In Summary
- Council has noted the updated Greater Shepparton Municipal Emergency Management Plan 2024-2027 (MEMP), which strengthens emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
- The MEMP was reviewed following the October 2022 flood event to improve emergency management planning and was approved by the Hume Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee in August 2024.
- The plan outlines prevention, response, recovery and collaboration strategies, including community education, emergency relief centres, and coordination with emergency services.
- Council will test the MEMP annually and is supporting the development of Community Emergency Management Plans (CEMPs) for flood-affected areas, enhancing local emergency resilience.
The MEMP has been developed in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2013 and was prepared by the Greater Shepparton Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC), a multi-agency group that brings together organisational and local expertise to enhance emergency management planning for the region.
The MEMP was reviewed following the October 2022 flood event to incorporate lessons learned and improve emergency management planning. The updated plan was approved by the Hume Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee in August 2024 and is now available on the Greater Shepparton City Council website.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, highlighted the need for Greater Shepparton to be prepared for emergencies.
“Council is committed to ensuring Greater Shepparton is well-prepared for emergencies, such as a flood like we experienced in October 2022. The MEMP outlines the strategies and arrangements that strengthen our community’s ability to respond to and recover from emergencies,” he said.
Key aspects of the MEMP include:
- Prevention: Community education and preparedness programs, including mitigation initiatives and household emergency planning.
- Response: Deployment of plant and equipment, facility closures, and operation of Emergency Relief Centres.
- Recovery: Leading community recovery programs addressing social, built, natural, and economic aspects, including considerations for Aboriginal culture and healing.
- Collaboration: Coordination with agencies such as Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Fire Rescue Victoria, Country Fire Authority, VICSES, Red Cross, and various government and community organisations.
The MEMP will be exercised by Council officers this year and will undergo annual testing to ensure its effectiveness. Additionally, Council is supporting the development of Community Emergency Management Plans (CEMPs) for flood-affected areas such as Bunbartha, Mooroopna, Murchison, and Undera, to enhance localised emergency planning and resilience.
“The safety of our community remains our top priority. By working together with emergency services, local organisations, and the community, we can better prepare for and respond to emergencies,” Cr Sali said.
View the Greater Shepparton Municipal Emergency Management Plan here.
For further information, please call Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
