Territory Emergency Plan 2 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 3 Contents

Foreword 9 Context Statement 10 1. Emergency Framework 12 1.1 Aim 1.2 Objectives 1.3 National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework 1.4 Key principles of emergency management 1.5 Governance arrangements 14 1.6 Legislative authority 14 1.7 Emergency Management Regions 14 1.8 Emergency management positions in the Northern Territory 15 1.8.1 Territory Emergency Controller 15 1.8.2 Territory Recovery Coordinator 15 1.8.3 Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service 15 1.8.4 Regional Emergency Controllers 15 1.8.5 Regional Recovery Coordinator 16 1.8.6 Local Emergency Controllers 16 1.8.7 Local Recovery Coordinator 16 1.9 Northern Territory emergency management plan hierarchy 17 1.9.1 Emergency Plans 17 1.9.2 Hazard-specific plans and protocols 17 1.9.3 Functional Group plans 17 1.9.4 Australian Government plans and arrangements 17 1.9.5 Territory-wide guidelines 17 1.10 Strategic Emergency Management Bodies 18 1.10.1 Territory Emergency Management Council 18 1.10.2 Senior Officers Group 18 1.11 Operational Emergency Management Bodies 18 1.11.1 Controlling Authority 18 1.11.2 Hazard Management Authority 18 1.11.3 Hazard-specific plans and protocols 18 1.12 Northern Territory Emergency Management Arrangements 20 1.12.1 Functional Group framework 20 1.12.2 Functional Group lead agencies 20 1.13 Role of local government 22 1.14 Relationship with the Australian Government 22 1.15 Australian Government Emergency Management Arrangements 22 1.15.1 Emergency Management Australia 22 1.15.2 National Coordination Mechanism 22 1.15.3 Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre 23 1.15.4 Australian Government plans 23 1.15.5 Australian Defence Force 23 1.16 Australian Government Crisis Management Framework 23 1.16.1 Hazard-specific national arrangements and functions 24 1.17 Model arrangements for leadership during emergencies of national consequence 25 1.18 Relationships with other jurisdictions 25

4 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 5 2. Prevention 26 5.9 Functional Groups 40 2.1 Definition 26 5.10 Recovery Committees 40 2.2 Mitigation 26 5.11 Regional Recovery Coordination Committee 40 2.3 Emergency risk assessments 26 5.11.1 Functions of the Regional Recovery Coordination Committee 40 5.11.2 Regional Recovery Coordination Committee members 40 3. Preparedness 28 5.11.3 Appointed members 40 3.1 Definition 28 5.12 Local Recovery Coordination Committee 40 3.2 Northern Territory preparedness 28 5.12.1 Functions of the Local Recovery Coordination Committee 41 3.3 Community education and engagement 28 5.12.2 Local Recovery Coordination Committee Members 41 3.4 Planning 28 5.13 Recovery environments 41 3.5 Training and education 28 5.14 Social environment 41 3.6 Exercises 28 5.15 Built environment 41 5.16 Natural environment 41 4. Response 30 5.17 Economic environment 41 4.1 Definition 30 4.1.1 Governance arrangements for response 30 5.18 Recovery planning 41 4.1.2 Response to major emergencies 30 5.19 Phases of recovery 42 4.1.3 Emergency declarations and special powers 30 5.19.1 Transition to recovery 42 4.2 Emergency Committees 30 5.19.2 Relief 43 4.2.1 Local Emergency Committees 30 5.19.3 Early recovery 43 4.2.2 Regional Emergency Committees 30 5.19.4 Long-term recovery 43 5.19.5 Transition to business as usual 43 4.3 Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System 31 4.3.1 Command, Control, Coordination and Communication 31 6. Debrief process and management of lessons learned 44 4.3.2 Territory Crisis Coordination Centre 32 6.1 Circumstances under which debriefs are required 44 4.3.3 Emergency Operations Centre 32 6.2 Hot debrief (immediately post event) 44 4.3.4 Incident Control Centres 32 4.3.5 Incident Control Points 32 6.3 Internal organisational debrief 44 4.3.6 WebEOC 32 6.4 Multi-agency whole of government debrief 45 4.4 Warnings and alerts 33 6.5 Lessons management process 45 4.4.1 Emergency Alert system 33 7. Plan Administration 46 4.4.2 Standard Emergency Warning Signal 33 4.4.3 Bureau of Meteorology 33 7.1 Approval process for NT emergency plans 46 4.5 Public information 33 7.2 Review and amendments 46 4.5.1 SecureNT.nt.gov.au | Northern Territory Government 33 7.3 Distribution 46 4.5.2 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 33 7.4 Glossary 46 4.6 Closure of schools 33 7.5 Acronyms 46 4.7 Closure of government offices 34 8. Annexures 48 4.7.1 Key government employees 34 Annexure A Territory Emergency Management Council membership 49 4.8 Emergency shelter 34 Annexure B Northern Territory emergency management regional boundary map 50 4.9 Evacuation Centres and Welfare Assembly Centres 34 Annexure C Territory, regional and local emergency plans 51 4.10 Evacuations 35 Annexure D Hazard-specific emergency plans and guidelines 52 4.11 Welfare Recovery Centres 35 Annexure E Lead agencies for identified hazards 53 Annexure F Functional groups: roles and responsibilities 55 4.12 Register.Find.Reunite. registration and enquiry system 35 Annexure F (i) Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group 55 4.13 Impact assessment 35 Annexure F (ii) Digital and Telecommunications Group 56 4.14 Assistance to the Australian Government 36 Annexure F (iii) Critical Goods and Services Group 57 4.15 Australian Government assistance arrangements 36 Annexure F (iv) Emergency Shelter Group 58 4.15.1 Australian Defence Force support 36 Annexure F (v) Engineering Group 59 4.15.2 Financial support arrangements 36 Annexure F (vi) Medical Group 60 Annexure F (vii) Public Health Group 61 5. Recovery Arrangements 38 Annexure F (viii) Public Information Group 62 5.1 Definition 38 Annexure F (ix) Public Utilities Group 63 5.2 Recovery principles 38 Annexure F (x) Transport Group 64 Annexure F (xi) Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group 65 5.3 Recovery objectives 38 Annexure F (xii) Welfare Group 66 5.4 Recovery governance 38 Annexure G Functions table 67 - 69 5.5 Key roles and responsibilities 39 Annexure H Australian Government and national plans, including the 5.6 Territory Recovery Coordinator 39 identified NT Hazard Management Authority or point of contact 70 - 71 Annexure I Glossary 72 - 73 5.7 Regional Recovery Coordinator 39 Annexure J Acronyms 74 5.8 Local Recovery Coordinator 39

6 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 7 Foreword

Every year the Northern Territory Recovery Coordinator during times experiences a number of emergency of crisis. Successful emergency events, such as cyclones, floods and management relies on a planned, bushfires. Each event affects the coordinated approach between Territory community in some way; agencies and the community. The all have the potential to significantly Territory Emergency Plan supports this impact the lives of Territorians effort by articulating an all-hazards, Welcome to the and have consequences on our all-agencies approach and recognises people, economy, environment and the key principles of emergency Territory Emergency infrastructure. management to include prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Plan 2021 The Northern Territory Government is committed to ensuring that The Territory Emergency Plan effective arrangements are in place is reviewed every 12 months in Online: www.securent.nt.gov.au to prevent, plan for, respond to and accordance with the Emergency recover from a range of hazards that Management Act 2013 to ensure it threaten to impact the Northern remains contemporary, effective Territory. A robust and contemporary and capable of supporting effective emergency plan provides a road-map emergency management activities. for all Northern Territory Government agencies to navigate the complexities of an emergency event. Territory Emergency Controller

As co-chairs of the Territory Territory Recovery Coordinator Emergency Management Council, it is Co-chairpersons of the Territory one of our legislated responsibilities Emergency Management Council to assume the roles of Territory Emergency Controller and Territory

8 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 9 Context Statement The Northern Territory is a unique Australian environment from tropical coast to desert, including world heritage areas and national parks. The environment is vast and diverse - a land of ancient sandstone formations, wetlands, billabongs and unique native flora and fauna. The Northern Territory recognises the importance of minimising vulnerabilities associated with emergency events and aspires to build safe, resilient communities through a range of activities that contribute to the prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from, the impact of emergency events.

Climate The climate of the Northern Territory can also be affected by large scale climate drivers, including the El Nino Southern Due to its geographical location and climate the Northern Oscillation (El Nino and La Nina), Indian Ocean Dipole, and Territory is vulnerable to a range of natural hazards including the Madden-Julian Oscillation. tropical cyclones, severe thunderstorms, floods, bushfire, heatwave, earthquakes and tsunamis. Climate change projections for Australia suggest a tendency towards more Population extreme weather. The Northern Territory is characterised by The Northern Territory’s population totals just over three main climate zones: Tropical, Grasslands and Desert. 235 000 people living and working in this vast expanse Tropical Zone of land. Throughout the Northern Territory Aboriginal people, many still living traditional lifestyles in remote The Northern Territory tropics have a clear wet and dry homelands, represent a quarter of the population and have season as the tropical rain belt shifts south and then north a strong influence on the region’s culture. The population of the equator. It is hot and humid during the wet season also includes people from more than 100 nationalities. As (October-April), while the dry season (May-September) is Australia’s gateway to Asia, the Northern Territory is home warm and dry due to winds travelling across the continent. to third and fourth generation families from countries such The tropical zone can be affected by monsoons, tropical as China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. cyclones, severe thunderstorms and flooding during the wet season, while the fire season occurs during the drier months, typically May to October. Heatwaves are exacerbated by Economy high humidity during the early wet season (October-December). The Territory is home to renowned major projects and natural resources, with Darwin the closest Australian Grasslands Zone capital city to Asian markets, connected through a 24/7 Central parts of the Northern Territory experience hot international airport and the only functional deep water temperatures from October to March, while the middle port in Northern Australia. The Territory’s growth agenda is of the year is more mild. At the peak of the wet season targeted at private investment into key industries which the (December-March), when the monsoon trough drifts south, Territory has competitive advantages in including: rainfall is more reliable in the northern part of the region • tourism and heavy rain events can occur. At other times of the year, rainfall across the region is unreliable. Fire danger is typically • international education and training highest from September to December. • energy Desert Zone • minerals The Desert Zone is characterised by a hot summer • agribusiness (December-February) and a cold winter (June-August). The majority of the region experiences low and unreliable • space. rainfall across all seasons of the year. Rainfall is slightly more reliable from December to February as tropical moisture occasionally moves south, bringing an increased risk of heavy rain events and severe thunderstorms. Fire danger also increases during Spring and Summer (September-February) as heat builds.

DARWIN ESPLANADE | Tropical Cyclone Marcus

10 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 11 1. Emergency Charles Hill NT/Jason Tourism Framework STORM BREWING OVER DARWIN CITY | | CITY DARWIN BREWING OVER STORM

Table 1: Australian Institute of Disaster Resilience - Core Principles of Emergency Management risk. Each priority has five-year outcomes that are supported 1.1. Aim The protection and preservation of human life (including both communities and emergency service by strategies for action: 2019–2023. These priorities PRIMACY OF LIFE This plan describes the Northern Territory’s (NT) approach personnel) and relief of suffering will be paramount over all other objectives and considerations. are related to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk to emergency and recovery operations, the governance and The development of emergency management arrangements will embrace the phases of prevention, Reduction. The priorities of the National Disaster Risk coordination arrangements, and roles and responsibilities COMPREHENSIVE preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR) across all hazards. These phases of emergency Reduction Framework are: of agencies. The plan is supported by regional and local management are not necessarily sequential. They are described throughout this Plan. 1. Understand disaster risk emergency plans; as well as hazard-specific plans and Relationships between emergency management stakeholders and communities are based on functional group plans. 2. Accountable decisions COLLABORATIVE integrity, trust and mutual respect, building a team atmosphere and consensus. Planning and systems of work reflect common goals and all stakeholders work with a unified effort. 3. Enhanced investment The bringing together of organisations and other resources to support emergency management 1.2. Objectives 4. Governance, ownership and responsibility. response, relief and recovery. It involves the systematic acquisition and application of resources COORDINATED (organisational, human and equipment) in an emergency situation. Activities of all stakeholders are The objectives of the Territory1 Emergency Plan are to: The NT recognises the importance of minimising synchronised and integrated. Information is shared to achieve a common purpose and impacts and vulnerability and enhancing capacity and capability to • describe the principles for emergency management in the NT needs are continuously assessed and responded to accordingly. effectively manage emergency events. Consideration of to include prevention, preparedness, response and recovery Emergency situations are constantly changing. Emergency management decisions may require vulnerability, risk reduction, response and recovery activities FLEXIBLE initiative, creativity and innovation to adapt to new and rapidly emerging challenges. Emergency • establish the Northern Territory Emergency Management starts at the local level, supported and informed by planning plans need to be agile to change and adapt to these new circumstances. Arrangements at the regional and Territory level. Emergency managers use sound risk management principles and processes in prioritising, allocating • identify control and coordination roles and RISK BASED and monitoring resources to manage the risks from hazards. Risk based planning will anticipate the responsibilities related to the functions in emergency effect of efforts, the changing hazard landscape and the changing consequences of the emergency. response and recovery operations 1.4. Key principles of emergency management Everyone understands their own responsibility in an emergency, and the responsibility of others. SHARED Communities and individuals understand the risk. This encourages all stakeholders to prevent, • identify, in relation to each different form of hazard, the lead Under Australia’s constitutional arrangements, state and RESPONSIBILITY prepare for, and plan for how they will safely respond to and recover from an emergency situation. Northern Territory Government (NTG) agency responsible for territory governments have primary responsibility for controlling a response to an emergency event. emergency management within their jurisdiction. The ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate, adapt to, transform and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, All levels of government acknowledge that the impact RESILIENCE including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions of some emergencies could be particularly severe or through risk management. widespread and exceed the capability of a single state 1.3. National Disaster Risk Reduction Information is crucial to decision making and to the preservation of life. Emergency managers 2 or territory. Dealing with emergencies is not a matter for Framework need to support common information systems and are responsible for providing and sharing clear, governments alone. Individuals, families and communities COMMUNICATION The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework outlines all play a role in determining how well they are prepared targeted and tailored information to those who need it, and to those at risk, to enable better a national and comprehensive approach to proactively for and safeguarded from emergencies and their ability to decision making by all stakeholders. reducing disaster risk, now and into the future. recover from them. Through an engaged multi-jurisdictional Emergency management efforts must be integrated across sectors, not progressed in silos, ensuring process, the Australian Institute of Disaster Resilience has INTEGRATED the engagement of the whole of governments, all relevant organisations and agencies, the business The multi-sector collaboration was led by the National identified 11 core principles that underpin emergency sector and the community. Resilience Taskforce within the Australian Government management activities. These principles guide emergency Department of Home Affairs. The framework was co- All sectors continuously learn and innovate to improve practices and share lessons, data and management in the NT. designed with representatives from all levels of government, knowledge so that future emergency management is better and the overall cost of impact of business and the community sector. CONTINUAL emergencies and disasters is reduced. Continuous monitoring, review and evaluation should

1 IMPROVEMENT examine the processes, timelines and outcomes of plans. Review informs communities and displays The National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework identifies Territory, Northern Territory or NT: when used in this document refers to the Northern Territory of Australia transparency and accountability. Review also enables facilitation of the adaptive change process four national priorities that guide action to reduce disaster with communities. 2 Copy of the strategy is available at www.knowledge.aidr.org.au/ resources/national.strategy.for.disaster.resilience

12 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 13 Comprehensive approach: The comprehensive approach 1.5 Governance arrangements Localities: Northern Region activity (including training) to prevent, minimise, prepare to emergency management recognises four types of for and respond to an emergency event. Governance arrangements in response to, and recovery from, Adelaide River Mataranka activities that contribute to the reduction or elimination of emergency events is shared between Northern Territory Police, 1.8.2 Territory Recovery Coordinator hazards and to reducing the susceptibility, or increasing the Batchelor Milikapiti Fire and Emergency Services (response) and the Department resilience, to hazards of a community or environment. The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of the of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (recovery coordination). Borroloola Minjilang Chief Minister and Cabinet (CM&C) coordinates and These stages are often referred to as PPRR. Governance arrangements mirror the emergency plan Bulman Minyerri directs recovery operations in the NT. hierarchy described throughout this document. • Prevention/mitigation activities, which seek to eliminate Daly River Ngukurr or reduce the impact of hazards themselves and/or to 1.8.3 Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Darwin Nhulunbuy reduce the vulnerability and build the resilience of the Service community. 1.6 Legislative authority Galiwinku Numbulwar The Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service is responsible for the provision of emergency • Preparedness activities, which establish arrangements The NT Emergency Management Act 2013 (the Act) reflects Groote Eylandt Peppimenarti plans for the Territory, determining the policy and and plans and provide education and information to an all hazards approach to the management of emergencies, Gunbalanya Pine Creek procedures for, and administering and directing the prepare agencies and the community to deal effectively natural or otherwise, and provides the legislative authority Jabiru Pirlangimpi Northern Territory Emergency Service. with emergency events. for all four phases of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Kalkarindji Ramingining 1.8.4 Regional Emergency Controllers • Response activities, which activate preparedness The Act provides for the adoption of measures necessary Katherine Timber Creek arrangements and plans to put in place effective A senior ranking police officer in the region will be for the protection and preservation of human life and measures to deal with emergency events. Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella) Wadeye appointed as the Regional Emergency Controller (hereby property from the effects of large-scale emergency events. referred to as the Regional Controller) for their region • Recovery activities, which restore the built, social, It forms the legislative authority for emergency management Lajamanu Warruwi and supervises emergency operations in that region. economic and natural environments of communities activities, defines the Northern Territory’s emergency Maningrida Wurrumiyanga affected by an emergency event, and where possible, management structure and assigns roles and responsibilities Maranboy Yarralin build back better. across all levels of government. The Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services (PFES) is the responsible Minister All hazard: concerns arrangements for managing the Localities: Southern Region: for the Act. large range of hazards and their possible effects on the Alice Springs Kintore community. This concept is useful to the extent that a large Legislative frameworks other than the Act enable range of hazards impact communities in similar ways. Controlling Authorities to mitigate against, prepare for, and Ali Curung Kulgera respond to, a range of hazards. For example: Many hazards require specific response and recovery Arlparra Ntaria • Fire and Emergency Act 1996 (NT Fire and Rescue Service measures and will almost certainly require specific prevention Avon Downs & Alpurrurulam Papunya and mitigation measures. Hazard specific plans and in response to fire) Ayers Rock (Yulara) Ti Tree arrangements articulate these measures. • Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 (NT Elliott Tennant Creek Integrated approach: ensuring engagement occurs with Department of Health in response to public health whole of government (including local government), emergency) Harts Range Yuendumu all relevant organisations, the business sector and the • Bushfires Management Act 2016 (Bushfires NT in response The Northern Territory emergency management regional community. to bushfire) boundary map: Annexure B. The context of emergency management for specific agencies varies and may include: 1.8 Emergency management positions in • ensuring the continuity of its business or service 1.7 Emergency Management Regions the Northern Territory • protecting its own interest and personnel The NT is divided into two emergency management regions. The regional emergency management structure reflects: The Act identifies key emergency management positions, • protecting the community and environment from risks outlining their functions and powers. These positions reflect • Northern Region (includes Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy arising from the activities of the organisation the governance arrangements shared between Police, and the Tiwi Islands) Fire and Emergency Services (response phase) and the • protecting the community and environment from credible • Southern Region (includes Alice Springs, Tennant Creek Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (recovery risks. and Yulara) phase).

There are a number of localities within each emergency 1.8.1 Territory Emergency Controller management region. The Commissioner of Police is the Territory Emergency Controller (hereby referred to as the Territory Controller) responsible for controlling and directing emergency operations in the NT. An emergency operation refers to an

14 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 15

KAKADU | Bushfire 1.8.5 Regional Recovery Coordinator Controller (hereby referred to as the Local Controller) for a 1.9 Northern Territory emergency 1.9.2 Hazard-specific plans and protocols particular town, community or locality. The Territory Recovery Coordinator may appoint a Regional management plan hierarchy Hazard-specific plans and protocols outline the arrangements Recovery Coordinator for a region that has been affected by for the control, coordination and support during hazard- 1.8.7 Local Recovery Coordinator In accordance with the Act emergency plans provide a basis an event to assess recovery requirements and coordinate specific emergencies, such as emergency terrestrial and The Territory Recovery Coordinator may appoint a Local for coordinated emergency and recovery operations at the recovery operations for the affected region. aquatic pest and disease incursions, major power outage or Recovery Coordinator to coordinate recovery operations in a Territory, regional and local level. Hazard-specific plans provide human disease (including pandemic). 1.8.6 Local Emergency Controllers particular town, community or locality. for response to a specific hazard, while functional group plans enable the coordination of resources across government in A list of hazard-specific plans: Annexure D. The Territory Controller may appoint a Local Emergency response to, and recovery from, emergency events. 1.9.3 Functional Group plans 1.9.1 Emergency Plans Functional group plans outline the structure, governance, Emergency management planning in the NT is based on roles and responsibilities of each functional group. There a hierarchical system of emergency plans. The planning are a total of 12 functional groups established by this Plan, hierarchy commences with this document, which provides forming the Northern Territory Emergency Management the basis for subsequent regional, local and hazard-specific Arrangements (NTEMA). emergency plans. Territory, regional and local emergency Functional groups may have the legislative authority, plans reflect an all hazards integrated approach. expertise, capability and capacity to support response and Minister of Police, Fire & Emergency Services • Territory Emergency Plan: This plan describes the recovery operations. Northern Territory’s approach to emergency response and Functional groups act as a mechanism for supporting a recovery operations, the governance and coordination coordinated approach to operations that are outside the arrangements, and roles and responsibilities of agencies. capacity or capability of a Controlling Authority and Hazard RESPONSE RECOVERY The plan is supported by regional and local emergency Establishment of Recovery Coordination Centre Management Authority in the event of an emergency. Establishment of Emergency Operation Centre plans; as well as hazard-specific plans and functional group plans. 1.9.4 Australian Government plans and arrangements The Australian Government publishes a range of national • Regional Emergency Plans: There are two regional plans to deal with a range of emergency and disaster events. Territory emergency plans, reflecting the two emergency Emergency These are available from the Home Affairs website at management regions in the NT. These plans provide a Territory Emergency Management Territory Recovery www.homeaffairs.gov.au Controller (Division 2) Council (Division 4) Coordinator (Division 3) basis for coordinated emergency and recovery operations in the Northern and Southern regions. 1.9.5 Territory-wide guidelines

• Local Emergency Plans: There are a total of 46 local Northern Territory Government agencies have developed a emergency plans across the Northern Territory’s two number of guidelines that support response to, and recovery emergency management regions. These plans provide a from, emergency events. Regional Emergency Regional Recovery Controller (Division 6) Coordinator (Division 8) basis for coordinated emergency and recovery operations A list of Territory-wide guidelines: Annexure D. in the identified locality. Regional Recovery Regional Emergency Coordination Committee (Division 7) Committee (Division 9)

Agency / Hazard Supporting and other Emergency Management Act 2013 Local Emergency Local Recovery Legislation Legislation Controller (Division 10) Coordinator (Division 12)

Local Emergency Local Recovery Territory Emergency Plan Committee Coordination (Division 11) Committee (Division 13) Agency, functional Supporting plans, Regional Emergency plans OR including Australian hazard specific Government plans plans Local Emergency plans

Diagram 1: Emergency Management Positions

Diagram 2: Emergency Plan Hierarchy

16 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 17 1.10 Strategic Emergency Management 1.11 Operational Emergency Table 2: Lead agencies for identified hazards

Bodies Management Bodies Hazard Controlling Authority Hazard Management Authority

1.10.1 Territory Emergency Management Council 1.11.1 Controlling Authority Air crash NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service The Territory Emergency Management Council (TEMC) is The Controlling Authority is the NTG agency with Cyber attack Department of Corporate and Department of Corporate and established under Section 36 of the Act. It is responsible to delegated responsibility to direct or undertake response (NTG enterprise ICT environment only) Digital Development Digital Development the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services for the to a specified hazard. This includes managing the technical administration of the Act. aspects of response operations and suppressing immediate Cyclone NT Police Force NT Emergency Service consequences. The Controlling Authority establishes Membership of the TEMC includes the Territory Controller Dam safety NT Police Force Power and Water Corporation command, control and coordination of resources and (Co-chairperson), the Territory Recovery Coordinator appoints an Incident Controller. (Co-chairperson), the Director of the Northern Territory Earthquake NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Emergency Service (Executive Officer), and chief executives Emergency response may involve activating hazard-specific Emergency animal disease Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of key NTG agencies. plans or protocols and may require other agencies to assist. The Controlling Authority will retain overall responsibility of Full membership of the TEMC: Annexure A. Emergency aquatic animal disease Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade response operations. The functions and powers of the TEMC are detailed in Emergency plant pest or disease Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Sections 36 to 43 of the Act. In summary, the role of the 1.11.2 Hazard Management Authority TEMC is to: The Hazard Management Authority is the NTG agency Emergency marine pest Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade • direct resources for emergency operations and recovery responsible for coordinating and preparing plans and operations in the NT capabilities to respond to a specific hazard. They are jointly Fire (within Gazetted Area) NT Fire and Rescue Service NT Fire and Rescue Service responsible with the Controlling Authority for ensuring that Bushfires NT, Department of Environment, Bushfires NT, Department of Environment, • advise the Minister in relation to emergency planning, Fire (within Fire Protection Zone) preparations to respond to an identified hazard are adequate. Parks and Water Security Parks and Water Security emergency operations and recovery operations in the NT If the Northern Territory Emergency Management Flooding NT Police Force NT Emergency Service • consider NT emergency plans for approval Arrangements (NTEMA) are activated, the Hazard Management Authority will provide subject matter expert Hazardous material NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service • advise, assist and, if necessary, direct the Territory Controller, advice to an Incident Controller, working in conjunction with the Territory Recovery Coordinator and the Director of the the Controlling Authority in response to, and recovery from, Heatwave Department of Health Department of Health Northern Territory Emergency Service in exercising their an emergency event. powers and the performance of their functions. Human disease Department of Health Department of Health 1.11.3 Hazard-specific plans and protocols The Security and Emergency Management Sub-committee Invasive animal biosecurity Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade of Cabinet (SEMC) provides a forum for senior government In many instances, Australian, state and territory

ministers to receive information concerning security governments have produced specific plans or protocols to Invasive plant biosecurity Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade situations or major emergencies. The SEMSC may receive deal with hazard-specific emergency events, such as human information from the Territory Controller and the Territory disease, civil aviation or security emergency events. These Major power outage Power and Water Corporation Power and Water Corporation Recovery Coordinator, in their capacity as co-chairs of the situations may require the activation of the NTEMA as Department of Environment, Department of Environment, TEMC. detailed in this plan. Marine oil spill (outside the port) Parks and Water Security Parks and Water Security

1.10.2 Senior Officers Group Responsibilities for identified hazards have been allocated to Department of Environment, Marine oil spill (inside the port) Darwin Port Operator designated Controlling Authorities and Hazard Management Parks and Water Security The Senior Officers Group (SOG) is co-chaired by Authorities. Lead agencies for identified hazards are detailed representatives from the Northern Territory Emergency Rail crash NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service on the next page. Service and the Department of the Chief Minister and Storm surge NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Cabinet (CM&C). The role of the SOG is to provide support and advice to TEMC to ensure responsibilities defined by the Storm and water damage NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Act are met. The SOG is also responsible for progressing the

annual TEMC Strategic Plan. Structural collapse NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service

Terrorism NT Police Force NT Police Force

Tsunami NT Police Force NT Emergency Service

Water contamination (potable) Power and Water Corporation Power and Water Corporation

18 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 19 1.12 Northern Territory Emergency 1.12.1 Functional Group framework Management Arrangements Functional groups are integral to the effective management of emergency events across the NT. Their involvement The response to, and recovery from, an emergency event through the activation of the NTEMA supports a coordinated may require multi-agency support. This support is provided approach to strategic and operational emergency through the activation and coordination of government management objectives. Functional groups are designed to agencies and non-government organisations based on a Minister for Police, Fire & achieve specific emergency management outcomes and have Functional Group framework. The NTEMA lists 12 dedicated Emergency Services designated roles and responsibilities. functional groups that are established by this Plan. Functional groups are comprised of both government The NTEMA may be activated whenever: and non-government agencies. They are not Controlling • the Controlling Authority does not have the resources Authorities or Hazard Management Authorities; however, Territory Emergency to manage response operations effectively and requests some designated lead agencies have duel responsibilities. Management Council assistance through the Territory Controller. Many functional groups will be activated before and during STRATEGIC • the Territory Controller, in consultation with the TEMC, response operations and some may continue to operate determines that the Controlling Authority is not capable throughout the recovery phase, depending on the needs of effectively managing response operations. While of the impacted community. This is particularly relevant for Controlling Authority Hazard Management complex, protracted or significant emergency events. not a normal occurrence, a change of control will only Leader Authority Leader be effected after consultation between the Territory For NT emergency management practitioners a copy of Controller and the Chief Executive Officer of the the Functional Group Framework 2020 can found on the Controlling Authority. WebEOC File Library.

• a Controlling Authority is so directed by TEMC. 1.12.2 Functional Group lead agencies INCIDENT CONTROLLER • hazard-specific emergency plans indicate they should be The following table identifies the NTG lead agency for each EMERGENCY activated. of the functional groups. A comprehensive list of the roles, RESPONSE RECOVERY responsibilities, participating and supporting organisations OPERATIONS • the NTG, on advice from the TEMC, believes it is for each group: Annexure F. CENTRE appropriate. TERRITORY EMERGENCY RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS RESPONSE EMERGENCY TERRITORY

Table 3: Functional Group lead agencies ARRANGEMENTS COORDINATION RECOVERY TERRITORY

Incident Functional Group Lead Agency Controlling Functional Recovery Management Authority Group Liaison Coordination Team Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Digital and Telecommunications Group Department of Corporate and Digital Development REGIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS RESPONSE EMERGENCY REGIONAL Critical Goods and Services Group Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Hazard Hazard ARRANGEMENTS COORDINATION RECOVERY REGIONAL OPERATIONAL Management INCIDENT Management Emergency Shelter Group Department of Education Authority Authority LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS RESPONSE EMERGENCY LOCAL

Engineering Group Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics ARRANGEMENTS COORDINATION RECOVERY LOCAL

Medical Group Department of Health

Public Health Group Department of Health Functional Groups

Public Information Group Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet

Public Utilities Group Power and Water Corporation

Transport Group Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Diagram 3: Strategic verses Operational Emergency and Recovery Arrangements

Welfare Group Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities Note - Infographic does not denote reporting lines between strategic and operational environments

20 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 21 1.13 Role of local government states and territories where their individual resources are The NCM collectively identifies issues that need to be 1.16 Australian Government Crisis insufficient addressed and assesses the capabilities available to meet Municipal and regional councils play a key role in emergency Management Framework those challenges across all Australian government, industry management activities, particularly at the regional and local • providing a national disaster relief and recovery and community sectors. The Australian Government Crisis Management Framework level. Unlike other jurisdictions, local government does framework and resources on a cost-sharing basis with the (AGCMF) outlines the arrangements which enable the not have legislative responsibility to manage or control an other levels of government 1.15.3 Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre Australian Government’s ‘all hazards’ crisis management emergency event in the NT. approach. The main focus of the AGCMF is near-term crisis • providing vital information services such as Emergency Management Australia (EMA) is home to the preparedness, immediate crisis response and early crisis The Local Government Act 2008 provides scope for hazard meteorological, hydrological, geophysical and other Australian Government CCC. The all-hazards 24/7 centre recovery arrangements. reduction and mitigation efforts to be undertaken by local geo-data services that support warnings and disaster provides whole-of-government situational awareness to government associations. For example, fuel reduction and management inform national decision-making during a crisis. The centre Crises may include (but are not limited to) terrorist incidents, hazard mitigation activities contribute in the prevention and also coordinates physical Australian Government emergency cyber incidents, health pandemics, animal diseases, natural • providing surge capacity personnel in relation to call- preparedness phases of bushfire or cyclone incidents. The assistance and manages the National Security Hotline, vital disasters and incidents affecting Australians and/or Australian centre arrangements and disaster relief payments in the desire to protect a community and provide a contribution to to Australia’s national counter-terrorism efforts. interests overseas. response and recovery activities makes local government a Northern Territory through the Australian Government Requests for assistance from the Australian Government National plans and arrangements developed by Australian valuable asset across multiple emergency management phases. Services Australia. during an emergency event are coordinated through EMA Government agencies are required to reflect the roles and unless hazard-specific arrangements indicate otherwise. responsibilities set out in the AGCMF. 1.15 Australian Government Emergency The Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service The AGCMF provides Australian Government ministers 1.14 Relationship with the Australian is the first point of contact for the NT and is the Territory’s Management Arrangements and senior officials with guidance on their respective roles Government designated EMA requesting officer. All requests for Australian and responsibilities. It also sets out the arrangements that The role of the Australian Government in context of The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Government level assistance are submitted through the link ministers and the work of key officials, committees and emergency management is to: brings together Australia’s federal law enforcement, Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service. facilities. national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency • provide national leadership in collaborative action across 1.15.4 Australian Government plans The AGCMF aligns co-chair arrangements for the Australian management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and all levels of government in disaster research, information Government Disaster Recovery Committee (AGDRC) with immigration and border-related functions, working together Australian Government support for emergencies may be management and mitigation policy and practice those of its response equivalent, the Australian Government to keep Australia safe. provided under specific plans or under the COMDISPLAN Crisis Committee (AGCC) and reaffirms the importance of the • reduce risks and costs of disasters to the nation which describes the general arrangements for the centralised Australian state and territory governments have AGDRC in transition from response to relief and recovery. coordination and deployment of Australian Government responsibility for coordinating and planning for the response • provide warnings for weather and ocean-related hazards resources within Australia. to and recovery from emergencies within their borders. through the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and When the total resources (government, community and Under COMDISPLAN, the senior Northern Territory-based Geoscience Australia commercial) of an affected jurisdiction cannot reasonably representatives of Australian Government agencies may be • mobilise resources when state and territory disaster cope with the needs of the situation the nominated official authorised by their central offices to commit local resources response resources are insufficient can seek non-financial assistance from the Australian in support of Northern Territory emergency management Government under the Australian Government Disaster organisations. • provide national support for disaster relief and community Response Plan (COMDISPLAN). recovery A detailed list of Australian Government plans, including the 1.15.1 Emergency Management Australia identified NT Hazard Management Authority: Annexure H. • provide access to the Australian Business Register (ABR) for relevant agencies to source potential providers in Emergency Management Australia is a division of the 1.15.5 Australian Defence Force Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. times of an event. Immediate mobilisation of Defence assistance necessary to Emergency Management Australia, through the Australian In particular, the Australian Government has a major role in: save human life, alleviate immediate suffering, or prevent Government Crisis Coordination Centre (CCC), continuously substantial damage to or loss of property may be approved monitors and informs stakeholders on situations that may • coordinating national strategic emergency management by local Defence commanders if civilian resources cannot affect Australian jurisdictions. policy, in collaboration with the state and territory cope. These arrangements may not be subject to the governments and local government Emergency Management Australia is guided by the National provisions of the COMDISPLAN. Strategy for Disaster Resilience and leads the Australian • undertaking natural disaster research of national Defence assistance must not be planned for and the type of Government’s work on the United Nations’ global blueprint significance assistance provided should not be anticipated. to build the world’s resilience to natural disasters. • identifying national priorities for natural disaster The Northern Territory Defence Assistance to the Civil 1.15.2 National Coordination Mechanism mitigation in collaboration with other levels of Community (DACC) request process is aligned to the government The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Defence Assistance to the Civil Community Policy. activated the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) in A copy of the Policy can be found at: • providing support for disaster risk assessment and response to the spread of COVID-19. The role of the NCM is www.defence.gov.au/publications/docs/DACC-Policy.pdf mitigation measures, in conjunction with the states and to operate in conjunction with all jurisdictions to coordinate territories and local government whole-of-government responses to issues outside of the • providing operational support for disaster response to the direct health management of COVID-19.

22 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 23

ALICE SPRINGS | Hail storm 1.16.1 Hazard-specific national arrangements and functions 1.17 Model arrangements for leadership public messaging, in support of an affected state or territory. a. Biosecurity: National agreements are established that outline the requirements and arrangements for emergency during emergencies of national • The Prime Minister and the affected first Minister(s) will response to animal diseases, plant pests and environmental biosecurity. Under these agreements, jurisdictions are consequence consult on and deliver the key leadership messages to be required to have the capability, including legislation, to respond to biosecurity emergencies. The Biosecurity Act conveyed to the public. 2015 (Cwth) supersedes the Quarantine Act 1908 as Australian Government legislation and manages biosecurity The model arrangements represent how Australian Government threats to plant, animal and human health in Australia. departments would work together to coordinate the response • There will be communication, as appropriate, with all to and recovery from emergencies of national consequence not other states and territories to enable the sharing of key b. Civil aviation emergencies: Regulation of civil aviation is an Australian Government responsibility. However, covered by existing arrangements. In the event of an emergency information and public messages across jurisdictions. emergency management relating to emergencies involving aircraft is a shared arrangement between Australian of national consequence: • All jurisdictions will coordinate the development of Government agencies: for example, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), Air Services Australia, the • The Prime Minister and the affected first Minister(s) will public messages through established public information Australian Transport Safety Bureau, Australian Search and Rescue, and state and territory-level government consult as necessary to coordinate the response to and coordination arrangements. agencies, airline operators and airport owners and operators. The Australian Government Aviation Disaster recovery from the emergency, including policy, strategy and Response Plan (AUSAVPLAN) provides the national framework for managing aviation disasters.

c. Maritime emergencies: The Australian Government’s role is to ensure security, regulate trade and protect the sea Australian Government and marine environment from maritime pollution. Under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act Australian Government Prime Minister Public information 2003 (Cwth), the Australian Government regulates the security arrangements of Australian ports, port facilities, coordination mechanism coordination ships and security plans for offshore oil and gas facilities. Maritime emergencies could involve agencies such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Office of Transport Security within the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, and state or territory agencies. The Australian Established Nominated OR Government Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) operates a 24/7 Australian Search and Rescue body representatives Coordination Centre that provides high-tech search and rescue capabilities enabling rapid response to people in distress. COORDINATION ARRANGEMENTS Territory Emergency Public NTG Cabinet Management Council d. Maritime environmental emergencies: This is an extension of maritime emergencies arrangements that gives INTERJURISDICTIONAL Information Group (TEMC) effect to international conventions and integrates with Australian emergency management arrangements. The National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies sets out national arrangements, policies and principles for the management of maritime environmental emergencies. Diagram 4: Model arrangements for leadership during emergencies of national consequence

e. National Cyber Security Arrangements: The Australian Cyber Incident Management Arrangements (CIMA) these arrangements could be either through Emergency outlines the inter-jurisdictional coordination arrangements, roles and responsibilities, and principles for Australian 1.18 Relationships with other jurisdictions Management Australia, especially when there is significant governments’ cooperation in response to national cyber incidents. The National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) The NTG may call for assistance from other jurisdictions Australian Government involvement, or through current is the peak cyber security coordination body for Australian governments. The NCSC provides strategic oversight in the event of an emergency or provide assistance for an bilateral or multilateral arrangements, depending on the and coordination of governments’ cyber security policies and operational capabilities nationally. The Australian emergency in another jurisdiction. Initial coordination of nature of the emergency and agencies involved. Cyber Security Centre is the Australian Government’s lead agency on national cyber security operational matters and chairs the NCSC. The Department of Corporate and Digital Development is the NTG lead agency on cyber security and represents the NT Government at the NCSC.

Minister for Police, f. Counter-terrorism: The NT participates in and contributes to national counter-terrorism strategies and Prime Minister & Fire and Emergency Cabinet (PM&C) arrangements. The NTG has adopted a whole-of-government approach to managing the prevention of, Services AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT preparation for and response to terrorism and its consequences. This approach is based on cooperative and coordinated relationships among government departments and agencies and other relevant organisations. The NT utilises national and territory-based threat assessments, the national counter-terrorism alert level and risk assessment processes to determine the appropriate responses for specific sectors, events or individuals. The Territory Emergency Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) determine how best to respond to a threat and, where appropriate, Controller Director of the Emergency Australian implement protective measures to lower risk to an acceptable level. Where necessary, the NTPF will disseminate Northern Territory Management Defence Emergency Service Australia (EMA) Force (ADF) threat assessment information to relevant Territory interests. Territory Recovery Coordinator

g. Pandemic influenza emergencies: As declared under the NT Public and Environmental Health Act 2011, the Northern Territory Pandemic Plan establishes the Territory arrangements for the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery of NTG agencies during a pandemic. The Australian Government Department of Health Territory Emergency national plan (Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza) outlines the agreed arrangements Management Other Council (TEMC) Jurisdictions between Australian Government, state and territory governments for the management of an influenza pandemic. GOVERNMENT TERRITORY NORTHERN

Diagram 5: Relationships with other jurisdictions

24 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 25 2. Prevention

2.1 Definition 2.3 Emergency risk assessments Activities and measures aimed at reducing exposure and Emergency risk assessment is the process used to determine vulnerability to hazards, to reduce or eliminate risk. risk management priorities by evaluating and comparing the level of risk against predetermined standards or criteria. Prevention or mitigation includes identifying hazards, Risk assessments examine the risks and identify priorities assessing threats to life and property and taking measures to reduce the likelihood and impact of an emergency event to reduce potential loss of life and property damage. occurring.

Northern Territory emergency risk assessments align 2.2 Mitigation with the National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines (NERAG). Northern Territory Government agencies, non- Mitigation is one of the foundations for building a resilient government organisations and the local government sector community. Emergency mitigation means measures taken with an emergency management function should engage in in advance of or after an emergency aimed at decreasing risk assessment and prevention processes. or eliminating the impact on society and the environment. Greater investment in hazard mitigation is likely to reduce The guidelines are designed to provide a contextualised, the economic cost of natural disasters. Consideration of emergency-related risk assessment and prioritisation restoring infrastructure to a more resilient standard (build approach, nationally consistent with the Australian Standard back better) following an emergency event is essential in AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – principles and any cost-effective long-term rebuilding strategy. Mitigation guidelines. activities that are guided by active and coordinated risk NERAG Online is at: www.aidr.org.au/programs/national- assessments should be subject to rational benefit/cost emergency-risk-assessment-guidelines/ and social investment decision-making processes and

incorporated into normal government and private practices.

Mitigation strategies are developed based on a thorough understanding of hazards identified in emergency risk planning and their interaction with all aspects of society. The measures include:

• land use planning

• biosecurity and border control

• engineering (structural works)

• building codes

• business continuity planning

• public education

• increasing infrastructure resilience

• providing enhanced warning systems

• modifying behaviour.

KAKADU | Bushfire

26 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 27 3. Preparedness

3.1 Definition 3.3 Community education and adequate to implement them. Arrangements to ensure that, should an emergency occur, all engagement Exercises are conducted when the plan has not been enacted since the last review of the plan or substantial changes have occurred such as: those resources and services that are needed to cope with Effective and ongoing community education and the effects can be efficiently mobilised and deployed. preparedness programs that emphasise to communities the • legislative changes importance of practical and tested emergency plans and • major changes in the areas of key personnel, positions or functions safety strategies is essential. Empowering communities to 3.2 Northern Territory preparedness act in a timely and safe manner will minimise the loss of life, • new or emerging hazards or risks. personal injury and damage to property and contribute to Within the NT, emergency plans are developed at the Territory, the effectiveness of any warning system. Delivery of exercises is guided by the advice from the Territory, Regional or Local Emergency Controllers, the Territory regional and local level. In order to prepare for the impact of Recovery Coordinator, TEMC or as required by Functional Groups. emergency and disaster events, it is necessary to have:

• an alert, informed and resilient community 3.4 Planning • an understanding of disaster risk through comprehensive Emergency plans are required by the Act and are maintained emergency risk assessment processes at a Territory, regional and local level. Arrangements in plans aim to be flexible and scalable for all hazards. The planning • a program of prevention and mitigation activities to process enables agreements to be reached between people known and emerging hazards and organisations in meeting communities’ needs during • hazard-specific response plans to combat an emergency emergencies. The plan becomes a record of the agreements event made by contributing organisations to accept roles and responsibilities, provide resources and work cooperatively. • dedicated recovery plans for the restoration of physical, emotional, social and environmental wellbeing

• identification of those responsible for controlling and 3.5 Training and education coordinating emergency response and recovery activities The Act provides the legislative requirement for those • acceptance of support roles and responsibilities involved in emergency management activities to be appropriately trained. Training and education activities • cooperation between emergency services and others, are undertaken to ensure agencies are familiar with and and acceptance of one another’s role in emergency understand the NTEMA, as well as the relevant Controlling management and Hazard Management Authorities for identified hazards.

The NTES Emergency Management Training Unit (Learning Flooding • a coordinated approach to the use of all resources and Development Command) is responsible for emergency • shared responsibility where NTG agencies and local management training across the NT. government actively contribute to achieving integrated

and coordinated disaster resilience, and in turn, | PARK LITCHFIELD communities, individuals and households that take 3.6 Exercises responsibility for their own safety and act on advice Exercises are a key measure for testing the effectiveness of • arrangements to help communities help themselves to emergency plans and should be conducted at all levels and recover from emergencies. involve all agencies. Exercises ensure that plans are robust and understood, and that capabilities and resources are

28 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 29

LITCHFIELD PARK | Flooding 4. Response Strike Lightning FOGG DAM | | DAM FOGG

4.1 Definition 4.2 Emergency Committees 4.3 Australasian Inter-service Incident INCIDENT MANAGEMENT Actions taken in anticipation of, during, and immediately 4.2.1 Local Emergency Committees Management System after an emergency to ensure that its effects are minimised COORDINATION A Local Emergency Committee (LEC) is established by a The NTG adopts the Australasian Inter-service Incident Supports incident control through accessing and that people affected are given immediate relief and Local Controller under Section 80 of the Act to oversee Management System (AIIMS) to effectively manage response external resources and ensuring effective support. application of resources. emergency planning and operations in each locality. to, and recovery from, emergency events. AIIMS is a robust incident management system that enables 4.1.1 Governance arrangements for response The function of a LEC is to: the seamless integration of activities and resources of a • advise and assist the Local Controller for the locality in The NT responds to emergency events based on local, single agency or multiple agencies when applied to the CONTROL the exercise of his or her powers and the performance of regional and territory level response arrangements. resolution of any emergency or operational situation. Operates across agencies Governance structures, plans and supporting resource his or her functions Controlling and Hazard Management Authorities, as well deployment align with this hierarchy. • perform any other functions conferred on the LEC by the as functional groups, should align response and recovery Incident Controller (Control Authority) Controlling Authorities for identified hazards maintain TEMC or the Act. operations with the key principles of AIIMS. overall responsibility for immediate response operations. Localised emergency response arrangements are detailed in These principles are: The appointment of an Incident Controller is managed by Local Emergency Plans. the Controlling Authority. • flexibility Incident 4.2.2 Regional Emergency Committees • management by objectives Management Team 4.1.2 Response to major emergencies A Regional Emergency Committee (REC) is established by a The response to major emergencies may involve more than • functional management Planning Regional Controller under Section 58 of the Act to oversee one organisation and response activities will often involve a emergency planning and operations in each region. • unity of command Logistics number of functions simultaneously. The function of a REC is to: • span of control. Consequently, appropriate processes are required to ensure: Intelligence • direct resources for emergency operations in the region • all aspects of the emergency are efficiently, effectively 4.3.1 Command, Control, Coordination and Communication

COMMAND Operations and appropriately managed • advise and assist the Regional Controller of the region in A Controlling Authority will appoint an Incident Controller Public information the exercise of his or her powers and the performance of to assert operational command and control of response • cooperation between organisations his or her functions operations. Other requirements • all organisations achieve the response operation goals. LEVELS 1,2,3) (INCIDENT MANAGEMENT INCIDENT • perform any other functions conferred on the REC by the An Incident Controller, in accordance with the principles structure within management vertically Operates INCIDENT AREA 4.1.3 Emergency declarations and special powers TEMC or the Act. of AIIMS, may determine the need for assistance with functional management. The size, scale and complexity of some emergency events Regional emergency response arrangements are detailed This assistance is provided by way of an Incident may require special powers under the Act. in Regional Emergency Plans. Regional arrangements are Management Team (IMT). The functions and size of the When this occurs special powers for authorised officers activated when local emergency response arrangements are IMT will depend on the size, scale and complexity of the through the declaration of an ‘emergency situation’, ‘state insufficient. emergency event. Diagram 6: Incident Management - Relationship between Control, of emergency’ or ‘state of disaster’ can be made available. Command and Coordination

Emergency management bodies established by the Act support both strategic and operational priorities Activation of the NTEMA, regional or Territory emergency arrangements may trigger the deployment of Functional Group throughout response. liaison officers into the nominated Emergency Operations Centre. Functional group liaison officers complement and support an IMT by promoting an integrated approach to response and recovery operations.

30 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 31 4.3.2 Territory Crisis Coordination Centre Coordination Centre (RCC). See Chapter 5 for details on • key functional group tasks and activities including • the Northern Territory Regional Director, BoM (for recovery coordination. resource capability. weather and flood-related events). Under the National Counter-Terrorism Plan, the states, territories and the Commonwealth are committed to the 4.3.4 Incident Control Centres WebEOC also enables real-time information sharing across Controlling Authorities and Hazard Management Authorities development and maintenance of a nation-wide capability to all NTG agencies involved in emergency management may have the pre-planned use of SEWS for non-weather Incident Control Centres (ICCs) will be established as counter terrorism and its consequences. activities. related events approved by virtue of an approved hazard- required by a Controlling Authority to provide an identified specific emergency plan. The Territory Crisis Coordination Centre (T3C) is activated facility for the management of all activities necessary for the in response to a terrorist act, security incident or significant resolution of an incident. When activated, the functions of 4.4 Warnings and alerts 4.4.3 Bureau of Meteorology threat. The role of the T3C is to: the ICC are: 4.4.1 Emergency Alert system The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is Australia’s national • support the Chief Minister, ministers and senior officials • collection, analysis and dissemination of information to weather, climate and water agency. Its expertise and services the media, general public, supporting agencies and control Emergency Alert is a national telephony-based emergency • liaise with the Australian Government and other state and assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of their structure warning system that can deliver warning messages to territory governments. natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, landlines and mobile handsets based on the service address tsunami and tropical cyclones. Through regular forecasts, • development and implementation of plans to resolve the and mobile handsets based on the last known location of the 4.3.3 Emergency Operations Centre warnings, monitoring and advice, the BoM provides one incident device. An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is a facility designed of the most fundamental and widely used services of to meet the needs of an IMT and supporting personnel • acquisition and tasking of resources required to resolve The NTPFES are responsible for the management of the government for the NT. throughout the course of an emergency event. It acts as a the incident Emergency Alert system in the NT. central facility from which information is received, collated, • preparation and issue of official warnings and advice to The NT Emergency Alert Protocol provides the relevant analysed and disseminated. 4.5 Public information impacted communities Hazard Management Authority with a consistent set of An EOC will be established by the relevant Emergency guidelines for warnings, and in particular, the use of the 4.5.1 SecureNT.nt.gov.au | Northern Territory Government • tracking and acquittal of expenditure incurred to resolve Emergency Alert system. Controller in response to a major emergency event. This may The SecureNT website is designed to support community the incident. occur at the Territory, regional or local level. Approval for the release of an emergency alert message can resilience by providing information about preparing for, The function of an EOC is to effect operational control and Agencies and functional groups should establish their own only be authorised by any of the following: responding to and recovering from a range of hazardous operation centres (crisis management centres, command events. SecureNT is owned and maintained by CM&C. coordination of all resources required to effectively manage • the Territory Controller response operations. An EOC is scaled up, or down, in centres, function-specific IMTs) as appropriate to provide a Supported by Facebook and Twitter, SecureNT is the central accordance with the key principles of AIIMS depending on central focus to the management, control and coordination • the Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service online point of information for the public and media to the size, scale and complexity of the emergency event. for their own resources. receive all NTG information during an emergency event. • one Regional Controller (Northern Region or SecureNT: www.securent.nt.gov.au A large-scale emergency will trigger the activation of an EOC 4.3.5 Incident Control Points Southern Region) equipped with sufficient staff and communications facilities 4.5.2 Australian Broadcasting Corporation An Incident Control Point (ICP) is normally located near • the Executive Director, Bushfires NT to coordinate Territory-wide resources, seek Australian the incident in its early stages but may be relocated to an The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia’s Government support and provide streamlined public ICC where more permanent and convenient facilities and • the Chief Fire Control Officer, Bushfires NT. national emergency broadcaster. information via media outlets and other means. services are available. Authority to use an Emergency Alert may be given by virtue The ABC NT will endeavour to provide local emergency Once the NTEMA are activated, liaison officers from 4.3.6 WebEOC of the approval of a hazard-specific emergency plan. broadcasting on ABC Radio, ABC TV, ABC News 24, online each Functional Group attend the EOC as required by the and on social media platforms 24 hours a day, for as long as Controlling Authority. Key functions within an EOC include: WebEOC (web-based Emergency Operations Centre) is a 4.4.2 Standard Emergency Warning Signal necessary. Cyclone, fire, flood and other emergency alert critical information management system used throughout • information collection, collation, analysis and information will be broadcast to the public during emergency the NT for emergency management activities. The system is The Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) is an audio dissemination events. owned and maintained by NTPFES. alert signal (wailing siren) that may be broadcast on public • preparation and issue of official warnings and advice to media channels to draw attention to the fact that an urgent The ABC NT will work collaboratively with the Public The online platform is used for the coordination of multi- the public safety message is about to be made. Generally, SEWS is Information Group; as well as Controlling Authorities to agency response to, and recovery from, an emergency only played before announcements concerning significant improve communication flow in the lead-up to peak danger event. WebEOC provides the capacity to record real-time • coordination of the provision of resources required by the emergencies, and emergency management arrangements periods (e.g. cyclone and bushfire prone months). information relevant to an emergency including: Incident Controller should be activated in these situations. • a statement of intent • requesting Australian Government resources Responsibility for the management of the SEWS within the 4.6 Closure of schools • common operating picture including real-time situational NT rests with the NTPFES in conjunction with the Northern • briefing the Regional Controller, Territory Controller and The decision to close schools due to an impending threat awareness Territory Regional Director of Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) TEMC will be made by the Chief Minister on advice from the for meteorological purposes. TEMC. When the nature of an emergency event demands • incident action plans or recovery coordination plans • dissemination of information to the general public via the Approval for the release of a SEWS message can only be an immediate response, a Controlling Authority will take the media and other means. • designated Controlling and Hazard Management authorised by: appropriate steps to ensure the safety to the public. This Authority action may include the temporary closure of a school to Once transition to recovery has occurred, and if deemed • the Territory Controller begin preparations, pending formal closure of the school by necessary, an EOC may transition into a Recovery • critical decisions made by the Incident Controller • the Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service the Chief Minister for the remainder of the emergency event.

32 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 33 The decision to re-open schools will be made by the Chief Responsibility for the management of designated emergency 4.10 Evacuations 4.11 Welfare Recovery Centres Minister on advice from the Chief Executive Officer of shelters during an emergency event is as follows: Evacuation is a risk management strategy used to mitigate Welfare Recovery Centres (WRC) are one-stop-shops the Department of Education based on advice from the • it is the responsibility of shelter owners to provide the the effects of an emergency on a community. It involves the that provide a range of support services to an affected Controlling Authority’s Incident Controller. personnel to both manage and operate the shelters when movement of people to a safer location and their return. community. Accommodation services are not provided. they are activated 4.7 Closure of government offices The NT adopts a five-stage evacuation process: Types of services that may be provided in a WRC may • operational training for emergency shelter managers is include: • decision The decision to close government offices due to an the responsibility of the Emergency Shelter Group • financial support and advice impending threat will be made by the Chief Minister on • warning • provision of security at emergency shelters during an advice from the TEMC. When the nature of an emergency • insurance advice demands an immediate response, a Controlling Authority will emergency event is the responsibility of the NTPF. • withdrawal take all appropriate steps to ensure public safety through the • psychological support or counselling Emergency shelters are opened under the direction of the • shelter protection of human life and property. Territory or Regional Controller in consultation with the • emergency accommodation information • return. The decision to reopen government offices will be made by Emergency Shelter Group. Emergency shelters will not • recovery information the Chief Minister on advice from the TEMC. normally operate for more than 48 hours. Evacuation planning in the NT encompasses all five stages, Northern Territory Government agencies maintain dedicated Although staffed by NTPF, St John Ambulance and other acknowledging that an operation is not complete until • public health information. internal emergency plans and protocols that determine volunteers, an emergency shelter offers minimal support members of an evacuated community are returned to their Establishment and coordination of WRCs is led by the Welfare procedures for evacuation or closing down an office or office services. People accessing an emergency shelter are homes. Group (TFHC). Centres may continue to operate throughout building. All plans and protocols should clearly articulate expected to be self-sufficient and provide their own food Once a decision is made to evacuate a community, the response and recovery phases of an emergency event. employee guidelines to ensure employees know when they and emergency supplies. following should be considered by the Controlling Authority: are authorised to leave and when they are required to return Cyclone shelters should be checked annually in accordance • public information on the need for an evacuation to work. 4.12 Register.Find.Reunite. registration with the Northern Territory Cyclone Shelter Framework and • embarkation processes and enquiry system 4.7.1 Key government employees Cyclone Shelter Database. The Framework and Database are owned and maintained by the Emergency Shelter Group. The Australian Red Cross, in partnership with the Australian • registration or tracking procedures (paper based or Northern Territory Government agencies identify key Government Attorney-General’s Department, manages the For emergency management practitioners a copy of the electronic) government employees who have service delivery or system Register.Find.Reunite. to help reunite families, friends management responsibilities during emergency events. framework is available in the WebEOC file library. • reception arrangements and loved ones separated by an emergency. This includes when other employees have been released Emergency shelter locations for the public are available via Register.Find.Reunite. is a voluntary registration and from duty. SecureNT: www.securent.nt.gov.au/home • provision of temporary accommodation enquiry service for people impacted by an emergency. It Employees should be clear about (and trained in) their • repatriation arrangements. registers, finds and reunites family, friends and loved ones emergency responsibilities and related work, health and through a web-based filing and retrieval system. It provides 4.9 Evacuation Centres and Welfare An Evacuation Centre may be established when safety requirements. basic details on the whereabouts of people affected by accommodation and support are required in response to an Assembly Centres an emergency to their family and approved authorities evacuation. 4.8 Emergency shelter Evacuation Centres and Welfare Assembly Centres (WAC) supporting the emergency response and recovery. provide emergency accommodation for a community An Evacuation Centre is designed to accommodate people Within the NT, Register.Find.Reunite. can be initiated by Emergency shelters and places of refuge are buildings or following the impact of a hazard. These facilities are not for short to medium periods of time, which may vary from a either the Territory or Regional Controller without the structures that provide people with a place of protection and designed to provide protection from the hazard. few days to several weeks. national system being activated. The Australian Red Cross or shelter during an emergency event such as a cyclone, flood, The management of Evacuation Centres and WACs is the Evacuation Centres may be established in major population the NTPF will use manual or local computer procedures to fire or tsunami. responsibility of the Welfare Group, led by the NTG Department centres for remote communities severely impacted by an record details of disaster affected persons. Overall coordination and the provision of emergency of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (TFHC). event or in anticipation of a large-scale event likely to cause National activation of the system may be necessary when shelters, as well as the development of operational policies significant impacts. In regional centres, emergency shelters may transition into the number of registrations or enquiries has the potential to and plans pertaining to emergency sheltering arrangements, WACs if deemed necessary: for example, significant damage An Evacuation Centre aims to meet the immediate essential overwhelm the processing capacity of the NT. The Regional are the responsibility of the Emergency Shelter Group. This has been caused to homes, essential services and other needs of individuals and families and promote self-efficacy. Controller will forward a national activation request to the group is led by the NTG Department of Education as defined infrastructure, and immediate support after the impact of a Some or all of the following services may be provided: meals, Red Cross Emergency Services Manager NT and will enable at Annexure F. hazard is needed for a sustained period of time. beds, linen, personal support, access to medical services Red Cross to activate other jurisdictions to assist. Cyclone shelters are a specific type of emergency shelter and recreational activities. These services are in contrast to In most cases, a WAC will be established in the same location Register.Find.Reunite. is available online at that provide shelter during a severe tropical cyclone. an emergency shelter, where occupants are expected to be as an emergency shelter, as these will be a natural focal point www.register.redcross.org.au A cyclone shelter is developed to provide physical protection self-sufficient. for people affected by an event, particularly those who used from structural failure and building collapse caused by the shelter during the impact of an event. The opening of an Evacuation Centre should be in accordance destructive winds and provide protection from airborne with the NT Evacuation Centre Guide. For NT emergency 4.13 Impact assessment missiles and water inundation. It also provides a point of focus for emergency response and management practitioners a copy of the Evacuation Centre recovery managers in the initial stages of relief efforts. Immediately after an emergency event, there is a need to Local emergency plans identify buildings designated as Guide is available in the WebEOC file library. A WAC may remain open for three days or more. identify and assess impacts to inform short and long-term emergency shelters, including cyclone shelters, in each locality.

34 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 35 recovery priorities. Comprehensive assessment of all impacts local resources in support of NT emergency management is a vital component of emergency response activities. organisations. Guidelines for the conduct of rapid assessments in the NT, 4.15.1 Australian Defence Force support including the establishment of dedicated Rapid Assessment Teams (RATs) to collect data in the field, have been Immediate mobilisation of Defence assistance necessary to developed. The Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment save human life, alleviate immediate suffering, or prevent Group, led by NTPFES, is responsible for coordinating rapid substantial damage to or loss of property may be approved impact assessments. by local Defence commanders if civilian resources cannot cope. All requests for Defence aid should be progressed For NT emergency management practitioners a copy of through the Director of the Northern Territory Emergency the Impact Assessment Guideline and supporting training Service. manuals for the conduct of RATs is available in the WebEOC file library. 4.15.2 Financial support arrangements

A range of financial assistance measures is available during 4.14 Assistance to the Australian emergencies in the NT. The principal financial assistance Government mechanism is the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which are a joint funding arrangement between the Assistance to the Australian Government may be provided Australian and Northern Territory governments. under a series of separate plans for response to specific The NTG Department of Treasury and Finance administers events. The national plans, guidelines and protocols most the arrangements, which provide assistance for: likely to be used are listed at Annexure H. • counter-disaster operations

• individuals through personal hardship and distress 4.15 Australian Government assistance payments arrangements • small businesses, primary producers and not-for profit When the Northern Territory’s total resources (government, organisations community and commercial) cannot reasonably deal with a situation, the NT can request Australian Government • reconstruction of NTG assets associated with transport, assistance, including financial assistance and human and health, education, justice or welfare, such as roads and material resources). buildings

This assistance may already be deployed within the NT in the • community recovery. form of an Australian Government department or it may be necessary for a specific form of assistance to be transported The Australian Government also provides financial assistance to the Territory. The criteria for enabling the provision of through: physical Australian Government support are: • the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment • assistance required to save life or property or relieve (for significant events) suffering • flexible welfare arrangements • the task is beyond the resources of the NT or resources • special measures. cannot be mobilised in time

• the task cannot be undertaken by commercial means within the NT.

Australian Government assistance is coordinated in accordance with the COMDISPLAN, which details the provision of Australian Government non-financial assistance to Australian states and territories in an emergency event.

Under COMDISPLAN, the senior Northern Territory-based representative of the Australian Government agencies may be authorised by their central offices to commit

GARRAMILLA BOULEVARD | Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Communications and Engagement Unit

36 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 37 5. Recovery Bushfire Arrangements | KAKADU

• ensure current instructions, policies and procedures for • where possible, ‘build back better’ 5.1 Definition Territory Recovery Regional and Local Recovery Coordinators are readily Coordinating recovery The coordinated process and measures for supporting • successfully complete the recovery action plan available operations across the regions emergency-affected communities in reconstruction of the • perform any other functions conferred on the Territory physical infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, Region Recovery Recovery Coordinator by the Council or the Act. economic and physical well-being. 5.4 Recovery governance Supporting and coordinating recovery operations Recovery operations across the NT are coordinated across three levels: local, regional and Territory. 5.2 Recovery principles 5.7 Regional Recovery Coordinator While recovery coordination is undertaken at the regional The Territory Recovery Coordinator may appoint a Regional Recovery operations in the NT are underpinned by the Local Recovery level, it is managed at the local level in the first instance. Local capabilities Recovery Coordinator for a region that has been affected by national principles for emergency recovery. The national Territory recovery coordination is undertaken when recovery supporting recovery an event. principles for successful recovery are: coordination is needed across two regions simultaneously. activities The role of the Regional Recovery Coordinator is to: • understand the context: understanding the community Each level of recovery effort has a corresponding Recovery context, with each community having its own history, • coordinate the assessment of recovery and restoration Coordinator and Recovery Committee to support values and dynamics requirements in the region operations. Diagram 8: Recovery Governance • recognise complexity: responsive to the complex and • determine recovery priorities and develop a recovery dynamic nature of both emergencies and the community (TEMC) 5.5 Key roles and responsibilities action plan Key recovery positions within the Northern Territory include: • use community-led approaches: community-centred, Territory • direct and coordinate recovery operations in the region responsive and flexible, engaging with community and Coordinator • Territory Recovery Coordinator (CM&C CEO) • ensure that the Territory Recovery Coordinator’s supporting them to move forward • Regional Recovery Coordinator instructions, policies and procedures are complied with • coordinate all activities: planned, coordinated and Regional Recovery Coordination Committee • Local Recovery Coordinators • take responsibility for the care and maintenance of adaptive approach, between community and partner Regional equipment made available to the region by the Territory agencies, based on continuing assessment of impacts and • Functional Groups. Coordinator needs (CM&C SERT • appoint a Local Recovery Coordinator for a locality within Director) the region that has been affected by an event • communicate effectively: effective communication between the affected community and other partners Local Recovery 5.6 Territory Recovery Coordinator • establish and chair the Recovery Coordination Committee Coordination Committee The Chief Executive Officer of the NTG Department of • acknowledge and build capacity: recognises, supports • perform any other functions conferred on the Regional Local Coordinators the Chief Minister and Cabinet is the Territory Recovery and builds on individual, community and organisational Recovery Coordinator by the Territory Recovery (CM&C Regional Coordinator, responsible for coordinating and directing capacity and resilience. Coordinator or the Act. Executive Directors) recovery operations in the NT. Diagram 7: Recovery Governance Coordination The role of the Territory Recovery Coordinator is to: Wherever possible, the coordination of recovery operations 5.3 Recovery objectives • coordinate and direct recovery operations in the Territory is managed at the local level. Recovery coordination 5.8 Local Recovery Coordinator Incorporating the national recovery principles in all aspects arrangements are scalable, depending on the size • co-chair the TEMC Local Recovery Coordinators supervise recovery operations of recovery operations, the emergency recovery objectives and impact of the emergency event. Early advice and in affected localities. Local Recovery Coordinators may of the NT are to: information is therefore critical to facilitate planning, • appoint Regional and Local Recovery Coordinators be appointed by the Regional Recovery Coordinator for a decision making and to activate the most appropriate locality within an affected region. • deliver recovery across the social, built, natural and • establish and direct Regional and Local Recovery mechanisms to assist with recovery. economic environment Committees

38 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 39 The Local Recovery Coordinator is subject to the directions The committee is chaired by the Regional Recovery The committee is chaired by the Local Recovery Coordinator. Impacts on the built environment may include: of the Regional Recovery Coordinator. Coordinator. 5.12.1 Functions of the Local Recovery Coordination • damage to essential services, power, water, food security, The role of the Local Recovery Coordinator includes: 5.11.1 Functions of the Regional Recovery Coordination Committee fuel, sewerage, gas, communications and internet Committee • coordinate the assessment of recovery and restoration • advise and assist the Local Recovery Coordinator • loss of community infrastructure; for example, public requirements in the locality • advise and assist the Regional Recovery Coordinator buildings, schools, hospitals, iconic buildings • direct resources for recovery operations in the locality • work with the Regional Recovery Coordinator to • direct resources for recovery operations in the region • loss of or damage or disruption to transport services • perform any other functions conferred on it by the determine recovery priorities and develop a recovery (for example, roads, air, marine and rail transport • perform any other functions conferred on it by the Territory Recovery Coordinator, Regional Recovery action plan infrastructure, facilities and assets), which has a flow-on Territory Recovery Coordinator or the Act. Controller or the Act. effect on the movement of people and goods, and on • direct and coordinate recovery operations in the locality 5.11.2 Regional Recovery Coordination Committee members 5.12.2 Local Recovery Coordination Committee Members transport and traffic management on transport networks • ensure that the instructions, policies and procedures (for example, road and rail closures, detours, vehicle • Regional Recovery Coordinator for the region (chair) • Local Recovery Coordinator for the locality (chair) of the Territory Recovery Coordinator and the Regional permits and regulatory services, passenger transport, road Recovery Coordinator for the region are complied with • Regional Controller for the region • Local Controller for the locality traffic management systems)

• take responsibility for the care and maintenance of • Local Recovery Coordinator for a locality in (or partly in) • any other person the committee considers necessary or • loss of property (residential, rural, industrial, public) equipment made available to the Local Recovery the region desirable to appoint. • subsequent changes to planning and building regulations, or Coordinator by the Territory • at least 11 persons appointed by the council as planning scheme overlays, as a consequence of the disaster. • chair their Local Recovery Coordination Committee mentioned below 5.13 Recovery environments • champion community-led recovery outcomes • any other person the committee considers necessary or Recovery operations focus on four nationally identified 5.16 Natural environment desirable to appoint. • perform any other functions conferred on the Local environments: social, built, natural and economic. Recovery The impact on the natural environment may occur as a direct Recovery Coordinator by the Territory Recovery effort in each environment depends on the type of hazard 5.11.3 Appointed members result of the disaster or may be a secondary impact resulting Coordinator, the Regional Recovery Coordinator or the Act. and scale of impact. For example, a cyclone may cause large from the disaster or recovery process. Impact of the natural Appointed members, to be nominated by their Chief scale impact to all four environments, while a pandemic may environment may include: Executive Officer or equivalent, will be representatives of the require greater recovery effort across the economic and following organisations: 5.9 Functional Groups social environments. • air • the Northern Territory Emergency Service As outlined in the NT Functional Group framework, • water and waterways functional groups are the mechanism for supporting a • agency primarily responsible for health 5.14 Social environment • land and soil coordinated approach to recovery operations. Functional • agency primarily responsible for community welfare groups are activated during response to a major emergency The social environment includes consideration for people’s • plants and animals. services event and transition to recovery as required. They provide a social wellbeing. Social wellbeing occurs when a person’s essential needs are met. These needs include the ability to key role in supporting regional recovery efforts. • agency primarily responsible for public housing work; access an income or welfare support; access to food, 5.17 Economic environment • agency primarily responsible for infrastructure water, shelter, social and medical services; and a sense of Impacts on the economic environment can be classified feeling safe and secure. Impact to the social environment 5.10 Recovery Committees • agency primarily responsible for roads and transport as direct and indirect. Direct economic loss is the cost of may include: direct damage to physical assets in an affected area. Indirect Recovery Committees are established to support recovery • agency primarily responsible for education • wealth economic loss is defined as losses that have a dollar value coordination. Each committee is an emergency management easily assigned but are intangible. Impacts on the economic body with legislated functions, powers and memberships. • Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet • employment environment may include: Meeting proceedings are conducted in accordance with • Power and Water Corporation Schedule 1 of the Act. • amenities • loss of personal income • each local government council for a local government area Powers include: • health services • damage to business premises or infrastructure in (or partly in) the region • the powers necessary to perform its functions • social services • loss of tourism activities • non-government welfare agencies, nominated by the • any other powers conferred on it by the Act. Regional Recovery Coordinator. • social belongings • loss of workforce

• recreation and leisure activities. • loss of productive land. 5.11 Regional Recovery Coordination 5.12 Local Recovery Coordination Committee Committee 5.15 Built environment 5.18 Recovery planning Regional Recovery Coordination Committees are established Local Recovery Coordination Committees are established to The built environment includes the physical, social and to support local recovery efforts when capacity is exceeded In the event of a significant emergency event, planning for assist with recovery operations for the locality. critical infrastructure that supports the community. and to assist in coordinating resources across the region. recovery will occur concurrently with the initial response.

40 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 41 ALICE SPRINGS | COVID-19 Border checks

Initial planning activities are crucial as they directly influence Transition to recovery activities may commence with respective response tasks and are focusing on early and inform the transition checklist, transition to recovery response operations through the development of a transition recovery priorities process and the Recovery Action Plan. to recovery checklist. The Territory Controller and the • a recovery coordination structure has been developed Territory Recovery Coordinator, in consultation with the Activities may include: and is ready to be activated TEMC and on advice from the Regional Controller and • assessment of the impacted area against the four Regional Recovery Coordinator, will formally transition from • a Recovery Action Plan has been developed using impact environments (impact assessment) response to recovery. and needs assessments. • gap analysis of capabilities to support recovery operations Formal transition to recovery will only occur after: The Regional Recovery Coordinator will notify functional in the impacted area • completion of the transition checklist groups and other key stakeholders of the transition to • understanding the community context recovery with the establishment of the Regional Recovery • the Territory Controller has briefed the TEMC and the Coordination Committee. • development of a Recovery Action Plan to outline Territory Recovery Coordinator 5.19.2 Relief priorities for community recovery and restoration of • the Regional Controller has briefed the Regional Recovery essential services. Immediate relief measures ensure that affected community Coordinator, and members have access to basic needs such as physical, social • where there is a significant changeover of personnel, and psychological services. Immediate relief for impacted 5.19 Phases of recovery the Emergency Operations Centre planning, operations communities may be facilitated initially during response and logistics sections have briefed incoming recovery and continue throughout recovery. Relief activities are There are five key phases to recovery: transition to recovery planning, operations and logistics staff. coordinated by the NTG Department of the Chief Minister (activation), relief, early recovery, medium to long term and Cabinet. Activities are often operationalised and recovery and transition to business as usual (BAU). Recovery Transition to Recovery Checklist implemented by functional groups in line with the NTEMA. effort in each phase largely depends on the impact of the The transition checklist may include the following: event and the level of disruption to the community. Relief activities could include those such as animal welfare • survey and rescue operations are complete activities, public health measures, access to DRFA payments The timeframes for each phase are directly related to the • clearance of main arterial roads is complete or the establishment of an evacuation centre or WRC. 5.19.3 Early recovery

Early recovery focuses on restoring essential services and ensuring people have access to basic needs, including temporary shelter options, social and medical services, opening of education and schooling for children.

Plans to reopen businesses and returning to routine for community members are included in the early recovery phase. Disaster event 5.19.4 Long-term recovery

A severe or catastrophic event may require a prolonged, Ongoing Relief Long-term Ongoing complex recovery period. In order to meet the social, community recovery community economic and physical recovery and reconstruction needs development development of the community, government may decide that a single

LEVEL ACTIVITY LEVEL OF work work Early authority or entity is to be established to deliver the recovery government’s program. TIME The establishment of a single authority or entity would enable a prioritised and coordinated approach to work being Diagram 9: Phases of Recovery undertaken in an efficient and effective manner.

5.19.5 Transition to business as usual

Transition to business as usual (BAU) generally occurs impact and disruption to the community and capability and • first round impact assessments are complete, and an when the objectives of the recovery action plan have capacity to recover, as shown in Diagram 9. initial assessment of the impact of the event has been been achieved. The TEMC will be advised by the Territory developed 5.19.1 Transition to recovery Recovery Coordinator and provide its endorsement. The • joint visit to the affected location(s) has been undertaken transition to BAU at the regional level represents a return Transition from response to recovery operations represents to normality; however, longer-term recovery efforts may a fundamental shift away from protection of human life • evacuation(s) of impacted communities have been continue at the local level. and supporting the immediate needs of the community to completed to the shelter phase (where required) establishing longer-term, more sustainable support structures. • the majority of functional groups have completed their

42 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 43

PUBLIC INFORMATION SUPPORT | COVID-19 Taskforce 6. Debrief process Flooding and management of lessons learned | AUSTRALIA CENTRAL

Debrief processes embed continuous improvement into the 6.3 Internal organisational debrief 6.4 Multi-agency whole of government 6.5 Lessons management process delivery of emergency management activities. Consistent An internal debrief should occur when: debrief Lessons management is an overarching term that refers to approaches to lessons learned encourage adaptability, the collecting, analysing and disseminating experiences from and flexibility across all levels of government. Sharing of • significant injury has been sustained by responders The whole of government debrief should be conducted for all operations. The intent of a whole of government debrief knowledge and experiences throughout emergency events or the public; or where there was a serious actual risk emergency events that require a multi-agency response. This process is to ensure that a Controlling Authority’s ability to assists with ongoing continuous improvement of people and (near miss) debrief should be facilitated by the Controlling Authority and respond to an emergency event evolves. organisations involved. held within 28 days of the event. • substantial resources were engaged by the agency In doing this, NTG agencies will become true lessons The NTG implements a lessons learned approach If the management of the emergency event is ongoing, it will managed agencies. recognising the positive impact on organisational culture • significant operational gaps were identified be necessary to hold regular internal debriefs as operation commensurate with increasing opportunities to achieve objectives are reached. This debrief should focus on the The Whole of Government Debrief Process and Lessons • significant property damage occurred, or emergency management goals. Whilst lessons learned often effectiveness of inter-agency coordination. Management document aims to ensure learnings are begins in one agency through an internal debrief process, • issues related to the recovery phase. The process should identify strengths and weaknesses as translatable across multiple organisations. those lessons learned are transferable across multi-agencies. well as areas for development and improvement. This debrief should be held within 14 days of the event. If For NT emergency management practitioners a copy of the the management of the event is ongoing, it will be necessary A formal debrief report is to be formulated to ensure document is available in the WebEOC file library. to hold regular internal debriefs as operation objectives are consistency in the approach to the collation of information 6.1 Circumstances under which reached. for the debrief process. This report covers off on the debriefs are required following areas: Internal debriefs need to identify key stakeholders within During any operational response, personnel involved are the Controlling Authority structure that play a role in the • date of the debrief and persons in attendance encouraged to record activities where there are lessons delivery of emergency management outcomes. It should • sequence of events, response measures and arrival to be learned. Activities can include decision making and only address organisational issues, not personal issues, actions of functional areas consequential responses. and should look at both strengths and weaknesses to Where decisions are made by an Incident Controller, guide future training and development. It also provides an • what went well including facets that may have exceeded Incident Management Team member or a Functional Group opportunity to thank staff and provide positive feedback. expectations and why this was the case member, those decisions should be recorded in a Decision • what did not go well and why did this occur Log. Decision Logs can be referred to as part of the debrief process. • was there sufficient capacity and capability across key functions of emergency response and recovery operations

6.2 Hot debrief (immediately post event) • other related issues that contributed to the execution of response and recovery operations A hot debrief is usually held immediately after response operations are complete or when a person concludes their • open discussion points shift. It allows rapid capture of real-time feedback aimed • review and record of findings and how action items will be at addressing pressing or immediate concerns. This is a key monitored time to address any health or safety issues and provides an opportunity for instant feedback. • welfare and recognition of all personnel involved.

44 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 45 7. Plan Administration

7.1 Approval process for NT emergency plans In accordance with the Act, the Territory Emergency Plan must be prepared by the Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service and submitted to the Territory Emergency Management Council for approval.

In accordance with the Act, regional and local emergency plans must be prepared and submitted to the Territory Emergency Controller for approval.

Hazard-specific plans must be approved by the relevant Controlling Authority.

Functional Group plans or governance arrangements may be approved by the designated lead agency.

7.2 Review and amendments In accordance with the Act, the Director of the Northern Territory Emergency Service must review the operations and effectiveness of the Territory Emergency Plan at least once every 12 months.

Suggestions for amendments can be forwarded at any time to:

Director, Northern Territory Emergency Service

Peter McAulay Centre, McMillans Road Berrimah

PO Box 39764 Winnellie NT 0821

Tel: 08 8922 3630

[email protected]

Subject field: Northern Territory Emergency Plans Amendment

7.3 Distribution This plan is a public document and is on the NT Emergency Service website www.pfes.nt.gov.au/Emergency-Service/Publications-and-forms.aspx and the SecureNT website www.securent.nt.gov.au

7.4 Glossary As defined in Annexure I.

7.5 Acronyms As defined in Annexure J.

LNG TANKER AT GAS TERMINAL | Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

46 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 47 Annexure A: Territory Emergency Management Council membership 8. Annexures Title Agency Role

Territory Emergency Controller Northern Territory Police Force Co-chairperson

Territory Recovery Coordinator Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Co-chairperson

Director Northern Territory Emergency Service Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Department of Education Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Corporate and Digital Development Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Health Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Member

Under Treasurer Department of Treasury and Finance Member

Chief Fire Officer Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service Member

Deputy Commissioner of Police Northern Territory Police Force Member

Commissioner for Public Employment Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment Member

Chief Executive Officer Power and Water Corporation Member

Chief Executive Officer Department of Attorney-General and Justice Member

Observers or subject matter experts may also be invited to attend TEMC meetings. These may include:

• Australian Defence Force – Joint Operations Support Staff (JOSS)

• Bureau of Meteorology

• Territory Generation

• senior officers or advisors

• other NTG departments and Hazard Management Authorities as required.

48 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 49 Annexure B: Northern Territory emergency management regional boundary map Annexure C: Territory, regional and local emergency plans

Regional Emergency Plans PIRLANGIMPI

MINJILANG Northern Region Emergency Plan Southern Region Emergency Plan MILIKAPITI WURRUMIY WARRUWI ANGA MILINGIMBI GALIWINKU GUNBALANYA MANINGRIDA NHULUNBUY DARWIN RAMINGINING Northern Local Emergency Plans JABIRU GAPUWIYAK (LAKE EVELLA) BATCHELOR Darwin Maningrida ADELAIDE RIVER

PINE CREEK ALYANGULA Adelaide River Maranboy DALY RIVER BULMAN UMBAKUMBA ANGURUGU PEPPIMENARTI NUMBULWAR Batchelor Mataranka MARANBOY WADEYE KATHERINE Milikapiti Kalkarindji NGUKURR MATARANKA Pirlangimpi Minjilang MINYERRI TIMBER CREEK Wurrumiyanga Minyerri

Borroloola Ngukurr BORROLOOLA Bulman Nhulunbuy NORTHERN REGION NORTHERN Daly River Numbulwar KALKARINDJI ELLIOTT Galiwinku Peppimenarti

Groote Eylandt Pine Creek

LAJAMANU Gunbalanya Ramingining

Jabiru Timber Creek

Katherine Wadeye TENNANT CREEK AVON DOWNS Lake Evella Warruwi

Lajamanu Yarralin ALI CURUNG ALPURRURULAM

Southern Local Emergency Plans TI TREE ARLPARRA YUENDUMU Alice Springs Kintore

Ali Curung Kulgera PAPUNYA HARTS RANGE Arlparra Ntaria KINTORE ALICE SPRINGS Avon Downs and Alpurrurulam Papunya

NTARIA Ayers Rock (Yulara) Ti Tree SOUTHERN REGION Elliott Tennant Creek YULARA Harts Range Yuendumu

KULGERA

50 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 51 Annexure D: Hazard-specific emergency plans and guidelines Annexure E: Lead agencies for identified hazards

Northern Territory hazard-specific plans Hazard Controlling Authority Hazard Management Authority

Title Responsible agency Air crash NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service Cyber attack Department of Corporate and Digital Development Department of Corporate and Digital Development Alice Springs Airport Emergency Plan Alice Springs Airport Cyclone NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Dam safety NT Police Force Power and Water Corporation Dam Safety Emergency Plan Power and Water Corporation Earthquake NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Darwin International Airport Emergency Plan Darwin International Airport Emergency animal disease Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Darwin Port Corporation Oil Spill Contingency Plan Darwin Port Corporation Emergency aquatic animal disease Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Emergency plant pest or disease Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Fuel Emergency Plan Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Emergency marine pest Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Bushfires Emergency Plan Bushfires NT, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Fire (within Gazetted Area) NT Fire and Rescue Service NT Fire and Rescue Service Bushfires NT, Department of Environment, Bushfires NT, Department of Environment, Fire (within Fire Protection Zones) NT Oil Spill Contingency Plan Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Parks and Water Security Parks and Water Security Flooding NT Police Force NT Emergency Service NT Health Pandemic Plan Department of Health Hazardous material NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service Northern Territory Counter Terrorism Plan Northern Territory Police Force Heatwave Department of Health Department of Health

NT Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Plan Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service Human disease Department of Health Department of Health Invasive animal biosecurity Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Nuclear Powered Warships Northern Territory Emergency Service Invasive plant biosecurity Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Emergency and Crisis Management Plan Darwin Port Corporation Major power outage Power and Water Corporation Power and Water Corporation Department of Environment, Territory Biosecurity Emergency Plan Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Marine oil spill (outside the port) Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Parks and Water Security Marine oil spill (inside the port) Darwin Port Operator Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Rail crash NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service Territory-wide guidelines Storm surge NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Storm and water damage NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Title Lead Agency Structural collapse NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service

Closure of Schools Department of Education (Emergency Shelter Group) Terrorism NT Police Force NT Police Force Tsunami NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Water contamination (potable) Power and Water Corporation Power and Water Corporation Northern Territory Emergency Service NT Emergency Alert Protocols Northern Territory Police Force Hazard-specific capabilities

NT Impact Assessment Guidelines Northern Territory Emergency Service Hazard-specific Capability Controlling Authority Hazard Management Authority

Emergency Shelter Management Department of Education (Emergency Shelter Group) Chemical, biological, radiological NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service response Cyclone Shelter Framework Department of Education (Emergency Shelter Group) Coastal marine search and rescue NT Police Force NT Police Force NT Evacuation Centre Guide Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (Welfare Group) Confined space rescue NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service

Welfare Assembly Centres and Welfare Recovery Centres Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (Welfare Group) Flood rescue NT Police Force NT Emergency Service

Finance and Procurement Guidelines During an Emergency Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Land search and rescue NT Police Force NT Emergency Service

Road crash rescue NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service Recovery Coordination Centre Concept of Operations Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Storm and water damage response NT Police Force NT Emergency Service Functional Group Framework Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Urban search and rescue NT Police Force NT Fire and Rescue Service Whole of Government Debrief Process and Lessons Management Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Vertical rescue NT Police Force NT Emergency Service

52 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 53 Annexure F: Functional groups: roles and responsibilities Annexure F (i): Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group

Functional Group Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group

Lead Agency Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Role The role of the Biosecurity Animal Welfare Group is the provision of NT wide capability, coodination and control to biosecurity, animal welfare and agricultural emergencies.

Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group are:

1. In an emergency plant or animal disease and pest incursion into the NT, as lead agency:

a. ensure early detection of that emergency terrestrial or aquatic pest or disease emergency incursion through effective surveillance

b. effectively and efficiently respond to the emergency incursion

c. have an effective legislative framework to respond to such incursion if/when it occurs

d. enable the declaration of freedom from the pest and/or disease through surveillance

e. provide advice to the Territory Controller (through the Regional Controllers) and the Recovery Coordination Group on issues that may be impacting on response and recovery measures

f. lead coordination with interstate agencies under cost-sharing national agreements/deeds for response to biosecurity incursions, including preparation of and reporting on response plans.

2. In a disaster situation affecting the NT:

a. Coordinate the care, treatment and reuniting (where appropriate) of domestic and commercial animals and wildlife through the activities of government, veterinary clinics and private animal care organisations at the request of the incident controller.

Participating • Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

Organisations • Department of Health

• Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security

• Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

• Local Government

• Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

• Department of Treasury and Finance

Supporting • interstate and federal primary industry departments

Organisations • primary industry peak bodies (e.g. NT Cattlemen’s Association, NT Farmers Association, NT Seafood Council)

• animal welfare organisations (RSPCA, PAWS, AMRRIC)

• private veterinary clinics

• wildlife care groups

DALY RIVER FLOODS | Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

54 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 55 Annexure F (ii): Annexure F (iii): Annexure F (ii): Digital and Telecommunications Group Annexure F (iii): Critical Goods and Services Group

Functional Group Digital and Telecommunications Group Functional Group Critical Goods and Services Group

Lead Agency Department of Corporate and Digital Development (DCDD) Lead Agency Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Role The role of the Digital and Telecommunications Functional Group is to liaise with Information and Communications Role The role of the Critical Goods and Services Group is to work with internal and external stakeholders to assure the Technology (ICT) service providers on communications outages and restoration issues during emergencies and supply of critical goods and services following a disaster or an emergency event. Depending upon the emergency, disasters; and coordinate policies and plans3 to ensure effective NTG preparedness and response to emergencies this may include the supply of food, groceries, ice, bottled gas, cleaning products, building/hardware supplies, and disasters affecting the NTG ICT enterprise environment. camping equipment and bank services.

Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Digital and Telecommunications Functional Group are: Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Critical Goods and Services Group are to:

a. planning and preparedness for emergencies that may affect ICT capability/environments (including mobile a. advise on the availability and durability of supply of critical goods and services from suppliers, and radio communications) manufacturers, wholesalers and major retailers

b. liaising with required organisations on restoration of communications networks for NTG incident b. liaise with industry and other stakeholders in order to facilitate arrangements that assist with the responders and communities in the event of a disaster and to provide direction to ICT service providers in restoration and/or provision of critical goods and services regard to Territory Controller directives and requests c. provide assistance with the sourcing of critical goods and services to support the other group leaders c. providing advice to the Territory Controller and the Territory Emergency Management Council in regard to during emergency activities service providers’ restoration of communications networks in the event of a disaster or major incident d. provide advice to the Territory Controller, the Territory Recovery Coordinator and the Territory Emergency d. coordinating restoration of communications networks Management Council (through Regional Controllers/Coordinators) on:

e. establishment and maintenance of effective liaison with service providers and other required stakeholders i. measures to improve the robustness of supply chains for critical goods and services in the event of a to facilitate restoration of digital and communications infrastructure disaster; and

f. facilitate emergency ICT capabilities where feasible, including the provision of NT call-centre capabilities. ii. any issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

Participating • Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Organisations Participating • NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (Communications and Electronic Services) • Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities Organisations • Department of Health

• Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Supporting • Optus Pty Ltd • Northern Territory Emergency Service Organisations • Telstra Pty Ltd

• Vocus Pty Ltd Supporting • private enterprises • NBN Pty Ltd Organisations • Industry Capability Network Northern Territory (ICN NT) • ICT Service Providers

• Key supplier(s) relevant to incident/emergency

• Australian Cyber Security Centre

• National Cyber Security Committee

• other relevant Federal, Territory and local stakeholder groups will be engaged as required, including the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and Office of the Information Commissioner Northern Territory.

3 Polices and plans include leveraging NTG incident management and through NTG Contract Management, contracted Service Provider work instructions and relevant plans

56 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 57 Annexure F (iv): Annexure F (v): Annexure F (iv): Emergency Shelter Group Annexure F (v): Engineering Group

Functional Group Emergency Shelter Group Functional Group Engineering Group

Lead Agency Department of Education Lead Agency Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

Role The role of the Emergency Shelter Group is the overall coordination of the provision of emergency shelters Role The role of the Engineering Group is to coordinate the provision of appropriate NT-wide emergency engineering and development of NT operational policies and plans in the preparation, response and recovery phases of an and NTG infrastructure plans and policies in the preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency. emergency. Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Engineering Group are: Responsibilities The responsibilities of the Emergency Shelter Group are: a. clearing essential traffic routes by transporting rubbish and debris to designated tips, in conjunction with a. coordination of buildings designated as emergency shelters the Public Utilities Group to remove fallen power lines in the first instance

b. coordination of personnel to staff and operate emergency shelters when they are activated b. coordination, inspection and advice in relation to road, government buildings and other structural infrastructure (and their associated assets) c. maintenance of effective liaison with other organisations with responsibilities relating to emergency shelters c. waste management (i.e. opening and maintaining rubbish/debris tips) and collection, transportation and disposal at designated areas of affected livestock, pets and animals generally d. assisting with the staffing and operation of such shelters as may be designated evacuation centres and welfare assembly centres in a post event phase. The management of evacuation centres and welfare d. facilitating and coordinating the sourcing and provision of additional and/or external equipment/resources assembly centres is the responsibility of the Welfare Group such as plant, hire equipment, labour and consulting engineers

e. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller and TEMC on measures to improve shelter e. clearing storm water drains arrangements in the event of a disaster f. facilitating the restoration of public roads, bridges, buildings, air strips, barge landings, wharves and f. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Recovery associated assets to a serviceable state and assisting CM&C with resources for rapid impact assessment Coordination Group on shelter and emergency accommodation issues impacting on response and recovery g. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller and TEMC on measures to improve the capacity measures. of the Engineering Group to undertake its responsibilities in the event of an emergency Note: It is the responsibility of shelter owners to provide the personnel to both manage and operate the shelters h. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Recovery when they are activated. Coordination Group on Engineering Group issues impacting on response and recovery measures

Participating • Northern Territory Police Force i. managing the temporary closure of roads and traffic management issues

Organisations • Northern Territory Emergency Service j. provision of assistance on repair costs to houses and buildings and assist in data for repair grants in recovery

• Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities k. assist the Emergency Shelter Group in establishing, fueling and testing generators at public shelters as • Department of Health requested

• Department of Attorney-General and Justice (Supreme Court) l. to procure, mobilise and manage contractors and consultants to identify the extent of damage and to • Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade subsequently deliver rectification works.

• St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Participating • Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics (Construction Division) Organisations Supporting Nil • Local Government Associations Organisations • Department of Education (Emergency Shelter Group)

• Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (Welfare Group)

• Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (Waste Management)

Supporting • private enterprise

Organisations • Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics (Infrastructure Planning Division and Building Advisory Services)

• Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

• Department of Health (Public Health)

58 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 59 Annexure F (vi): Annexure F (vii): Annexure F (vi): Medical Group Annexure F (vii): Public Health Group

Functional Group Medical Group Functional Group Public Health Group

Lead Agency Department of Health Lead Agency Department of Health

Role The role of the Medical Group is to coordinate regional and NT-wide policies and plans to ensure the preparation Role The role of the Public Health Group is coordinate NT-wide policies and plans to ensure the provision of for and provision of medical services during the response to and recovery from an emergency. appropriate public health services during the preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency.

Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Medical Group are to co-ordinate and control the mobilisation of all health Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Public Health Group are to monitor and preserve public health and hygiene responses to emergencies. This includes medical, nursing, pre-hospital care, first aid, pharmaceutical supplies, standards, provide an environmental health service, provide a disease control service and provide public health laboratory services and public mental health services and involves: information. This involves:

a. ongoing hospital and medical services, including the management of large numbers of casualties resulting a. Environmental health: Coordinate and control mobilisation of all environmental health responses to from an emergency or disaster emergencies. This includes providing expert public health advice and monitoring of drinking water quality, food safety, personal hygiene, disinfection, sewage disposal, radiation hazards, hazardous waste b. where possible, the provision of medical teams to manage casualties in the field at any stage of the management of medical waste and radiation sources, inspection of evacuation centres and assisting response or recovery Department of Health – Medical Entomology with vermin and vector control c. the coordination of medically vulnerable clients b. Centre for Disease Control: Coordinate and control mobilisation of all disease control responses to d. the provision of pre-hospital ambulance services and patient care emergencies. This includes: communicable disease risk assessment, determining immunisation policy,

e. laboratory services: diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic services including the Red Cross Lifeblood coordinating and assisting in the provision of immunisation, monitor the incidence of communicable and Service other infectious diseases, provide expert medical advice on communicable diseases, provide advice about the storage of deceased persons and monitoring disease trends in the recovery phase and beyond f. liaising and coordinating with other jurisdictions for the provision of additional support c. provide advice to Engineering Group related to bio and other hazardous materials containment, disposal g. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller and Territory Emergency Management Council on and treatments to ensure not public exposure risks measures to ensure a medical response in the event of a disaster d. provision of advice to the Territory Controller and the TEMC to improve public health measures in the h. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller (through Regional Controllers) and/or the event of a disaster Territory Recovery Coordinator on medical issues impacting on response and recovery measures e. provision of advice to the Territory Controller (through Regional Controllers) and/or the Territory Recovery i. coordinate the provision of mental health services to response/recovery agency personnel. Coordinator on public health issues impacting on response and recovery measures.

Participating • Department of Health (Top End and Central Australia Health Services)

Organisations • Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (Welfare Group)

• St John Ambulance Australia (NT) Participating • Power and Water Corporation Organisations • Medical Group

Supporting • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations Retrieval Services • Engineering Group

Organisations • CareFlight and Royal Flying Doctors Services

• Medical Service Providers (e.g. Palmerston Super Clinic) Supporting • Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics

• NT Primary Health Network Organisations • Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security

• National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) • Department of Education

• Northern Territory Emergency Service • Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

• NT Pharmacy Guild • Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

• Territory Pathology • NT WorkSafe

• I-MED Radiology Network Darwin Private Hospital • Local Government Associations

• Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Services • NT Environment Protection Authority • Department of Education (Emergency Shelter Group)

• Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (Transport Group)

60 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 61 Annexure F (viii): Annexure F (ix): Annexure F (viii): Public Information Group Annexure F (ix): Public Utilities Group

Functional Group Public Information Group Functional Group Public Utilities Group

Lead Agency Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Lead Agency Power and Water Corporation

Role The role of the Public Information Group (Public IG) is to ensure timely, accurate, consistent and coordinated Role The role of the Public Utilities Group is to lead the development and implementation of Territory-wide policies and release of information in the event of a threat or emergency. plans for the prevention, preparation, response and recovery to, emergency events relating to public utilities.

Responsibilities The Public IG coordinates all NTG communication and media activity during multi-agency emergency events, Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Public Utilities Group are: in conjunction with government-owned corporations, any partner organisations or key stakeholders specific to a. protection, maintenance and restoration of power, water and sewerage services particular emergency events. b. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller and TEMC on measures to improve the The key responsibilities of the Public IG are to: availability and robustness of public utilities in the event of a disaster a. lead the development and release of all NTG public messages during response and recovery from an c. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Territory emergency event; this may include the coordination of Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) interpreters for Recovery Coordinator on public utilities issues impacting on response and recovery measures. televised public messaging and translated materials in relevant Aboriginal and ethnic languages

b. ensure public messages are timely, accurate, consistent, and coordinated across government

c. provide advice to the Territory Emergency Controller, Territory Recovery Coordinator and TEMC on measures to improve media arrangements and public information dissemination

d. liaise with external agencies involved in the response or recovery and ensure agreed national protocols associated with particular events, such as counter-terrorism, are adhered to

e. ensure appropriate physical and human resources are allocated to achieve the group’s responsibilities. Communication and media staff from other government agencies or government business divisions may be co-opted to the Public IG.

Participating • ABC (Emergency Broadcaster)

Organisations • Media outlets and corporations

Participating • Power and Water Corporation Supporting In most instances, a number of agencies will be involved in the response and recovery phases. All participating Organisations Organisations agencies will provide information and resources into the Public IG. In a prolonged event, suitably qualified communication and media staff from across government can be, and are likely to be, requested to work in the Public IG. When necessary, media support can also be obtained through the Department of Defence Public Affairs Branch and local councils. Supporting • Public utilities, electricity system and market participants Organisations The support of Aboriginal organisations and multi-cultural groups will be sought to ensure comprehensive, timely and relevant communication to relevant sectors of the community.

62 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 63 Annexure F (x): Annexure F (xi): Annexure F (x): Transport Group Annexure F (xi): Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group

Functional Group Transport Group Functional Group Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group

Lead Agency Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Lead Agency Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Role The role of the Transport Group is to coordinate Territory-wide policies and plans to ensure the provision of Role The role of the Survey, Rescue and Impact Assessment Group is to coordinate the provision of survey and rescue transport support during the preparation, response and recovery phases of an emergency. activities during an emergency event; as well as the rapid impact assessment of effected areas.

Transport support includes the coordination of advice relating to road, rail, air and marine operations. Responsibilities a. conduct detailed survey and reconnaissance tasks within allocated areas

Responsibilities The prime responsibilities of the Transport Group are to: b. provision of accurate, current and timely information through Survey EOC to the relevant Local or Regional Controller a. coordinate the provision of transport support as required by a Hazard Management Authority and/or under the direction of the Territory Emergency Controller c. dissemination of information and advice to the public within the allotted areas

b. maintaining (as far as is practical) the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport d. provision of first aid to trapped and/or wounded persons services e. searching debris, structure or areas for endangered persons and if possible and safe to do so, the release of c. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller and TEMC on measures to improve transport trapped person arrangements in the event of a disaster If deemed necessary after conducting survey and rescue operations, the Northern Territory Police, Fire and d. provision of advice to the Territory Emergency Controller (through Regional Controllers) and the Territory Emergency Services will coordinate Rapid Impact Assessment by: Recovery Coordinator on transport issues impacting on response and recovery measures. f. assessing damage to homes and other structures

g. assessing the immediate needs of the affected population including requirements for psycho-social support and welfare support

h. gathering basic personal information of affected people

i. providing advice to the relevant Controller and TEMC extent of impact to the community.

Rapid impact assessment process to include the coordination and deployment of Rapid Assessment Teams (RATs).

Participating • commercial operations (air, rail, road and marine)

Organisations • Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Participating Survey • Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (Engineering Group) Organisations • Bushfires NT, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (Volunteer Bushfire Brigades) • NT Fleet Impact Assessment

• Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (Engineering Group) Supporting • private enterprise • Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (Welfare Group) Organisations

Supporting Impact Assessment Organisations Considering potential requirement to undertake impact assessments, the group may call upon government, non- government or private sector organisations for assistance with impact assessments. For example: welfare, animal welfare, medical or engineering support personnel may be required to form rapid impact assessment teams.

64 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 65 Annexure F (xii): Annexure G: Functions table Annexure F (xii): Welfare Group Emergency response and recovery functions with identified agencies

Functional Group Welfare Group Functions Agency or functional group responsible

Emergency Operations Centre Controlling Authority Lead Agency Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities Animal/livestock management Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Group

Role The role of the Welfare Group is to co-ordinate and implement responses operationalised by its member Anti-looting protection NT Police Force

organisations, to meet the immediate essential needs of individuals and families and promote self-efficacy during Banking services Critical Goods and Services Group the response to and recovery from emergency events. Biosecurity terrestrial and aquatic pest or disease response Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Public Information Group Responsibilities The key responsibilities of the Welfare Group are to: Emergency broadcasting arrangements Provider: ABC a. provide a general assessment of the needs of individuals and families affected by disaster Building Advisory Services Engineering Group

b. provide advice to the Territory Controller and Territory Recovery Coordinator on appropriate responses and Clearing essential traffic routes Engineering Group recovery strategies Clearing storm water drains Engineering Group

c. coordinate the establishment and operation of evacuation centres and/or welfare centres Essential clothing and household items Welfare Group

d. coordinate the provision of, or access to support services that assist to meet the immediate essential needs Community clean-up As identified in local emergency plans

of affected people during response and recovery. Support services may include access to personal support Control, coordination and overall management of specific hazard Designated Controlling Authority and counselling, emergency clothing and alternate accommodation advice Coordinate emergency fleet vehicles Transport Group

e. facilitate Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for affected individuals to alleviate personal hardship Coordination to evacuate public NT Police Force

f. work with individuals, families and the community to build people’s capacity to recover, by promoting self- Critical goods and services including: Critical Goods and Services Group

efficacy, helping people to identify their strengths and abilities to meet their own needs • food

g. contribute to broader operational planning and activities which impact on or include welfare group activities • bottled gas

h. provide advice to the Territory Emergency Management Council on measures to improve provision of • camping equipment welfare support in the event of a disaster. • building supplies

Defence Aid to Civil Community (DACC) request Northern Territory Emergency Service Participating • Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities Damaged public buildings: coordination and inspections Engineering Group Organisations • Department of Attorney-General and Justice (Correctional Services) Disaster victim identification capability NT Police Force • Department of Education Emergency alerts / SEWS Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services • Department of Health Emergency Catering Controlling Authority • Department of Corporate and Digital Development Emergency Food Distribution Controlling Authority • NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services Controlling Authorities; Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services Emergency management leadership • Department of Human Services (Australian Government) (response phase); and Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (recovery phase)

• Australian Red Cross Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) NT Police Force (response phase)

• Salvation Army Recovery Coordination Centre (RCC) Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (recovery phase)

• St Vincent de Paul Emergency shelters Emergency Shelter Group (Department of Education)

• Foodbank NT Welfare Group Evacuation centres • EASA (Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities)

• NT Council of Churches Controlling Authorities and any activated Functional Groups at the direction of the Expenditure in emergencies • Save the Children Controlling Authority

• Other non-government agencies and Aboriginal controlled organisations specific to the event or Department of Treasury and Finance, Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Financial relief /assistance locality as required. Communities); Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements - Payments (agency involvement will depend on the type of event)

Supporting • Aboriginal Controlled Organisations Fuel shortages Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

Organisations • Non-government Organisations Identification of suitable buildings for shelters in a particular locality Local Emergency Plans based on advice from the Emergency Shelter Group

• Commerical providers such as evacuation centre owners / organisations Survey, Rescue and Rapid impact assessment NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services Comprehensive or in-depth assessments Engineering Group

66 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 67 Annexure G: Functions table Annexure G: Functions table

Functions Agency or functional group responsible Functions Agency or functional group responsible

Interpreter services Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Communities) Security and Emergency Recovery Team Temporary accommodation (recovery) Legal services Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Communities) (Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet)

Medical services Medical Group (Department of Health) Transport: commercial and public airport/ planes, automobiles, Transport Group ferries, buses (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics) • medical/nursing Urban search and rescue NT Fire and Rescue Service • first aid Waste management Engineering Group • pharmaceutical • collection (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics) • laboratory services • disposal of stock (excluding livestock) • mental health Water (including drinking water): protection and restoration Public Utilities Group (Power and Water Corporation) • ambulance service Weather event public messaging Bureau of Meteorology National registration and enquiry NT Police Force / Australian Red Cross Welfare assembly centre. Staffing, operations and control Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Communities) Network communications (IT) Digital and Telecommunications Group Welfare recovery centre. Staffing, operations and control Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Communities) • responders and public (Department of Corporate and Digital Development)

Maintenance and restoration of emergency communication

Personal support Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Communities)

Power: protection and restoration Public Utilities Group (Power and Water Corporation)

Pre-event preparedness Hazard Management Authority

• risk management

• emergency planning

Public awareness (preparedness) Hazard Management Authority

Public messaging during response and recovery to a significant Public Information Group emergency event (Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet)

Public/environmental health management Public Health Group (Department of Health)

• all environmental health functions including water and food safety

• disease control

Welfare Group (Territory Families, Housing and Communities) in locations where Reception of affected people they have a presence, or an agency identified by the Local Emergency Committee or Local Recovery Coordination Committee

Digital and Telecommunications Group Recovery call centre arrangements (Department of Corporate and Digital Development)

Security and Emergency Recovery Team Recovery coordination (Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet)

Security and Emergency Recovery Team Territory Crisis Coordination Centre (T3C) (Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet)

Repatriation As detailed in local emergency arrangements

Engineering Group Restoration of public buildings (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Restoration of roads and bridges Engineering Group (council/territory) excluding railways (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Road management and traffic control including public NT Police Force, and the Engineering Group information on road closures (Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics)

Sewerage: protection and restoration Public Utilities Group (Power and Water Corporation)

68 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 69 Annexure H: Australian Government and national plans, including the identified NT Annexure H: Australian Government and national plans, including the identified NT Hazard Management Authority or point of contact Hazard Management Authority or point of contact

Name of Australian Government NT Hazard Management Authority / Name of Australian Government NT Hazard Management Authority / Purpose Purpose or national plan NT point of contact or national plan NT point of contact

Outlines the arrangements for the reception Provides nationally consistent guidelines for Australian Government Plan for the Reception of into Australia of Australian citizens, permanent Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan response procedures under the Emergency Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Australian Citizens and other Approved Persons residents, and their immediate dependents and NT Emergency Service (AUSVETPLAN) Animal Disease Response Arrangements Evacuated from Overseas (COMRECEPLAN) approved foreign nationals evacuated from (EADRA).

overseas. Describes how the health sector will respond to Provides nationally consistent guidelines for Emergency Response Plan for Communicable and manage communicable disease outbreaks, Australian Aquatic Animal Diseases Veterinary response procedures under the Emergency Disease Incidents of National Significance epidemics or pandemics that threaten to impact Department of Health Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Emergency Plan (AQUAVETPLAN) Animal Disease Response Arrangements (CDPLAN) human health and result in increased demand for (EADRA). health service delivery and healthcare workers.

Provides nationally consistent guidelines Provides an agreed framework and mechanisms Australian Emergency Marine Pest Plan for response procedures under the National Domestic Response Plan for Mass Casualty for the effective national coordination, response Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (EMPPLAN) Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement Incidents of National Consequence and recovery arrangements for mass casualty Department of Health (NEBRA). (AUSTRAUMAPLAN) incidents of national consequence resulting from

Details the arrangements for the Australian trauma. Government to inform states and territories of Outlines arrangements for the management of a Liquid Fuel Emergency Act Guidelines (LFEG) Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet any risk posed to Australian interests by the re- liquid fuel emergency. Australian Government Contingency Plan for entry of space debris. The plan outlines how the NT Fire and Rescue Service Space Re-entry Debris (AUSCONPLAN SPRED) Sets out Australia’s strategic approach to Australian Government will support states and National Counter-Terrorism Plan (NCTP) preventing and dealing with acts of terrorism in NT Police Force territories in the event that space debris should Australia and its territories. impact within their jurisdictions. A guide for the coordination of Australian Provides guidance in the management of the Government agencies responsible for food safety Australian Government Aviation Disaster National Food Safety Incident Response Protocol Department of Health time-critical phases of a response to a major NT Police Force Response Plan (AUSAVPLAN) and food issues in the event of a national food aircraft accident. incident.

Describes the coordination arrangements for Activated by a likely or actual disruption to fuel National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan Australian Government Disaster Response Plan the provision of Australian Government physical supplies, requiring a declaration of a national fuel Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet NT Emergency Service (NLFERP) (COMDISPLAN) assistance to states or territories or offshore emergency. territories in the event of a disaster. Describes how Australian Government border Details the arrangements for the response to a agencies, state and territory government bodies National Pandemic Influenza Airport Border maritime radiation incident involving radiological and the airline sector will work together in a Department of Health Australian Government Maritime Radiological Operations Plan (FLUBORDERPLAN) material which has the potential to impact on Department of Health Response Plan (COMMARRPLAN) co-ordinated national response to protect and Australia, its coastal waters or its Economic respond to the threat of an influenza pandemic. Exclusion Zone. National Plan for Maritime Environmental Framework enabling effective response to Department of Environment, Details the coordination arrangements for the Emergencies (The National Plan) marine pollution incidents. Parks and Water Security provision of Australian emergency assistance, Australian Government Overseas Disaster Assist using Australian Government physical and NT Emergency Service Provides an agreed framework for agencies in all Plan (AUSASSISTPLAN) technical resources, following a disaster or Australian jurisdictions to assess, repatriate and emergency in another country. provide care for Australians and other approved National Response Plan for Mass Casualty persons injured or killed overseas in numbers Outlines the agreed arrangements between the Incidents Involving Australians Overseas NT Emergency Service that exceed the capacity of normal day-to-day Australian Health Management Plan for Australian Government and Sate and Territory (OSMASSCASPLAN) Department of Health operations of relevant agencies in any incident Pandemic Influenza (AHMPI) Governments for the management of an and is declared a mass casualty event by influenza pandemic. ministers. Technical response plan used to respond to an emergency plant pest incident. It provides Australian Plant Emergency Response Plan Detailed information on the conditions, nationally consistent guidelines for response Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Nuclear Powered Warship Visit Planning (PLANTPLAN) procedures and responsibilities for the visits by NT Emergency Service procedures under the Emergency Plant Pest (OPSMAN1) Response Deed (EPPRD). nuclear-powered vessels to Australian ports.

70 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 71 Annexure I: Glossary Annexure I: Glossary

Term In the context of this plan, this means: Term In the context of this plan, this means:

The application of one set of control, coordination and communication policies and procedures in a universal The coordinated process of supporting emergency-affected communities in reconstruction of the physical All hazards approach manner to emergency situations of varying type thereby promoting consistency of emergency management at all infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing. See also comprehensive levels. Recovery10 approach. Affected area A particular area where either an emergency situation, state of emergency or state of disaster exists. Measures which support emergency-affected individuals and communities in the reconstruction of the physical Approved emergency plan A plan approved under section 10(3), 13(2), 16(2) of the Act. infrastructure and restoration of emotional, economic and physical wellbeing. Authorised officer Person or persons authorised under section 98 of the Act. Region A region specified in a Gazette notice under section 27 of the Act. The appointed position that leads the governance and management of a service responsible for the effective Regional Controller For a region, the Regional Emergency Controller for the region mentioned in section 54 of the Act. Chief Executive Officer exercise of the relevant statutory powers, authorities, duties and functions consistent with the NTG policy. Actions taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after an emergency to ensure that its effects are The internal direction of the members and resources of an agency in the performance of the organisation’s roles minimised and that people affected are given immediate relief and support. Command Response11 and tasks. Command operates vertically within an organisation. Measures taken in anticipation of, during and immediately after an emergency to ensure its effects are minimised. The development of emergency and disaster arrangements to embrace the aspects of prevention, preparedness, See also comprehensive approach. Comprehensive approach4 response and recovery (PPRR). PPRR are aspects of emergency management, not sequential phases. Syn. ‘disaster The state or fact of being responsible, answerable or accountable for something within one’s power, control or Responsibilities12 cycle’, ‘disaster phases’ and ‘PPRR’. management. The overall direction of activities, agencies or individuals concerned (control operates horizontally across Risk13 The effect of uncertainty or objectives. Control5 agencies/organisations, functions and individuals. Risk identification14 The process of finding, recognising and describing risks. Controlling Authority The authorised agency that has the overall direction of activities, agencies or individuals concerned. Transition from responding to an event back to normal core business and/or recovery operations. Stand down There is no longer a requirement to respond to the event and the threat is no longer present. The bringing together of agencies and individuals to ensure effective emergency and rescue management but 6 The operational state whereby resources are mobilised, personnel are activated and operational activities Coordination Stand up does not include the control of agencies, organisations and individuals by direction. commenced. Disaster coordination centres are activated. State of disaster A state of disaster declared under Section 21 of the Act. A meeting held during or at the end of an operation with the purpose of assessing the conduct or results of an Debrief State of emergency A state of emergency declared under Section 19 of the Act. operation. Agencies that provide a supporting role to the functional group or participating organisations in preparing for and A person nominated to act as the representative of an officially appointed position holder, having the same Supporting organisations Delegate responding to a specific hazard or event. powers and authority to commit the resources of the official employee. Territory Emergency Controller The Territory Emergency Controller mentioned in Section 28 of the Act. An event that requires significant coordinated response using the combined resources of the NTG and non- Emergency government entities within the NT. Territory Emergency The management council established under the terms laid out in Division 4 of the Act. Management Council Emergency Management Act Provides for matters relating to emergency management and for related matters. Territory Recovery Coordinator The Territory Recovery Coordinator mentioned in Section 32 of the Act. Emergency situation Exists in an area once a declaration to that effect is declared by the Minister under section 18 of the Act. Volunteer member A member of the NTES appointed under Section 52 of the Act. A combination of entities that have primary responsibility, arrangements and coordination of relevant/associated Functional group organisations with a supporting role. These responsibilities are laid out in functional group plans. The conditions determined by physical, social, economic and environmental factors or processes, which increase Vulnerability15 the susceptibility of a community or persons to the impact of hazards. The individual allocated responsibility to prepare for, respond to and command and control a functional group in Group leader response to a specific hazard based on their legislated and or technical capability and authority. A critical information management system used throughout the NT. Used by agencies with defined roles and WebEOC responsibilities under the TEP during all phases of an emergency event. An agency allocated responsibility to prepare for and respond to a specific hazard based on their legislated and/or Lead agency technical capability and authority. Local Controller For a locality, the Local Emergency Controller for the locality mentioned in section 76 of the Act. The agency allocated responsibility to prepare for and respond to a specific hazard based on their legislated and/ Hazard Management Authority or technical capability and authority. 4 Source: AIDR Glossary Implies a distinction from an emergency animal disease addressed by Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade 5 Source: AIDR Glossary 7 Invasive animal and covers those animal pests that have negative environmental, economic, social or human health impact as a 6 Source: AIDR Glossary result of their introduction. 7 Source: Department Industry, Tourism and Trade Agencies that participate in the function group role and responsibilities in preparing for and responding to a Participating organisation 8 specific hazard based on their legislative and/or technical capability and authority. Source: AIDR Glossary

9 Arrangements to ensure that should an emergency occur, all those resources and services which are needed to Source: AIDR Glossary cope with the effects can be efficiently mobilised and deployed. 10 Source: AIDR Glossary Preparedness8 Measures to ensure that should an emergency occur, communities, resources and services are capable of coping 11 Source: AIDR Glossary with the effects. See also comprehensive approach. 12 Dictionary.com

13 ISO Guide 73.2009 Risk management – Vocabulary Regulatory and physical measures to ensure that emergencies are prevented or their effects mitigated. Measures Prevention9 to eliminate or reduce the incidence or severity of emergencies. See also comprehensive approach. 14 ISO Guide 73.2009 Risk management – Vocabulary 15 Source: AIDR National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines Handbook

72 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 73 Annexure J: Acronyms List of Acronyms

Acronyms Stands for

ABC Australian Broadcasting Corporation

AIDR Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience

AIIMS Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System

AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority

AUSAVPLAN Australian Government Aviation Disaster Response Plan

BAU Business as usual

BoM Bureau of Meteorology

CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority

COAG Council of Australian Governments

COMDISPLAN Australian Government Disaster Response Plan

DACC Defence Assistance to the Civil Community

DCMC Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet

DoE Department of Education

DRFA Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

EA Emergency Alert

EMA Emergency Management Australia

EOC Emergency Operations Centre

ICC Incident Control Centre

NCCTRC National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

NCM National Coordination Mechanism

NCTP National Counter-Terrorism Plan

NERAG National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines

NSDR National Strategy for Disaster Resilience

NT Northern Territory

NTPF Northern Territory Police Force

NTES Northern Territory Emergency Service

NTG Northern Territory Government

NTPFES Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

POC Point of contact

PPRR Prevention, preparedness, response and recovery

RAT Rapid Assessment Team

RCC Recovery Coordination Centre

SEMSC Security and Emergency Management Subcommittee of Cabinet

SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal

SOG Senior Officers Group

TEMC Territory Emergency Management Council

T3C Territory Crisis Coordination Centre

WAC Welfare Assembly Centre

WebEOC Web-based Emergency Operations Centre

WRC Welfare Recovery Centre

DARWIN ESPLANADE | Tropical Cyclone Marcus

74 Territory Emergency Plan Territory Emergency Plan 75