In association with the Municipal Emergency Management Enhancement Group (MEMEG), we identified a need to determine an agreed position between councils regarding the provision of resources to assist other municipalities with response and recovery tasks during and after emergencies.

This led to the development of a protocol for inter-council emergency management resource sharing (Word - 121KB). The protocol is intended to clarify operational, insurance and reimbursement issues that may arise through municipal resource-sharing arrangements.

The protocol is consistent with the concepts and policy guidelines articulated in the Emergency Management Act 1986 and the Emergency Management Manual Victoria. It has been endorsed by the MAV Board.

Council adoption of the protocol is voluntary. It is not intended to inhibit or diminish the effectiveness of any existing inter-council resource sharing arrangement. Councils should review any existing arrangements to ensure that issues identified in this protocol are addressed.

Councils are asked to recommit to the protocol every three years. They can opt in or out of the protocol arrangements at any time by notifying us in writing.

Protocol signatories

Councils that are currently signatories are formally indicating their support for the principles of the protocol.Under the Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997, the board of an alpine resort is deemed to be a municipal council for the purposes of the Emergency Management Act (1986). Therefore alpine resorts are eligible to be signatories to the protocol.