Media Release, March 2007

Following meeting on 5 March 2007

Emergency Communication with the public

The main item of business at the meeting of the TGCCC on 5 March 2007 was discussion of means of better communicating with the public if an emergency were to occur.

Theo Pykoulas, the Manager of Emergency Management at Maribyrnong City Council gave an informative presentation to the Committee. He detailed the role of that council in an emergency. While Councils are not an emergency response agency, they can do valuable work in community education and awareness. Theo explained that the community responds to what they see, hear and smell — and that sensory information does not always correspond to the significance of the threat.

Warnings and information about major emergencies are provided by the ABC radio 774, community radio and the Police Emergency Information Line. Theo told the Committee about a recent telephone messaging trial at Footscray, where simultaneous pre-recorded messages can be sent out to all participants within a geographical area. The system is not yet easy to set up, with issues of privacy, cost and keeping the phone numbers up to date.

Community members of the TGCCC want timely and clear information provided to the public when emergencies are perceived.

Where did it come from?

An odour emanating from around the foreshore was investigated by the CFA in late February. It was concluded that the discharge came from further afield.

"It is likely that the discharge, smelling of crude hydrocarbons, was from the south east of the foreshore, possibly from a ship berthed at Refinery Pier." Gary O'Sullivan, Terminals' Site Manager told the Committee. "Terminals Geelong do not store or handle any chemical with an odour matching that detected."

Next meeting of the Committee

The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 2nd April 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30. Gary O'Sullivan will present a report on leak detection at the facility. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Robin Saunders
Independent Chair



	Home Page Adopted Minutes Media Releases Technical Reports About the Committee Terms of Reference About Terminals Contact Details Useful Links		Media Release, March 2007 Following meeting on 5 March 2007 Emergency Communication with the public The main item of business at the meeting of the TGCCC on 5 March 2007 was discussion of means of better communicating with the public if an emergency were to occur. Theo Pykoulas, the Manager of Emergency Management at Maribyrnong City Council gave an informative presentation to the Committee. He detailed the role of that council in an emergency. While Councils are not an emergency response agency, they can do valuable work in community education and awareness. Theo explained that the community responds to what they see, hear and smell — and that sensory information does not always correspond to the significance of the threat. Warnings and information about major emergencies are provided by the ABC radio 774, community radio and the Police Emergency Information Line. Theo told the Committee about a recent telephone messaging trial at Footscray, where simultaneous pre-recorded messages can be sent out to all participants within a geographical area. The system is not yet easy to set up, with issues of privacy, cost and keeping the phone numbers up to date. Community members of the TGCCC want timely and clear information provided to the public when emergencies are perceived. Where did it come from? An odour emanating from around the foreshore was investigated by the CFA in late February. It was concluded that the discharge came from further afield. "It is likely that the discharge, smelling of crude hydrocarbons, was from the south east of the foreshore, possibly from a ship berthed at Refinery Pier." Gary O'Sullivan, Terminals' Site Manager told the Committee. "Terminals Geelong do not store or handle any chemical with an odour matching that detected." Next meeting of the Committee The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 2nd April 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30. Gary O'Sullivan will present a report on leak detection at the facility. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Robin Saunders Independent Chair