies.

As the closest level of government to the community, Falls Creek Resort Management has a responsibility to plan, respond and assist with recovery in the event of an emergency affecting its community. To achieve this, Falls Creek Resort Management has established a Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee and produced a Municipal Emergency Management Plan in conjunction with the Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and pursuant to the Emergency Management Act 1986 and Emergency Management Act 2013.

The aim of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan is to detail the agreed arrangements for the prevention of, the response to, and the recovery from, emergencies that could occur within the Falls Creek Alpine Resort. This includes:

• Implementing measures to prevent or reduce the causes or effects of emergencies;
• Managing arrangements for the utilisation and implementation of municipal resources in response to emergencies;
• Managing support that may be provided to or from adjoining municipalities;
• Assisting the affected community to recover following an emergency;
• Complementing other local, regional and state planning arrangements; and
• Referencing key documents to support the Municipal Emergency Management Plan, in particular the Municipal Fire Management Plan.

Municipal Emergency Management Plan >

Municipal Fire Management Plan

Emergency events can occur at any time, often with little or no warning and can threaten people, property and the environment.

What can you do?

Prepare your property

• Maintain vegetation around your property and clear leaf litter from roof, gutters and immediate surrounds.
• Ensure rubbish or other combustible material is not present around your property.
• Find out how to turn off your properties’ electricity, gas and water supply.
• Review your insurance policies to ensure they are current and adequate.

Make plans

• Victoria SES’ website will help you to understand and prepare for storms.
• The CFA's website will help you to understand and prepare for home fires and bushfires.
• A home emergency plan including emergency kit can reduce the impact of the situation. The Home Emergency Plan tool may assist your business or lodge to develop an emergency plan and emergency kit.

Any emergency plan should include a comprehensive evacuation plan for your building:

• Evacuation routes and locations provided in each room
• Nominated Fire Warden or manager tasked with co-ordination of any evacuation
• Consideration of evacuation requirements during winter conditions - make arrangements with neighbouring lodges
• Undertake a trial run to test the plan is functional

Involve your family/staff/guests; know your neighbours

• Decide how you will stay in touch during and after an emergency.
• Make arrangements for pets to ensure they will be safe and have food and water. For more information about preparing your pet for an emergency, visit the RSPCA’s emergency planning website.
• Keeping in touch with your neighbours before, during and after an emergency can help everyone to cope. Look out especially for those who may need extra help in an emergency.

Stay informed and access help if you need it

During an emergency it is best to stay informed using more than one source of information including:

• Local emergency radio broadcaster - Alpine Radio 96.5FM
• VicEmergency
  • Ph. 1800 226 226
  • www.emergency.vic.gov.au
  • VicEmergency app
  • Follow VicEmergency on Facebook
• VICSES
  • www.ses.vic.gov.au
  • Follow Victoria SES on Facebook
• CFA
  • www.cfa.vic.gov.au
  • Follow CFA on Facebook
• Bureau of Meteorology
  • Ph. 1900 926 111
  • www.bom.gov.au/vic/warnings
  • Follow BoM on Facebook

• Police / Fire / Ambulance -  000 (106 if you are deaf or have a speech impediment)
• VICSES - 13 25 00
• VicRoads - 13 11 70
• Nurse-on-call - 1300 60 60 24
• Lifeline - 131 114
• Kids Help Line - 1800 551 800
• FCRM After Hours Emergency Support - (03) 5758 1200 and select option 3(Only for after-hours emergency support relating to Falls Creek Resort operations or infrastructure)

Spontaneous Volunteer Register

Spontaneous Volunteers are people who volunteer directly in response to emergency situations.

If you have the time and skills to assist in an emergency, then we’d love to hear from you.

Please fill out the Spontaneous Volunteer Register (found here) to streamline the process ahead of an emergency event.

Gateway Community Hub

The Gateway Community Hub is an exciting new addition to the Falls Creek Community, thanks to State and Commonwealth funding received following the Bogong High Plains Road Landslip event, which commenced in October 2022.  The Gateway Hub comprises of two smaller meeting room and a larger open space – all of which are able to be booked free of charge by members of our community.   Book a desk to work or study from, book out the space to host a meeting or workshop, or simply come and connect.  There are video conferencing resources, monitors to plug personal devices in to, Wi-Fi and basic tea and coffee facilities.  The Gateway Hub is also the place you can drop in and catch up with the Community Team, as well as access Mental Health and Wellbeing resources as part of the Mountain Assistance Program.

Book your spot at the community hub > 

Community Fund Scheme

In order to promote connections, wellbeing and recovery throughout our community, and to support our local business operators, Falls Creek Alpine Resort are opening the Falls Creek Community Fund Scheme, which will see a total of $75,000 go back into community projects.  If you have a community minded initiative that requires some capital to get it off the ground, please read through the guidelines and apply through the Application Form.

Community Fund Scheme Guidelines >

Community Fund Scheme Application Form >