​Mr Rob Spence, MAV Chief Executive said key recommendations widely welcomed by local government included the need for a review of council roles and responsibilities; improvements to disaster financing and reimbursement; and a stronger focus on building community resilience and regional planning.

“It’s pleasing that the report concurs with many of the issues raised by local government during the review, particularly the need to revise municipal emergency management roles to better align with council skills, resources, capacity and core business.

“It has been acknowledged in the report that councils’ legislated emergency management roles no longer reflect the capacity of smaller shires or the reality of modern municipalities. This includes an out-dated focus on municipal plant and equipment, rather than councils’ broader community service obligations.

“Since 2003 the MAV has also been calling for reform of the State’s Natural Disaster Financial Arrangements, which reimburse council expenditure for restoration of essential assets and emergency protection works.

“Councils have frequently reported reimbursement delays are a drain on finances so early access to recovery funding is critical. The Comrie Report supports council calls to extend disaster financing to include upfront payments, as well as reimbursement for repairing community assets, and early relief and recovery work.

“An improved model for community resilience could benefit all Victorians and the report recognises the need for greater investment in building resilience plans before an emergency event, not after it happens.

“We’re pleased with the recommendation encouraging Victoria Police to work with councils and communities to develop local resilience plans,” he said.

Recommendations in the Comrie Report build on local government views expressed recently in a submission to the Victorian Government Green Paper: Towards a more resilient and safer Victoria.

The MAV’s submission called for a review of agency roles and responsibilities detailed in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria (EMMV); a new standard relief and recovery model; an umbrella body to be responsible for emergency management; and a greater focus on regional-level planning.

Mr Spence said that this week the MAV had also finalised a position paper on the future roles for local government in emergency management, following an extensive consultation process.

“Critically, both the Comrie Report and our position paper demonstrate the ongoing commitment of councils towards emergency management, and identify ways to draw on municipal strengths such as community engagement and support, facilitation of local planning and partnerships, and risk mitigation.

“We thank Mr Comrie and his hard working team for their thoughtful, thorough and respectful approach to this important review and we look forward to working with the Victorian Government through the emergency management White Paper process to implement the recommendations,” he said.

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View the MAV’s Green Paper submission and position paper  

Contact MAV CEO Rob Spence on 0418 132 573 or MAV Communications on 03 9667 5521.