The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) is among the winners of this year’s South Australian division of the Australian Safer Communities Awards. Announced in September, the awards recognise best practice and innovation by organisations and individuals that help to build safer communities across Australia.
Sponsored by Emergency Management Australia (EMA) in conjunction with State and Territory Governments, the awards cover all aspects of community safety in the context of emergency management. This includes risk assessment, research, education and training, information and knowledge management, prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. State and Territory winners now become finalists for the National Awards.
LGASA took out South Australia’s Local Government Pre Disaster Category award for its ‘Human Pandemic Influenza Business Continuity Guideline for Local Government’. It also received a Certificate of Commendation for its innovative Local Government Emergency Management Contact Register.
LGASA’s Director Legislation and Environment, Michael Barry, said the awards are welcome recognition of the work done by the LGA on behalf of Councils and their communities.
“The pandemic influenza manual is the result of a 12 month project, funded by Emergency Management Australia,” he said. “A copy of the manual is available to all Councils and State Emergency Services groups on the LGA website at www.lga.sa.gov.au It outlines a series of guidelines for the continuance of essential Council services in the event of an outbreak of Human Pandemic Influenza.”
Michael Barry said the Emergency Management Contact Register is a vital online database that provides essential contact information for Councils, police, emergency services and other emergency organisations in the event of a disaster.
“At the click of a computer button, people requiring after hours and essential Council contact information will be able to access this information from a quick, efficient and up to date database,” he said. “Councils can provide important local information to assist emergency services groups in case of disaster.”
The following South Australian Councils also received 2007 Australian Safer Communities Awards:
- Norwood, Payneham and St Peters City Council, together with Burnside and Campbelltown Councils for their Metropolitan Risk Management Plan
- Unley, Mitcham, Marion, Holdfast Bay and West Torrens Councils for the Sturt Emergency Risk Management Plan
- Tea Tree Gully for its web based Emergency Management Plan.
Michael Barry said while national and state emergency plans are essential, local knowledge counts for a lot, particularly in a disaster or potential disaster situation.
“This is where the on the ground knowledge of Council officers can be of critical assistance,” he said.
The Attorney General will announce the National Awards winners in December.
For further information on LGASA’s initiatives contact Michael Barry on 0417 821 053.
