Emergency Management News

Issue 1 - January 2022

Spotlight: Work Health and Safety

The State Government has delayed the commencement of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 until March 2022, following concerns expressed by WALGA and other stakeholders in relation to the implications for Local Government's management of volunteer Bush Fire Brigades.

WALGA will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, 9 February to provide further information to the sector with presentations from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) and LGIS. For more information and to register, please visit the WALGA website here.

Date: Wednesday, 9 February
Time: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

WALGA and LGIS have obtained legal advice about the legal definition of an "officer" under the WHS Act. For more information, see LGIS' Member Alert WHS & Bushfire Volunteers - who is an 'officer'?

WALGA has also developed a page on the WALGA website dedicated to Bush Fire Brigade Resources, which includes a suite of WHS resources, including information and recording of the WALGA’s WHS webinar from August 2021 and links to DMIRS and LGIS websites and resources. This page will be updated regularly with relevant resources and information.

DMIRS are also hosting information sessions across WA and webinars providing a general update about the new legislation. For more information, please visit the DMIRS website.

Sector Updates

Animal Welfare Training Grants - Applications Open!

Local Governments are encouraged to apply for grants to attend the second round of training being offered as part of the Animal Welfare in Emergencies Grant Program for Local Government. Applications close 5pm Friday, 18 February. Read More.
Image Source: City of Kalamunda

Traffic Management During Emergencies Guidelines

DFES are reviewing the Traffic Management During Emergencies Guidelines to reflect current practices and include updated terminology. Local Governments are invited to provide feedback and share with WALGA to inform ongoing advocacy.

Community Disaster Resilience Strategy

SEMC is seeking feedback on a discussion paper on the Community Disaster Resilience Strategy. Local Governments will be contacted about participating in the consultation shortly. Read more

BOM Annual Climate Statement

BOM reports that WA's 2021 rainfall was 9% above average and the State experienced its coolest year since 2012. Warming trends meant WA temperatures were 0.46 degrees above the 1961-1990 average temperature. Read More.

Read the Latest WALGA COVID-19 Sector Updates

Job Opportunities

Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA) Review Project Officer

WALGA is looking for a Project Officer to develop a LEMA Improvement Plan outlining options for new, fit for purpose, contemporary, scalable and sustainable emergency management arrangements at the local level. Secondment opportunities will be considered. More information here.

In Other News...

Proactive Mental Health for Firies

The Black Dog Institute has developed a free mental health support service for Bushfire Services in Australia. Proactive approaches to mental health are critical for supporting emergency services workers.

State Bushfire Advisory Council Communique

SBAC met on Tuesday, 7 December for its final meeting of 2021. Read the communique here.

South West Forest Management Plan 2024-2033

DBCA has commenced preparation of the next Forest Management Plan. Local Governments that fall within the Plan area can register to stay informed.

Noongar Season Change

As northern parts of WA remain in the wet season, the South West of WA moves into the hottest part of the year known as Bunuru by Noongar people. Read More.

Local Government Focus

Long-Tail Recovery - A Local Government Case Study

In partnership with the Shire of Harvey, State Recovery have published a case study based on the Shire’s reflections and experience of long-term recovery, captured through consultation with the staff and Councillors who were involved in the management of community recovery.

New South West Brigade Facilities

Nearly $1 million from the Emergency Services Levy has delivered two new Bush Fire Brigade Stations within the Shire of Dardanup. Both Bush Fire Brigades were established in the 1940s.

Events and Training

Webinar: Work Health and Safety Information Session for Local Governments managing BFBs

Wednesday, 9 February
Register here.

WorkSafe Work Health and Safety Laws Information Sessions

Various dates, Online and In-person
Register here.

Animal Welfare in a Changing Climate Seminar

16 to 17 February, Online
Register here.

AFAC and AIDR Lessons Management Forum

(hosted in Brisbane)
22 to 23 March, Online and In-person
Register here.

Animal Welfare in Emergencies Training

Various dates, In-person
Apply here.

2022 Regional Heritage Conference

Be prepared – act now to protect our past
19 - 20 May, In-person
More information here.

Want to share something with the sector?

Want to share your successes, promote a new project, have a key question answered or collaborate with other Local Governments? We want to hear from you about any stories or initiatives to share with the sector.

Submit your content for the next Emergency Management News

WALGA contacts

Susie Moir, Policy Manager, Resilient Communities, 9213 2058
Cassandra Mora, A/Senior Policy Advisor, Emergency Management, 9213 2044

Join WALGA's Local Government Emergency Management Network

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples hold a special place in our communities and connect the broader population with a wealth of history, tradition and culture which enriches our society. Our work regularly takes us across the State and as such WALGA would like to acknowledge the many traditional owners of the land on which we work throughout Western Australia. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Copyright © WALGA, All rights reserved.

ONE70, LV1, 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville, WA 6007
PO Box 1544, West Perth, WA 6872

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