Media Release, October 2007

Following meeting on 8 October 2007

Emergency Communication

A brief report from the Emergency Communication sub-committee was considered by the TGCCC at its meeting on 8 October 2007, and was adopted unanimously. Within the context of chemical emergencies close to the Port of Geelong, and starting with consideration of the Terminals facility, the specific areas of interest to the TGCCC are:

General Community Education;
Early community notification before CFA/Police conclude their investigation (i.e. while they are still determining the appropriate action);
Communication to the community when response (e.g. evacuation) has been determined.

Strategy

The strategy of how we (i.e. Terminals, VWA, CoGG, Emergency Services Organisations) communicate with the community during an incident comprises:

Identify the community that needs to be engaged. (WHO, WHY, FOR WHOM, PURPOSE)
Pre-incident, what do we (i.e. Terminals, VWA, CoGG, Emergency Services Organisations) want to engage them with:
- General information;
- Emergency actions.
How do we (i.e. Terminals, VWA, CoGG, Emergency Services Organisations) consult with the community?
How are we going to inform the community of an incident, including consideration of spatial extent (within 800m say, and beyond that distance), and elapsed time (when the incident has just happened, during it, and after it been dealt with).
Feedback processes to ensure continuous improvement.

The way forward

CFA will take the lead in fleshing out detailed information and suggestions on each of the strategy items above, consulting with other agencies as necessary, and will circulate a draft document to TGCCC by 5 November 2007.

CFA will present the draft paper at the TGCCC meeting on 12 November 2007 for discussion.

In adopting the report of the Sub-Committee, the TGCCC underlined its appreciation of the leadership shown by CFA, and the commitment of significant resources to achieve the progress to-date, and anticipated in the future.

Vapour emissions during ship unloading

Terminals Pty Ltd reported that, in accordance with its EPA licence, it is considering options to reduce the level of vapour emission during ship discharge. Several options, and their financial implications, are being considered. It is anticipated that a report will be submitted to EPA on the matter in October.

Next meeting of the Committee

The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 12 November 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30.

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, October 2007 Following meeting on 8 October 2007 Emergency Communication A brief report from the Emergency Communication sub-committee was considered by the TGCCC at its meeting on 8 October 2007, and was adopted unanimously. Within the context of chemical emergencies close to the Port of Geelong, and starting with consideration of the Terminals facility, the specific areas of interest to the TGCCC are: General Community Education; Early community notification before CFA/Police conclude their investigation (i.e. while they are still determining the appropriate action); Communication to the community when response (e.g. evacuation) has been determined. Strategy The strategy of how we (i.e. Terminals, VWA, CoGG, Emergency Services Organisations) communicate with the community during an incident comprises: Identify the community that needs to be engaged. (WHO, WHY, FOR WHOM, PURPOSE) Pre-incident, what do we (i.e. Terminals, VWA, CoGG, Emergency Services Organisations) want to engage them with: General information; Emergency actions. How do we (i.e. Terminals, VWA, CoGG, Emergency Services Organisations) consult with the community? How are we going to inform the community of an incident, including consideration of spatial extent (within 800m say, and beyond that distance), and elapsed time (when the incident has just happened, during it, and after it been dealt with). Feedback processes to ensure continuous improvement. The way forward CFA will take the lead in fleshing out detailed information and suggestions on each of the strategy items above, consulting with other agencies as necessary, and will circulate a draft document to TGCCC by 5 November 2007. CFA will present the draft paper at the TGCCC meeting on 12 November 2007 for discussion. In adopting the report of the Sub-Committee, the TGCCC underlined its appreciation of the leadership shown by CFA, and the commitment of significant resources to achieve the progress to-date, and anticipated in the future. Vapour emissions during ship unloading Terminals Pty Ltd reported that, in accordance with its EPA licence, it is considering options to reduce the level of vapour emission during ship discharge. Several options, and their financial implications, are being considered. It is anticipated that a report will be submitted to EPA on the matter in October. Next meeting of the Committee The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 12 November 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30. Robin Saunders (Independent Chair)