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TERRITORY

EMERGENCY

PLAN

April 2019

Territory Emergency Plan – April 2019 Page 1

TERRITORY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

Authority The Northern Territory Emergency Plan (the plan) has been prepared by the Northern Territory Emergency Service in accordance with Section 9 of the Emergency Management Act. In accordance with Section 10, we approve the plan as the emergency plan for the Northern Territory.

_________________________ _________________________ Reece P Kershaw APM Jodie Ryan Territory Emergency Controller Territory Recovery Coordinator Date April 2019 Date April 2019 Co-chairpersons of the Territory Emergency Management Council Copyright: the Northern Territory Government has no objection to this material being reproduced, made available online or electronically but only if it is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered. Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within these guidelines is accurate and where possible reflects current better practise. However, Northern Territory Emergency Service does not give any warranty or accept any liability in relation to the content of material contained in the document.

Photos courtesy of Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Department of Primary Industries and

Resources.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Emergency framework ................................................................................................ 6

1.1. Aim .......................................................................................................................... 6

1.2. Objectives ............................................................................................................... 6

1.3. National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (NSDR) ................................................... 6

1.4. Key principles of emergency management .............................................................. 6

1.5. Governance ............................................................................................................. 7

1.5.1. Emergency Management Act .............................................................................. 7

1.5.1.1 Declarations and duration ......................................................................... 8

1.6. Emergency management positions in the Northern Territory ................................... 8

1.6.1. Territory Emergency Controller ........................................................................... 8

1.6.2. Territory Recovery Coordinator ........................................................................... 8

1.6.3. Executive Director of the Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services 8

1.6.4. Regional Emergency Controllers......................................................................... 8

1.6.5. Regional Recovery Coordinator .......................................................................... 8

1.6.6. Local Emergency Controllers .............................................................................. 8

1.6.7. Local Recovery Coordinator ................................................................................ 8

1.7. Northern Territory Emergency Management Arrangements .................................... 9

1.7.1. Territory Emergency Management Council ......................................................... 9

1.7.2. Senior Officers Group ......................................................................................... 9

1.7.3. Regional Emergency Committees ....................................................................... 9

1.7.4. Local Emergency Committees .......................................................................... 10

1.7.5. Hierarchy of plans ............................................................................................. 10

1.8. Hazard authorities ................................................................................................. 11

1.8.1. Hazard-specific plans and protocols ................................................................. 11

1.8.2. Controlling Authority .......................................................................................... 11

1.8.3. Hazard Management Authority ......................................................................... 12

1.8.4. Northern Territory Government agencies .......................................................... 12

1.9. Role of local government ....................................................................................... 13

1.10. Relationship with the Australian Government ........................................................ 13

1.11. Australian Government emergency management arrangements ........................... 14

1.11.1. Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre ........................................... 14

1.11.2. Centralised coordination of Australian Government resources .......................... 14

1.12. Hazard-specific national arrangements and functions ........................................... 14

1.13. Model arrangements for leadership during emergencies of national consequence 16

1.14. Relationship with other jurisdictions ....................................................................... 16

2. Prevention ................................................................................................................ 17

2.1. Definition ............................................................................................................... 17

2.2. Mitigation ............................................................................................................... 17

2.3. Emergency risk assessments ................................................................................ 17


3. Preparedness ........................................................................................................... 18

3.1. Definition ............................................................................................................... 18

3.2. Northern Territory preparedness ........................................................................... 18

3.3. Community education and engagement ................................................................ 18

3.4. Planning ................................................................................................................ 19

3.5. Training and education .......................................................................................... 19

3.6. Exercises............................................................................................................... 19

4. Response ................................................................................................................. 20

4.1. Definition ............................................................................................................... 20

4.2. Response .............................................................................................................. 20

4.3. State of disaster, state of emergency and emergency situation ............................. 20

Emergency situation ......................................................................................... 20

State of emergency ........................................................................................... 20

State of disaster ................................................................................................ 20

4.3.1. Special powers under declarations ................................................................... 21

4.4. Incident Control System ........................................................................................ 22

4.5. Emergency operation centres ................................................................................ 22

4.5.1. Territory EOC .................................................................................................... 22

4.5.2. Regional/Local EOCs ........................................................................................ 23

4.5.3. Incident Control Centre (ICC) ............................................................................ 23

4.5.4. Incident Control Point (ICP) .............................................................................. 23

4.6. WebEOC ............................................................................................................... 23

4.7. Wireless Priority Service System ........................................................................... 24

4.8. Warnings and alerts .............................................................................................. 24

4.8.1. Emergency alert system ................................................................................... 24

4.8.2. Standard Emergency Warning Signal ............................................................... 24

4.8.3. Bureau of Meteorology ...................................................................................... 25

4.9. Public information .................................................................................................. 25

4.9.1. Centralised point of information – SecureNT.nt.gov.au ..................................... 25

4.9.2. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) ...................................................... 25

4.10. Closure of schools ................................................................................................. 25

4.11. Closure of government offices ............................................................................... 26

4.12. Key government employees .................................................................................. 26

4.13. Provision of emergency shelters ............................................................................ 26

4.14. Evacuations ........................................................................................................... 27

4.15. Evacuation centres ................................................................................................ 27

4.16. Welfare recovery centres ....................................................................................... 28

4.17. Register.Find.Reunite registration and inquiry System .......................................... 28

4.18. Impact Assessment ............................................................................................... 28

4.19. Assistance to the Australian Government .............................................................. 29

4.20. Australian Government assistance arrangements ................................................. 29


4.20.1. Defence support ............................................................................................... 29

4.20.2. Request process ............................................................................................... 29

4.20.3. Financial support arrangements ........................................................................ 30

5. Recovery arrangements ........................................................................................... 32

5.1. Definition ............................................................................................................... 32

5.1.1. Northern Territory arrangements ....................................................................... 32

5.2. Transition from response to recovery .................................................................... 32

5.2.1. Transition Indicators .......................................................................................... 32

5.2.2. Handover briefings ............................................................................................ 33

5.2.3. Notification to Functional Groups ...................................................................... 33

5.3. Recovery Coordination .......................................................................................... 33

5.3.1. Local Recovery Coordination ............................................................................ 33

5.3.2. Local Recovery Coordination Committee .......................................................... 33

5.3.3. Community Consultation ................................................................................... 34

5.4. Preparation for recovery ........................................................................................ 34

5.5. Planning for recovery ............................................................................................ 34

5.6. Recovery response ............................................................................................... 35

5.6.1. Social environment ........................................................................................... 35

5.6.2. Infrastructure..................................................................................................... 35

5.6.3. Economic .......................................................................................................... 35

5.6.4. Environment ..................................................................................................... 36

5.7. Phases .................................................................................................................. 36

5.7.1. Social ................................................................................................................ 36

5.7.2. Physical and technical ...................................................................................... 36

5.7.3. Scalable recovery response .............................................................................. 37

5.7.4. Spontaneous volunteers ................................................................................... 37

5.8. Recovery management ......................................................................................... 37

5.9. Large-scale recovery ............................................................................................. 37

6. Plan administration ................................................................................................... 38

6.1. Approval process for NT emergency plans ............................................................ 38

6.2. Review and amendments ...................................................................................... 38

6.3. Distribution ............................................................................................................ 38

6.4. Glossary ................................................................................................................ 38

6.5. Acronyms .............................................................................................................. 38

7. Annexures ................................................................................................................ 39

Annexure A: Territory Emergency Management Council membership .............. 40

Annexure B: Northern Territory regional boundary map .................................... 42

Annexure C: Details of regional, local, special and Territory-wide plans ............ 43

Regional emergency plans................................................................................ 43

Local emergency plans ..................................................................................... 43

Special / hazard-specific plans .......................................................................... 43


Territory-wide guidelines ................................................................................... 44

Annexure D: Lead agencies for identified hazards ............................................ 45

Annexure E: Functional groups: roles and responsibilities ................................ 46

Annexure E (i): Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group ..................................... 46

Annexure E (ii): Communication Technology Group.......................................... 47

Annexure E (iii): Critical goods and services group ........................................... 48

Annexure E (iv): Emergency Shelter Group ...................................................... 49

Annexure E (v): Engineering Group .................................................................. 50

Annexure E (vi): Medical Group ........................................................................ 51

Annexure E (vii): Public Health Group ............................................................... 52

Annexure E (viii): Public Information Group ...................................................... 53

Annexure E (ix): Public Utilities Group .............................................................. 54

Annexure E (x): Transport Group ...................................................................... 55

Annexure E (xi): Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group ..................... 56

Annexure E (xii): Welfare Group ....................................................................... 57

Annexure F: Functions table ............................................................................. 58

Annexure G: Australian Government and national plans, including the identified NT Hazard Management Authority or point of contact (POC) ............................ 61

Annexure H: Glossary ....................................................................................... 63

Annexure I: Acronyms ....................................................................................... 66


1. Emergency framework

1.1. Aim

The aim of this plan is to describe the Northern Territory’s approach to emergency and recovery operations, the governance and coordination arrangements, and roles and responsibilities of agencies. The plan is supported by regional, local and hazard-specific sub plans and functional group supporting plans.

1.2. Objectives

The objectives of the Territory1 Emergency Plan are to:

describe the principles for emergency management, response and recovery operations in the Northern Territory

identify the control and coordination roles and responsibilities related to the functions in emergency response and recovery operations across all levels and agencies

provide for the coordination of activities of other agencies in the Northern Territory in support of a lead agency in the event of an emergency

identify, in relation to each different form of hazard, the lead agency primarily responsible for controlling a response to an emergency event.

1.3. National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (NSDR)2

In December 2009, COAG agreed to adopt a whole-of-nation resilience-based approach to disaster management, which recognises that a national coordinated and cooperative effort is needed to enhance Australia’s capacity to prepare for, withstand and recover from disasters. The National Emergency Management Committee subsequently developed the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience, which was adopted by COAG in 2011. The purpose of the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience is to provide high-level guidance on disaster management to federal, state, territory and local governments, business and community leaders and the not-for-profit sector. While the strategy focusses on priority areas to build disaster resilient communities across Australia, it also recognises that disaster resilience is a shared responsibility for individuals, households, businesses and communities, as well as for governments. The Northern Territory emergency management arrangements are aligned with the national agenda to build community resilience through safer communities.

1.4. Key principles of emergency management

The following key principles are applied to emergency management in the Northern Territory. Comprehensive approach: Australia’s comprehensive approach to emergency management recognises four types of activities that contribute to the reduction or elimination of hazards and to reducing the susceptibility, or increasing the resilience to hazards of a community or environment. These stages are often referred to as ‘PPRR’.

1 Territory or Northern Territory: when used in this document refers to the Northern Territory of Australia 2 Copy of the strategy is available at https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/national.strategy.for.disaster.resilience/

https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/national.strategy.for.disaster.resilience/


Prevention/mitigation activities, which seek to eliminate or reduce the impact of hazards themselves and/or to reduce the susceptibility and increase the resilience of the community subject to the impact of those hazards.

Preparedness activities, which establish arrangements and plans and provide education and information to prepare agencies and the community to deal effectively with such emergencies and disasters as may eventuate.

Response activities, which activate preparedness arrangements and plans to put in place effective measures to deal with emergencies and disasters if and when they do occur.

Recovery activities, which assist agencies and a community affected by an emergency or disaster in reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing.

All hazard: concerns arrangements for managing the large range of possible effects of risks and emergencies. This concept is useful to the extent that a large range of risks can cause similar problems and such measures as warning, evacuation, medical services and community recovery will be required during and following emergencies. Many hazards require specific response and recovery measures and will almost certainly require specific prevention and mitigation measures. Integrated approach: ensuring that the effort of governments, all relevant organisations and agencies, and the community, as a prepared community, are coordinated. The context of emergency management for specific agencies varies and may include:

ensuring the continuity of its business or service

protecting its own interest and personnel

protecting the community and environment from risks arising from the activities of the organisation

protecting the community and environment from credible risks. Prepared community: concerns the application of the comprehensive, ‘all hazards’ and ‘all agencies’ approaches at the local level.

1.5. Governance

1.5.1. Emergency Management Act

The Northern Territory Emergency Management Act (the Act) reflects an ‘all hazards’ approach to all emergencies and disasters, natural or otherwise, and provides authority for all four phases of emergency management (prevention, preparedness, response and recovery). The Act provides for the adoption of measures necessary for the protection of life and property from the effects of disasters and emergencies and forms the legislative authority basis for emergency management activities across all levels of government. The Act defines the Northern Territory’s emergency management structure and assigns roles and responsibilities. The Act’s objective is ‘to provide for matters relating to emergency management’, and it defines an event to include threats or impacts to people and property. The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services (PFES) is the responsible Minister for the Emergency Management Act.

https://legislation.nt.gov.au/legislation/EMERGENCY-MANAGEMENT-ACT


1.5.1.1 Declarations and duration

Details of declarations are provided under Section 4.3 of this plan.

1.6. Emergency management positions in the Northern Territory

1.6.1. Territory Emergency Controller

The Commissioner of Police is the Territory Emergency Controller (hereby referred to as the Territory Controller) responsible for controlling and directing emergency operations in the Northern Territory. Emergency operation means an activity (including training) to prevent, minimise, prepare for and respond to an event.

1.6.2. Territory Recovery Coordinator

The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of the Chief Minister coordinates and directs recovery operations in the Northern Territory.

1.6.3. Executive Director of the Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

The Executive Director is responsible for providing advice and assistance by developing emergency plans, determining the policy and procedures for, and administering and directing the Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. The Executive Director role supersedes the former Director NTES as referenced in the NT Emergency Management Act. References to the Director now refer to the Executive Director.

1.6.4. Regional Emergency Controllers

A senior ranking police officer in the region will be appointed as the Regional Emergency Controller (hereby referred to as the Regional Controller) for their respective region and supervises emergency operations in the region.

1.6.5. Regional Recovery Coordinator

A Regional Recovery Coordinator is appointed for a particular event by the Territory Recovery Coordinator. Generally this will be a Regional Executive Director of the Department of the Chief Minister. They are responsible for coordinating the assessment of recovery and restoration requirements and directing recovery operations, including the coordination of regional agency representation.

1.6.6. Local Emergency Controllers

The Territory Controller may appoint a Local Emergency Controller (hereby referred to as the Local Controller) for a particular town, community or locality. Normally this will be the officer in charge of the local police station.

1.6.7. Local Recovery Coordinator

The Territory Recovery Coordinator may appoint a Local Recovery Coordinator for a particular town, community or locality.


1.7. Northern Territory Emergency Management Arrangements

1.7.1. Territory Emergency Management Council

The Territory Emergency Management Council (TEMC) is established under Section 36 of the Act. It is responsible to the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services for the administration of the Act. Membership of the council includes the Territory Controller (Co-chairperson), the Territory Recovery Coordinator (Co-chairperson), the Executive Director of the Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (Executive Officer), and chief executives of key government agencies. A detailed list of the membership of the TEMC is at Annexure A. The functions and powers of the council are detailed in Sections 36–43 of the Act. In summary, its role is to:

a) direct resources for emergency operations and recovery operations in the Territory

b) advise the Minister in relation to emergency planning, emergency operations and recovery operations in the Territory

c) consider emergency plans for the Territory for approval

d) advise, assist and, if necessary, direct the Territory Controller, the Territory Recovery Coordinator and the Director of the Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services in exercising their powers and the performance of their functions.

1.7.2. Senior Officers Group

The Senior Officers Group (SOG) will provide support and advice to their Territory Emergency Management Council members to ensure that the Council can achieve its responsibility as detailed in the Emergency Management Act (Section 37 (a) to (b)) and progress the TEMC Strategic Plan. The Group is co-chaired by the Executive Director Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services and the Director, Security and Emergency Recovery Team, Department of the Chief Minister with the secretariat of the SOG undertaken by the Department of the Chief Minister.

1.7.3. Regional Emergency Committees

The two Northern Territory emergency management regions are:

Northern (includes Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and the Tiwi Islands), and

Southern (includes Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Yulara) The Northern Territory regional boundary map is located at Annexure B.

The Territory Controller appoints a Regional Emergency Controller (who shall be a police officer), Section 58 of the Act requires a Regional Emergency Committee to be established for each region. The role of the committee is to:

a) direct resources for emergency operations in the region b) advise and assist the Regional Controller of the region in the exercise of his

or her powers and the performance of his or her functions c) perform any other functions conferred on the committee by the council or by

the Act.

The Territory Recovery Coordinator may appoint a Regional Recovery Coordinator for a region that has been affected by an event. If this position is appointed for a


region, a Regional Recovery Coordination Committee for the region is also required to be established.

1.7.4. Local Emergency Committees

The Territory Controller may appoint a Local Emergency Controller for a locality if the Territory Controller considers it necessary to do so. If a Local Controller has been appointed then the Territory Controller may establish a Local Emergency Committee for the locality. The committee’s role is to:

a) advise and assist the Local Controller for the locality in the exercise of his or her powers and the performance of his or her functions

b) perform any other functions conferred on the committee by the council or by the Act.

The Regional Recovery Coordinator for a region that has been affected by an event may appoint a Local Recovery Coordinator for a locality within the region. If a Local Recovery Coordinator is appointed for a locality, a Local Regional Recovery Coordination Committee may be established.

1.7.5. Hierarchy of plans

Emergency management planning in the Northern Territory is based on a hierarchal system. It commences with this document, which provides the basis for subsequent regional, local and hazard specific emergency management plans relating to specific threats. A list of current Territory wide plans/guidelines is detailed at Annexure C.

a) Territory Emergency Plan: a plan to describe the Northern Territory’s approach to emergency response and recovery operations, the governance and coordination arrangements, and roles and responsibilities of agencies. The plan is supported by regional, local and hazard-specific plans and functional group sub-plans.

b) Regional Emergency Plans: the regional emergency management

structure is based on two emergency management regions. The plans provide a

basis for coordinated emergency and recovery operations in each region.

c) Local Emergency Plans: plans developed for coordinated emergency and

recovery operations in the identified locality.

d) Special / hazard specific plans: these plans outline the arrangements for the control coordination and support response for hazard-specific emergencies and disasters, such as emergency terrestrial and aquatic pest and disease incursions. A list of Special / hazard specific plans is detailed at Annexure C. e) Agency/functional group supporting plans: plans developed for agencies or functional groups to deliver the functions and operations of their agency during an emergency or disaster.

f) Australian Government plans and arrangements: the Australian

Government publishes a range of national plans to deal with emergencies and

disasters.

g) Territory-wide guidelines: these guidelines are applicable to all emergencies and disasters irrespective of the control agency or hazard. A list of Territory-wide guidelines is detailed at Annexure C.


Diagram 1: Emergency plans

1.8. Hazard authorities

1.8.1. Hazard-specific plans and protocols

In many instances, the Australian, state and territory governments have produced specific plans or protocols to deal with specific or defined emergencies, such as quarantine, civil aviation or security emergencies. These situations may require the activation of Northern Territory emergency management arrangements. The Territory Emergency Management Council has audited the major hazards or risks that might affect the Northern Territory. Responsibilities for identified threats have been allocated to Hazard Management Authorities. These responsibilities areas detailed at Annexure D. Advisory committees may also provide specialist advice and assistance to the Territory Controller, the Territory Recovery Coordinator and the Director of NT Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services. One such committee is the Fuel Emergency Advisory Committee, which provides advice on the efficient and effective management in the event of a fuel emergency.

1.8.2. Controlling Authority

The Controlling Authority is the Northern Territory agency or department with delegated responsibility to direct and/or undertake the response to an emergency event. The Controlling Authority is jointly responsible with the Hazard Management Authority for ensuring that preparations to respond to a specified hazard are adequate. In the first instance, an emergency response is managed by the Controlling Authority, with primary responsibility for combating a given type of emergency. This agency is responsible for managing the technical aspects of responding to and suppressing the immediate consequences of the emergency and for the command of its own resources through the agency Incident Controller. The response may involve the activation of special plans and require other agencies to assist, but the Controlling or Hazard Management Authority will retain overall responsibility. Emergency arrangements, are activated whenever:

SUPPORTING AND OTHER

LEGISLATION

Supporting

Plans

Supporting

Plans

Supporting

Plans

Supporting

plans,

including

Australian

Government

plans

Agency-

Specific

Sub Plans

Agency-

Specific

Sub Plans

Agency-

Specific

Sub Plans

Agency,

functional

OR hazard-

specific

plans

AGENCY/HAZARD

LEGISLATION

Territory Emergency Plan

Regional emergency plans

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT

Local emergency plans


The Controlling Authority for an emergency does not have the resources to manage the situation effectively and requests assistance through the Territory Controller

The Territory Controller in consultation with the Territory Emergency Management Council determines that the Controlling Authority is not capable of effectively managing the situation. While not a normal occurrence, a change of control will only be effected after consultation between the Territory Controller and the CEO of the Controlling Authority

They are so directed by Territory Emergency Management Council

Special or emergency plans indicate they should be activated

Northern Territory Government, on advice from the Territory Emergency Management Council, believes it is appropriate.

1.8.3. Hazard Management Authority

The Hazard Management Authority is the Northern Territory agency or department responsible for the coordination of the preparation of plans and capabilities to respond to a specified hazard. If Northern Territory emergency management arrangements are enacted, the Hazard Management Authority will provide subject matter expert advice to the Territory Controller and the Territory Recovery Coordinator and work with the NT Police and the NTES to organise an appropriate response to the situation.

1.8.4. Northern Territory Government agencies

The response to and recovery from an emergency may require multi-agency support. This support is provided through functional groups. Under the Northern Territory emergency management arrangements, specific Northern Territory Government departments have been nominated as the responsible agency to lead a functional group or perform the hazard management authority role. Many of these groups will operate before and during the response and recovery phases of an emergency event.

Functional groups Details of specific roles and responsibilities for functional groups are identified in

Annexure E.

Name of functional group Identified lead agency

i. Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group

Department of Primary Industry and Resources

ii. Communications Technology Group NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services

iii. Critical Goods and Services Group Department of Trade, Business and Innovation

iv. Emergency Shelter Group Department of Education

v. Engineering Group Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

vi. Medical Group Department of Health

vii. Public Health Group Department of Health

viii. Public Information Group Department of the Chief Minister

ix. Public Utilities Group Power and Water Corporation

x. Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services


Name of functional group Identified lead agency

xi. Transport Group Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

xii. Welfare Group Territory Families

Details of functions and the responsible agencies are identified in Annexure F.

1.9. Role of local government

Local government plays a major role in the prevention and preparedness phases of emergency management in rural and remote communities in the Northern Territory. Local government is ‘on the ground’ in communities and has access to manpower, machinery and appropriate skills. The desire to protect a community makes local government a valuable asset in a major or support role in emergency management. Municipal and regional councils play a key role in the four phases of emergency management (planning, preparation, response and recovery), particularly at the regional and local level. Unlike other jurisdictions, local government does not have the legislative responsibility to manage or control an emergency event in the Northern Territory.

1.10. Relationship with the Australian Government

The role of the Australian Government in emergency management is to:

a) provide national leadership in collaborative action across all levels of government in disaster research, information management and mitigation policy and practice

b) reduce risks and costs of disasters to the nation c) provide warnings for weather and ocean-related hazards through the

Australian Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia d) mobilise resources when state and territory disaster response resources are

insufficient e) provide national support for disaster relief and community recovery f) provide access to the Australian Business Register (ABR) for relevant

agencies to source potential providers in times of an event.

In particular, the Australian Government has a major role in:

a) coordinating national strategic emergency management policy, in collaboration with the state and territory governments and local government

b) undertaking natural disaster research of national significance c) identifying national priorities for natural disaster mitigation in collaboration with

other levels of government d) providing support for disaster risk assessment and mitigation measures, in

conjunction with the states and territories and local government e) providing operational support for disaster response to the states and territories

where their individual resources are insufficient; providing a national disaster relief and recovery framework and resources on a cost-sharing basis with the other levels of government; and providing vital information services such as meteorological, hydrological, geophysical and other geo-data services that support warnings and disaster management

f) providing surge capacity personnel in relation to call-centre arrangements and disaster relief payments in the Northern Territory through the Department of Human Services.


1.11. Australian Government emergency management arrangements

The Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management will assist the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) by developing a national focus in emergency management. This ministerial council is supported by the Australia and New Zealand Emergency Management Committee (ANZEMC), which works to strengthen the nation’s disaster resilience by providing strategic leadership on nationwide emergency management policy and supporting related capability and capacity development activities. There are also a number of other ministerial councils with supporting policy committee structures that have responsibilities for hazard/functional specific national level plans:

1.11.1. Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre

Requests for assistance from the Australian Government during an emergency are coordinated through Emergency Management Australia (EMA) unless hazard-specific arrangements indicate otherwise. EMA operations and coordination tasks are conducted from the Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre (AGCCC) at EMA headquarters in Canberra. The Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service is the first point of contact for the Northern Territory and is the Northern Territory’s designated requesting officer.

1.11.2. Centralised coordination of Australian Government resources

Australian Government support for emergencies may be provided under specific plans or under the general arrangements specified under the COMDISPLAN3, which describes the arrangements for the centralised coordination and deployment of Australian Government resources within Australia. Under COMDISPLAN, the senior Northern Territory-based representatives of Australian Government agencies may be authorised by their central offices to commit local resources in support of Northern Territory emergency management organisations. Immediate mobilisation of Defence assistance necessary to save human life, alleviate immediate suffering, or prevent substantial damage to or loss of property may be approved by local Defence commanders if civilian resources cannot cope. These arrangements may not be subject to the provisions of the COMDISPLAN and should be covered in agency supporting plans and in jurisdictional emergency response plans.

1.12. Hazard-specific national arrangements and functions

Hazard-specific arrangements and functions can be summarised as follows:

a) Biosecurity: National agreements are established that outline the requirements and arrangements for emergency response to animal diseases, plant pests and environmental biosecurity. Under these agreements, jurisdictions are required to have the capability including legislation, to respond to biosecurity emergencies. The Biosecurity Act 2015 supersedes

3 Copy of the plan is available at http://www.em.gov.au/Emergencymanagement/Preparingforemergencies/Plansandarrangements/Pages/AustralianGovernmentEmergencyManagementPlans.aspx

http://www.em.gov.au/Emergencymanagement/Preparingforemergencies/Plansandarrangements/Pages/AustralianGovernmentEmergencyManagementPlans.aspx

http://www.em.gov.au/Emergencymanagement/Preparingforemergencies/Plansandarrangements/Pages/AustralianGovernmentEmergencyManagementPlans.aspx


the Quarantine Act 1908 as Australian Government legislation and manages biosecurity threats to plant, animal and human health in Australia.

b) Civil aviation emergencies: regulation of civil aviation is an Australian Government responsibility. However, emergency management relating to emergencies involving aircraft is a shared arrangement between Australian Government agencies such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Air Services Australia, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Australian Search and Rescue and state/territory departments/agencies as well as airline operators, and airport owners and operators. The Australian Government Aviation Disaster Response Plan (AUSAVPLAN) provides the national framework for managing aviation disasters.

c) Maritime emergencies: the Australian Government’s role is to ensure security, regulate trade and protect the sea and marine environment from maritime pollution. Under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003, the Australian Government regulates the security arrangements of Australian ports, port facilities, ships and security plans for offshore oil and gas facilities. Maritime emergencies could involve agencies such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Office of Transport Security within the Department of Transport and Regional Services, and state/territory departments/agencies. In addition, Australian Search and Rescue operates a 24-hour Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra and is responsible for the national coordination of both maritime and aviation search and rescue. Border Protection Command delivers a coordinated national approach to Australia’s offshore civil maritime security.

d) Maritime Environmental Emergencies: this is an extension of Maritime Emergencies that give effect to international conventions and integrates with Australian emergency management arrangements. The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (National Plan) sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for the management of maritime environmental emergencies.

e) Civil defence: the Australian, state and territory governments have civil defence responsibilities. Under the Australian Constitution, the states and territories remain responsible for the protection of life and property of their citizens through emergency management, including civil defence. The Australian Government, as well as having responsibility for military defence, recognises the need for close cooperation and consultation with the states and territories during national civil defence emergencies, and it accepts that it has a clear and significant role in civil defence policy and support. Emergency Management Australia (EMA) is the agency charged with coordinating the Australian Government’s civil defence responsibilities.

f) Counter terrorism: the nature of terrorism means that its implications may

cross jurisdictional boundaries. This, and the range of preventive measures and capabilities that may be required, necessitates that Australia maintain a national, cooperative approach to counter terrorism. Where appropriate, in the event of terrorist incident or threat, the Australian Government may declare a National Terrorist Situation. With the agreement of the affected states or territories in a National Terrorist Situation, the Australian Government determines policy and broad strategies in close consultation with affected states or territories. Details of the National Counter Terrorism Plan and reference to related matters are contained in the listings of hazard/functional-specific national plans at Annexure G.


1.13. Model arrangements for leadership during emergencies of national consequence

The model arrangements represent how Australian Government departments would work together to coordinate the response to and recovery from emergencies of national consequence not covered by existing arrangements.

In the event of an emergency of national consequence:

the Prime Minister and the affected first Minister(s) will consult as necessary to coordinate the response to and recovery from the emergency, including policy, strategy and public messaging, in support of an affected state or territory

the Prime Minister and the affected first Minister(s) will consult on and deliver the key leadership messages to be conveyed to the public

there will be communication, as appropriate, with all other states and territories to enable the sharing of key information and public messages across jurisdictions

all jurisdictions will coordinate the development of public messages through established public information coordination arrangements.

Diagram 2.Model arrangements for leadership during emergencies of national consequence4

1.14. Relationship with other jurisdictions

The Northern Territory Government may call for assistance from other jurisdictions in the event of an emergency or provide assistance for an emergency in another jurisdiction. Initial coordination of these arrangements could be either through Emergency Management Australia (especially when there is significant Australian Government involvement) or through current bilateral or multilateral arrangements, depending on the nature of the emergency and agencies involved.

4 Source AIDR – Australian Emergency Management Arrangements Handbook 9

Prime Minister

First minister(s)

Australian Government coordination

mechanism

Australian Government Public information

coordination

Territory coordination

mechanism

Territory public information coordination

Inter- jurisdictional coordination arrangements

Established body

OR Nominated representatives


2. Prevention

2.1. Definition

Regulatory and physical measures to ensure that emergencies are prevented, or their effects mitigated5.

Prevention or mitigation includes the identification of hazards, the assessments of threats to life

and property and the taking of measures to reduce potential loss of life and property damage.

2.2. Mitigation

Mitigation is one of the foundations for building a resilient community. Emergency mitigation means measures taken in advance of or after a disaster aimed at decreasing or eliminating the impact on society and the environment. Greater investment in disaster mitigation is likely to reduce the economic cost of natural disasters to the nation. Consideration of restoration of infrastructure to a more resilient standard following a disaster is essential in any cost-effective long-term rebuilding strategy. Mitigation activities that are guided by active and coordinated risk assessments should be subject to rational benefit/cost and social investment decision-making processes and incorporated into normal government and private practices. Mitigation strategies are developed based on a thorough understanding of hazards identified in emergency risk planning and their interaction with all aspects of society. The range of measures includes:

land use planning

biosecurity and border control

engineering (structural works)

building codes

business continuity planning

public education

increasing infrastructure resilience

providing enhanced warning systems

modifying behaviour.

2.3. Emergency risk assessments

Emergency risk assessment is the process used to determine risk management priorities by evaluating and comparing the level of risk against predetermined standards and/or criteria. Risk assessments examine the risks and identifying priorities to reduce the likelihood and/or impact of an emergency event occurring. Northern Territory emergency risk assessments are aligned with the National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines (NERAG). A public version of the NT Risk Assessment is available at www.securent.nt.gov.au Within the Northern Territory, all councils, shires and agencies should engage in risk assessments and prevention activities as part of their normal functions.

5 AIDR Glossary

http://www.securent.nt.gov.au/


3. Preparedness

3.1. Definition

Arrangements to ensure that, should an emergency occur, all those resources and services

that are needed to cope with the effects can be efficiently mobilised and deployed6.

3.2. Northern Territory preparedness

Within the Northern Territory, emergency plans are developed by local and regional emergency committees, local government and Northern Territory Government agencies with the assistance of the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES).

In order to prepare properly for possible emergency events, it is necessary to have:

an alert, informed and resilient community

an understanding of the hazards that the community faces

a program of prevention and mitigation for emergency events

response and recovery plans to deal with residual risk

identification of those responsible for controlling and coordinating emergency

management

acceptance of support roles and responsibilities

cooperation between emergency services and others, and acceptance of one

another’s role in emergency management

a coordinated approach to the use of all resources

shared responsibility where Northern Territory Government agencies and local

government actively contribute to achieving integrated and coordinated disaster

resilience, and in turn, communities, individuals and households that take

responsibility for their own safety and act on advice

arrangements to help communities help themselves to recover from emergencies.

Each region will provide a regional readiness report to the Territory Controller by 1 November each year. The Territory Controller will determine the template and content of the reports. Each report will be presented to the Territory Emergency Management Council at the meeting held on or after 1 November.

3.3. Community education and engagement

Section 46(b) of the Act states that one of the functions of NTES is to advise, assist, educate and train members of the public and organisations, including Agencies and volunteer organisations, in emergency planning and operations. Section 8 of the Act defines emergency operations as an activity (including training) to prevent, minimise, prepare for and respond to and event, while emergency planning means establishing plans, structures and arrangements for future emergency and recovery operations. Effective and on-going community education and preparedness programs emphasising to communities the importance of practical and tested emergency plans and safety strategies is

6 AIDR Glossary


essential. Empowering communities to act in a timely and safe manner will minimise the loss of life, personal injury and damage to property and contribute to the effectiveness of any warning system.

3.4. Planning

Emergency plans are required by the Act and are maintained at a Territory, regional and local level. Arrangements in plans aim to be flexible and scalable for all hazards. The planning process enables agreements to be reached between people and organisations in meeting communities’ needs during emergencies. The plan becomes a record of the agreements made by contributing organisations to accept roles and responsibilities, provide resources and work cooperatively.7

3.5. Training and education

The Act provides the legislative requirement for those involved in emergency planning and operations to be appropriately trained. Training and education activities are undertaken to ensure agencies are familiar with and understand the described emergency arrangements. The Northern Territory Emergency Service Emergency Management Training Unit will develop a training framework to outline the core training courses and induction relevant to the key disaster management stakeholders.

3.6. Exercises

Exercises are a key measure for testing the effectiveness of plans and should be conducted at all levels and involve all agencies. Exercises ensure that plans are robust and understood, and that capabilities and resources are adequate to implement them. Exercises are conducted when the plan has not been enacted since the last review of the

plan or substantial changes have occurred these include:

Legislative changes

Major changes have occurred in the areas of key personnel, positions or functions across PPRR

New or emerging hazards/ risks have been identified. Delivery of exercises is guided by the advice from, the Territory, Regional or Local Emergency Controllers, the Territory Recovery Coordinator, Territory Emergency Management Council or Regional or Local Controller as required by functional groups.

7 Source AIDR Emergency Planning Manual 43


4. Response

4.1. Definition

Actions taken in anticipation of, during, and immediately after an emergency to ensure that

its effects are minimised and that people affected are given immediate relief and support8.

4.2. Response

The response phase of major emergencies involve more than one response organisation and response activities will often involve a number of functions simultaneously. Consequently, appropriate processes are required to ensure:

all aspects of the emergency are efficiently, effectively and appropriately managed

cooperation between organisations

all organisations achieve the response operation goals.

The details of the lead agencies and their roles and responsibilities are identified in Annexure F.

4.3. State of disaster, state of emergency and emergency situation

The Act provides special powers for authorised officers through the declaration of an ‘emergency situation’, ‘state of emergency’ or ‘state of disaster’.

Emergency situation An emergency situation is to be used for lower-scale events where special powers are deemed necessary. An emergency situation automatically exists with the declaration of a state of emergency or state of disaster or when a tropical cyclone watch or warning is issued for the area. An emergency situation activates Territory Emergency Plan arrangements and is declared when an event has occurred, or is reasonably likely to occur, and the Minister is satisfied that the special powers for authorised officers are necessary for effective emergency and recovery operations in response to the event. The Minister may declare an emergency situation, which is valid until revoked.

State of emergency A state of emergency is declared for an event that requires a significant coordinated response using the combined resources of the Northern Territory and non-government entities within the Northern Territory. The Minister may declare a state of emergency for a duration of three days. The Minister may extend the declaration for periods not exceeding three days in each, as considered necessary.

State of disaster A state of disaster is declared for an event that requires a significant coordinated response using the combined resources of the Northern Territory, non-government entities within the Northern Territory and resources from outside the Northern Territory. The Administrator (or if the Administrator is unable to perform their duties, two Ministers) may declare a state of disaster for a duration of seven days. The Administrator may extend the declaration for periods not exceeding 14 days in each case, as considered necessary.

8 AIDR Glossary.


4.3.1. Special powers under declarations

Special powers during emergency situation During an emergency situation, an authorised officer9 may do any of the following to carry out emergency response or recovery operations or to ensure adequate protection of life or property:

a) direct a person to evacuate from and remain outside, a specified place in

the affected area

b) remove or direct another person to remove a person who does not comply

with a direction under paragraph (a) from the place

c) direct the owner of anything in or near the affected area to remove or secure

the thing

d) remove or secure, or direct another person to remove or secure, anything in

or near the affected area if the owner of the thing:

i. does not comply with a direction to remove or secure the thing under

or

ii. cannot be found within a reasonable time to give the owner a

direction.

e) direct the owner or occupier of property in or near the affected area to place

the property under the control of the authorised officer.

An authorised officer, or a person acting in accordance with the directions of an authorised officer, may use reasonable force to remove a person if necessary. The cost of removing or securing a thing is a debt due and payable to the Territory by the owner or occupier of the thing. An owner or occupier of property who suffers loss because the property is placed under the control of an authorised officer is entitled to receive compensation for the loss.

Special powers during state of emergency or disaster During a state of emergency or disaster, an authorised officer10 may do any of the following to carry out emergency operations or recovery operations or to ensure adequate protection of life or property:

a) direct a person to assist in tasks to save life or property in immediate danger

in the affected area

b) direct the owner or person in charge of a place of business, worship or

entertainment in the affected area to close the place to the public for a

specified period

c) using reasonable force if necessary, enter a place in the affected area

d) close a place open to or used by the public, including a road.

It should be noted that an emergency situation exists during a state of emergency or disaster. As a result, an authorised officer also has special powers under ‘special powers during emergency situation’ during a state of emergency or disaster.

9 As defined in Section 98 of the Act 10 As defined in the Act


4.4. Incident Control System

The Northern Territory manages incidents using the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS) which is a robust incident management system that will enable the seamless integration of activities and resources of a single agency or multiple agencies when applied to the resolution of any emergency or operational situation. Functional Group, Control and Hazard Management Authority operations and incident management systems should align with the principles of AIIMS. These principles are:

Flexibility

Management by Objectives

Functional Management

Unity of Command

Span of Control

4.5. Emergency operation centres

To effect operational control and coordination, a system of emergency operation centres (EOCs) is established at Territory, regional and local levels. EOCs are the locations from which information is received, collated, analysed and disseminated and the provision of resources coordinated. These centres are scaled according to local needs.

EOCs may also be established by specific emergency management organisations and functional groups during emergency management operations to manage the coordination of their efforts.

4.5.1. Territory EOC

A Territory EOC will have sufficient staff and communications facilities to coordinate Territory resources, seek Australian Government support and provide public information via media outlets and other means. Liaison officers from functional groups and support agencies attend the Territory EOC as required. The Territory EOC operates using the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS). The functions of the Territory EOC are:

information collection, collation, analysis and dissemination

preparation and issue of official warnings and advice to the public

coordination of the provision of resources required by Regional and Local Controllers

requesting Australian Government resources

briefing the Territory Emergency Management Council

dissemination of information to the general public via the media and other means.

There are insufficient resources to simultaneously stand up a Territory EOC and a Northern Region EOC. Consequently, the Territory EOC potentially has dual simultaneous roles. It provides the facility for the Territory Controller to maintain an overview of an emergency or potentially dangerous situation and to implement the appropriate emergency management plan. It also provides the facility for the Regional Controller to maintain an overview of an emergency or potentially dangerous situation affecting Northern Region area and to implement the appropriate emergency plan.


The Territory EOC may be activated by the Territory Controller or the Executive Director, Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services.

4.5.2. Regional/Local EOCs

Regional and/or Local EOCs will be established as required by Regional or Local Emergency Controllers. When activated, the functions of the EOCs are:

information collection, collation, analysis and dissemination

supporting response and recovery activities as requested by the

Incident Controller or Recovery Coordinator

coordination of the provision of resources required by Incident

Controller/s

submitting requests for Australian Government resources to the Territory

Controller

4.5.3. Incident Control Centre (ICC)

Incident Control Centres will be established as required by the Control Authority to provide an identified facility for the management of all activities necessary for the resolution of an incident. When activated, the functions of the ICC are:

collection, analysis and dissemination of information to the media, general

public, supporting agencies and control structure

development and implementation of plans to resolve the incident

acquisition and tasking of resources required to resolve the incident

preparation and issue of official warnings and advice to impacted

communities

tracking and acquittal of expenditure incurred to resolve the incident

4.5.4. Incident Control Point (ICP)

An ICP is normally located near the incident in its early stages but may be relocated to an Incident Control Centre where more permanent and convenient facilities and services are available. Agencies and/or functional groups should establish their own operations centres (crisis management centres, command centres, etc.) as appropriate to provide a central focus to management, control and coordination for their agency resources while responding to and recovering from an emergency.

4.6. WebEOC

WebEOC is a critical information management system used throughout the Northern Territory. It is an effective and efficient tool used by agencies that have a role and responsibility under the Territory Emergency Plan during prevention, preparation, response and recovery phases of any emergency. WebEOC is a contemporary platform for the coordination of multi-agency response to any critical incident, be it a severe weather event, flood, bushfire, industrial accident, major crime, terrorism or a large-scale planned event. It provides the capacity to record (in real time) all information relevant to an incident and to share that information with other persons


at the scene, an emergency operations centre (EOC) and functional group personnel. It allows for information sharing, managing tasks and submitting situational reports. It also assists the control authority to manage and disseminate current decisions and objectives. Together, these functionalities provide an up-to-date situational awareness.

4.7. Wireless Priority Service System

The Wireless Priority Service System (WPSS) is an Australian Government initiative managed by the Attorney-General’s Department. WPSS provides designated emergency management personnel with a greater chance of connecting mobile telephone calls during times of heightened network congestion, such as during a natural disaster or terrorist incident. Chief executives of Northern Territory Government agencies nominate key decision makers for inclusion in this system.

4.8. Warnings and alerts

4.8.1. Emergency alert system

Emergency Alert (EA) is a national telephony-based emergency warning system that can deliver warning messages to landlines and mobile handsets based on the service address and mobile handsets based on the last known location of the device. The responsibility for the management of the EA system within in the Northern Territory rests with the Police, Fire and Emergency Services. The NT Emergency Alert Protocol provides the relevant Hazard Management Authority with a consistent set of guidelines for warnings, and in particular, the use of the EA system. Approval for the release of an emergency alert message can only be authorised by:

the Territory Controller

the Executive Director, Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

One Regional Controller (Northern or Southern Region).

the Executive Director, Bushfire NT

the Chief Fire Control Officer, Bushfire NT Authority to use an emergency alert may be given by virtue of the approval of an emergency plan.

4.8.2. Standard Emergency Warning Signal

The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is an audio alert signal (wailing siren) that may be broadcast on public media to draw attention to the fact that an urgent safety message is about to be made. Generally, SEWS is only played before announcements concerning significant emergencies, and emergency management arrangements should be activated in these situations. Responsibility for the management of the SEWS within the Northern Territory rests with Police, Fire and Emergency Services in conjunction with the NT Regional Director of Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for meteorological purposes. Approval for the release of a SEWS message can only be authorised by:

the Territory Controller


the Executive Director, Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

the NT Regional Director, BoM (for weather and flood-related events). Controlling Authorities and Hazard Management Authorities may have the pre-planned use of SEWS for non-weather related events approved by virtue of the approval of a regional or special emergency plan.

4.8.3. Bureau of Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia’s national weather, climate and water agency. Its expertise and services assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of their natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice, the Bureau of Meteorology provides one of the most fundamental and widely used services of government for the Northern Territory.

4.9. Public information

4.9.1. Centralised point of information – SecureNT.nt.gov.au

The SecureNT website is designed to support community resilience by providing information about preparing for, responding to and recovering from a range of hazardous events. Supported by Facebook and Twitter, SecureNT is the central online point of information for the public and media to receive all NT Government information during an event. www.securent.nt.gov.au

4.9.2. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

The ABC is Australia’s national emergency broadcaster. ABC NT will endeavour to provide local emergency broadcasting on ABC Radio, ABC TV, News 24, online and on social media platforms 24 hours a day, for as long as necessary with cyclone and other emergency management information, which will enable the public to respond to the threat they face. ABC NT will work with the Public Information Group and NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (PFES) media and communications unit to improve communication flow in the lead-up to cyclone and bushfire seasons and before, during and after emergencies. The ABC and the NT PFES have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in place for the provision of emergency broadcasting.

4.10. Closure of schools

The decision to close schools due to an impending threat will be made by the Chief Minister on advice from the Territory Emergency Management Council. When the nature of an emergency demands an immediate response, local authorities will take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety to the public. This action may include the temporary closure of a school to begin preparations, pending formal closure of the school by the Chief Minister for the remainder of the emergency. The decision to re-open schools will be made by the Chief Minister on advice from the Chief Executive, Department of Education.



4.11. Closure of government offices

The decision to close government offices due to an impending threat will be made by the Chief Minister on advice from the Territory Emergency Management Council. When the nature of an emergency demands an immediate response, local authorities should take all appropriate steps to ensure public safety and the protection of property. The decision to reopen government offices will be made by the Chief Minister on advice from the Territory Emergency Management Council. All agencies are to have an Emergency Preparedness Plan that sets out their processes for closing down their offices once approval has been given. The plan should have clearly articulated employee guidelines to ensure employees know when they are authorised to leave and are required to return to work.

4.12. Key government employees

NT Government agencies should identify key government employees who have service delivery and/or management responsibilities during emergencies, including when other employees have been released from duty. Staff should be clear about (and trained in) their emergency responsibilities and related work, health and safety systems.

4.13. Provision of emergency shelters

Emergency shelters and places of refuge are buildings or structures that provide people with a place of protection and shelter during a disaster or emergency event such as a cyclone, flood, fire or tsunami. In the Northern Territory emergency shelters are primarily established to provide protection from the impact of cyclonic events. Where a community does not require protection from a hazard, but does require emergency accommodation (for whatever length of time) due to the impact of a hazard, an Evacuation Centre should be established. Designated buildings have been identified as emergency shelters in each community. Responsibility for managing these buildings during emergencies is as follows:

a) Government agencies or local councils controlling buildings designated as emergency shelters are responsible for management of the shelter. Responsibility for managing emergency shelters in non-government buildings is negotiated on a case-by-case basis by NTES in consultation with Emergency Shelter Group

b) Operational training for emergency shelter managers is the responsibility of the Department of Education as the lead agency for emergency shelters

c) Security of emergency shelters is the responsibility of NT Police. Emergency shelters are opened under the direction of the Territory or Regional Controller in consultation with the Emergency Shelter Group. Emergency shelters will not normally operate for more than 48 hours. Although staffed by police, St John Ambulance and other volunteers, an emergency shelter offers minimal support services. People accessing a shelter are expected to provide their own food and emergency supplies. Coordination of emergency shelters will be led by the Emergency Shelter Group. Shelter locations can be found on http://www.securent.nt.gov.au/preparing/index.html

http://www.securent.nt.gov.au/preparing/index.html


In the Greater Darwin area, emergency shelters may transition into Welfare Assembly Centres (WAC) where significant damage has been caused to homes, essential services and other infrastructure, and immediate support after the impact of a hazard is needed. In most cases, a WAC will be established in the same location as an emergency shelter as these will be a natural focal point for people affected by an event, particularly those who used the shelter during the impact of an event. It also provides a point of focus for emergency response and recovery managers in the initial stages of relief efforts. A WAC is likely to remain open for approximately three to five days. Coordination of a WAC will be led by the Welfare Group.

4.14. Evacuations

Evacuation is a risk management strategy that may be used to mitigate the effects of an emergency on a community. It involves the movement of people to a safer location and their return.11 The Northern Territory adopts the five stage evacuation process:

Decision

Warning

Withdrawal

Shelter

Return Evacuation planning in the Northern Territory encompasses all five stages, acknowledging that an operation is not complete until members of an evacuated community are returned to their homes. Once a decision is made to evacuate a community, the following should be considered:

Public Information on the need for an evacuation

Embarkation processes

Registration and/or tracking procedures, this may be paper based or electronic

Reception arrangements

Provision of temporary accommodation

Repatriation arrangements

4.15. Evacuation centres

An evacuation centre may be set up when accommodation and support is required in response to an event. Whilst an evacuation centre is in operation, the NT Government will not reimburse or pay alternative emergency accommodation costs that may have been incurred by individuals or companies unless prior approval has been provided. An evacuation centre is designed to accommodate people for short to medium periods of time, which may vary from a few days to several weeks. Evacuation centres may be established in major population centres for remote communities severely impacted by an event or in anticipation of an event. An evacuation centre may provide some or all of the following services: meals, beds, linen, personal support and recreational activities. These services are in contrast to an emergency shelter, where occupants are expected to be self-sufficient. The opening of an evacuation

11 AIDR, Evacuation Planning Handbook 4


centre should be in accordance with the NT Evacuation Centre Guide, for emergency management practitioners a copy is available in the WebEOC library. Coordination of evacuation centres will be led by the Welfare Group.

4.16. Welfare recovery centres

Welfare Recovery Centres (WRC) are one-stop-shops that provide a range of support services to an affected community. Accommodation services are not provided. Types of services that may be provided in a WRC may include:

financial support and advice

insurance advice

psychological support and/or counselling

emergency accommodation information

recovery information

public health information. Coordination of welfare recovery centres are led by the Welfare Group.

4.17. Register.Find.Reunite registration and inquiry System

The Australian Red Cross (ARC), in partnership with the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department, has developed an improved system to help reunite families, friends and loved ones separated by an emergency. This system is called ‘Register.Find.Reunite'. Register.Find.Reunite is a voluntary registration and enquiry service for people impacted by an emergency. It registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones through a web-based filing and retrieval system. It provides basic details on the whereabouts of people affected by an emergency to their family, friends and loved ones and to approved authorities supporting the emergency response and recovery. Within the Northern Territory, Register.Find.Reunite can be initiated by either the Territory or Regional Controller without the national system being activated. The Australian Red Cross or NT Police will use manual or local computer procedures to record details of disaster affected persons. National activation may be necessary when the number of registrations or inquiries have the potential to overwhelm the processing capacity of the Northern Territory. The Regional Controller would forward a national activation request to the ARC Emergency Services Manager NT and will enable ARC to activate other jurisdictions to assist.

4.18. Impact Assessment

Immediate after a hazard has affected a community, there is a need to identify what the impact has been and what needs to be done. Assessment of the impact is a vital component of the situational awareness and implementation of response and recovery activities. Guidelines to conduct rapid assessments in the Northern Territory including the establishment of dedicated Rapid Assessment Teams (RATs) to collect data in the field have been developed. A copy is available in the WebEOC library for emergency management practitioners.


4.19. Assistance to the Australian Government

Assistance to the Australian Government may be provided under a series of separate plans for response to specific events. The national plans, guidelines and protocols most likely to be used are identified at Annexure G.

4.20. Australian Government assistance arrangements

When the Northern Territory’s total resources (government, community and commercial) cannot reasonably deal with a situation, the Northern Territory can request Australian Government assistance (both financial assistance and human and material resources). This assistance may already be deployed within the Northern Territory in the form of an Australian Government department or it may be necessary for a specific form of assistance to be transported to the Territory. The criteria for enabling the provision of physical Australian Government support are:

a. assistance required to save life or property or relieve suffering

b. the task is beyond the resources of the Northern Territory or resources cannot be mobilised in time

c. the task cannot be undertaken by commercial means within the Northern Territory.

The Minister for Home Affairs is the designated federal Cabinet Minister with responsibility for disaster-related matters. Department of Home Affairs, Emergency Management Australia (EMA) division is responsible for preparing for emergencies and disasters through the development and maintenance of national plans, coordination of Australian Government crisis response and recovery efforts. Assistance is coordinated through the Crisis Communication Centre in accordance with the Australian Government Disaster Response Plan (COMDISPLAN) which is the plan for the provision of Australian Government non-financial assistance to Australian states and territories in an emergency or disaster. Under COMDISPLAN the senior Northern Territory-based representative of the Australian Government agencies may be authorised by their central offices to commit local resources in support of Northern Territory emergency management organisations. Further information on Australia Government emergency management plans are available at the Department of Home Affair’s ‘Emergency Management’ website.

4.20.1. Defence support

Immediate mobilisation of Defence assistance necessary to save human life, alleviate immediate suffering, or prevent substantial damage to or loss of property may be approved by local Defence commanders if civilian resources cannot cope. All requests for Defence aid should be progressed through the Executive Director, NTFRES.

4.20.2. Request process

The COMDISPLAN provides the framework for addressing Northern Territory requests for Australian Government assistance arising from any type of disaster or emergency not covered in a specific plan. COMDISPLAN is normally activated when Australian Government emergency or disaster response or short-term recovery assistance is requested or is likely to be requested.


Under current arrangements, all requests for Australian Government assistance should be referred to the Executive Director, Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, who is the designated officer for requesting Australian Government support. The request for assistance will be passed to the Director General, EMA (DG, EMA). Following receipt of Australian Government ministerial approval for the provision of Australian Government assistance for a particular emergency, DG, EMA is authorised to task any appropriate Australian Government resource to meet requests.

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Territory Controller (Commissioner of Police)

Territory Recovery Coordinator.

(CE Dept of the Chief Minister)

Territory Emergency Management Council

(TEMC)

Executive DirectorNT Fire, Rescue and Emergency

Services

Emergency Management

Australia (EMA)

Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C)

Australian Defence Force

(ADF)

Other Jurisdictions

Northern Territory Government Australian Government

Diagram 3: Request for Australian Government support12

4.20.3. Financial support arrangements

There are a range of financial assistance measures available during emergencies in the Northern Territory. The principal financial assistance mechanism is the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which are funded by Australian and Northern Territory governments. The Department of Treasury and Finance administers the arrangements, which provide assistance for:

Counter disaster operations

personal hardship and distress ( Territory Families)

small business and farmers (Department of Trade, Business and Innovation)

reconstruction of government infrastructure, such as roads and buildings.

12 Source NT Ministers’ Crisis Management Guide 2014, SERT DCM


In addition to the DRFA, the Australian Government provides financial assistance through:

the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (for significant events)

flexible welfare arrangements

special measures.


5. Recovery arrangements

5.1. Definition

The coordinated process of supporting emergency-affected communities in reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing13.

5.1.1. Northern Territory arrangements

During an emergency, immediate relief measures are led by the controlling authority during a response phase. The response phase later transitions into an early recovery phase, which is led by the Department of the Chief Minister in accordance with the Emergency Management Act. The focus during early recovery will be on building on the relief measures, accurately assessing the impact of the emergency event and planning for long-term recovery. The aim of recovery is to return an affected community to function at pre-event levels or better.

Coordination of longer-term recovery through a single entity such as a recovery authority will be developed if the Territory Emergency Management Council or the Northern Territory Government considers it necessary. In the early phases of an emergency event, resources will primarily be focussed on response and initial relief arrangements. Despite this recovery planning commences immediately to mitigate against loss of operational tempo or disruption to services. Planning for the reconstruction and repair of infrastructure will commence and business continuity arrangements for government and non-government agencies will be enacted to ensure that services are available to the community.

5.2. Transition from response to recovery

The transition from response to recovery coordination represents a fundamental shift away from protection of life and supporting the immediate needs of the community to establishing longer-term, more sustainable support structures. The transition to recovery coordination occurs at a time agreed to by the Territory Controller and the Territory Recovery Coordinator, following consultation with the TEMC and on advice from the Regional Controller and Regional Recovery Coordinator. It is expected the transition from response to recovery will be discussed regularly during operational meetings; and planning for the handover will commence as early as possible. Planning for the transition will be led by the Regional Recovery Coordinator.

5.2.1. Transition Indicators

Some of the indicators a transition is ready to occur may include:

survey and rescue operations are complete

road clearance of main arterial roads is complete

13 AIDR Glossary.


first round impact assessments are complete, and an initial assessment of the impact of the event has been developed

evacuation/s of impacted communities have been completed to the shelter phase (where required)

the majority of functional groups have completed their respective response tasks and are focussing on early recovery priorities

a joint visit with a Security and Emergency Recovery Team representative and Regional Recovery Coordinator to the affected location/s has been undertaken

a Recovery Coordination structure has been developed and is ready to be activated

Welfare Assembly Centres are closed, and evacuation centres (where

required) have been established), and

handover briefings have been, or are ready to be, completed.

5.2.2. Handover briefings

Formal handover to Recovery Coordination will not occur until the Territory Recovery Coordinator is satisfied the following briefings have been completed;

the Territory Controller has briefed the TEMC and the Territory Recovery Coordinator

the Regional Emergency Controller has briefed the Regional Recovery Coordinator, and

where there is a significant changeover of personnel, the Emergency Operations Centre planning, operations and logistics sections have briefed incoming recovery planning, operations and logistics staff.

5.2.3. Notification to Functional Groups

The Regional Recovery Coordinator will ensure all functional group leaders, agencies, support groups and other relevant stakeholders are notified of the transition to recovery well before it occurs. This notification is to include changes to relevant contact details and any other pertinent information.

5.3. Recovery Coordination

In the early stages of recovery if an Emergency Operations Centre is in operation in either Darwin or Alice Springs to support more than one affected community, the Regional Recovery Coordinator will be primarily located at the Emergency Operations Centre.

5.3.1. Local Recovery Coordination

Local Recovery Coordinators will be supported by a team that may include a planning, logistics, operations and administration role, mirroring the Regional and/or Territory Emergency Operations Centres. Depending on the severity and size of the impact will determine the number of people required in these roles to support the Recovery Coordinator.

5.3.2. Local Recovery Coordination Committee

On transition from response to recovery the Local Emergency Committee chaired by the appointed Local Recovery Coordinator will act as the Local Recovery Committee. Municipal and Regional Councils are represented on all local and regional emergency committees and this representation will continue in the local recovery


committee. If the event has occurred where a Local Authority is in place, a representative from the Local Authority will be included on the recovery committee (if they are already not on the Local Emergency Committee). The Local Recovery Coordinator in consultation with the Regional Recovery coordinator will ensure relevant stakeholders are represented on the local recovery coordination committee. Precise membership of the committee will vary depending on the nature and extent of the impact severity of the event.

5.3.3. Community Consultation

In regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory 63 Local Authorities have been set up to report directly to Regional Councils. Local Authorities are involved in planning, service delivery and expenditure matters in their local community and report to their Regional Councils on the progress of local priority projects. Local Authorities are a conduit for community input and information sharing and will be imbedded into local recovery planning along with the Regional Council representative and any other significant local leadership groups. Regular community updates and public consultation will be undertaken under the auspices of the local recovery committee.

5.4. Preparation for recovery

Preparations for longer-term recovery measures to enable the affected community to return to its normal functions commence concurrently with the immediate emergency response. Recovery activities may continue for an extended period after the completion of response activities. The aim of recovery is to assist affected communities with the restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing and to improve future resilience. Recovery may be a long-term endeavour that involves the whole community in a wide range of activities, including:

a) personal services, such as finance, emergency accommodation and counselling

b) planning to ensure an improved outcomes for the community in the future

c) restoration and reconstruction

d) economic enhancement

e) public health activities. The recovery process may be:

a) Complex: given that people and communities will have differing and sometimes competing needs, which will require a variety of recovery activities and involving a wide range of agencies.

b) Dynamic: in that needs are constantly changing over time as difficulties are overcome and new requirements arise.

c) Protracted: since the recovery process may, in some cases, take several years to complete.

5.5. Planning for recovery

Recovery planning and the recovery process involves mitigating and managing the impact of emergencies on four interrelated functional areas: community and psychosocial, infrastructure, environment, and economic. Although some agencies may have greater roles


in these functional areas than other agencies, no one agency is solely responsible in any one area. Considerable collaboration across NT Government agencies and with partners from other sectors and levels of government is required. The Northern Territory’s small and dispersed population base and geographical considerations add another layer of complexity to planning.

5.6. Recovery response

5.6.1. Social environment

This refers to the impact an event may have on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. Recovery strategies need to be responsive to the changing needs of individuals, families and communities affected by disaster. Recovery planning is a complex process that should involve all levels of the community and a high degree of self-determination by an affected community. It is more than replacing what was destroyed and rehabilitating individuals. Planning should recognise that there may be underlying social and emotional issues present. These may not come to light until the recovery activities are well underway, and planning should accommodate such eventualities. Aspects of community and psychosocial support include:

a) immediate relief, comfort and personal support

b) emergency accommodation that may include assistance with essential household repairs

c) material assistance

d) financial assistance, including grant administration

e) health and medical services, including mental health services

f) ongoing personal support and counselling

g) community development (including capacity building for the community to re-engage).

5.6.2. Infrastructure

This refers to the impact that an event may have on physical infrastructure (also known as the ‘built environment’). Community assets damaged or destroyed during an emergency need to be re-established or replaced as soon as possible after an event. Physical reconstruction is an essential part of the recovery process. Infrastructure may include:

a) utilities: electricity, gas, water, telecommunications

b) roads and associated assets (i.e. bridges)

c) transport facilities (i.e. air strips, wharves, jetties, barge landings)

d) waste management

e) public buildings, key government facilities, public housing, schools, hospitals

f) other essential services: emergency services, police and ambulance stations, banks, shops.

5.6.3. Economic

This refers to the impact that an event may have on the economic position of individuals, families and communities. Recovery strategies need to provide immediate relief from financial hardship and consider the long-term consequences of


economic disruption, dislocation and destruction. Aspects of economic recovery may include:

a) small business

b) primary production (including mining)

c) tourism industry

d) employment (developing policies and creating opportunities).

5.6.4. Environment

This refers to the impact that an event may have on the natural and cultural environment. Recovery strategies need to consider safety, viability and sustainability as well as the range of sometimes competing needs for recovery resources. Environmental re-establishment programs need to be integrated with other recovery efforts, with the community agreeing on priorities. Environmental functions may include:

a) air and water quality

b) land degradation and contamination

c) the natural environment (such as national parks, marine, cultural and heritage sites)

d) community amenities reliant on the natural environment and important to community cohesion and attractiveness.

5.7. Phases

Recovery activities are likely to move through several phases as the recovery progresses and community needs are refined. For this plan, the phases are referred to as immediate relief (post impact), early relief (within the first week) and longer term (which may include restoration and replacement of public assets).

5.7.1. Social

Social considerations incorporate:

Immediate: an initial period of high activity in which immediate individual and community needs—such as emergency accommodation, finance and counselling—are attended to. This period will often involve the establishment of temporary social and administrative structures to build community and individual confidence and resilience, and personal emotional stability.

Early Relief to longer term recovery: a period during which developmental strategies are implemented, monitored and adapted as required to meet emerging community social needs. This period may extend for many months after an event and involve the provision of additional economic and capital resources and the planning and execution of activities to rebuild community cohesion and resilience.

5.7.2. Physical and technical

These involve two distinct periods during recovery:

Restoration period (short-term): in the restoration period, most activity is directed towards the repair of public utilities, public infrastructure, housing, and commercial, farming and industrial enterprises. It also aims to restore a


level of normality in day-to-day activities. This period may extend for several weeks after an emergency and its completion is evidenced by the restoration of primary community services and the return of residents who can function effectively in supporting ongoing recovery efforts.

Reconstruction period (longer-term): the reconstruction period may extend for many months or years after an event. It involves activities directed towards replacing capital stock and the attainment by the community of a proper level and type of functionality and sustainability.

5.7.3. Scalable recovery response

Wherever possible, incidents should be handled at the local level. The arrangements outlined in this plan are scalable depending upon the size and impact of the particular emergency and adhere to this local-level principle. Early advice and information is therefore critical to permit informed decision making and to activate the most appropriate mechanisms to assist with recovery.

5.7.4. Spontaneous volunteers

Volunteering SA–NT is the approved entity for the coordination of spontaneous volunteers during an emergency event. It is coordinated by the Department of the Chief Minister as a recovery function.

5.8. Recovery management

The Territory Recovery Coordinator manages Territory-wide recovery, including the coordination of government agencies and non-government and private sector organisations. Recovery coordination is replicated at the regional level and if applicable at the local level. Committees are established to support and provide advice to controllers concerning recovery planning, priorities and implementation. Functional groups continue to perform their roles from the response phase into the recovery phase in the short term until such time as agencies responsible for recovery functions develop and implement recovery programs.

5.9. Large-scale recovery

A severe or catastrophic event may require a prolonged, complex recovery period. In order to meet the social, economic and physical recovery and reconstruction needs of the community, government may decide that a single authority or entity is to be established to deliver the government’s program. The establishment of a single authority or entity would enable a prioritised and coordinated approach to work being undertaken in an efficient and effective manner.


6. Plan administration

6.1. Approval process for NT emergency plans

In accordance with the Act, the Territory Emergency Plan must be prepared by the Director of NTES and submitted to the Territory Emergency Management Council for approval. In accordance with the Act, regional and local plans must be prepared and submitted to the Territory Controller for approval. Other operational and sub-plans may be approved by the appropriate lead agency.

6.2. Review and amendments

In accordance with the Act, the Director, Northern Emergency Services must review the operations and effectiveness of the Territory Emergency Plan at least once every 12 months.

Suggestions for amendments can be forwarded at any time to:

Executive Director, Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

Peter McAulay Centre, McMillans Road Berrimah

PO Box 39764 Winnellie NT 0821

Tel: 08 8922 3630

[email protected]

Subject field: Northern Territory Emergency Plans Amendment

6.3. Distribution

This plan is a public document and is located at on the NT Emergency Service website http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Publications-and-forms.aspx and the SecureNT website www.securent.nt.gov.au

6.4. Glossary

As defined in Annexure H.

6.5. Acronyms

As defined in Annexure I.

http://www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Publications-and-forms.aspx



7. Annexures

Annexure A List of agency representation at the Territory Emergency Management Council

Annexure B Northern Territory regional boundaries map

Annexure C Details of regional, local, special and Territory-wide plans

Annexure D Lead response agencies for identified hazards

Annexure E Functional groups: roles and responsibilities

(i) Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group

(ii) Communication Technology Group

(iii) Critical Goods and Services Group

(iv) Emergency Shelter Group

(v) Engineering Group

(vi) Medical Group

(vii) Public Health Group

(viii) Public Information Group

(ix) Public Utilities Group

(x) Transport Group

(xi) Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group

(xii) Welfare Group

Annexure F Functions table

Annexure G Australian Government plans and the identified NT Hazard Management Authority or point of contact (POC)

Annexure H Glossary

Annexure I Acronyms


Annexure A: Territory Emergency Management Council membership

Territory Emergency Management Council membership

Title Agency Role

Territory Controller NT Police Co-chairperson

Territory Recovery

Coordinator

Department of the Chief Minister Co-chairperson

Executive Director NT Fire, Rescue and Emergency

Services

Executive Officer

Chief Executive Department of Education Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Environment and

Natural Resources

Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Corporate and

Information Services

Member

Chief Executive Department of Health Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Local Government

Housing, Community and

Development

Member

Chief Executive Department of Infrastructure,

Planning and Logistics

Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Primary Industry

and Resources

Member

Under Treasurer Department of Treasury and

Finance

Member

Chief Officer NT Emergency Service Member

Chief Fire Officer NT Fire and Rescue Service Member

Deputy Commissioner of

Police

NT Police Member

Commissioner for Public

Employment

Office of Commissioner for Public

Employment

Member

Chief Executive Officer Power and Water Corporation Member

Chief Executive Officer Territory Families Member

Observers or subject matter experts may also be invited to attend council meetings. These

may include but are not limited to:


Australian Defence Force – Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS)-NT

Bureau of Meteorology

Territory Generation

agency senior officers or advisors

other Northern Territory Government departments and Hazard Management

Authorities as required


Annexure B: Northern Territory regional boundary map


Annexure C: Details of regional, local, special and Territory-wide plans

Regional emergency plans

Northern Region Southern Region

Local emergency plans

Northern Region Southern Region Darwin Alice Springs

Adelaide River Ali Curung Batchelor Arlparra

Milikapiti Avon Downs & Alpurrurulam Pirlangimpi Ayers Rock (Yulara)

Wurrumiyanga Elliott Borroloola Harts Range

Bulman Kintore Daly River Kulgera

Galiwinku Ntaria Groote Eylandt Papunya

Gunbalanya Ti Tree Jabiru Tennant Creek

Katherine Yuendumu Lake Evella

Lajamanu Maningrida

Maranboy Mataranka

Kalkarindji Minjilang Minyerri

Ngukurr Nhulunbuy

Numbulwar Peppimenarti

Pine Creek Ramingining

Timber Creek Wadeye

Warruwi Yarralin

Special / hazard-specific plans Title Responsible agency

Alice Springs Airport Emergency Plan Alice Springs Airport Dam Safety Emergency Plan Power and Water Corporation

Darwin International Airport Emergency Plan Darwin International Airport Darwin Port Corporation Oil Spill Contingency Plan

Darwin Port Corporation

Fuel Emergency Plan Department of Chief Minister

NT Oil Spill Contingency Plan Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Human Pandemic Influenza Department of Health

Northern Territory Counter Terrorism Plan NT Police


Title Responsible agency NT Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Plan

NT Fire and Rescue Service

Nuclear Powered Warships NT Emergency Service

Port of Darwin Emergency Plan Darwin Port Corporation Territory Biosecurity Emergency Plan (TBEP) Department of Primary Industry and

Resources14

Territory-wide guidelines Title Lead Agency

Closure of Schools Department of Education NT Emergency Alert Protocols NT Emergency Service/NT Police

NT Impact Assessment Guidelines NT Emergency Service Emergency Shelter Management Department of Education (Emergency

Shelter Group) NT Evacuation Centre Guide Territory Families (Welfare Group)

Welfare Assembly / Recovery Centres Territory Families (Welfare Group)

14 Lead agency most likely to be Department of Primary Industry and Resources; however, Department of Environment and Natural Resources may be lead agency for an invasive plant or animal as detailed in the Territory Biosecurity Emergency Plan


Annexure D: Lead agencies for identified hazards

Hazard Controlling Authority Hazard Management Authority

Air crash NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Bushfires Bushfires NT, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources

Bushfires NT, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources

Chemical, biological, radiological NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Coastal marine search and rescue NT Police NT Police

Confined space NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Cyclone NT Police NT Emergency Service

Dam safety NT Police Power and Water Corporation

Earthquake NT Police NT Emergency Service

Emergency animal disease Department of Primary Industry and Resources


Emergency aquatic animal disease Department of Primary Industry and Resources


Emergency plant pest or disease Department of Primary Industry and Resources


Emergency marine pest Department of Primary Industry and Resources


Fire (within Gazetted area) NT Fire and Rescue Service NT Fire and Rescue Service

Flooding NT Police NT Emergency Service

Flood rescue NT Police NT Emergency Service

Hazardous material NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Human disease Department of Health Department of Health

Invasive15 animal biosecurity Department of Primary Industry and Resources


Invasive plant biosecurity Department of Primary Industry and Resources


Land search and rescue NT Police NT Emergency Service

Major power outage Power and Water Corporation Power and Water Corporation

Marine oil spill (outside the port) Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Marine oil spill (inside the port) Darwin Port Operator Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Rail crash NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Road crash rescue NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Storm surge NT Police NT Emergency Service

Storm and water damage NT Police NT Emergency Service

Structural collapse NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Terrorism NT Police NT Police

Tsunami NT Police NT Emergency Service

Urban search and rescue NT Police NT Fire and Rescue Service

Vertical rescue NT Police NT Emergency Service

Water contamination (potable) Power and Water Corporation Power and Water Corporation

15 See glossary for definition of ‘invasive’


Annexure E: Functional groups: roles and responsibilities

Annexure E (i): Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP BIOSECURITY and ANIMAL WELFARE GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Primary Industry and Resources

ROLE The two emergency roles of the Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group are: 1. To be the lead agency for response for biosecurity incursions, including:

a. emergency animal disease outbreaks (including in fish and bees)

b. exotic plant pest and disease outbreaks (note that in the Territory Biosecurity

Emergency Plan (TBEP), responsibility for biosecurity incursions involving invasive

animals or plants will become the responsibility of the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources, not DPIR)

c. agricultural or veterinary chemical contamination of livestock or agricultural produce

d. ensuring the biosecurity of the Northern Territory through developing policies and plans

and coordinating arrangements during the response to and recovery from, a biosecurity

emergency.

2. To provide coordination for the relief and recovery in respect of animal welfare for

companion animals, livestock and wildlife in a natural disaster or emergency.

3. To provide advice and support to aid the recovery of primary industries (including

resources) from a natural disaster or emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group are: 1. In an emergency plant or animal disease and pest incursion into the NT, as lead agency:

a. ensure early detection of that emergency terrestrial or aquatic pest or disease emergency incursion through effective surveillance

b. effectively and efficiently respond to the emergency incursion c. have an effective legislative framework to respond to such incursion if/when it occurs d. enable the declaration of freedom from the pest and/or disease through surveillance e. provide advice to the Territory Controller (through the Regional Controllers) and the

Recovery Coordination Group on issues that may be impacting on response and recovery measures

f. lead coordination with interstate agencies under cost-sharing national agreements/deeds for response to biosecurity incursions, including preparation of and reporting on response plans.

2. In a disaster situation affecting the NT:

a. Coordinate the care, treatment and reuniting (where appropriate) of domestic and

commercial animals and wildlife through the activities of government, veterinary clinics

and private animal care organisations at the request of the incident controller.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS Department of the Chief Minister

Department of Health


Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Local Government

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Department of Treasury and Finance

Department of Tourism and Culture

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS interstate and federal primary industry departments

primary industry peak bodies (e.g. NT Cattlemen’s Association, NT Farmers Association, NT Seafood Council)

animal welfare organisations (RSPCA, PAWS, AMRRIC, etc)

private veterinary clinics

wildlife care groups


Annexure E (ii): Communication Technology Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY GROUP

LEAD AGENCY NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services *

ROLE The role of the Communications Technology Group is to coordinate policies and plans16 to ensure

effective Territory-wide communications during the preparation, response, and recovery phases of

an emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Communications Technology Group are:

a. coordination of maintenance17 and restoration of communications networks

b. establishment and maintenance of effective liaison with the required organisations to facilitate speedy restoration of the communications networks

c. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and the Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve the robustness of communication networks in the event of a disaster

d. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Recovery Coordination Group on communication issues impacting on response and recovery measures

e. provision of NT call-centre capabilities.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS


Department of Corporate and Information Services (DCIS)

Telstra (wholesale) Pty Ltd

STAKEHOLDER

ORGANISATIONS

Network Design and Construction

Optus

Telstra retail

Australian Defence Force

AMCOM Pty Ltd

NBN Pty Ltd

NEC Pty Ltd

Australian Satellite Communications (ASC) Pty Ltd

Cisco Pty Ltd

other relevant stakeholder groups will be engaged as required

*review of functional group lead agency and the roles and responsibilities is currently underway between PFES, DCM and DCIS.

16 Through NTG Contract Management and normal operations 17 Through NTG All of Government contracts and business as usual work via carriers


Annexure E (iii): Critical goods and services group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP CRITICAL GOODS AND SERVICES GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Trade, Business and Innovation

ROLE The role of the Critical Goods and Services Group is to develop arrangements with private

industry relating to the supply of food, beverages and ice, bottled gas, building/hardware supplies,

camping equipment and bank services following a disaster or an emergency event.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Critical Goods and Services Group are to:

a. advise on the availability and durability of crucial resources from the Critical Goods and Services Group members (wholesalers and major retail outlets)

b. liaise with industry in order to facilitate arrangements that assist with the restoration and/or provision of critical goods and services

c. provide assistance with the sourcing of critical goods and services to support the other group leaders during emergency activities

d. provide advice to the Territory Controller, the Territory Recovery Coordinator and the Territory Emergency Management Council (through Regional Controllers/Coordinators) on:

i. measures to improve the robustness of supply of critical goods and services in the event of a disaster; and

ii. any issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS

Department of the Chief Minister

Territory Families



Northern Territory Emergency Service

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS

private enterprises

Industry Capability Network Northern Territory (ICN NT)


Annexure E (iv): Emergency Shelter Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP EMERGENCY SHELTER GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Education

ROLE The role of the Emergency Shelter Group is the overall coordination of the provision of emergency shelters and development of NT operational policies and plans in the preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES The responsibilities of the Emergency Shelter Group are:

a. coordination of buildings designated as emergency shelters

b. coordination of personnel to staff and operate emergency shelters when they are activated

c. maintenance of effective liaison with other organisations with responsibilities relating to emergency shelters, in particular the Welfare Support Group

d. assisting with the staffing, operation and control of such shelters as may be designated emergency accommodation centres in a post-event phase

e. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve shelter arrangements in the event of a disaster

f. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Recovery Coordination Group on shelter and emergency accommodation issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

Note: It is the responsibility of shelter owners to provide the personnel to both manage and operate the shelters when they are activated.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS

Northern Territory Police


Territory Families


Department of Attorney-General and Justice (Supreme Court)

Department of Sport, Recreation and Racing (Marrara Stadium)

Department Housing and Community Development

St John Ambulance Australia (NT)

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS Nil


Annexure E (v): Engineering Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP ENGINEERING GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

ROLE The role of the Engineering Group is to coordinate the provision of appropriate NT-wide

emergency engineering and NT Government infrastructure plans and policies in the

preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Engineering Group are:

a. clearing essential traffic routes by transporting rubbish and debris to designated tips, in conjunction with the Public Utilities Group to remove fallen power lines in the first instance

b. coordination, inspection and advice in relation to road, government buildings and other structural infrastructure (and their associated assets)

c. waste management (i.e. opening and maintaining rubbish/debris tips) and collection, transportation and disposal at designated areas of affected livestock, pets and animals generally

d. facilitating and coordinating the sourcing and provision of additional and/or external equipment/resources such as plant, hire equipment, labour and consulting engineers

e. clearing storm water drains

f. facilitating the restoration of public roads, bridges, buildings, air strips, barge landings, wharves and associated assets to a serviceable state and assisting DCM with resources for rapid impact assessment

g. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve the capacity of the Engineering Group to undertake is responsibilities in the event of an emergency

h. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Recovery Coordination Group on Engineering Group issues impacting on response and recovery measures

i. managing the temporary closure of roads and traffic management issues

j. provision of assistance to the Welfare Group on repairs costs to houses and buildings and assist in data for repair grants in recovery

k. assist the Emergency Shelter Group in establishing, fueling and testing generators at public shelters as requested and

l. to procure, mobilise and manage contractors and consultants to identify the extent of damage and to subsequently deliver rectification works.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS

Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics, Construction Division

local government/councils

Department of Education (Emergency Shelter Group)

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Waste Management)

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS

private enterprise

Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics (Infrastructure Planning Division and Building Advisory Services)


Department of Health (Public Health)


Annexure E (vi): Medical Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP MEDICAL GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Health

ROLE The role of the Medical Group is to coordinate NT-wide policies and plans to ensure the preparation for and provision of medical services during the response to and recovery from an emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Medical Group are to co-ordinate and control the mobilisation of all health responses to emergencies. This includes medical, nursing, pre-hospital care, first aid, pharmaceutical supplies, laboratory services and public mental health services and involves:

a. ongoing hospital and medical services, including the management of large numbers of casualties resulting from an emergency or disaster

b. where possible, the provision of medical teams to manage casualties in the field at any stage of the response or recovery

c. the coordination of medically vulnerable clients

d. the provision of pre-hospital ambulance services and patient care

e. laboratory services: diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic services including the Red Cross Blood Bank

f. liaising and coordinating with other jurisdictions for the provision of additional support

g. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to ensure a medical response in the event of a disaster

h. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and/or the Territory Recovery Coordinator on medical issues impacting on response and recovery measures

i. coordinate the provision of mental health services to response/recovery agency personnel.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS

Department of Health, Top End and Central Australia Health Services

Territory Families

St John Ambulance Australia (NT)

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS

Aboriginal Medical Services

Careflight and Royal Flying Doctors Services

NT Primary Health Network

National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC)


NT Pharmacy Guild

NT Regional Imaging

Darwin Private Hospital

Australian Red Cross Blood Services

Shelter Group

Transport Group


Annexure E (vii): Public Health Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP PUBLIC HEALTH GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Health

ROLE The role of the Public Health Group is coordinate NT-wide policies and plans to ensure the provision of appropriate public health services during the preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Public Health Group are to monitor and preserve public health and hygiene standards, provide an environmental health service, provide a disease control service and provide public health information. This involves:

a. Environmental health. Coordinate and control mobilisation of all environmental health responses to emergencies. This includes providing expert public health advice and monitoring or drinking water quality, food safety, personal hygiene, disinfection, sewage disposal, radiation hazards, hazardous waste management of medical waste and radiation sources, inspection of evacuation centres and assisting Department of Health – Medical Entomology with vermin and vector control..

b. Centre for Disease Control: Coordinate and control mobilisation of all disease control responses to emergencies. This includes: communicable disease risk assessment, determining immunisation policy, coordinating and assisting in the provision of immunisation, monitor the incidence of communicable and other infectious diseases, provide expert medical advice on communicable diseases, provide advice about the storage of deceased persons and monitoring diseases trends in the recovery phase and beyond.

c. Provide advice to Engineering Group related to bio and other hazardous materials containment, disposal and treatments to ensure not public exposure risks

d. Provision of advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve public health measures in the event of a disaster.

e. Provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and/or the Territory Recovery Coordinator on public health issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS

Power and Water Corporation

Medical Group

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS



Department of Education

Department of Trade, Business and Innovation

NT WorkSafe

Engineering Group

Local government authorities

NT EPA


Annexure E (viii): Public Information Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP PUBLIC INFORMATION GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of the Chief Minister

ROLE The role of the Public Information Group (Public IG) is to ensure timely, accurate, consistent and coordinated release of information in the event of a threat or emergency. The Public IG is also responsible for ensuring appropriate physical and human resources are allocated to achieve this objective.

RESPONSIBILITIES The Public IG coordinates all Northern Territory Government communication and media activity during multi-agency emergency events, in conjunction with government-owned corporations, any partner organisations or key stakeholders specific to particular emergency events.

The key responsibilities of the Public IG are to:

a. lead the development and release of all Northern Territory Government public messages during response and recovery from an emergency event, this may include the coordination of Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) interpreters for televised public messaging

b. ensure public messages are timely, accurate, consistent, and coordinated across government

c. provide advice to the Territory Controller, Territory Recovery Coordinator and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve media arrangements and public information dissemination

d. liaise with external agencies involved in the response or recovery and ensure agreed national protocols associated with particular events (such as counter terrorism) are adhered to

e. ensure appropriate physical and human resources are allocated to achieve the group’s responsibilities. Communication and media staff from other government agencies or government business divisions may be co-opted to the Public IG

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS Media outlets/corporations

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS In most instances, there will be a number of agencies involved in the response and

recovery and that all agencies involved will be providing information and resources into the Public IG. In a prolonged event, suitably qualified communication and media staff from across government can be, and are likely to be, requested to work in the Public IG. When necessary, media support can also be obtained through the Department of Defence Public Affairs Branch and local councils.


Annexure E (ix): Public Utilities Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP PUBLIC UTILITIES GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Power and Water Corporation

ROLE The role of the Public Utilities Group is to lead the development and implementation of Territory-wide policies and plans for the prevention, preparation, response and recovery to, emergency events relating to public utilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Public Utilities Group are:

a. protection, maintenance and restoration of power, water and sewerage services

b. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve the availability and robustness of public utilities in the event of a disaster

c. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Territory Recovery Coordinator on public utilities issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS


SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS

Public utilities, electricity system and market participants


Annexure E (x): Transport Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP TRANSPORT GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

ROLE The role of the Transport Group is to coordinate Territory-wide policies and plans to ensure the provision of transport support during the preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency.

Transport support includes the coordination of advice relating to road, rail, air and marine operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES The prime responsibilities of the Transport Group are to:

a. coordinate the provision of transport support as required by a Hazard Management Authority and/or under the direction of the Territory Controller;

b. maintaining (as far as is practical) the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport services

c. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve transport arrangements in the event of a disaster

d. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Territory Recovery Coordinator on transport issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS

commercial operations (air, rail, road and marine)


Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (Engineering Group)

NT Fleet

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS

private enterprise


Annexure E (xi): Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP SURVEY, RESCUE AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT GROUP

LEAD AGENCY Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

ROLE The role of the Survey and Rescue Group is to coordinate the provision of survey and rescue response during an emergency.

RESPONSIBILITIES Survey: lead agency, Northern Territory Police

a. conduct detailed survey and reconnaissance tasks within allocated areas

b. provision of accurate, current and timely information through Survey EOC to the relevant Local or Regional Controller

c. dissemination of information and advice to the public within the allotted areas.

Rescue: lead agency, Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS)

a. provision of lifesaving first aid to trapped and/or wounded person

b. searching debris, structure or areas for endangered persons and if possible and safe to do so, the release of trapped person.

Impact Assessment: lead agency, Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES)

If deemed necessary after conducting survey, to coordinate rapid assessment process by :

a. assessing damage to homes and other structures

b. assessing the immediate needs of the affected population

c. gathering basic personal information of affected people

d. providing advice the relevant Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council extent of impact to the communtiy

Assessments process to be coordinated in partnership with NTFRS including the deployment of Rapid Assessment Teams.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS SURVEY

Bushfires NT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Northern Territory Emergency Service – volunteer members

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service – volunteer members

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS

IMPACT ASSESSMENT

considering potential requirement of to undertake impact assessments, the group may call upon government, non-government or private sector organisations for assistance including the Engineering Group/Department of Infrastructure (rapid assessment personnel)


Annexure E (xii): Welfare Group

FUNCTIONAL GROUP Welfare Group

LEAD AGENCY Territory Families

ROLE The role of the Welfare Group is to coordinate Territory-wide policies and plans to ensure appropriate services are provided to meet the immediate essential needs of individuals during the response to and recovery from emergency events.

RESPONSIBILITIES The key responsibilities of the Welfare Group are to:

a. Undertake a general assessment of the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster

b. Provide advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and Territory Recovery Coordinator on related response and recovery strategies

c. Coordinates the set up and running of evacuation centres and welfare centres.

d. Coordinates provision of, or access to, support services which help meet immediate essential needs during response and recovery. Support services could include access to personal support and counselling, emergency clothing, alternate accommodation advice, legal advice and insurance advice.

e. Facilitate Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Assistance for individuals to alleviate personal hardship where appropriate

f. Work with individuals, families and the community to assess and respond to long term welfare requirements of the community

g. Contribute to broader operational planning and activities which impact on or include welfare group activities, and

h. Provide advice to the Territory Emergency Management Committee on measures to improve provision of welfare support in the event of a disaster.

PARTICIPATING

ORGANISATIONS Territory Families

Department of Housing and Community Development

Department of Attorney-General and Justice (Correctional Services)

Department of Human Services (Australian Government)

Australian Red Cross

Salvation Army

St Vincent de Paul

Foodbank NT

EASA

NT Council of Churches

SUPPORTING

ORGANISATIONS Department of Tourism and Culture

NGOs


Annexure F: Functions table

Emergency response and recovery functions with identified agencies

Functions Agency/group responsible

Agency Emergency Operations Centre Functional Group Lead Response Agencies

Animal/livestock management Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group (Department of Primary Industry and Resources)

Anti-looting protection NT Police

Banking services Critical Goods and Services Group (Department of Trade, Business and Innovation)

Biosecurity terrestrial and aquatic pest or disease Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group (Department of Primary Industry and Resources)

Broadcasting arrangements Public Information Group (Department of the Chief Minister)

Provider: ABC

Building Advisory Services Engineering Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Clearing essential traffic routes Engineering Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Clearing storm water drains Engineering Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Clothing and household items Welfare Group (Territory Families)

Community clean up As identified in local emergency plans

Control, coordination and management NT Police: Territory/Regional/Local Controller

Coordinate emergency fleet vehicles Transport Group (Department of Trade, Business and Innovation)

Coordination to evacuate public NT Police

Critical goods and services (protect/resupply) eg

food

bottled gas

camping equipment

building supplies

Goods and Services Group (Department of Trade, Business and Innovation)

Defence Aid to Civil Community (DACC) NT Emergency Service

Damaged public buildings: coordination and inspections

Engineering Group (Department of Trade, Business and Innovation)

Disaster victim identification capability NT Police

Emergency alerts / SEWS NT Police / NT Emergency Service

Emergency catering Not yet defined. Working group to be set up and defined in the plan

Emergency food distribution Not yet defined. Working group to be set up and defined in the plan

Emergency management leadership NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Department of the Chief Minister and Functional Groups

Emergency Operations Centre (EOC),

including WebEOC, Recovery Coordination Centre (RCC)

NT Police and Security and Emergency Recovery Team (Department of the Chief Minister)



Emergency shelter. Staff, operations and control Emergency Shelter Group (Department of Education) and NT Emergency Service

Evacuation centre. Staffing, operations and control Welfare Group (Territory Families) and NT Emergency Service

Expenditure in emergencies All Functional Groups and participating agencies per relevant financial and procurement directions

Financial relief /assistance

Payments of DRFA (Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements)

Department of Treasury and Finance, Welfare Group (Territory Families), Department of Trade, Business and Innovation Department of Primary Industry and Resources and Department of Housing and Community Development (agency involvement will depend on the type of event)

Fuel shortages Security and Emergency Recovery Team, (Department of the Chief Minister)

Identification of suitable buildings for shelters Local Emergency Committee

Impact assessment

Survey

Rescue

Rapid Assessment (incorporating rapid damage assessment in conjunction with NTFRS)

Comprehensive or In-Depth Assessments

NT PFES

NT Police


NT Emergency Service

Undertaken by the relevant functional group or agency ie Welfare Group, Engineering Group

Interpreter services Welfare Group (Territory Families)

Legal services Welfare Group (Territory Families)

Medical services

medical/nursing

first aid

pharmaceutical

laboratory services

mental health

ambulance service

Medical Group (Department of Health)

national registration and inquiry NT Police/Australian Red Cross

Network communications (IT)

responders and public Maintenance and restoration of emergency communication

Communication Technology Group (NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services) – currently under review

Personal support Welfare Group Territory Families

Power: protection and restoration Power and Water Corporation

Pre-event preparedness

risk management

emergency planning

Hazard Management Authority

Public awareness (preparedness) Hazard Management Authority

Public messaging during response and recovery Public Information Group (Department of the Chief Minister)

Public/environmental health management

all environmental health functions including water and food safety

Public Health Group (Department of Health)



disease control

Rapid damage assessment Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS)

Reception of affected people Welfare Group (Territory Families) in locations where they have a presence, or an agency identified by the local emergency committee

Recovery call centre arrangements Department of Corporate and Information Services

Recovery coordination Security and Emergency Recovery Team (Department of the Chief Minister)

Recovery Coordination Centre (T3C) Security and Emergency Recovery Team (Department of the Chief Minister)

Registration of affected or evacuated people NT Police in conjunction with Australian Red Cross

Repatriation As detailed in local emergency arrangements

Restoration of public buildings Engineering Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Restoration of roads and bridges (council/territory) excluding railways

Engineering Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Road management and traffic control including public Information on road closures


Sewerage: protection and restoration Power and Water Corporation

Survey NT Police

Temporary accommodation (recovery) Security and Emergency Recovery Team (Department of the Chief Minister)

Traffic control NT Police / Engineering Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Transport: commercial and public airport/ planes, automobiles, ferries, buses

Transport Group (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Urban search and rescue NT Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS)

Waste management

collection

disposal of stock (excluding livestock)


Water (including drinking water): protection and restoration


Weather event public messaging Bureau of Meteorology

Welfare assembly centre. Staffing, operations and control

Welfare Group (Territory Families) and NT Emergency Service

Welfare recovery centre. Staffing, operations and control

Welfare Group (Territory Families)


Annexure G: Australian Government and national plans, including the identified NT Hazard Management Authority or point of contact (POC)

Details of Australian Government and national plans and the corresponding NT Hazard Management Authority

Name of Australian Government or national plan

Purpose NT Hazard Management Authority/NT POC

Australian Government Plan for the Reception of Australian Citizens and other Approved Persons Evacuated from Overseas (COMRECEPLAN)

Outlines the arrangements for the reception into Australia of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate dependents and approved foreign nationals evacuated from overseas.


Australian Aquatic Animal Diseases Veterinary Emergency Plan (AQUAVETPLAN)

Provides nationally consistent guidelines for response procedures under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Arrangements (EADRA).


Australian Emergency Marine Pest Plan (EMPPLAN)

Provides nationally consistent guidelines for response procedures under the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA).


Australian Government Contingency Plan for Space Re-entry Debris (AUSCONPLAN SPRED)

Details the arrangements for the Australian Government to inform states and territories of any risk posed to Australian interests by the re-entry of space debris. The plan outlines how the Australian Government will support states and territories in the event that space debris should impact within their jurisdictions.


Australian Government Aviation Disaster Response Plan (AUSAVPLAN)

Provides guidance in the management of the time-critical phases of a response to a major aircraft accident.

NT Police

Australian Government Disaster Response Plan (COMDISPLAN)

Describes the coordination arrangements for the provision of Australian Government physical assistance to states or territories or offshore territories in the event of a disaster.


Australian Government Maritime Radiological Response Plan (COMMARRPLAN)

Details the arrangements for the response to a maritime radiation incident involving radiological material which has the potential to impact on Australia, its coastal waters or its Economic Exclusion Zone.


Australian Government Overseas Disaster Assist Plan (AUSASSISTPLAN)

Details the coordination arrangements for the provision of Australian emergency assistance, using Australian Government physical and technical resources, following a disaster or emergency in another country.


Australian Plant Emergency Response Plan (PLANTPLAN)

Technical response plan used to respond to an emergency plant pest incident. It provides nationally consistent guidelines for response procedures under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)


Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN)

Provides nationally consistent guidelines for response procedures under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Arrangements (EADRA)


http://www.planthealthaustralia.com.au/biosecurity/emergency-plant-pest-response-deed/







Name of Australian Government or national plan

Purpose NT Hazard Management Authority/NT POC

Communicable Diseases and Environmental Health Threats of National Significance (CDEHPLAN)

Emergency response plan for communicable diseases and environmental health threats of national significance, including communicable disease control (epidemic and pandemic arrangements) and environmental health (response to climate change and natural disasters).


Domestic Response Plan for Mass Casualty Incidents of National Consequence (AUSTRAUMAPLAN)

Provides an agreed framework and mechanisms for the effective national coordination, response and recovery arrangements for mass casualty incidents of national consequence resulting from trauma.


Liquid Fuel Emergency Act Guidelines (LFEG)

Outlines arrangements for the management of a liquid fuel emergency.


National Action Plan for Human Influenza Pandemic (NAP)

Outlines how Australian, state, territory and local governments will work together to protect Australia against the threat of an influenza pandemic and support the Australian community should one occur.


National Counter Terrorism Plan (NCTP)

Sets out Australia’s strategic approach to preventing and dealing with acts of terrorism in Australia and its territories.

NT Police

National Food Safety Incident Response Protocol

A guide for the coordination of Australian Government agencies responsible for food safety and food issues in the event of a national food incident.


National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan (NLFERP)

Reinforces established industry and market strategies for returning Australia to normal fuel supply levels and includes a communication plan designed to support the successful management of any liquid fuel emergency.


National Pandemic Influenza Airport Border Operations Plan (FLUBORDERPLAN)

Describes how Australian Government border agencies, state and territory government bodies and the airline sector will work together in a co-ordinated national response to protect and respond to the threat of an influenza pandemic.


National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies (The National Plan)

Framework enabling effective response to marine pollution incidents.


National Response Plan for Mass Casualty Incidents Involving Australians Overseas (OSMASSCASPLAN)

Provides an agreed framework for agencies in all Australian jurisdictions to assess, repatriate and provide care for Australians and other approved persons injured or killed overseas in numbers that exceed the capacity of normal day-to-day operations of relevant agencies in any incident and is declared a mass casualty event by ministers.


Nuclear Powered Warship Visit Planning (OPSMAN1)

Detailed information on the conditions, procedures and responsibilities for the visits by nuclear-powered vessels to Australian ports.



Annexure H: Glossary

Glossary

Term In the context of this plan, this means:

All hazards approach The application of one set of control, coordination and communication policies and procedures in a universal manner to emergency situations of varying type thereby promoting consistency of emergency management at all levels.

Affected area A particular area where either an emergency situation, state of emergency or state of disaster exists.

Approved emergency plan A plan approved under section 10(3), 13(2), 16(2) of the Act.

Authorised officer Person or persons authorised under section 98 of the Act.

Chief executive The appointed position that leads the governance and management of a service responsible for the effective exercise of the relevant statutory powers, authorities, duties and functions consistent with the NT government policy.

Command The internal direction of the members and resources of an agency in the performance of the organisation’s roles and tasks. Command operates vertically within an organisation.

Comprehensive approach18 The development of emergency and disaster arrangements to embrace the aspects of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR). PPRR are aspects of emergency management, not sequential phases. Syn. ‘disaster cycle’, ‘disaster phases’ and ‘PPRR’.

Control19 The overall direction of activities, agencies or individuals concerned (control operates horizontally across agencies/organisations, functions and individuals..

Controlling Authority The authorised agency that has the overall direction of activities, agencies or individuals concerned.

Coordination20 The bringing together of agencies and individuals to ensure effective emergency and rescue management but does not include the control of agencies, organisations and individuals by direction.

Debrief A meeting held during or at the end of an operation with the purpose of assessing the conduct or results of an operation.

Delegate A person nominated to act as the representative of an officially appointed position holder, having the same powers and authority to commit the resources of the official employee.

Emergency An event that requires significant coordinated response using the combined resources of Northern Territory Government and non-government entities within the Northern Territory.

Emergency Management Act Provides for matters relating to emergency management and for related matters.

Emergency situation Exists in an area once a declaration to that effect is declared by the minister under section 18 of the Act.

Functional group A combination of entities that have primary responsibility, arrangements and coordination of relevant/associated organisations with a supporting role. These responsibilities are laid out in functional plans.

Group leader The individual allocated responsibility to prepare for, respond to and command and control a functional group in response to a specific hazard based on their legislated and or technical capability and authority.

18 Source: AIDR Glossary 19 Source: AIDR Glossary 20 Source: AIDR Glossary


Lead agency An agency allocated responsibility to prepare for and respond to a specific hazard based on their legislated and/or technical capability and authority.

Local Controller For a locality, the Local Emergency Controller for the locality mentioned in section 76 of the Act.

Hazard Management Authority The agency allocated responsibility to prepare for and respond to a specific hazard based on their legislated and/or technical capability and authority.

Invasive animal21 Implies a distinction from an emergency animal disease addressed by Department of Primary Industry and Resources and covers those animal pests that have negative environmental, economic, social or human health impact as a result of their introduction.

Participating organisation Agencies that participate in the function group role and responsibilities in preparing for and responding to a specific hazard based on their legislative and/or technical capability and authority.

Preparedness 22 Arrangements to ensure that should an emergency occur, all those resources and services which are needed to cope with the effects can be efficiently mobilised and deployed. Measures to ensure that should an emergency occur, communities, resources and services are capable of coping with the effects. See also comprehensive approach.

Prevention 23 Regulatory and physical measures to ensure that emergencies are prevented or their effects mitigated. Measures to eliminate or reduce the incidence or severity of emergencies. See also comprehensive approach.

Recovery24 The coordinated process of supporting emergency-affected communities in reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing. See also comprehensive approach. Measures which support emergency-affected individuals and communities in the reconstruction of the physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, economic and physical wellbeing.

Region A region specified in a Gazette notice under section 27 of the Act.

Regional Controller For a region, the Regional Emergency Controller for the region mentioned in section 54 of the Act.

Response25 Actions taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after an emergency to ensure that its effects are minimised and that people affected are given immediate relief and support. Measures taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after an emergency to ensure its effects are minimised. See also comprehensive approach.

Responsibilities26 The state or fact of being responsible, answerable or accountable for something within one's power, control or management.

Risk27 The effect of uncertainty or objectives.

Risk identification28 The process of finding, recognising and describing risks.

Stand down Transition from responding to an event back to normal core business and/or recovery operations. There is no longer a requirement to respond to the event and the threat is no longer present.

21 Source: Department Primary Industry and Resources 22 Source: AIDR Glossary 23 Source: AIDR Glossary 24 Source: AIDR Glossary 25 Source: AIDR Glossary 26 Dictionary.com 27 ISO Guide 73.2009 Risk management – Vocabulary 28 ISO Guide 73.2009 Risk management – Vocabulary

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/responsible

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/control


Stand up The operational state whereby resources are mobilised, personnel are activated and operational activities commenced. Disaster coordination centres are activated.

State of Disaster A state of disaster declared under section 21 of the Act.

State of Emergency A state of emergency declared under section 19 of the Act.

Supporting Organisations Agencies that provide a supporting role to the functional group or participating organisations in preparing for and responding to a specific hazard or event.

Territory Controller The Territory Emergency Controller mentioned in section 28 of the Act.

Territory Emergency Management Council

The management council established under the terms laid out in Division 4 of the Act.

Territory Recovery Coordinator The Territory Recovery Coordinator mentioned in section 32 of the Act.

Volunteer member A member of the NTES appointed under section 52 of the Act.

Vulnerability29 The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes, which increase the susceptibility of a community or persons to the impact of hazards.

WebEOC A critical information management system used throughout the Northern Territory. It is used by agencies that have roles and responsibilities under the NT Emergency Management Act during prevention, preparation, response and recovery phases of any emergency.

29 Source: AIDR National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines Handbook


Annexure I: Acronyms

LIST OF ACRONYMS

Acronyms Stands for

ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation

AGCCC Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre

AIDR Australian Institute of Disaster Resilience

AIIMS Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System

AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority

ANZ EMC Australia and New Zealand Emergency Management Committee

AUSAVPLAN Australian Government Aviation Disaster Response Plan

AusSAR Australian Search and Rescue

CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority

COAG Council of Australian Governments

COMDISPLAN Australian Government Disaster Response Plan

DACC Defence Assistance to the Civil Community

DCIS Department of Corporate and Information Services

DCM Department of the Chief Minister

DGEMA Director General, Emergency Management Australia

DoE Department of Education

EMA Emergency Management Australia

EOC Emergency Operations Centre

NCCTRC National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

NERAG National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines

NSDR National Strategy for Disaster Resilience

NT Northern Territory

NTES Northern Territory Emergency Service

NTFRS Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service

NTFRES Northern Territory Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

NTG Northern Territory Government

NTPFES Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

PFES Police, Fire and Emergency Services

POC Point of contact

PPRR Prevention, preparedness, response and recovery

RAT Rapid Assessment Teams

RCC Recovery Coordination Centre

SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal

TEMC Territory Emergency Management Council

TF Territory Families

WAC Welfare Assembly Centres

WRC Welfare Recovery Centres

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