ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 2005-2006 ISSN 1442-8288

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2005-2006 – AT A GLANCE 5 STRATEGIC ISSUES – CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 8 OUR OPERATING ENVIRONMENT – CEO’S REPORT 11 ABOUT FESA 14 MEETING STATE GOVERNMENT STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 18 MEETING FESA’S STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 20 FESA’S KEY GOALS FOR 2006-2007 25

REPORT ON ACTIVITIES COMMUNITY-CENTRED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 27 • emergency management arrangements 28 • cyclone 37 • earthquake 42 • fire 43 • flood 58 • hazardous materials (chemical, biological and radiological) 63 • search/rescue 66 • storm 83 • tsunami 86

QUALITY PEOPLE SERVICES 88 SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES 103

GOVERNANCE • corporate governance 117 • compliance reports 136 • auditor’s opinion 157 • key performance indicators 158 • financial statements 169

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 1

PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: FESA House 480 Hay Street Perth WA 6000

POSTAL ADDRESS: GPO Box P1174 Perth WA 6844

TELEPHONE: [08] 9323 9300

FACSIMILE: [08] 9323 9470

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.fesa.wa.gov.au

2 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

TO THE HONOURABLE JOHN KOBELKE BSc DipEd JP MLA

MINISTER FOR POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

In accordance with Section 66 of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, we hereby submit for your information and presentation to Parliament, the Annual Report of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia for the year ended 30 June 2006.

As well as the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985, the report was prepared according to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998, the Fire Brigades Act 1942 and the Bush Fires Act 1954.

M Barnett AM FESA BOARD CHAIR

J Harrison-Ward FESA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

25 September 2006

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 3

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

AFAC Australasian Fire Authorities Council AWARE All West Australians Reducing Emergencies BFB Bush Fire Brigade BFS Bush Fire Service BRAG Bush Fire Ready Action Group Bushfire CRC Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre CALM Department of Conservation and Land Management (now the Department of Environment and Conservation) CBR Chemical, Biological, Radiological COAG Council of Australian Governments DEMC District Emergency Management Committee CALM Department of Conservation and Land Management EMS Emergency Management Services ESC Emergency Services Cadets ESL Emergency Services Levy FESA Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia FRS Fire and Rescue Service HAZMAT Hazardous Materials LEMC Local Emergency Management Committee SECG State Emergency Co-ordination Group SEMC State Emergency Management Committee SES State Emergency Service USAR Urban Search and Rescue VES Volunteer Emergency Service VFS Volunteer Fire Service VMRS Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Volunteer firefighters This term is used generically in this report to refer to firefighters in local government volunteer bush fire brigades, the volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Volunteer Emergency Service units and Volunteer Fire Service brigades.

4 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 2005-2006 – at a glance

Cost of FESA Services 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 Total: $182,329,000

Other expenses $330,000

Capital user charge $3,038,000 Loss on disposal of non- current assets $259,000 Accommodation expenses Grants and subsidies $4,771,000 $28,042,000

Finance costs $2,508,000 Depreciation and amortisation expense $8,322,000

Employee benefits expense Supplies and services $91,983,000 $43,076,000

• The total cost of FESA services for 2005-2006 was $182.329 million • The projected cost of services for 2006-2007 is $189.083 million – an increase of 5.25% on 2005-2006 estimates.

HIGHLIGHTS FUNDING AND CAPITAL PROJECTS • The total grant allocations for local government volunteer bush fire brigades and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteer units amounted to approximately $15 million. • In brief, the Emergency Services Levy provided funding in 2005-2006 for: - 75 new and refurbished firefighting appliances and other vehicles - 23 State Emergency Service trailers - one career Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) fire station - one new collocated facility supporting FRS and SES volunteers in regional WA - four new facilities and four facility upgrades for SES units - two new regional offices for FESA staff - 10 new fire stations and three station upgrades for local government volunteer bush fire brigades - An estimated $740,000 worth of bush fire brigade personal protective equipment (protective clothing). • The $20 million Western Australian Emergency Radio Network project commenced with $12.1 million in funding from the Government and $7.9 million from the Emergency Services Levy.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 5 INCREASED CAPABILITY • The establishment of two new multi-skilled Volunteer Emergency Service units at Onslow and Tambellup and Volunteer Fire Service brigades at Ballidu and Waroona. • Enhanced specialist response capability across the Perth metropolitan region in accordance with the Perth Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Resourcing Plan 2003-2013. • Enhanced urban search and rescue capabilities through a joint national agreement over four years between the State Government and the Commonwealth.

MAJOR MILESTONES • The Emergency Management Act 2005 was re-introduced to Parliament and came into operation in December 2005, establishing overarching emergency management arrangements for the State’s emergency services, including local governments and support organisations. • Launched and commenced development of the Western Australian Emergency Radio Network which will improve communications in emergencies for every WA community. The ground-breaking program is centred on providing inter-operable communications between all agencies involved in responding to emergencies in WA. More than 7,000 mobile radios will be replaced with dual band equipment.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS • 1,350 structural fires and 6,566 bush fires were responded to by career or volunteer firefighters. • Helicopter water bombers (Helitacs) were activated for 50 bush fire incidents, delivering 1,305,000 litres of water and 3,713 litres of foam in a total of 1,305 drops. Fixed-wing water bombers worked jointly with the Helitacs at 10 incidents. The aerial intelligence helicopter attended 25 incidents. • SES volunteers spent 656 hours responding to cyclone-related activities (four tropical cyclones crossed the Western Australian coast – Clare, Emma, Glenda and Hubert). • SES volunteers committed 1,144 hours in responding to eight major flood events. • Career and volunteer firefighters attended a total of 928 hazardous materials incidents. • 26 storms hit the state, including summer thunderstorms and winter fronts. SES volunteers spent 6,352 hours responding to storm-related activities. • Rescue1, the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service, undertook 215 missions. Of these, 130 (60%) were primary taskings to rescue incidents. • SES volunteers undertook 15 cliff rescues, committing 481 volunteer hours in response. • SES volunteers spent a total 865 hours undertaking 124 searches. • Marine rescue volunteers committed 1,496 hours to 953 rescue incidents. • 347 people were extricated from vehicles involved in road crashes.

PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS HIGHLIGHTS • Completion of a review of emergency services in Bunbury and surrounding areas, taking into consideration the area's unprecedented growth, which is significantly impacting on emergency risks. The recommendations from the review will assist in planning capability development. • Establishment of a Ministerial Review of Emergency Services in the Shires of Busselton and Augusta- Margaret River to ensure future service provision meets community needs. • Commenced partnerships with three local governments to undertake emergency risk management planning and establish emergency management arrangements in remote Indigenous communities. • Completed a joint cyclone safety research project in partnership with Edith Cowan University. • Developed in partnership with ABC Radio a brochure to provide safety information on floods and cyclones for travellers in the north of the state. • Established the Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early program to improve community understanding of evacuation during bush fires. • Continued a program to reduce the number of roadside fires caused by discarded cigarettes. The program began in March 2003 and data shows that incidents dropped to a six-year low in 2005-2006. • Firefighter responses to bush fires decreased for the fourth consecutive year since FESA began a concerted bush fire arson reduction program. Data shows there were 6,678 fewer fires in 2005-2006 than in 2001-2002, when the program commenced.

6 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 • Seven Community Emergency Management Officer positions created to work with designated local governments to review the local Bushfire Response Plan and other emergency management arrangements • Identified and inspected high fire risk premises, including backpacker and hostel accommodation and night clubs. • Entered into an agreement with the Department of Water to fund production of flood plain mapping of the Swan and Canning rivers. • In collaboration with the Western Australia Police developed and awarded a tender for a multi media community public alert system. • Established the Western Australian State Tsunami Working Group to determine the state's risk of tsunamis. • Contributed to the delivery of nine new vessels to volunteer marine rescue groups, vastly improving emergency preparedness along the WA coastline.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 7 Strategic issues CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia has seen another year of outstanding service to the Western Australian community.

Whilst response and recovery are vital aspects of our role in emergency management, a number of catastrophic events around the world have emphasised the need for us to focus our emergency management practices on prevention and preparedness to minimise any damage and loss in the Western Australian community we serve.

Two key roles of the FESA Board are to set strategic direction and to ensure good governance of our organisation. Elsewhere in this report is a detailed account of progress in addressing eleven issues determined by the board to be of strategic importance to FESA in the current three-year planning period. Our intention is to continue to develop FESA as a centre of excellence which will become the model for other Governments and organisations in the region.

Some of the highlights among achievements include: • Sponsorship of the Emergency Management Act 2005, which establishes the state's emergency management arrangements in law • Completion of an internal examination and support for an external review by the Government's Community Development and Justice Standing Committee of the emergency services Acts, with a view to establishing the way forward for our organisation into the 21st Century • Continuing improvements in safety practices for the protection of our staff and volunteers in providing emergency services to the community • Outstanding advances in training resources to ensure our people keep pace with the ever changing demands of emergency response • The adoption of innovative technology in order to provide the best possible equipment for our people best practice in service to the community.

One area of achievement in the past year deserves particular attention. This is the progress made in the past year with research and the accumulation of information to support evidence-based decision-making. The FESA Research Coordinating Committee was established to oversee research projects. The committee sets research objectives, establishes FESA's research priorities, fosters research links with tertiary institutions and ensures efficient use is made of research resources.

The general research principles which provide guidance for FESA bush fire and natural environmental research were established through the Draft Natural Environment Strategy. Over the past 12 months this research was directed towards: • The effectiveness of helicopters in fire suppression • State-wide bush fire threat analysis development • Bush fire vegetation, infrastructure and fuel mapping • Fire management for Swan coastal plain wetlands, including organic soil fire suppression (and the implications for acid sulphate soils) • The impact of fire suppressants on native vegetation • Road side mulch fires • Visual fuel load guides • Ember screens for evaporative air conditioners • Profiling of bush fire arsonists.

8 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Our research partners range from Western Australian universities, other WA government agencies, to the national Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) and the private sector. Additional funding is provided by the Australian Research Council, Natural Disaster Mitigation Program, the Office of Crime Prevention and the Department of Primary Industry.

FESA has also begun a project working with Kimberley pastoralists to develop a best practice framework for bush fire prevention and response. The research component of the project aims to identify optimum conditions for prescribed burning.

Research by FESA's Community Safety Division into fires involving deaths for the period 2000 to 2005 was also continued during the year and it is anticipated that it will be completed during 2006-2007. This project aims to assist fire services in the prevention, or at least minimisation, of such fires in the future.

Firefighters collect and record a large amount of data during and after every incident they attend. This enables analysis of fire trends and the development of a range of reports which provide evidence to rapidly implement prevention strategies, generate community safety messages and to provide appropriate community information. For example, bush fire arson prevention activities are based on evidence obtained from fire attendance figures. In the past year, activities were planned and implemented in five locations following analysis of the data available.

Research has also been conducted to determine the effectiveness of community safety campaigns. The bush fire evacuation Stay and Defend or Go Early campaign was evaluated using omnibus telephone surveys. Analysis of this data has led to the initiation of further research into community perception of the bushfire risk and has provided an improved evidentiary base for bushfire programs.

Cyclone preparedness research stage two was completed during the year and the research recommendations are being progressively incorporated in revisions of the wet season community safety program. Community surveys were used to assist evaluation of StormSafe 2005 and additional targeted reviews of storm arrangements were conducted in Melville, the South-West and among SES units.

In addition, research into modelling of tsunami behaviour in critical areas of Western Australia commenced during the year. This two-year research program will provide sound evidence on which FESA will base future community tsunami programs.

In February, FESA farewelled inaugural chief executive officer, Bob Mitchell PSM, who moved on to the Department of Housing and Works. He was replaced on a temporary basis by Bill Hewitt, whose substantive position is Executive Director Business Services. This move resulted in a reshuffle among the corporate executive team, until a substantive replacement for Mr Mitchell could be appointed. As this report was being compiled, it was announced that Ms Jo Harrison-Ward, a former FESA executive director and more recently executive director of the WA Police Service, was to take up the FESA CEO position on 7 August 2006. On behalf of the board and all FESA volunteers and staff, I welcome Ms Harrison-Ward as the first woman to head the organisation. I congratulate her on the appointment and am confident she has the knowledge, skills and passion to take FESA to the next level in its development.

The board would like to place on record its appreciation for the huge contribution of Bob Mitchell towards our organisation. He was instrumental in writing the blue prints for a restructured emergency services sector for this state. He then implemented them. Our structure and our funding arrangements are now the envy of other Australian states. Bob has been mentor and friend to board members, staff and the many thousands of volunteers supported by FESA. He led by example – setting the highest standards, continually working towards the achievement of our vision and mission in a values-driven organisation. It was my pleasure and a privilege to present Bob with the FESA Outstanding Achievement Medal in February 2006 in recognition of his exemplary service.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 9 While changes in leadership – coupled with two changes in Minister in the past six months – may have temporarily interrupted the momentum at the top of the organisation, it was most gratifying to see how staff and volunteers at the grass roots ensured it was business as usual in providing services to the community. The past year has also seen changes in board membership. Mr Eric Wood, Ms Annemie McAuliffe and Ms Susan Rooney completed their terms of appointment. We welcomed new members Mr Bruce Brennan as Chair of the Bush Fire Service Consultative Committee, Ms Penny Valentine, as Chair of the Fire and Rescue Service Consultative Committee and Ms Glenda Teede, as the independent member. Our thanks to the former members for their dedicated service. I would also like to express my thanks to FESA board members for their hard work and commitment to their role for the preceding 12 months.

In March 2006 the board continued the tradition of holding one board meeting each year at a regional venue. On this occasion the board met in Karratha and took the opportunity to visit staff and volunteers in a number of Pilbara centres. This presented the board with an excellent overview of the conditions under which our people work, and the unique features of emergency services provision in isolated locations. Important partnerships have been forged with local and remote communities, local governments, other government agencies and services and major industrial interests. The volunteers make a tremendous contribution to their communities and the board was grateful for the opportunity to thank them personally. The insight gained from the Karratha visit underlined the importance of such meetings for the board. It is vital to ensure that future regional meetings are held in centres that can afford us an equally enlightening view of regional service requirements, so the board is well informed when planning and making decisions that affect regional people.

The board is ever mindful of the enormous and valuable contribution made towards the safety of all Western Australians by almost 30,000 volunteers throughout our state. We value, appreciate and respect the dedicated commitment that our staff and volunteers put into ensuring that our communities are kept safe in all manner of emergencies. On behalf of the board and all Western Australians, thank you.

Mike Barnett FESA BOARD CHAIR

10 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Our operating environment CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S REPORT

The current FESA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Jo Harrison-Ward, was appointed in August 2006. This report was compiled on her behalf by the officer who was acting Chief Executive Officer at 30 June 2006, Mr William (Bill) Hewitt.

The landmark event in 2005-2006 for the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia was the successful passage through Parliament of the groundbreaking Emergency Management Act 2005. The Act was proclaimed on 23 December 2005 and came into operation the following day.

For 20 years the state's emergency management agencies have relied upon the authority of a 1985 Cabinet Minute to underpin emergency management arrangements. While well served by these arrangements, experience proved the need for a legislative base to maximise the ability of the agencies to ensure the safety of the community and minimise damage to property and the environment. With an eye to the future, FESA played a pivotal role in supporting the development of the legislation and, on behalf of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, is now responsible for the administration of the Act. The Act establishes a legislative framework from which all emergency staff and volunteers can operate, and it also affords them protection under the law when they carry out their tasks in good faith. The Act relates not only to FESA, but also formally established the State Emergency Management Committee, the State Disaster Council and the arrangements for all other agencies that may be called upon in emergencies in WA, in order that a coordinated, cooperative approach is taken to minimise community disruption.

FESA has also provided significant input to the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee review of the emergency services Acts, currently under way and due to report in the first half of 2006-2007. This is also likely to result in considerable refinements to the way in which emergency services are managed in Western Australia.

Cooperation and teamwork have been key themes for FESA during 2005-2006. All of our efforts in emergency prevention, preparedness, response and recovery are more effective when undertaken in a spirit of cooperation, whether among the career and volunteer personnel within and supported by FESA, or with local government and State Government agencies, or community and industry partners.

Prevention activities this year have seen, among many other initiatives: • the introduction of a major campaign to educate the public about whether they should stay and defend or go early during bushfires • continuing effectiveness in our bushfire arson reduction program and • commencement of a full risk assessment of the state's vulnerability to tsunami.

All of these projects and programs have been undertaken in consultation or partnership with others, such as the Department of Conservation and Land Management, the WA Police Service, local governments, the Bureau of Meteorology and GeoScience Australia.

In order to be better prepared for emergencies, FESA has led, or learnt from, participation in a number of major exercises at both a national and state level. In addition, we have strengthened links with emergency services in Singapore, which involve reciprocal assistance in training for and responding to major disasters. In March 2006 the Deputy Commissioner of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, Roy Bishop OBE, visited WA as part of a national professional exchange organised by the Australasian Fire Authorities Council. FESA learnt much from him in relation to response to terrorist attacks – and he learnt valuable lessons from FESA about strike forces, regional command centres and the explicit and structured logistics and

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 11 planning roles established in the Australian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS), incident control system.

A commitment to AIIMS was demonstrated in the past year with the fast-tracking of training courses in the Logistics Management and Incident Planning competencies. Nine additional courses were conducted with 101 attendees and as a result the competencies of our officers have been significantly improved.

FESA's AWARE program (All West Australians Reducing Emergencies) has experienced continuing success in encouraging communities to minimise the impact of local hazards through the emergency risk management process and local community emergency management training. This year, the program involved 12 local governments, funded six emergency risk management projects and 15 training activities. For the first time, two local governments were supported in undertaking emergency risk management programs involving indigenous communities.

In relation to emergency response, 2005-2006 has been a year in which, fortunately, bush fires have not featured as prominently as in recent times. Among the most serious were incidents at Dwellingup, Ledge Point and Neerabup – each the scene of major fires in previous years.

In contrast, seven cyclones threatened WA communities – mostly in the northern regions of the state, but also causing extensive flooding from the Kimberley, through the Murchison, Gascoyne, Mid-West, Wheatbelt and Great Southern. In the end only four of the cyclones crossed the WA coast. However, the magnitude of the impact of these cyclones and subsequent flooding required massive efforts from volunteers and paid personnel across the state. Again, the effectiveness of their endeavours was underpinned by the cooperative spirit they applied in assisting their communities. A host of stakeholders, including the member agencies of the State Emergency Management Committee, worked with FESA until the last cyclone was over. The Bureau of Meteorology provided invaluable assistance, issuing warnings and alerts as one cyclone quickly followed another. The WA Flood Warning Centre also played an important support role. Everyone worked in concert and it is gratifying to note that in spite of the potential for a major disaster, none of the cyclones claimed any lives nor caused major injuries to residents.

After the initial response, the ongoing support provided to communities in the recovery phase was also outstanding. One of the key elements of recovery is the post incident review which determines the lessons to be learnt that enable improved prevention, preparedness and response for future events. As a result of a review of WA response to bush fires conducted by the Auditor General and to coronial inquests following deaths caused by bush fires three years ago, FESA this year began a program to appoint Community Emergency Management Officers to assist local government across the state. These officers will ensure local governments have appropriate bush fire plans in place and support emergency management planning across other hazards.

FESA would not be able to provide the emergency services expected by the Western Australian community, without the outstanding contribution of nearly 30,000 volunteers across the state. In 2005-2006 FESA has consolidated its Volunteer and Youth Services branch and seen its support services grow in number and variety. A free call volunteer recruitment information telephone number (1800 628 141) has been established to provide prospective volunteers with timely and accurate information. A Junior/Cadet Program Guide and a Child Protection Information Kit have been produced to assist Volunteer Emergency Service brigades, groups and units with the management of their youth development programs and the implementation of the FESA Child Protection Policy.

The FESASafe program has been steadily progressing in its second year. The FESASafe message was further consolidated with 36 presentations delivered to career firefighters. These focused on FESA’s seventh value – Strive to keep ourselves and others safe – in addition to personal protective equipment and a new occupational safety and health hazard/accident reporting process. FESA continues to achieve a reduction in the number of workers’ compensation claims. In 2005-2006 102 claims were received, six less than in 2004- 2005.

12 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 Through the Emergency Services Levy and sound budget practices, FESA has completed three new career Fire and Rescue Service fire stations in the past year – in Albany, Belmont and Hope Valley – along with a new volunteer Fire and Rescue Service fire station in Kalgoorlie and Volunteer Emergency Service facilities in Manjimup, Beverley and Bremer Bay. In addition, 75 new and refurbished firefighting appliances and other vehicles and 23 State Emergency Service (SES) trailers were delivered.

Far-reaching advances have been made in telecommunications with the awarding of tenders for the Western Australian Emergency Radio Network and for a new automated multi-delivery emergency public alert system – a project jointly managed with the WA Police Service. In the coming year, volunteers have been allocated $22.045 million in operating and capital grants state-wide. These outstanding projects in a total expense allocation of $189.083 million – an increase of 5.25% on 2005-2006 estimates – see emergency services in Western Australia better equipped and better prepared to serve their communities than ever before.

This reporting period will also be remembered as the year in which the inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Bob Mitchell PSM, moved on to the Department of Housing and Works after 10 years with the organisation. I echo the sentiments of the Chairman in acknowledging the outstanding contribution Bob has made to all West Australians through the establishment of FESA.

W E Hewitt ON BEHALF OF THE FESA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 13 About FESA

OUR FOUNDATION FESA was established in 1999 under the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998, in order to improve the coordination and planning of emergency services in Western Australia. It brought together the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), the State Emergency Service (SES), the Bush Fire Service (BFS), Emergency Management Services (EMS) and Volunteer Marine Rescue Services (VMRS) under the auspices of one chief executive officer and one board of management. Subsequently Volunteer Emergency Service units and Volunteer Fire Service units have been established as part of the FESA family of services.

OUR OUTCOME STATEMENT The impact of human and natural hazards on the community of Western Australia is minimised.

This is the performance expectation placed on FESA by the Government of Western Australia and against which we report annually through key performance indicators.

OUR VISION A safer community

OUR MISSION In partnership with the people of Western Australia to: • improve community safety practices and • provide timely, quality and effective emergency services.

OUR VALUES • Put the community first • Work together as a committed team • Respect and value each other • Continuously improve our services • Act with integrity and honesty • Have open and honest two-way communications • Strive to keep ourselves and others safe.

OUR ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES FESA has adopted an all hazards approach to emergency management, working in partnership with the community and other agencies to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

FESA is the recognised hazard management agency in Western Australia for: • fires – rural and urban fires in gazetted fire districts • fires – on CALM managed land in gazetted fire districts • hazardous materials incidents • floods • cyclones • severe storms • earthquakes • tsunamis • landslides.

14 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 In addition FESA provides combat and support services, including communications, in relation to other incidents including: • marine searches and rescues • land searches • air searches and rescues (including emergency casualty transport) • urban search and rescues • cliff, cave and confined space rescues • road transport emergencies • rail transport emergencies • animal disease outbreaks.

OUR STAKEHOLDERS FESA was established to serve the people of Western Australia.

In addition, we have special responsibilities in relation to: • the Minister for Police and Emergency Services • all levels of government • our staff • the volunteers we support • Emergency Services Cadets • the insurance industry • the building and construction industry • associated industry interest groups • associations that support our volunteers • unions that support our staff • community service groups and agencies • other Australian emergency services agencies • the communities of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands • visitors and travellers in WA.

The over-riding priority of FESA is to put the community first. We take pride in serving all of our customers to the best of our ability and we are committed to constantly improving, to ensure we achieve FESA’s vision of a safer community for all Western Australians.

OUR STRATEGIC INTENTIONS To help achieve our vision and mission and to endorse our commitment to continuous improvement in emergency service delivery, FESA’s programs are underpinned by three strategic intentions:

• Community-centred emergency management – this is achieved by working in partnership with the people of Western Australia, to create a safer community. This approach encourages communities to take greater responsibility for their own safety and to be more self-reliant and better prepared in case of emergencies.

It also requires FESA to adjust its service delivery in keeping with social, economic, cultural, environmental, geographic and special needs of people. It has four principal components: - prevention – providing a range of services to increase community awareness of hazards and involvement in their reduction - preparedness – providing and maintaining suitable infrastructure, equipment, skilled personnel and plans to enable effective response to emergencies - response – ensuring a rapid and comprehensive response to emergency incidents and containing and minimising the impact of hazards, performing rescues and preventing injury and loss - recovery – assisting communities, employees and volunteers affected by major emergencies to recover from the event effectively and efficiently.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 15 • Quality people services – our people are vital to the success of FESA and the services we provide to the community. FESA affirms the importance of providing appropriate training, opportunities, recognition and support for our people. We will ensure FESA has: - recruitment and retention strategies – including training and development opportunities – that attract, promote and retain the right people, who are committed to FESA, our values and our mission - competent, committed leadership and management - a safe and healthy work environment.

• Sound business practices – FESA believes that in order to meet our commitments to the community we must implement business practices that can be benchmarked against recognised standards of excellence. We commit to managing our financial and physical resources in a competent and accountable manner and maintaining a customer focus.

OUR STRUCTURE FESA has a chief executive officer whose office is responsible for overall leadership, policy, performance reporting, legal issues and legislation, strategic planning, ministerial and board support and media and public affairs activities.

The FESA Chief Executive Officer works with the FESA Board of Management and its Chair to oversee the strategic planning and all operational and administrative functions of the organisation.

People from a broad cross section of volunteers, the general public and the local government sector, form the 13-member FESA Board, which is also supported by a number of individual consultative committees representing the Bush Fire Service, Fire and Rescue Service, State Emergency Service and Volunteer Marine Rescue Services.

In order to meet the evolving needs of the community, FESA recognises that its structure must be flexible. This is reviewed regularly to support our role, our strategic intentions and our programs.

As a result of a review undertaken in early 2005, in 2005-2006 we have created one Operational Services Division, bringing together all of our operational personnel. Further changes are under consideration, as a result of the Emergency Management Act 2005 and the State Government's Functional Review and Shared Services initiative.

In the reporting period FESA had five divisions: • Operational Services – incorporating the Fire and Rescue Service, Bush Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Volunteer Marine Rescue Services, Volunteer Fire Service and Volunteer Emergency Service • Emergency Management Services • Community Safety • Human Services • Business Services.

16 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FESA STRUCTURE (by function) as at 30 June 2006

OUR PEOPLE Collectively, FESA employs 1,184 full-time staff, 30 part-time staff and supports almost 30,000 volunteers. The full-time equivalent (FTE) staff complement for FESA was 1,185 as at 30 June 2006.

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTED BY FESA

Fire and Rescue Service 1,988

Bush Fire Service 24,279

State Emergency Service 1,863

Volunteer Marine Rescue Services 1,074

Volunteer Fire Service 161

Volunteer Emergency Service 462

Total 29,827

Since 1 July 2000, FESA has been the host organisation to the Emergency Services Cadets in Western Australia. There are 45 cadet units with 1,472 cadets supported by 193 unit leaders and instructors. In addition, some of the services supported by FESA operate junior and cadet programs through local brigades, groups and units. At 30 June 2006 there were 559 juniors and cadets in programs in 108 units.

In addition FESA has a small band of 18 volunteers who support the Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum, maintaining the organisation's vintage fire appliance fleet and assisting with Museum exhibits.

Two new multi-skilled Volunteer Emergency Service units were established during 2005-2006 – at Onslow and Tambellup and Volunteer Fire Service brigades were gazetted for Ballidu and Waroona.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 17

Meeting State Government strategic objectives

FESA recognises that it has contributions to make in relation to all five of the strategic goals for Government outlined in the Strategic Planning Framework: Better Planning: Better Services. FESA has adopted a strategic plan for 2005-2007 which aligns with the Government's strategic goals.

In general terms, FESA sees its responsibilities as outlined in the following table.

MEETING THE GOVERNMENT'S STRATEGIC GOALS

GOAL FESA’S RESPONSE

Goal 1: People and Communities FESA takes a community-centred approach, engaging communities in partnerships to provide prevention services and emergency services to To enhance the quality of life and enhance the quality of life and well being of all people throughout wellbeing of all people throughout Western Australia. In particular, FESA acknowledges a responsibility to Western Australia. provide safety awareness programs for vulnerable members of the community who are particularly at risk.

FESA has specific obligations in relation to Outcome No. 6: Safe and secure Western Australian communities. The chapters of this Annual Report entitled Community-centred Emergency Management, Quality People Services and Sound Business Practices detail FESA's activities to this end in 2005-2006.

Goal 2: The Economy FESA is committed to minimising the impact of human and natural hazards on the community of Western Australia. By working in To develop a strong economy that partnership with communities to ensure safety plans and preparations delivers more jobs, more are in place to combat emergencies, FESA contributes to the creation opportunities and greater wealth to of the conditions required for investment and growth, and the Western Australians by creating the development of a strong economy that delivers more jobs, more conditions required for investment opportunities and greater wealth to Western Australians. As a direct and growth. strategy to support Western Australian enterprise, FESA commits the majority of its capital expenditure on firefighting appliances and other emergency equipment in regional WA, fostering local innovation, manufacturing, and employment opportunities.

For this goal FESA will contribute to a number of outcomes. At this stage, these are not reported separately, but elements are contained in Quality People Services, Sound Business Practices and Compliance Reports.

18 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

MEETING THE GOVERNMENT'S STRATEGIC GOALS

GOAL FESA’S RESPONSE

Goal 3: The Environment A commitment to protection of the environment is one of the cornerstones of FESA's service delivery. FESA recognises the To ensure that Western Australia importance of the preservation of biodiversity, protection of habitats and has an environment in which river systems, and of urban air quality, particularly in relation to bush fire resources are managed, developed management. Our people strive to minimise the impact of emergencies and used sustainably, biological on the environment through appropriate prevention, preparedness, diversity is preserved and habitats response and recovery strategies. protected. For this goal FESA will contribute to a number of outcomes. At this stage, these are not reported separately, but elements are contained in Quality People Services, Sound Business Practices and Compliance Reports. A report on FESA's commitment to bush fire and associated environmental protection research is provided in the Fire section of Community-centred Emergency Management in this annual report.

Goal 4: The Regions FESA acknowledges a key responsibility in increasing regional community capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover To ensure that regional Western from emergency incidents. We take a decentralised community-centred Australia is strong and vibrant. approach in providing emergency services, with regional areas served by local volunteer units, brigades and groups, supported and trained by a network of regional staff. FESA also works in partnership with other government agencies, local governments and their communities to minimise the impact of emergencies. In this way, FESA makes a strong contribution to the maintenance of services in regional centres, helping to ensure regional WA is strong and vibrant.

FESA is one of the responsible agencies in relation to Goal 4 Outcome No. 11: Safe and Cohesive Regional Communities. A separate regional report is provided in Compliance Reports.

Goal 5: Governance As a values-driven organisation, FESA actively promotes open and honest communication and integrity in the workplace. FESA works in To govern for all Western consultative, cooperative partnerships with the people of Western Australians in an open, effective and Australia to: efficient manner that also ensures a • Improve community safety practices sustainable future. • Provide timely, quality and effective emergency services.

It is FESA's role to ensure that this state has the appropriate legislative and policy framework to manage emergencies as efficiently as possible to encourage resilient communities and a sustainable future.

Goal 5 relates to both whole of Government, inter-agency and individual agency governance. The majority of FESA's responsibilities in this area are covered in Corporate Governance, Compliance Reports, Key Performance Indicators and Financial Statements.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 19

Meeting FESA’s key strategic objectives

IN the FESA Strategic Plan 2005-2007, the FESA Board reaffirmed FESA's three strategic intentions and identified 11 key strategic issues related to them that are to be addressed in the three-year cycle.

COMMUNITY-CENTRED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT For effective and efficient prevention, preparedness, response and recovery: • increased engagement, consultation, cooperation and partnerships with our stakeholders • endorsement of emergency management and emergency services legislation that reflects contemporary best practice • involvement of our staff and volunteers in community safety activities.

QUALITY PEOPLE SERVICES For emergency services volunteers, corporate and operational staff and emergency services cadets: • active development of a culture of safety and well being • enhanced support, training, leadership and vocational opportunities • proactive encouragement of diversity and equal opportunity.

SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES For service improvement: • equitable and adequate funding for prevention services and emergency services, with resources matched to risk • continued advancements in inter-operability, coordination and collocation of emergency services • adoption of an innovative approach to the application of telecommunications and information technology • participation in research and accumulation of information to support evidence-based decision-making • completion of a comprehensive review of legislation related to FESA and its services.

In the following pages we report on progress in dealing with these issues during 2005-2006.

COMMUNITY-CENTRED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT For effective and efficient prevention, preparedness, response and recovery:

Increased engagement, consultation, cooperation and partnerships with our stakeholders • The implementation of the AWARE (All West Australians Reducing Emergencies) program in 2005-2006 saw an increase in the number of local governments participating in emergency risk management and emergency management activities. In the past year, the AWARE program involved 12 Local Governments and funded six AWARE emergency risk management projects and 15 AWARE training activities. For the first time, programs involved remote Indigenous communities. The Western Australian Emergency Risk Management Guide was published to assist local governments in developing emergency management arrangements for their communities. • Multi-skilled Volunteer Emergency Service (VES) units were established at Onslow and Tambellup in partnership with the respective local governments, in order to address the impact of dwindling population on volunteer membership. Combined Volunteer Fire Service brigades were gazetted for Ballidu and Waroona. • A Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) was entered into with the Department of Conservation and Land Management, formalising a Joint Agency Aerial Controlled Burning Program in the Kimberley region. • The Chemistry Centre of WA and FESA signed an MOU in relation to the centre's use of a FESA-owned Raman Spectrometer, for the identification of liquids and powders at hazardous materials incidents.

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• Continuing advancements were made with partnerships in place with Woodside Petroleum on the Burrup Peninsular, Pilbara Iron and BHP Billiton to enhance emergency management planning and preparedness for response across this key growth area of the state. • FESA's Bushfire Ready Action Group program continued to expand in the Perth Hills area and South- West, providing better protection for communities from bush fire. FESA supports 82 local facilitators who foster the establishment of motivated groups of residents in a street or local area, to cooperate and work together to ensure their community is well prepared in the event of a bush fire.

Endorsement of emergency management and emergency services legislation that reflects contemporary best practice • The proclamation of the Emergency Management Act 2005 on 23 December 2005 was a critical accomplishment in 2005-2006. The Act came into operation the following day. FESA played a key role in bringing the legislation to Parliament and managing the consultation processes related to its introduction. FESA continues to work with stakeholders on the development of the supporting Regulations. • FESA provided comprehensive support to the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee Review of emergency services legislation. FESA staff and volunteers have made a considerable number of submissions. The findings are expected to be released in the spring session of Parliament.

Involvement of our staff and volunteers in community safety activities • Four winners and six highly commended recipients were named in the 2005-2006 FESA Community Safety Awards, which were established to engage community members and stakeholders in community safety initiatives. The nominations were made from within FESA, with staff and volunteers having the opportunity to acknowledge organisations and individuals who support FESA's programs or developed their own. • Career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters, bush fire brigade volunteers, Bushfire Ready Action Groups, FESA and local government staff distributed in excess of 35,000 educational resource kits to residents living close to bushland areas in the Prepare…Stay and Defend or Go Early bush fire safety campaign. • FESA staff, local bush fire and Fire and Rescue Service brigade volunteers, local government officers and the WA Police continued bushfire arson reduction programs across the state. In some locations they doorknocked 2,500 homes, visited schools and set up displays in shopping centres. In each location there has been a dramatic reduction in bush fire arson incidents. • The StormSafe 2006 campaign was launched in May 2006 with a media event held at a Bicton home severely impacted by the previous year’s tornado. A regional media event to launch the campaign locally was held in Bunbury, also the scene of a tornado in 2005. FESA's regional and Perth metropolitan staff and SES volunteers promoted storm safety in their communities according to the local risks. • FESA staff and volunteers worked together to prepare northern communities for the wet season and the threat of cyclones and flooding. Awareness activities commenced with a tour of coastal areas in the Mid- West Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions in October 2005. Bureau of Meteorology and FESA staff addressed local and district emergency management committees, community members and media outlets in these areas.

QUALITY PEOPLE SERVICES For emergency services volunteers, corporate and operational staff and emergency services cadets:

Active development of a culture of safety and well being • The FESASafe program steadily progressed in its second year. As a result of recent structural changes within FESA, the program was reviewed to ensure it kept pace with the needs of the organisation. • The implementation of a combined hazard/accident report in conjunction with the launch of the FESASafe program, has resulted in an increased awareness of the reporting procedures for hazards and injuries across the organisation. Reporting of hazards is encouraged in a no-blame atmosphere, in order to enable preventative action to be taken before injuries can occur. • FESA continued to achieve a reduction in the number of workers’ compensation claims. In total, 102 claims were received in 2005-2006, six less than in 2004-2005.

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• Through relationships with the Salvation Army and the Anglican Diocese of North Western Australia, FESA continued to expand the network of chaplains and assistant chaplains to ensure the availability of support to FESA employees and volunteers in metropolitan and regional areas. • The Injury Prevention and Management Program was expanded in 2005-2006 to provide staff from a wide cross-section of FESA with the opportunity to access advice and instruction on injury prevention within the workplace. As a result, 679 FESA employees (503 firefighters, 158 non-operational staff) across various sections from both metropolitan and country areas, received individual treatment. This compared with 237 participants in 2004-2005. • A review was undertaken of personal protective equipment for firefighters. • As part of its leadership role in setting and disseminating standards for firefighting across WA, FESA developed and distributed the booklet Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires.

Enhanced support, training, leadership and vocational opportunities • The FESA Volunteer and Youth Services Branch completed its first full year of services. It was created in early 2005 to further develop and promote non-operational programs and initiatives with the aim of improving FESA support to emergency services volunteers in the areas of recruitment and retention, reward and recognition, and youth development. • A free call volunteer recruitment information telephone number (1800 628 141) was established to provide prospective volunteers with timely and accurate information relating to their area of interest. • A Junior/Cadet Program Guide and a Child Protection Information Kit were produced to assist volunteer emergency services brigades, groups and units with the management of their youth development programs and the implementation of FESA’s Child Protection Policy. • The implementation of the FESA Corporate Training and Development Strategic Plan 2005-2008, commenced including the implementation of two key senior leadership development initiatives: - Frontline Management initiative - Leading Edge leadership development program. • Implementation of the Australian Integrated Incident Management System (AIIMS) across FESA was fast- tracked. Nine extra courses were conducted with 101 attendees and as a result competencies have been significantly improved.

Proactive encouragement of diversity and equal opportunity • FESA’s Indigenous Unit in consultation with the FESA Training Centre developed the framework for a Professional Development in Cross Cultural Awareness training model. The next steps in 2006-2007 will be to call tenders for development of the training package and then delivery. It is proposed that over a period of time, all FESA staff will undertake this training. • A Firefighter Recruitment Equity and Diversity Initiative was established to increase the pool of quality candidates for career firefighter positions; to increase the diversity of candidates and raise the profile of firefighter role as a preferred career. • FESA continued to strive to ensure that equal opportunity is provided to people with disabilities who seek employment with the organisation. A survey of FESA’s staff was conducted to ascertain the number of employees who have disabilities.

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SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES For service improvement:

Equitable and adequate funding for prevention services and emergency services, with resources matched to risk • In brief, the Emergency Services Levy provided funding in 2005-2006 for: - 75 new and refurbished firefighting appliances and other vehicles - 23 State Emergency Service trailers - one career Fire and Rescue Service fire station - one new collocated facility supporting Fire and Rescue Service and State Emergency Service volunteers in regional WA - four new facilities and four facility upgrades for SES units - two new regional offices for FESA staff - 10 new fire stations and three station upgrades for local government volunteer bush fire brigades - an estimated $740,000 worth of bush fire brigade personal protective equipment (protective clothing). • Funding provided through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) continued to support a major project to re- equip emergency services in regional areas. The ESL is now contributing an estimated 30% increase in funding to local governments, for volunteer bush fire brigades and State Emergency Service units, over that provided before the introduction of the ESL in 2003-2004. • A major review of emergency services in Bunbury and the surrounding areas was completed in consultation with key stakeholders, including local governments and volunteers. Bunbury and the surrounding areas are experiencing unprecedented growth, which is significantly impacting on emergency risks. The aim of the review was to identify the future strategic resourcing requirements for the region. Recommendations contained in the report consider the emerging issues and are designed to ensure that emergency services that match the risks can be provided into the future.

Continued advancements in inter-operability, coordination and collocation of emergency services • Advancements in inter-operability between emergency service agencies were progressed through multi agency exercises and through establishment of memoranda of understanding and service level agreements. Exercises during the year included: - Mercury 2005 – a multi-jurisdictional counter-terrorism exercise conducted under the National Counter-Terrorism Committee’s capability development program. The aim of the exercise was to practise the National Counter Terrorism Arrangements in support of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. - Exercise Canister 2006 – was managed by FESA personnel with input from a number of other agencies - Exercise Western Explorer – an Investigation and Consequence Management Exercise (ICMEX), conducted under a Council of Australian Government agreement. The purpose of the exercise was to test and practise the national counter-terrorism arrangements as outlined in the National Counter-Terrorism Plan and handbook. • FESA's new Metropolitan Regional Coordination Centre and State Coordination Centre were established on the third floor of FESA House. • Collocated facilities for volunteer emergency services were opened in Bremer Bay, Manjimup and Beverley.

Adoption of an innovative approach to the application of telecommunications and information technology • During 2005-2006, FESA invested in two VectorCommand training simulators. The new similators will assist in delivering the principal benefits attributed to emergency exercises – testing of plans, testing of training, raising the agency profile, testing of communications and inter/intra organisational coordination.

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• Installation of mobile data terminals was completed in career firefighting appliances in the Perth metropolitan area. This system provides a text messaging service to career firefighting appliances and operates over the CDMA mobile telephone data network. The system also incorporates the return of global positioning system data from the vehicle to the FESA Operations Centre providing automatic vehicle location functionality. • Following a successful trial during the 2004-2005 bush fire season, FESA has enhanced its aerial intelligence capability in the air intelligence helicopter. The system provides real time, high definition broadcast video, audio and data. Data provided includes GPS information, date, time and incident location. The system allows observers on board to collate fire shapes and provide laser-guided mapping and video imagery, including infrared. This allows ground crews to more accurately determine predicted fire behaviour and formulate suppression response accordingly.

Participation in research and accumulation of information to support evidence-based decision-making • FESA entered into an agreement with the Department of Water (DoW) to fund production of flood plain mapping of the Swan and Canning Rivers. • Considerable progress was made with research. The FESA Research Coordinating Committee was established to oversee research projects. The committee sets research objectives, establishes FESA's research priorities, fosters research links with tertiary institutions and ensures efficient use is made of research resources. The general research principles which provide guidance for FESA bush fire and natural environmental research were established through the Draft Natural Environment Strategy. Nine major research projects were under way during the year. • A review of FESA's incident data quality was undertaken in partnership with the Australian Bureau of Statistics. An ABS Officer was out-posted to FESA to conduct the six-month review, which involved wide consultation with FESA’s internal stakeholders and data users. The final report and recommendations are currently being considered

Completion of a comprehensive review of legislation related to FESA and its services • In 2005-2006 FESA completed an internal review of its governing legislation. This provided the basis for submissions to the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee Review of emergency services legislation. FESA has provided considerable support to this external and independent review. The findings are expected to be released in the spring session of Parliament.

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FESA's Key Goals for 2006-2007

COMMUNITY-CENTRED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT For effective and efficient prevention, preparedness, response and recovery: • manage and implement the recommendations of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee's Review of the emergency services Acts • improve and formalise the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA) including communication with and education of stakeholders, in accordance with the findings of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee's Review of the emergency services Acts • establish the necessary regulations and administrative arrangements for the Emergency Management Act 2005 and increase stakeholder awareness of the Act • facilitate the review and development of state emergency management policies and state emergency management plans (WESTPLANS) to meet the requirements of the new Act • increase participation and involvement of the State Emergency Management Committee, district emergency management committees and ocal emergency management committees in emergency management training and development activities • support the completion of the Ministerial Review of Emergency Services in Busselton-Margaret River and implement the recommendations of the Bunbury Emergency Services Review, in consultation with community stakeholders • support the new Community Emergency Management Officer Program to: increase the effectiveness of local governments’ local emergency management arrangements and bush fire plans; and complete a review of bushfire and emergency management arrangements in 49 local government districts • increase programs to engage Indigenous communities in emergency management, including support to local governments with significant Indigenous populations • contribute to the identification, assessment and implementation of hazard mitigation initiatives. Facilitate relevant funding through the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program or the Working Together to Manage Emergencies grant scheme • engage local governments and key stakeholders to address specific fire emergency safety issues, with a specific focus on backpackers, country hotels with accommodation, nightclubs and aged care facilities. • implement an early emergency warning system for the community • manage FESA’s research objectives, continue key research partnership, advance current research projects and develop new initiatives to provide an evidence base for emergency prevention, preparedness and response • make a significant contribution to improved bush fire management in both fire prevention and environmental protection. Improve bush fire investigation methods and support arson prevention activities • develop, implement, review and revise community safety programs related to all of the hazards for which FESA is designated hazard management agency.

QUALITY PEOPLE SERVICES For emergency services volunteers, corporate and operational staff and emergency services cadets: • develop and conduct detailed analysis and profile of FESA’s workforce • develop applicable safety, health and welfare training packages/program for all staff and volunteers • finalise the negotiation and implementation of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements covering all occupational groups • review, develop and implement training resources for FESA (staff, volunteers, customers and stakeholders) aligned to relevant training packages (including monitoring/reviewing process for regions) • conduct a strategic review of all training pathways (including the development of training pathways for Volunteer Fire Service brigades and Volunteer Emergency Service units)

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• develop and implement 'Working with Children Checks' and criminal record checking requirements for FESA staff, emergency services volunteers and cadet leaders • oversee and promote website access to emergency services volunteers in non-operational support areas (to be done in conjunction with a wider FESA website project) • continue development and implementation of diversity and equal opportunity strategies for volunteers and career staff • enhance youth programs.

SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES For service improvement: • develop new FESA Strategic Plan • complete preparation for Office of Shared Services transition: - implement procurement reform initiatives - develop training material for all staff, in preparation for FESA participating in Shared Services program - undertake face to face communications program in station/regional and corporate facilities to enhance understanding of new roles in and responsibilities in new Shared Services arrangements • proceed with implementation of the FESA Sustainability Plan, in keeping with Government sustainability requirements • continue implementation of WA Emergency Radio Network and other new telecommunications and information technology initiatives: - complete the Country Communications System rollout for career fire stations in major regional centres prior to the 2006-2007 fire season - commence implementation of volunteer station installations (the system enables all country direct brigade alarm messages to be transmitted to the FESA Operations Centre) • continue initiatives to increase the number of experienced service providers in Western Australia available to manufacture fire appliances while at the same time progressing FESA’s commitment to fostering local industry in regional Western Australia • establish and maintain quality information management systems: - continue to lead the emergency management component of the state’s Shared Land Information Platform initiative, which is establishing fit-for-purpose, web-based mapping services that can assist cross-agency planning and communication.

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Community-centred emergency management

WESTERN Australia is faced with a broad range of natural and man-made risks – fires, cyclones, severe storms, floods, chemical spills, vehicle crashes and marine hazards. As terrorism has escalated, so too has the risk of explosions, chemical, biological and radiological emergencies.

FESA embraces and actively promotes the concept of ‘community-centred emergency management’ to further bolster Western Australia’s capacity to deal with these events. Community-centred emergency management requires working with the community to draw on the knowledge and experience of community members in planning for, and to minimise the impact of, emergencies.

FESA employs this concept in two ways: • We use the community-centred concept as a foundation to shape our emergency management activities. We adjust our service delivery in keeping with the social, economic, cultural, environmental, geographic and other special needs of people. We consult with the community to determine these needs. • We undertake the community-centred approach by promoting and facilitating emergency risk management in communities in Western Australia so they can be more self reliant and better prepared in case of emergencies.

Community-centred emergency management involves four components: • PREVENTION: a range of prevention services is provided to increase community awareness of hazards and involvement in minimising their impact • PREPAREDNESS: appropriate and adequate infrastructure, equipment, skilled personnel, plans and programs are provided and maintained in preparation for emergencies. The community is supported in its own preparations and planning for emergencies • RESPONSE: rapid and comprehensive response to emergencies is ensured to contain and minimise the impact of hazards and to perform rescues. The community is supported in its own response to emergencies • RECOVERY: assistance is given to the community, FESA's employees and volunteers affected by major emergencies to facilitate effective and efficient recovery from the impact.

CONTENTS

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS 28 CYCLONE 37 EARTHQUAKE 42 FIRE 43 FLOOD 58 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 63 SEARCH/RESCUE 66 STORM 83 TSUNAMI 86

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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

FESA plays an essential role in improving emergency management capability in Western Australia. It achieves this through providing capacity building services and advisory and support services to key stakeholders at local, regional, state and national levels.

Capacity building activities seek to improve emergency management capability through training and development, policy and planning development and review, emergency management funding support programs and mitigation initiatives.

Advisory and support activities include secretariat services for the State Emergency Management Committee and the State Mitigation Committee. FESA also participates in strategic working and reference groups at the state and national levels and undertakes research related to emergency management.

The proclamation of the Emergency Management Act 2005 on 23 December 2005 was a critical accomplishment in 2005-2006. The Act came into operation the following day. Previously, Western Australia had no emergency management legislation and, consequently, the State Government and its agencies lacked appropriate key legislative powers and protection.

LOCAL COMMUNITY THE AWARE PROGRAM FESA continued to engage the community in emergency management through the AWARE program (All West Australians Reducing Emergencies). AWARE aims to encourage communities to minimise the impact of local hazards through the emergency risk management process and local community emergency management training. The program has engaged local emergency management committees to assist local governments in taking ownership of emergency management for their communities.

The implementation of AWARE has seen an increase in the number of local governments participating in emergency risk management and emergency management activities. This year, the program involved 12 local governments and funded six AWARE emergency risk management projects and 15 AWARE training activities.

The total attendance at emergency management training through AWARE in 2005-2006 was:

• Emergency Management for Local Government 38 • Introduction to Recovery Management 180 • Introduction to Emergency Risk Management 148 • AWARE coordinators workshops 9

INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS The Indigenous Programs Team continued to extend its activities in 2005-2006. Networks also expanded following the implementation of the Emergency Management Act 2005. Strong relationships developed with key service providers including the Department of Indigenous Affairs, Department of Housing and Works, Department of Local Government and Regional Development, Indigenous Coordinating Centres (replacing ATSIC), Indigenous Language and Interpreter Services, Indigenous Training and Education organisations and the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).

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As evidenced below, the team is committed to getting out into the communities to support the development of integrated and effective emergency management arrangements.

Implementation of the Emergency Management Act 2005 Community consultation was facilitated throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley regions as part of the Emergency Management Act Awareness Campaign (see below). Community meetings were held in Port Hedland, Karratha, Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, and Bidyadanga. Organisations including the Aboriginal Lands Trust and the Aboriginal Legal Service were also consulted.

Safer Country – A Community Centred Approach to Emergency Risk Management The Safer Country program was developed to enable Indigenous communities to become safer through emergency risk management. The program integrates cultural protocols and views within the framework of the Australian / New Zealand Risk Management Standard AS/NZS 4360.

Partnerships to undertake emergency management and emergency risk management were formed with three local governments, all with significant Indigenous populations (Halls Creek, Broome and Ngaanyatjarraku). Training commenced with these local governments and was also delivered to several communities outside these areas. Communities visited in 2005-2006 included Bidyadanga, Oombulgurri, Kiwirrkurra, Beagle Bay, Lombadina/Djarindjin, One Arm Point, Punmu, Kunawaratji, Warburton and other Ngaanyatjarra Lands communities.

Translation of Emergency Management Arrangements and Emergency Risk Management Guidelines A project commenced to develop support materials to assist both local governments and Indigenous communities in working together to undertake emergency risk management and emergency management activities. The project is in partnership with the Kimberley Language Resource Centre with the support of the Kimberley Interpreter Service. A translation workshop was held in Broome in May 2006.

INDIGENOUS AWARE PROJECTS Halls Creek Local Government – Emergency Risk Management Halls Creek Local Government received funding from the AWARE program to undertake emergency risk management with town-based and remote Indigenous communities in its district. The local government in partnership with FESA’s Indigenous Programs Team was also successful in securing funding for interpreter support for the AWARE project.

Ngaanyatjarra Lands – Goldfields FESA Goldfields/Midlands Region, in collaboration with the Indigenous Programs Team has recently commenced engaging Indigenous communities in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands (spanning the Gibson and Great Victoria Deserts) to undertake a risk analysis of the area. Visits proved timely as Warburton had been recently impacted by a severe storm causing damage to houses and power failure. The Ngaanyatjarraku local government was successful in applying for AWARE funding. The immediate aim is to assist in the establishment of a local emergency management committee.

FESA Geoscience Australia – Mapping Project FESA partnered with Geoscience Australia to undertake a joint mapping project to develop a clearer understanding of the level of vulnerability the 280 or more Indigenous communities within Western Australia have to emergency hazard risk. The development of a state-wide understanding of risk by mapping existing data, assists in strategic planning and the prioritisation and delivery of emergency management programs and activities.

The mapping tool was completed in 2005-2006 and will be used as a data base for more detailed information that is gathered by FESA, local governments and communities undertaking emergency management and emergency risk management programs.

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COMMUNITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICERS To assist local governments in meeting their bush fire and emergency management responsibilities, FESA is employing seven Community Emergency Management Officers. The officers will be based in Belmont, Joondalup, Northam, Geraldton, Albany and two in Bunbury.

Over the course of their contracts, the officers will work with designated local governments to review the local Bushfire Response Plan and suggest enhancements where applicable, and identify the other emergency management arrangements and plans and suggest possible enhancements.

The task in relation to bush fire is in accordance with one of the recommendations of the Auditor General's report Performance Examination – Responding to Major Bush Fires, of October 2004.

BUNBURY REVIEW A major review of emergency services in Bunbury and the surrounding areas has been completed in consultation with key stakeholders, including local governments and volunteers. Stakeholders have been invited to participate in work groups to identify and address challenges associated with the implementation of the recommendations.

Bunbury and the surrounding areas are experiencing unprecedented growth, which is significantly impacting on emergency risks. The aim of the review was to identify the future strategic resourcing requirements for the region. Recommendations contained in the report consider the emerging issues and are designed to ensure that emergency services that match the risks can be provided into the future.

MINISTERIAL REVIEW A Ministerial Review of Emergency Services in the Shires of Busselton and Augusta Margaret River was announced in October 2005.

The review was prompted because of the unprecedented economic growth and demographic change within the area in recent years. It was considered that the nature of the growth may also give rise to hazards not previously encountered in the area. It was therefore timely to evaluate the current and future capacity of existing emergency services to respond to potential hazards against this backdrop of change.

The review methodology and approach follows that of the Ministerial Review of Emergency Services in the Burrup Peninsula in 2004. It will specifically emulate the extensive stakeholder consultation that was undertaken at that time.

The terms of reference for the review are to: • Review the current arrangements and methods used to provide emergency services in the Busselton/Leeuwin-Naturaliste area. • Identify the natural and other community risks facing the residents and visitors in the area in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Standard 4360:2004 Risk Management. • Determine future emergency service requirements and provide mitigation strategies based on an all- hazards approach. • Develop a service delivery model and implementation plan, including timeframes.

A steering committee chaired by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services includes the Assistant Commissioner of WA Police, Shire Presidents, the Member for the South-West, the Hon Adele Farina (deputy chair), the chief executive officers of FESA and CALM and a representative of St John Ambulance.

The steering committee is supported by a project team comprised of representatives of all of the participating agencies and the Chief Executive Officer of the South-West Development Commission. The project team will conduct research and consult widely, and provide advice and reports to the steering committee. Input from emergency service volunteer groups, commercial and industrial interests and the general community is also being sought.

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COMMUNITY SAFETY AWARDS Individuals and organisations who have made their mark in community safety in Western Australia were recognised in the FESA Community Safety Awards 2005. The awards are made by FESA to encourage and recognise practical community initiatives designed to help protect lives, property and the environment.

Awards nominations are sought from within FESA, with staff and volunteers being given the opportunity to formally acknowledge people or organisations in the community who have supported community safety programs, or undertaken their own safety initiatives. Projects must relate to community safety activities relevant to FESA’s organisational focus across all of the hazards it addresses.

From 20 nominations received in 2005, four were selected for the top award and six as highly commended winners.

Award Winners • Mr Clarrie Djanghara – Kalumburu Community Preparing for Tropical Cyclone Ingrid – March 2005 • Rae and Richard Thorp of Capel – Australian Citizens Radio Monitors WA Inc. Provision of Emergency Radio Monitoring Service for South-West Mariners • City of Bunbury Emergency Risk Management Plan – A Cornerstone in Community Safety • David Wirrpanda Foundation Active support for the Juvenile and Family Fire Awareness (JAFFA) Program and preventing deliberately lit fire activity in Fitzroy Crossing

Highly Commended • Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation Preparedness for Tropical Cyclone Ingrid – March 2005 • Department of Education and Training Emergency Risk Management Plan • City of Stirling Residential Aged Care Emergency Plan • Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mine Emergency Response Team – Mutual Aid and Cooperation • The Laminex Group Community Recovery Assistance following May 2005 tornado affecting Bunbury • Shire of Mundaring Information Technology Team – Emergency Risk Management Web-based 'One-Stop-Shop' and update information on line.

STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION The Emergency Management Act 2005 was proclaimed on 23 December 2005 and came into operation on 24 December 2005.

Prior to the commencement of the Act, Western Australia had no emergency management legislation, relying upon the 1985 Cabinet Minute which approved the basis of the State Emergency Management Committee’s Policy Statement No. 7 Western Australian Emergency Management Arrangements.

The Act establishes overarching emergency management arrangements for the state’s emergency services, including local governments and support organisations. It provides a framework for managing emergencies requiring a significant and coordinated response, including the provision of necessary legislative powers and protection to prevent or mitigate, prepare for, respond to and take measures to recover from large scale incidents.

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FESA, on behalf of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, is responsible for the administration of the Act and established an Implementation Project Team to facilitate its implementation through the development of regulations, policy and administrative arrangements.

The Emergency Management Regulations 2006 were published in the Government Gazette on 21 April 2006. The Regulations include provision for the appointment of members, additional to those provided in the Act, to the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) and details administrative requirements for the operation of the SEMC. Remaining provisions will require the formation of additional regulations and administrative arrangements developed through stakeholder consultation.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN An extensive campaign to raise stakeholder awareness of the Act commenced early in 2006, with approximately 200 organisations targeted. The awareness campaign was launched at a Sunrise Seminar in March 2006 (see below).

Following the launch, the implementation project team delivered presentations to organisations in the remaining eight Emergency Management Districts throughout the state in March and April 2006. The campaign was extended to other hazard and emergency management committees, agencies, local governments, and representatives of remote Indigenous communities.

In total, awareness campaign presentations were delivered to more than 450 delegates across a broad range of emergency management organisations. On-going strong support to these organisations will be a continuing focus in 2006-2007.

Sunrise Seminar More than 160 representatives from key emergency management organisations in the Perth metropolitan region attended the Sunrise Seminar, The Emergency Management Act 2005 – what it means for you on 1 March 2006.

The breakfast seminar comprised an opening address from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, presentations from key speakers, and concluded with an open forum. Subject areas included specific responsibilities under the Act, what had changed or stayed the same and the assistance available to agencies. Representatives included state emergency management committee members, contact officers from key agencies, chairs of the district emergency management committees, chairs of metropolitan local emergency management committees and chief executive officers of metropolitan local governments or their nominees.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EMERGENCY RISK MANAGEMENT GUIDE Emergency risk management is an essential part of a community’s ability to identify and work to minimise risks. In conjunction with the AWARE Program, a Western Australian Emergency Risk Management Guide was developed that addresses state issues, policies, reporting requirements and appropriate templates in accordance with the Australian New Zealand Risk Management Standard AS/NZS 4360. Developed by FESA and the Western Australian Local Government Association, under the direction of the State Mitigation Committee, the guide was launched by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services in October 2006.

The guide will provide an ongoing support and a step-by-step reference to local governments and communities undertaking the emergency risk management process.

STATE EMERGENCY COORDINATION GROUP The State Emergency Coordination Group was activated for: • the Bali Bombings #2 (October 2005) • Exercise Eleusis (November 2005) • Pandemic Influenza update (convened only, November 2005) • the Dwellingup Bush Fires (January 2006) • Tropical Cyclone Clare (January 2006)

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• the consequences of ex-Tropical Cyclone Clare – Lake Grace flooding and flood warnings for the Avon River and Greenough River catchments (January 2006) • Tropical Cyclone Daryl (January 2006) • Tropical Cyclone Glenda (March 2006)

STATE AND NATIONAL EXERCISES Emergency management assistance and support, including the provision of umpires and volunteers, was provided to five exercises: • Mercury (October 2005) • Eleusis (November 2005) • Canister (April 2006) • Wild West (May 2006) • Western Explorer (June 2006).

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF ARRANGEMENTS FESA is responsible for the management of the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (WANDRA), under which relief measures are provided on behalf of the State Government to assist the recovery of communities whose social, financial and economic well-being has been significantly affected by a natural disaster event.

During 2005-2006, eight events were proclaimed as eligible natural disasters under the provisions of the WANDRA. FESA managed the provision of assistance to individuals and families, primary producers and local governments affected by these events in partnership with the Department for Community Development and Department of Agriculture and Food. The eight events were: • 25 Mile Rock and Borden Bushfires – December 2005 • Ledge Point Bush Fire – 1 January 2006 • Tropical Cyclone Clare and associated flooding – 7 January 2006 • Tropical Cyclone Daryl and associated flooding – 17 January 2006 • Dwellingup Bush Fire – 22 January 2006 • Neerabup National Park Bush Fire – 19-20 February 2006 • Tropical Cyclone Emma and associated flooding – 27 February 2006 • Tropical Cyclone Glenda and associated flooding – 24 March 2006

In March 2006, FESA established a dedicated WANDRA administrator position within FESA’s Emergency Management Services division. This greatly increased the ability to ensure an integrated approach to the development, reform and implementation of the WANDRA. Substantial benefits have included: • more timely identification and proclamation of eligible events • enhanced promotion and awareness of the WANDRA through ministerial and agency media releases for each eligible event, and direct liaison with local governments and local recovery committees.

STATE MITIGATION COMMITTEE The State Mitigation Committee is tasked with developing and maintaining the state infrastructure required to reduce the social, economic and environmental cost of natural hazards in Western Australia. The committee advocates an inclusive approach to natural hazard mitigation, emphasising the need for all levels of government to work with the community to achieve the common goal of a safer community.

The State Mitigation Committee was endorsed as a sub-committee of the State Emergency Management Committee in March 2006 and, following this, commenced an overview role in relation to the mitigation and prevention elements of all hazards prescribed under the Emergency Management Act 2005. The State Mitigation Committee undertook to assume this role to ensure hazard management agencies lacking in the resources or expertise necessary to fulfill mitigation and prevention responsibilities would be provided with adequate assistance. The FESA Chief Executive Officer chairs the State Mitigation Committee with executive support provided by the FESA Manager Mitigation. The following outcomes were achieved in 2005-2006:

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Review of Committee Composition, Role and Functions A review workshop of the committee’s composition, role and functions was conducted in May 2006. All recommendations put forward from this review were endorsed by SEMC in June 2006.

Remote Indigenous Communities The Integration of Emergency Mitigation Strategies into Remote Indigenous Communities Working Group resolved to promote its agenda through the State Environmental Health Coordinating Committee.

Statement of Planning Policy for Natural Hazard Mitigation Drafted by the Land Use Planning Working Group, a Statement of Planning Policy for natural hazard mitigation was approved by the Western Australian Planning Commission. The policy applies across the state to the planning and development of all land that may be affected by natural hazards.

Spatial Information The State Mitigation Committee's Spatial Information Working Group continued to develop a coordinated approach to the use of spatial information in support of emergency management. The working group provides regular reports to the State Mitigation Committee and State Emergency Management Committee on the following: • the development of the emergency management component of the state’s Shared Land Information Platform initiative • the development of a new Emergency Services Directory covering the Wheatbelt Emergency Management District (this has been completed with the assistance of Natural Disaster Mitigation Program funding and further directories are scheduled for production in 2006-2007) • progress of the state’s spatial data collection and maintenance activities, to ensure that available spatial information is fit-for-purpose • the groups' contribution to a national working group tasked with developing a coordinated approach to the use of spatial information for national emergency management, counter terrorism and critical infrastructure protection.

STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY – PANDEMIC INFLUENZA As a consequence of the State Emergency Coordination Group Pandemic Influenza meeting in November 2005, in January 2006, FESA's Emergency Management Division created the position of Manager State Emergency Management Capability to develop an overarching government perspective to pandemic influenza emergency management.

This perspective was additional to the roles and responsibilities undertaken by the Department of Health, as the hazard management agency for human epidemic in Western Australia. The focus is on developing whole- of-government contingencies that ensure agencies continue to provide important essential and routine services.

The following outcomes have been achieved since January 2006: • In-depth interviews were held with a range of priority state agencies to scope the nature of pandemic preparedness, understand planning perspectives, issues and constraints. • A planning forum was held on 17 March 2006 involving 30 representatives from 15 priority state government agencies to report on pandemic planning progress and identify priority whole-of-government issues. A number of priority recommendations were identified and are being progressed. • A closed email network group was established on 8 May 2006 to improve information exchange and communication between pandemic planners in agencies across the state. • Input was provided to the formation of the State Government Human Influenza Pandemic Plan.

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NATIONAL NATIONAL AND STATE LIAISON Liaison between FESA and Emergency Management Australia provides an important link between Australian Government and state/territory emergency management agencies. This occurs through a number of strategies such as participation on national working groups, committees, reference groups and the provision of advice and recommendations to the Australian Government.

FESA participates in a number of initiatives supporting this liaison as is evidenced by its representation on the following national committees and working groups in 2005-2006: • Augmented Australasian Police Ministers Council • Australian Emergency Management Committee • National Information Management Advisory Group • National Response Arrangements Steering Group • Australian Emergency Plan Working Group • Remote Indigenous Communities Advisory Committee • Catastrophic Disasters Emergency Management Capability Working Group • Australian Safer Communities Awards review group • Emergency Management Sector Working Group • National Risk Assessment Working Group • Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA) Review and Reform Working Group • NDRA Review – Infrastructure Team • NDRA Review – Data and Information Team/

REMOTE INDIGENOUS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FESA provides the Western Australian representatives on the Australian Emergency Management Committee Remote Indigenous Communities Advisory Committee.

In 2005-2006, this committee commissioned a consultancy to develop a National Strategy for Emergency Management in Remote Indigenous Communities. In July 2005, FESA hosted focus group meetings in Derby and Perth. In total, 80 participants attended from communities in the East and West Kimberley, the Pilbara, Midwest, Goldfields and Perth metropolitan area.

The completed draft strategy was presented to the Prime Minister’s National Indigenous Council in June 2006. The Attorney General, the Hon Philip Ruddock MP will nationally launch the strategy in November 2006, in Bidyadanga.

CATASTROPHIC DISASTERS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY WORKING GROUP In March 2004, the Australian Emergency Management Committee established the Catastrophic Disasters Emergency Management Capability Working Group to implement recommendations from the Council of Australian Governments Review Report: Natural Disasters in Australia: reforming mitigation, relief and recovery arrangements (2002).

The Manager Policy and Planning in FESA's Emergency Management Services Division represented Western Australia on this working group. A series of workshops was conducted in every Australian jurisdiction resulting in a survey of each jurisdiction’s capability to cope with a catastrophic disaster with and without inter- jurisdictional assistance.

The analysis of the workshop findings resulted in the report: Review of Australia’s Ability to Respond to and Recover from Catastrophic Disasters (October 2005). The report, along with a proposed implementation strategy for its 32 recommendations, was tabled with the Australian Emergency Management Committee in February 2006 and was endorsed in principle by the Augmented Australasian Police Ministers Council in April 2006.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 35

AUSTRALIAN SAFER COMMUNITIES AWARDS Emergency Management Australia coordinates the Australian Safer Communities Awards annually, with assistance from each jurisdiction to manage local components of the awards. FESA manages the awards program in Western Australia. The awards recognise best practice and innovation by organisations and individuals that help to build safer communities. All aspects of emergency management – risk assessment, research, education and training, information and knowledge management, prevention, preparedness and recovery – are considered.

In 2005, the 11 awards submissions received in Western Australia were diverse and innovative and produced five winners and five high commendations at the state level. There were no WA winners at the national level.

NATURAL DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM The Natural Disaster Mitigation Program was established to identify, assess and provide funding for natural emergency mitigation initiatives. As a priority, the program funds projects which contribute to a community’s ability to withstand the effects of natural disasters. FESA administers the program in Western Australia. In the 2005-2006 funding round, 18 Western Australian projects were considered to meet the NDMP eligibility criteria. Total funding of $1.157 million was approved.

The Natural Disaster Mitigation Program State Assessment Panel assessed 2006-2007 funding applications in April 2006. The 20 projects considered eligible hold a total value of $4.2 million, of which WA is seeking $1.47 million from the Australian Government.

WORKING TOGETHER TO MANAGE EMERGENCIES Working Together to Manage Emergencies is a Commonwealth-funded initiative managed by Emergency Management Australia. Over four years, this initiative will provide $49 million in grants through two programs, the Local Grants Scheme and the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund. FESA's Emergency Management Services division provides expertise, ongoing project liaison and executive support to the Western Australian State Assessment Panel.

Local Grants Scheme The completed draft strategy was presented to the Prime Minister’s National Indigenous Council in June 2006. The Attorney General, the Hon Philip Ruddock MP will nationally launch the strategy in November 2006, in Bidyadanga.

National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund In the 2005-2006 funding round, 21 projects were considered to meet the eligibility criteria under the Local Grants Scheme. Total funding of $945,480 was approved for the projects.

36 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

CYCLONE

THE northern coastal region of Western Australia is one of the most cyclone-prone areas in the world. This region experiences cyclonic winds and associated flooding, high seas and – in rare cases – storm surge (which resembles a large, sudden tidal movement).

FESA is the hazard management agency for tropical cyclones that have crossed the Western Australian coast. This means it is responsible for the overall management of cyclones in the areas of prevention (mitigation), preparedness, response and recovery activities. FESA State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Emergency Service units have prime responsibility for ensuring coordinated, timely and effective help is provided to communities threatened or impacted by cyclones.

PREPAREDNESS PREPARING FOR THE WET SEASON FESA staff and volunteers worked together to prepare northern communities for the wet season and the threat of cyclones and flooding.

The coastal stretch from Exmouth to Broome has the highest incidence of tropical cyclones anywhere in Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology predicted two possible cyclone coastal crossings for the 2005-2006 summer and expected one of them to be severe – of magnitude category 3 to 5. Four, in fact, crossed the coast – see under the following Response heading for more information.

Awareness activities commenced with a tour of coastal areas in the Mid-West/Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions in October 2005. Bureau of Meteorology and FESA staff addressed local and district emergency management committees, community members and media outlets in these areas.

Safety messages were broadcast through community service announcements on radio and television in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions and safety presentations were made to industry groups and remote Indigenous communities to inform them of the risks they may face and what action to take.

Community safety resources, including a CD and a cyclone tracking map, were provided on request to schools, businesses, mining companies, removalists, shire offices, hospitals and local communities.

In a novel project, five Kimberley SES and Volunteer Emergency Service units were selected to trial the use of digital cameras in a new preparedness program. They collected photographs of local hazards and of volunteers engaging with their communities to help spread community preparedness messages. The photographs provided a unique local information bank about resource needs.

SAFETY BROCHURE FOR NORTH WEST TRAVELLERS FESA and ABC Radio joined forces to provide safety information on floods and cyclones to travellers who visit the North West of Western Australia during the wet season, through a new brochure, Travel Safe in the North West.

The brochure outlines the risks and what people can do to stay safe when travelling in the North West in the wet season. The first print run of 8,000 copies was distributed through ABC stations, FESA regional offices, visitor centres, camper van hire companies and CALM offices.

Regional staff and local emergency services volunteers identified self-drive travellers as an important target group for the FESA wet season campaign, which is designed to provide cyclone and safety information to people at risk.

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FESA’s recent cyclone research indicated that ABC Radio was a trusted source of cyclone information for people in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Gascoyne regions. The new brochure listed all the frequencies for ABC Radio North West and ABC Radio Kimberley for travellers wanting information during an emergency.

Tourism Western Australia figures show that each December quarter over the past three years the North West was host to around 142,100 visitors. The majority (93,000) were Western Australians, followed by 32,000 interstate travellers and 17,100 overseas tourists.

FESA and ABC Radio shared the costs of producing the co-branded brochure, building on the partnership that began with a cyclone tracking maps resource in the previous season.

RESEARCH The second stage of a joint cyclone safety research project by FESA and Edith Cowan University (School of Psychology) has now been completed. It included phone interviews with more than 800 people from 11 Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley towns and found that although residents were quite familiar with advice on how to prepare physically for a cyclone, many did not necessarily exhibit psychological readiness.

The study showed that some residents had become complacent, possibly because they had experienced alerts in the past where cyclones had veered away from the coast. Other residents were anxious, but rather than confront their fears, they chose not to dwell on the risk of cyclones.

The research showed that people based their decision to prepare for cyclones on three factors – awareness of the hazard; perception of risk; and anxiety associated with the threat. FESA is now considering how it will implement the report's recommendations. One proposal called for community safety messages to be localised by linking them to natural hazard events in an area’s history.

TRAINING The VectorCommand system, which employs computer-based simulations to aid training, is used by FESA as a tool for enhancing the skills of incident managers. The system allows FESA to: • develop staff capability in effective emergency management • exercise and assess their competency.

The VectorCommand simulators assist in testing plans, training, communications and inter- and intra- organisational coordination.

In February 2006, FESA staff participated in a world-first pilot exercise using the VectorCommand cyclone module. The exercise focused on the crisis phase (pre-impact) and the consequence recovery phase (post-impact).

MAJOR EMERGENCY REPONSE TEAMS In order to better support communities and emergency responders in the event of a major emergency, FESA has established four major emergency teams that can be deployed quickly anywhere in the state. While the existing initial response to emergencies remains unchanged, a major emergency team will be mobilised to complement current arrangements, to assist as required, or to manage complex events.

The membership of each team is based on Australasian Inter-agency Incident Management System (AIIMS) roles. The teams will train and respond together in the event of significant emergencies. The personnel for each team have been sourced from across the organisation, predominantly from the existing on-call rosters already in place.

The formation and mobilisation of pre-determined teams will ensure: • a response with the appropriate number of people • team members have the necessary competencies • timely response to relieve the first Incident Management Team for longer duration events • specialist competencies for complex emergencies outside the normal operations of the organisation.

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Processes and procedures were tested during Exercise Western Explorer, an investigation and consequence management exercise conducted under a Council of Australian Governments agreement, which took place in Perth from 1-22 June 2006.

RESPONSE SES volunteers spent a total of 656 hours responding to cyclone-related activities during 2005-2006. Four tropical cyclones crossed the Western Australian coast – Clare, Emma, Glenda and Hubert. Tropical Cyclone Daryl tracked parallel to the coast, in the main as a category 2 system and threatened coastal communities between the Northern Territory border and Exmouth. A sixth system, TC Floyd did not impact the coast. In addition, TC Monica which crossed the coast in the Northern Territory, resulted in alerts being issued for some Kimberley communities after it had degenerated into a tropical low.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS TROPICAL CYCLONE CLARE – 7-10 JANUARY 2006 Tropical Cyclone Clare crossed the Pilbara coast west of Dampier about midnight on Monday 9 January as a category two system, with maximum wind gusts up to 195km per hour. Dampier experienced destructive 195km per hour wind gusts on the evening of Monday 9. Karratha experienced destructive winds comparable to a category two impact for over seven hours and gale force winds for 16 hours.

No major structural damage was recorded, although many properties in Dampier, Karratha and other areas sustained minor damage and loss of power for a number of hours. Telecommunications were disrupted throughout the Pilbara for a significant period, creating the most significant issue for welfare support. This problem was overcome through assistance with radios from FESA and use of FESA satellite telephones. Floodwaters later cut off several roads, including the North West Coastal Highway. The Ashburton and Fortescue rivers also flooded.

SES volunteers, volunteer Fire and Rescue firefighters, and FESA staff were involved in a range of activities, including warning communities, assisting people to evacuate from flooded stations and areas prone to storm surge. Evacuation centres were opened in the Town of Port Hedland (in Port Hedland and South Hedland), the Shire of Roebourne (in Karratha and Wickham) and the Shire of Ashburton (in Onslow).

TROPICAL CYCLONE DARYL – 17-23 JANUARY 2006 Severe tropical Cyclone Daryl threatened the North West when it tracked parallel to the coast mostly as a category two system. Evacuation centres were on standby in the Town of Port Hedland (in Port Hedland and South Hedland), the Shire of Roebourne (in Karratha) and the Shire of Ashburton (in Onslow). The cyclone eventually weakened into a tropical low on January 23 prior to any impact on the mainland being recorded. However, it caused major disruption to oil and gas drilling activities with many workers being evacuated. TC Daryl also delivered heavy rain to the Murchison catchment.

TROPICAL CYCLONE EMMA – 26-28 FEBRUARY 2006 Tropical Cyclone Emma was declared a category one cyclone prior to crossing the coast near Mardie just before noon on 28 February 2006 with winds gusting to less than 90 kilometres per hour.

Heavy rain preceded landfall and the associated storm system covered a wide area throughout a region already well into the wet season. Karratha registered 190mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 9am on 28 February and a total 306mm for the whole event. In the early stages, SES volunteers were involved in the successful rescue of several motorists from floodwaters outside Karratha. People were also rescued from Yarraloola Station, 150km south of Karratha on the banks of Robe River.

As the low moved towards the south-south-east, heavy rain caused extensive flooding in the Pilbara and subsequently in the Gascoyne and Murchison River catchments. Mileura Station (70km north-west of Meekatharra) reported its homestead flooded for the first time in 120 years. More than two weeks after Tropical Cyclone Emma made landfall, rivers remained swollen, with some communities still isolated by floodwaters in early March. An account of the flood response is included in the Flood section of this report on page 59.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 39

TROPICAL CYCLONE GLENDA – 24-31MARCH 2006 Tropical Cyclone Glenda developed from a monsoonal low that dumped heavy rain in the East Kimberley from 23-24 March. SES volunteers advised residents to prepare for widespread flooding from the Dunham and Ord Rivers. Tracking off the Kimberley coast, TC Glenda attained category 5 status on 28 March and subsequently battered the Pilbara coast from Karratha to Onslow at category 4 as it moved southwards.

People in or near the communities of Point Samson, Wickham, Roebourne, Karratha, Dampier, Pannawonica, Mardie and Onslow were placed on red alert on 30 March. The SES advised them to move to shelter as TC Glenda began to track closer to the coast, producing gusts of up to 250km/h. Evacuation centres were opened in Karratha and Onslow.

TC Glenda weakened to category 3 intensity before crossing the coast near Onslow overnight on 30 March. Onslow recorded 206mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on 31 March, the sixth wettest day on record for the town. Roads were flooded, powerlines downed and trees uprooted by winds of up to 179 kilometres per hour. The early warning of the cyclone's approach and the preparedness of the community combined to help avert major damage in the town.

Other centres in the Pilbara recorded cumulative rainfall of more than 200mm. Although Glenda produced less than average rainfall for a land-falling tropical cyclone, rainfall was sufficient to cause problems for transport in the Pilbara. In the Kimberley, however, in the first few days before the cyclone reached the Pilbara coast, it caused record floods in the East Kimberley district, washing out many roads around Kununurra, including part of the Great Northern Highway.

An adult and three children were evacuated from Ellenbrae Station, 220 kilometres west of Kununurra, while Home Valley (where residents had not been able to leave their station since Christmas) was also resupplied with fresh fruit and vegetables. FESA also organised the evacuation of two adults and a dog from Diggers Rest Station.

The Wyndham Volunteer Emergency Service Unit was placed on full activation and assessed the situation in the town. Volunteers responded to a call for assistance from the local hospital to provide temporary repairs to a leaking roof.

TROPICAL CYCLONE HUBERT – 5-8 APRIL 2006 Onslow, Exmouth and adjacent areas were placed on yellow alert and an evacuation centre put on standby in Onslow in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Hubert. Hubert broke up off the Pilbara coast, crossing near Onslow as a category 1 storm, leaving little damage in its wake, but bringing rain to the west Pilbara and parts of the Gascoyne.

RECOVERY FESA is responsible for the management of the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements, under which relief measures are provided on behalf of the State Government to assist the recovery of communities whose social, financial and economic well-being has been significantly affected by a natural disaster event.

During 2005-2006, FESA proclaimed four cyclone events and the flooding associated with them, as eligible natural disasters under the provisions of the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements. These were: • Tropical Cyclone Clare • Tropical Cyclone Daryl • Tropical Cyclone Emma • Tropical Cyclone Glenda

In partnership with the Department for Community Development and the Department of Agriculture and Food, FESA managed the provision of assistance to individuals and families, primary producers and local governments affected by these events.

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CYCLONE SEASON REVIEW A comprehensive review of the 2005-2006 cyclone season was conducted in Karratha on 24 May 2006 to determine what went well and what matters needed to be addressed prior to the 2006-2007 season. All government, local government and related agencies involved in responding to cyclones during the season were invited. Eighteen representatives from 13 agencies attended.

In general terms the delegates agreed that the level of cooperation and interaction, support and networking between all agencies, was very effective during this cyclone season. They recognised the hard work done by many agencies over recent years in building good working relationships.

The contribution of the WA Flood Warning Coordination Centre was specifically noted. The centre was used extensively for the first time and its participation enabled the sharing of vital flood-related information between the Bureau of Meteorology, the Department of Water and FESA. The Department of Land Information was also able to provide information from satellite pictures to assist the Flood Warning Centre and FESA in assessing where the run off was going in the Murchison catchment area.

During the debrief, 45 issues were raised, most of which were minor in nature. The major concerns were associated with the roles and responsibilities of the SES in relation to local government and the community, and the loss of major telecommunications services in the Pilbara at the height of the Cyclone Clare coastal crossing. All agencies agreed to determine and undertake necessary action in relation to the issues raised that fell within their authority or jurisdiction.

FESA is to address clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the SES units and to continue to work with the community and local government to ensure there is a mutual understanding by all of the volunteers’ roles and what they can deliver.

The Department of Community Development and FESA are to work with the SES units and local emergency management committees to ensure that the procedures for the activation of the Welfare Support Plan and the emergency evacuation centres are known and understood.

FESA and the Department of Community Development will also jointly instigate discussions with the management of all industry villages in relation to appropriate arrangements being made for evacuation of their residents in times of an emergency event.

To address confusion that arose over the demarcation of roles and responsibilities, the Chair of the district emergency management committee and the committee's executive officer will document the roles, responsibilities, and communication processes between the district and local emergency management committees during the preparation, response and recovery phases for an emergency event. This document will be presented to all DEMC members in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Mid-West.

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EARTHQUAKE

FESA is the hazard management agency for earthquakes in Western Australia – it has responsibility for emergency management of earthquakes in the areas of prevention (mitigation), preparedness, response and recovery. FESA's State Emergency Service (SES) is responsible for the development of the State Earthquake Emergency Management Plan, which determines overall management and coordination of response to earthquake emergencies.

Generally, State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers undertake activities related to earthquakes. In some areas Volunteer Emergency Service units may also take on responsibilities related to earthquakes.

FESA receives notification of earthquakes from GeoScience Australia, which is required to alert the state of all earthquake occurrences recording 4.0 and above on the Richter Scale.

RESPONSE In the reporting period, there were 84 earthquakes recorded in Western Australia, four of which had a magnitude of more than 4 on the Richter Scale. In addition, a Western Australian team assisted with response to a major earthquake disaster in Indonesia.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS KALANNIE – 21-23 September 2005 A series of earthquakes ranging from 2.1 to 4.1 on the Richter Scale occurred north of Kalannie in the Shire of Dalwallinu between 21 and 23 September 2005. The two largest were recorded at magnitude 4 on 21 September and 4.1 on 22 September. No damage was reported.

TOM PRICE – 2 April 2006 A quake registering 4 on the Richter Scale was recorded north east of Tom Price. No damage was reported.

YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA – 27 May 2006 A team of two Urban Search and Rescue professionals from FESA joined the disaster response to earthquake stricken Yogyakarta in Indonesia in June 2006. They were part of a 14-person Australian Medical Assistance Team coordinated by the WA Department of Health under its Disaster Preparedness and Management Unit. They worked in the earthquake stricken area, where 5,800 people died, tens of thousands were injured and an estimated 200,000 left homeless after a quake registering 6.5 on the Richter scale occurred on May 27.

The Western Australian group took over from a New South Wales contingent dispatched immediately after the quake. The team’s role was to provide medical support, particularly in the area of orthopaedics, and to give overworked local doctors much-needed relief.

The FESA team managed the enormous logistics of the contingent. This included establishing communications and ensuring doctors had access to the stores and supplies necessary to complete their difficult work. Over the 16-day deployment the WA team attended to 1,630 people and established seven field clinics.

MT CLERE – 6 June 2006 Mt Clere, 200km north-west of Meekatharra, was shaken by an earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter Scale on 6 June. On 12 June another quake of magnitude 3.9 was recorded. No damage was reported.

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FIRE

EACH year thousands of fires impact on man-made structures, bushland and rural properties in Western Australia. FESA is the hazard management agency for fires in gazetted fire districts in both urban and rural areas. This includes fires on land managed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management that fall within gazetted fire districts. Local governments are responsible for fire management in other areas of the state.

A hazard management agency has responsibility to ensure emergency management activities related to prevention of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from designated emergencies are undertaken.

Career and volunteer sections of the Fire and Rescue Service of Western Australia, volunteers in Volunteer Fire Service brigades and Volunteer Emergency Service units combat fires in urban, urban-rural fringes, CALM-managed land and other areas of the state. Volunteer bush fire brigades, managed by local governments, combat fires in urban fringes, CALM-managed land and other areas of the state. As funding for local government bush fire brigades is now provided by the Emergency Services Levy, data about local government fire incidents is also included in this chapter.

PREVENTION SIMULATED HOUSE BURNS FESA undertook a number of simulated burns of three condemned houses for a media promotion to highlight the need for awareness and preparation for home fire safety during winter. The vision was used by a national current affairs program to show the danger associated with fire and how to improve home fire safety.

The simulation, on 1 June 2006 (the first day of winter) showed media and invited participants first hand how everyday situations in the home can become killers. Fires were simulated involving electric blankets, heaters too close to furniture and hot oil on a stove top. The residential units, owned by Homeswest, were to be demolished for a site redevelopment and provided FESA with an excellent venue to conduct these realistic scenarios.

Just prior to the event on June 1, fire services had been called to three major house fires in WA. In one of these, four overseas students had been lucky to escape a fire ignited by a heater too close to a bed.

The current affairs segment and vision obtained from the simulations will be used to promote fire safety through the state. Fire Services from other states have requested use of the material for their fire safety education programs.

SMOKE ALARM CAMPAIGN FESA's annual smoke alarm promotion, the Don’t be a Fool! Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries on April 1st campaign was launched on 31 March 2006 at the Bibra Lake site of a recent house fire.

Resident Julie Ruddick, told the media how a smoke alarm had saved her life and the lives of her three children two weeks earlier. The Ruddick family’s experience highlighted a number of campaign messages such as the importance of replacing smoke alarm batteries annually; having a home escape plan; and testing that smoke alarms work when moving into a new house.

The campaign, sponsored by Gillette through its subsidiary Duracell Batteries, included advertising and promotional activities. Fire Services managers and firefighters held a variety of promotional activities at a

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 43

local level. Many fire stations undertook an annual battery replacement program, distributing more than 2,000 batteries provided by the sponsors, to the elderly and disadvantaged in the community.

Research undertaken after the campaign found that the proportion of households with a smoke alarm has continued to increase. Of households surveyed, 24% reported they had a hard wired alarm and 62% had a battery powered alarm – compared with 18% and 58% respectively in 2005. Only 16% reported no smoke alarm, and this figure has fallen from 22% in 2005.

Almost seven out of ten (68%) reported having seen or heard one or more of the campaign advertisements, an increase from 57% in a 2005 survey. In addition, seven out of ten (69%) battery alarm owners reported that the effect of seeing an advertisement had reminded them to change their battery. Of those who did not have smoke alarms, 56% reported that the effect of seeing an advertisement was to make them think seriously about getting a smoke alarm.

However, the survey results also indicated that whilst the campaign appears to have had quite an impact on households where there is no alarm currently, over time, the campaign appears to be losing some of its impetus. FESA will now review the concept before planning for 2007.

REDUCING ROADSIDE FIRES CAUSED BY CIGARETTES The latest data on bush fires caused by discarded cigarettes show that incidents have dropped to a six- year low of 540 in 2005-2006. This follows improved practices and awareness in the management of a certain type of mulch used for landscaping street-edge gardens.

FESA discovered that much of the mulch was recycled green waste, which was fine, aerated and had a propensity to burn when it contained either little moisture, or was applied incorrectly or at the wrong time of year. Between 2002 and 2004, fire services attended growing numbers of fires ignited by cigarettes discarded in street-scaping covered with this type of mulch.

Number of fires caused by discarded cigarettes/smoking materials

1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 Commencement of prevention 800 activities (March 2003) 600 400 Number of fires 200 0 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 Financial year

FESA worked with local governments to manage the moisture content of roadside mulch, particularly for periods of high fire danger. Moisture content is the most important factor affecting the mulch’s propensity to ignite. Further to this initial work, tests by FESA have identified the levels of water needed to be added to the mulch to reduce its propensity to ignite for correlating periods. The findings have been delivered to a number of local governments.

In another initiative to reduce the incidence of bush fires caused by discarded cigarettes, FESA invited staff and volunteers to report people discarding cigarettes from their cars. A Discarded Cigarette Report Card was developed to record any offender’s vehicle details. A supply of report cards was dispatched to all regional offices, stations, brigades and units. While participation by staff and volunteers is voluntary, all have been encouraged to support the initiative in the interests of reducing bush fires.

44 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

FESA received 110 report cards in 2005-2006. Details from the cards were used to send bush fire prevention awareness letters to vehicle owners, encouraging voluntary compliance with the law. FESA is monitoring the vehicle owner information for re-offenders and will review bush fire data to gauge if there is a reduction in the numbers of bush fires.

ENHANCED SHARING OF INFORMATION ON ARSON FESA has worked with the WA Police and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) to develop an arson information network. The network has formalised many existing practices and procedures that have been in place since the late 1980s.

The network is a key resource in the fight against arson-related fires (those that are deliberately lit or about which there are suspicious indicators), which account for up to 50% of fires responded to by FESA and CALM.

The network has made considerable enhancements to the management and prevention of suspicious and deliberate fires – both structural and bushfire – over the reporting period. For example, members of the WA Police Arson Squad now have online access to timely and confidential information on fire incidents from a FESA database. This saves the police significant time piecing together details that could lead to the apprehension of perpetrators of suspicious and deliberate fires.

Arrangements now also capture additional information from volunteer Fire and Rescue Service brigades, bush fire brigades and local governments where it was identified a wide range of expertise, history and understanding of the arson problem was held. Information from fires in adjoining land tenures managed by CALM can now also be captured and disseminated to both FESA and the police.

In the past year, 27 people have been charged with arson and two have been charged with making hoax 000 calls. A person was cautioned for impersonating a public officer. The WA Police reported a higher clearance rate for arson cases than in previous years, and it is believed this in part can be attributed to the new network.

BUSH FIRE ARSON REDUCTION Firefighter responses to bush fires in Western Australia have decreased for the fourth consecutive year since FESA commenced concerted arson reduction activities in December 2001.

Over the program’s lifetime the number of firefighter responses to the same categories of fires has declined from 13,245 to 6,567, a total reduction of 6,678 incidents. Less natural environment is being burnt and the aesthetics of bushland are not being as badly affected.

While the annual number of bush fires may be affected by the number of ignitions influenced by the weather, particularly by lightning, it is believed to be highly unlikely that a decrease in lightning strikes and other weather-caused fires would alone account for the magnitude of the reduction in bush fire incidents.

Bush fire arson prevention activities draw together staff and volunteers from FESA, the Fire and Rescue Service, bush fire brigades, local governments, Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education and WA Police. The program makes specific communities aware that deliberate firelighting is putting local lives and properties at risk. Community members are also encouraged to report suspicious behaviour. The activities are modified to meet the specific needs of each community, both to ensure that residents are aware of the arson problem and to provide them with some options to resolve the problem in their area. The activities usually involve doorknocking on hundreds of homes and simultaneous school visits and shopping centre displays in targeted areas.

This year, bush fire arson prevention activities were implemented at five locations – Ellenbrook, Wangara, Armadale, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Darlington where high incidences of bush fires had been recorded.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 45

Annual bush fire numbers

14,000 Commencement of targeted arson activities 12,000 (December 18, 2001)

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000 Bush fire numbersBush fire 2,000

0 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

Year

RESEARCH FESA has established significant short and longer-term involvement in bush fire and associated environmental protection research through a range of scientific and operational research partnerships.

In its formative years, FESA was a minor partner in many areas of research but not a significant contributing partner to bush fire and associated environmental protection scientific research. Following a strategic decision in 2003-2004, considerable efforts have been made to increase participation.

At 30 June 2006, FESA was involved in nine major research programs. Partners range from Western Australian universities, other WA government agencies, to the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) and the private sector. Additional funding is provided by the Australian Research Council, Natural Disaster Mitigation Program, the Office of Crime Prevention and the Department of Primary Industry. Details of some of the projects are included in following pages.

During 2005-2006 the FESA Research Coordinating Committee was established. The purpose of the committee is to oversee FESA research including the setting of research objectives, establishing FESA research priorities, fostering research links with tertiary institutions and ensuring efficient use is made of research resources. The general research principles which provide guidance for FESA bush fire and natural environmental research were established through the Draft Natural Environment Strategy.

Over the past year, research undertaken was directed towards: • evaporative air conditioner bush fire ember protective screen • road side mulch fires • impact of fire fighting suppressants on native vegetation • effectiveness of helicopters in bush fire suppression • fire management for Swan coastal plain wetlands • bush fire threat analysis • visual determination of fuel loads • profiling of bush fire arsonists • research into fire-related deaths.

FESA is also supporting a number of other research projects as a nominated end user partner: • bush firefighters smoke mask study • design methods for bush fire sensor system • computer simulation model project • microbial clues for ecological sustainable management of fire prone landscapes • grassland curing project • factors affecting the fight or flight decision in the face of encroaching bush fires.

46 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

EMBER PROTECTION FOR AIR CONDITIONERS FESA is undertaking a research project in partnership with the University of Western Australia to produce a design for a screen that will protect evaporative air conditioners from bush fire ember attack. Evaporative air conditioner units can be at risk of catching fire when airborne embers come into contact with combustible material such as the air conditioner pads. The air conditioner's ducting provides an entry point for the fire to gain access into the building.

FESA recommends that buildings within one kilometre of bush land should be protected from ember attack and provides brochures to the community warning of the potential threat from bush fires and evaporative air conditions. However, there is currently no specific, well-researched advice on the standards and designs that should be applied to protect the appliances.

This project aims to develop appropriate standards and designs for ember screens that will not adversely affect the performance of the air conditioner.

A test rig was constructed at the FESA Training Centre hot fire ground for tests to be run under actual ember conditions. The initial tests were held in April 2006 with further testing to be undertaken in a controlled burn in bush land in mid 2006.

PROFILING BUSH FIRE ARSONISTS FESA has contracted a researcher to undertake work into the profiling of bush fire arsonists in Western Australia. It is estimated that the majority of the bush fires in WA each year are either deliberately lit or caused by human activities. However, there is very little information on bush fire arsonists that FESA and its partners can use to develop and implement bush fire prevention strategies.

The researcher has begun studying: • the distance of deliberately lit bush fires from the arsonists’ home • the age and gender of bush fire arsonists • socio-economic characteristics of bush fire arsonists • the education levels of bush fire arsonists • their physical and mental characteristics • the consistency in motives of structural fire arsonists and bush fire arsonists.

The research is concentrating on members of the general community who are lighting bush fires but will also undertake a comparison between: • arsonists who are firefighters and arsonists who are general community members • arsonists who are career firefighters or volunteer firefighters.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that sometimes firefighters are convicted of arson and related offences. However, it should be stressed that firefighter arsonists, both volunteer and career, represent a very small percentage of a very large group of people.

The research is looking at this area but the primary research is into the general community, principally among juveniles. It is hoped that the research related to firefighters will assist FESA and other fire agencies in the development of tools that will enable them to better screen new recruits and detect potential offenders.

IMPROVED BUILDING APPROVALS PROCESSES FESA’s existing computer-based property tracking database has been expanded, enhanced and web- enabled to provide faster and better management of building approval processes.

Following completion of staff training, the improvements will permit state-wide access to property information and provide more integrated management of building approvals.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 47

PLANNING MAJOR VENUES With plans underway for new major sporting facilities (including a 60,000-seat stadium) and the city underground railway tunnel under construction, FESA’s Built Environment Branch undertook a study tour in June 2006 to ensure they have up-to-date knowledge on fire and life safety design for high life-risk facilities.

The staff members, who have specialist responsibilities with regard to sports stadia and road and rail tunnels, visited a broad cross section of tunnels, sports arenas and construction projects in New South Wales and Victoria. They also met with the fire brigades in those states to discuss building regulation issues associated with large facilities.

As a result of the study, FESA is in a far greater position of authority to pursue the best possible safety designs for proposed new venues, protecting firefighters, building owners and the general public.

PREPAREDNESS FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF VULNERABLE ACCOMMODATION FESA has addressed the vulnerability of backpacker style accommodation to fires by conducting joint inspections of selected premises with local governments. Following the disastrous Childers backpacker accommodation fire in Queensland, FESA reviewed the situation in Western Australia and established the FESA Community Safety Project Unit to conduct audit inspections across Western Australia in conjunction with local government officers.

In total, 401 inspections were completed across 102 local government areas in the state between March 2005 and June 2006. These inspections included backpackers, country hotels with accommodation, motels and various other lodging houses, caravan parks, tourist parks and wilderness parks. The program has also included inspections of some public buildings with a priority given to inspection of nightclubs. In addition, inspections have been undertaken at psychiatric hostels and some aged care facilities.

Low Budget Accommodation Inspections 2005 - 2006

BUILDING TYPE QUANTITY INSPECTED Metropolitan hotels/lodging houses 51 Country hotels with accommodation 140 Country lodging houses 103 Nightclubs 53 Other public buildings 54 TOTAL 401

The program involves follow-up visits to many backpacker properties and this has revealed a high rate of adoption of fire safe recommendations.

Many local governments have issued orders to premises to comply with findings during inspections. Some, notably the City of Perth, have written to all lodging houses inspected in the initial program instructing operators that they must comply with smoke alarm requirements recommended in the inspection by a nominated date.

Strong relationships have been built with local governments across the State. Since the program began, FESA has inspected premises across 115 local government areas and follow-up visits have revealed a high level of compliance with the inspection team’s recommendations. There is also an increased level of enforcement by local government as a result of the visits.

48 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

FIRE INVESTIGATION COURSE FESA out-sourced training in fire investigation in 2005-2006. Subsequently, a group of ten career Fire and Rescue Service officers successfully completed a Diploma of Fire Investigation.

Trainers from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, which developed the diploma course, delivered the training in Western Australia to FESA and WA Police personnel over a period of two weeks.

Five new fire investigation officers were trained and another five existing officers undertook a transition course. The diploma course, considered to be the best option to train new fire and arson investigators, is registered, giving those who complete it nine competencies under the Public Training Industry – Training Advisory Board: • protect and preserve incident scene • conduct initial investigation at scene • give evidence in a judicial or semi quasi judicial setting • represent the organisation in a judicial or quasi-judicial setting • use and maintain forensic equipment • maintain a safe forensic working environment • manage media requirements at major incidents • conduct interviews • conduct fire investigation and analysis activities.

Attainment of the Diploma provides the officers with 50% credits towards the Graduate Certificate of Fire Investigation which is delivered by Charles Sturt University in South Australia.

Over the past four years, FESA has conducted joint fire investigation training with the Police Arson Squad. The difficulty of keeping up with the required competencies, frameworks and standards was a contributing factor in the decision to outsource the training.

The Australasian Fire Authorities Council National Fire Investigation Group assisted in fostering collaboration between both FESA and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and close ties have now been formed between fire investigation units from both states.

VOLUNTEER READINESS REVIEWS To meet statutory requirements, FESA needs to ensure that all volunteer brigades meet minimum standards in terms of readiness and efficiency. A system of readiness reviews has been developed to assess the level of preparedness and efficiency of volunteer Fire and Rescue Service brigades.

The reviews are conducted in a 'no blame' environment and should areas for improvement be identified, the brigade leaders and their respective district managers work together to implement any improvements. Twenty two reviews were undertaken in 2005-2006.

COMPETENCY TRAINING FOR MAJOR EMERGENCIES In response to the Auditor General’s report Performance Examination – Responding to Major Bushfires FESA developed a set of minimum competencies required to manage emergencies within its hazard management responsibilities.

It was identified that although many managers had significant operational experience in managing Level 1, 2 and 3 incidents, their competencies had not been formalised with endorsed training programs.

A program was fast-tracked to deliver training in the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS) competencies of Logistics and Planning. Nine competency-based courses were conducted with 101 attendees. As a result of the training program, Level 2 and Level 3 competencies in Logistics Management and Incident Planning have been significantly improved. These courses were held in addition to scheduled training in these competencies.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 49

MAJOR EMERGENCY REPONSE TEAMS In order to better support communities and emergency responders in the event of a major emergency, FESA has established four major emergency teams that can be deployed quickly anywhere in the state.

While the existing initial response to emergencies remains unchanged, a major emergency team will be mobilised to complement current arrangements, to assist as required, or to manage complex events.

The membership of each team is based on Australasian Inter-agency Incident Management System (AIIMS) roles. The teams will train and respond together in the event of significant emergencies.

Full details are provided in the Urban Search and Rescue section of this report on page 81.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICERS To assist local governments in meeting their bush fire and emergency management responsibilities, FESA is employing seven Community Emergency Management Officers. The officers will be based in Belmont, Joondalup, Northam, Geraldton, Albany and two in Bunbury.

Over the course of their contracts, the officers will work with designated local governments to review the local Bushfire Response Plan and suggest enhancements where applicable, and identify the other emergency management arrangements and plans and suggest possible enhancements. The task in relation to bush fire is in accordance with one of the recommendations of the Auditor General's report Performance Examination – Responding to Major Bush Fires, of October 2004.

PREPARE … STAY AND DEFEND OR GO EARLY In line with recommendations contained in the Council of Australian Governments' report National Inquiry on Bushfire Mitigation and Management 2004, FESA, the WA Police, CALM and the WA Local Government Association endorsed a joint position statement prior to the 2005-2006 bush fire season in relation to the relocation of people during bush fires.

The document, entitled WA Position Statement on Evacuation and Protection of People and Property, established clear guidelines for people endangered by bush fires.

FESA developed a community information campaign Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early 2005-2006 to inform the community of the WA position. The campaign targeted residents living 100 metres from bush land in the rural-urban fringe and residents in rural and semi-rural areas of South-West Western Australia, with a particular emphasis on residents living within the Darling Escarpment.

The principal campaign strategy involved distribution of 35,000 Bushfire Stay or Go kits, which encouraged residents to make a decision and either prepare to stay and defend their homes or to prepare to 'go early'. The kits included materials to assist with preparedness activities and to help householders to assess their capacity to stay and defend their homes.

Other strategies included production of a CD-ROM/DVD, promotional posters, extensive website resources and a television, radio and newspaper advertising campaign.

FESA evaluated the program through a written survey completed by 600 respondents and through an independent telephone survey of 400 residents. The evaluation indicated that the campaign was effective in raising awareness, achieving a much stronger recollection of the message than for previous campaigns and had a definite impact on the propensity of people to make a decision about whether they would stay or go in the event of a bushfire.

However, a disturbing finding was that around half of the residents in the Perth Hills area did not believe they were at risk of bushfire. More than half believed the fire service would prevent any real damage if there was a fire and a significant number of people would wait to be advised by authorities on when to leave. At the same, time a third of Perth hills residents mentioned without prompting that they were concerned about the risk of bush fires.

50 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

The surveys have provided FESA with a better understanding of community needs and a guide for more effective community safety initiatives in future campaigns.

FIRE MANAGEMENT FOR SWAN COASTAL PLAIN WETLANDS Fighting fires in wetlands such as those on the Swan coastal plan, creates complex challenges for fire managers. Fires in these locations have a tendency to smoulder for extended periods, well beyond the passage of the initial fire front. Bush fire suppression in peat (high organic content) sites is therefore more difficult to achieve than in standard bushland fuels.

Not only must the Incident Management Team deal with both surface and underground fires, but there is also the added complexity of problems associated with potential acid sulphate soils. These naturally occurring soils contain iron sulphide materials which, when exposed to air, produce sulphuric acid and can often release toxic quantities of iron, aluminium and heavy metals. This means that construction of standard mineral earth fire breaks in such circumstances is just not possible.

There are a number of research projects under way to address these issues. One project is gathering together research undertaken over the previous 30 years on fires in Swan coastal plan wetlands. The project will draw together the appropriate data and scientific principles so that FESA can better manage fire in, and adjacent to, wetlands.

Another component of this project is to further develop fire fighting techniques that will assist in ensuring that environmental harm is minimised during fire management. In particular incident managers are seeking knowledge that will assist in preventing fires entering wetlands and/or provide appropriate techniques to extinguish fires in organic soils in wetlands without downgrading water quality (see next item).

A summary of a workshop held in March 2004, Preventing wetland soils and sediments from burning on the Swan Coastal Plain, convened by Pierre Horwitz, of Edith Cowan University and FESA’s Ralph Smith, has been published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, Volume 88 Part 3 September 2005.

BUSH FIRE MANAGEMENT IN ORGANIC SOILS FESA is developing greatly improved guidelines for the management of bush fires in organic soils (also known as peat), which will help protect the wetlands on the Swan coastal plain and potentially those in other parts of the state. The guidelines are in development as a result of three serious fires at Lake Neerabup, a wetland north of Perth on the Swan coastal plain, which is usually completely dry in summer.

The first blaze was the consequence of an extensive bush fire in February 2001. It severely affected Lake Neerabup, causing a large area of underground peat to catch alight and burn unabated for a number of months. This proved a considerable challenge to firefighters and caused a significant smoke problem for the local community.

FESA responded by undertaking a number of initiatives to promote continuing research into the management of fires in these difficult wetland sites. FESA's Bush Fire and Environmental Protection Branch worked with stakeholders including Department of the Environment, Edith Cowan University, the City of Wanneroo and FESA personnel, to develop a range of operational strategies that would assist fire managers in the future.

A second major fire at Lake Neerabup started in November 2005. This provided an opportunity for FESA to test a number of the strategies, in particular a trenching and backfilling operation that isolated and contained the burning peat.

At the same time a partnership was forged between the Department of the Environment, Edith Cowan University and FESA to conduct a scientific study of the still-smouldering fire and apply strategies. This included monitoring the water level and quality, along with changes to the environmental structure and air quality within the lake and areas adjacent to it. Water testing bores and air monitoring devices were in place for some time, collecting this data.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 51

A third fire invaded the lake bed in February 2006 and caused equally difficult firefighting conditions. On this occasion researchers took the opportunity to test the use of fire suppressants to extinguish the surface fire and stop the subterranean running fire. The research will provide firefighters with a guide as to what products can be used without causing further damage to the environment.

By applying the scientific data from these fires and other FESA-funded research on the Swan coastal plan wetlands it is anticipated that FESA will be able to develop significantly more sound firefighting guidelines to protect the wetlands across the state.

IMPACT OF FIREFIGHTING SUPPRESSANTS ON NATIVE VEGETATION FESA is working with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and a University of Western Australia research doctoral student to research if fire suppressants have a toxic impact on Western Australian vegetation. A concise preliminary project has indicated some potential concerning adverse effects for some species. Fire suppressants have, in most instances, not been assessed for their ecological (plant, animal and soil environmental) effects under Western Australian conditions.

At the conclusion of this project it is expected to determine if fire-suppressing foams, retardants and gels negatively impact: • on plant community health, both growth and reproduction and what species are most susceptible • on seed germination and seedling recruitment.

This has the potential to affect the firefighting tactics applied in ecologically sensitive locations.

BUSH FIRE ASSESSMENT GUIDE A resource has been developed to provide bush fire managers with a range of tools that can enhance strategic decision making in prevention and response activities.

Guide and Tables for Fire Management in Western Australia – due to be published early in the next reporting period – will allow bush fire managers to: • calculate fire intensity and rate of spread in various vegetation under different conditions • discover at a glance which fire intensities will limit direct attacks (this information, for example, could prompt consideration of alternative fire control options or strategies) • calculate dispatch times of suppression appliances for fires in different vegetation types • discover quickly the rate of fire spread on slopes of varying degrees.

The resource also contains meters for calculating: • the danger level of fires in grassland • the spread rate of grassland fires • the spread rate of forest fires.

The guide is the amalgamation of anecdotal information, the knowledge of experienced FESA fire managers and research undertaken by the CSIRO, the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, the University of Melbourne and CALM.

STRATEGIC PASTORAL STATION BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT FESA has begun working with a number of experienced Kimberley pastoralists to develop a best practice framework for bush fire prevention and response. Some fires in the Kimberley can take days to control because grasslands can become highly combustible during the extended dry season. In the process, vast areas of productive pastoral rangelands and sensitive environmental belts are lost.

Pastoral stations participating in the project will provide examples of best practice based on many years of practical experience, in order to promote strategic bushfire prevention throughout the Kimberley. It is hoped the project could provide the basis for similar approaches to bushfire prevention across the north of Australia and in other pastoral regions.

The project will involve a two-way flow of information and expertise:

52 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

• Experienced pastoralists will provide FESA with specific data and information about prescribed burns. The data will be used to identify optimal conditions for prescribed burning. • FESA will provide expertise to assist pastoralists to develop their own strategic bushfire management plans to meet each pastoralist's needs.

The research component of the project aims to identify optimum conditions for prescribed burning. Pastoralists have been asked to record conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, wind direction, cloud cover, soil type and vegetation properties. This data will be used to determine the factors which influence the outcomes of different prescribed burns. Reports on the gathered data will be distributed to others pastoralists, who can either review the data or use the data for their own needs.

Through the project FESA will provide pastoralists with more options for identifying and managing bushfire threats. For example, pastoralists will have a greater range of possible strategies from which to choose when creating fire buffers in areas that require retention of vegetation to prevent erosion.

Benefits of the project will include: • increased community awareness of bush fire management options • improved identification of bush fire risks and threats • improved community preparation through the development of strategic bush fire management plans.

USING HELICOPTERS TO FIGHT BUSH FIRES FESA has completed the first phase of a study into the effectiveness of helicopters in fighting WA bush fires. Helicopters were first used by FESA in the 2002-2003 summer because of their ability to apply water and foam quickly and accurately on bush fires in Perth suburbs and the urban-rural fringe.

However, a better understanding was needed of the helicopters’ capabilities and limitations in suppressing the rate of bush fire spread in a variety of vegetation types to ensure: • resources were matched appropriately to risk • suppression performance was improved • cost effectiveness was optimised, particularly as aerial suppression has been a high-cost operation.

The study examined previous national and international research into the use of aerial suppression. It concluded there was limited published material on the helicopter size and configuration used in Western Australia – and research that existed did not demonstrate effectiveness in a definitive, scientific manner.

The study also examined data gathered during incidents involving helicopters in the 2002-2003 fire season in Western Australia. The study found: • response is most effective within the first 30 minutes of the bush fire starting • speed, accuracy and ready access are positive features of the helicopters • the helicopters have limited carrying capacity • this type of aerial suppression must be supported by ground suppression crews • the issue of accurately determining the impact of helicopters on the rate of suppression remains unanswered because of lack of data.

The study also identified definitive criteria for determining cost and performance effectiveness of aerial suppression. It highlighted the difficulty in determining effectiveness using current incident data collection methods. Further investigation has been proposed using automatic data logging of future incidents from helicopters using infrared or thermal imaging linked to GPS.

The study also proposed an examination of operational issues, specifically dispatch and deployment strategies, to ensure helicopters reach fires faster. In addition, the study offered a secondary issue to be considered: Would a helicopter with a much larger capacity be more effective? It is hoped these issues will be answered by a research project on aerial suppression to be undertaken by the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre in three to four years.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 53

AERIAL INTELLIGENCE Increased State Government funding has enabled the acquisition of a Star Safire III thermal imaging camera incorporated with digital video camera, laser rangefinder, microwave down link and Avalex mapping system for the air intelligence helicopter.

The new equipment, which is used predominantly in the designated air intelligence helicopter, is an invaluable tool for bush fire and incident management. It transmits real-time images of mapping, hot-spot information and digital / infrared vision from the helicopter to management teams in the field. The maps indicate the exact location of the fire and assist in identifying vulnerable community assets. The new equipment will also be invaluable with real time data capture for a wide range of incidents including hazardous materials response, urban search and rescue, land search and rescue, floods and storms. Evaluation of the equipment for these types of call outs is still underway.

The information gathered and transmitted by the new equipment in relation to bush fires has greatly enhanced the ability of incident management teams to view hotspots, predict fire shapes and escalating threat. This has allowed for early community warnings to occur, more effective protection of community assets and ensured a greater level of firefighter safety.

RESPONSE STRUCTURAL FIRES In 2005-2006, a total of 1,350 structural fires were suppressed by FESA’s career firefighters or volunteer firefighters supported by FESA.

BUSH FIRES Over the year, a total of 6,566 bush fires were responded to by FESA’s career firefighters or volunteer firefighters supported by FESA.

AERIAL FIREFIGHTING Since their introduction during the 2002-2003 bush fire season, the integration of helicopter water bombers (Helitacs) with fixed-wing water bombers has once again proved very successful. The bush fire knockdown capacity of the fixed-wing aircraft, combined with the fast turn around times of the Helitacs, provides a formidable protection in Perth’s rural-urban fringe. The Helitacs are considered as an essential fire fighting tool in WA in support of firefighters on the ground.

Prior to the 2004-2005 fire season, the use of the Helitacs outside of the immediate Perth area was not possible because it removed the only aerial resource that can operate over the built up areas of Perth. However, an increased State Government recurrent contribution to $1.75 million has allowed FESA to double its helicopter response capability from two to four Helitacs.

As a result, the response area was expanded from an 80km radius of Perth to a 120km radius, and the Zone 2 automatic response area was increased to Chittering in the north and Serpentine in the south. Zone 2 automatic responses comprised the dispatch of two Helitacs and two-fixed wing water bombers with the remaining two Helitacs available at Perth airport if required. This proved to be effective with an estimated $12 million of assets saved and $26 million protected.

With the expansion of the response area, additional collar tanks for water resupply to the Helitacs have been sourced and strategic locations have been identified. Additional collar tanks were strategically located by the commencement of the 2005-2006 fire season.

In 2005-2006, Helitacs were activated for 50 incidents, delivering 1,305,000 litres of water and 3,713 litres of foam in a total of 1,305 drops. Fixed-wing water bombers worked jointly with the Helitacs at 10 incidents.

54 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

BUSH FIRE MAPPING FESA’s dedicated air intelligence helicopter, which maps bush fire shapes and intensities and transmits the data to management teams in the field, attended 25 incidents in 2005-2006. The information supplied by this helicopter has greatly enhanced the ability of incident management teams to view hotspots, predict fire shapes and escalating threat. This has allowed for early community warnings to occur, more effective protection of community assets and ensured a greater level of firefighter safety.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS – STRUCTURAL FIRE WELSHPOOL FACTORY FIRE – August 31, 2005 More than 50 firefighters battled a large fire at a wood products factory in Somersby Road, Welshpool. Thirteen Fire and Rescue Service appliances from across Perth attended the fire. Firefighters used breathing apparatus to access the fire area inside a dust extraction unit in a manufacturing plant. This area was clogged with heavy smoke with zero visibility. The entire factory site was evacuated. One firefighter suffered minor burns and was taken to hospital.

DAMPIER SALT WHARF – 15 September 2005 A fire in the engine room workshop of the Opal Naree – a 29,000 tonne Thailand registered bulk carrier – started when molten metal landed on coiled electrical cables during a welding project, causing them to ignite. The crew closed all the engine room doors and fire dampers and carbon dioxide was released into the room. FESA was involved in two inspections of the engine room. There was no sign of the fire and the ship’s crew were given the all clear to ventilate the area.

WILLETTON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – 22 September 2005 Fire and Rescue Service crews from Canningvale, Murdoch, O'Connor and Welshpool were called to a fire at the Willeton Senior High School. Firefighters arrived on site within five minutes of the fire being reported by the education security service following the activation of a smoke alarm. The blaze spread rapidly through the roof space destroying the school gymnasium and causing considerable smoke damage to the adjacent performing arts centre. More then 15 firefighters battled the flames to save changerooms and other facilities from total destruction. The blaze resulted in a $500,000 damage bill.

FREMANTLE BOATLIFTERS – 17 NOVEMBER 2005 Career firefighters contained a fire which destroyed two luxury boats at a shipyard in Mews Road, Fremantle. The boats, worth a total of $1.2 million, were doused with foam from a hydraulic lift. The blaze was a challenge for firefighters because it was not known what was on the boats and the fumes and smoke from the blaze had caused a hazardous plume.

STOCK ROAD MARKETS, SPEARWOOD – 6 DECEMBER 2005 Thirty Fire and Rescue Service firefighters responded to a fire which caused $1.2 million damage in a big section of the Stock Road Markets. All people were evacuated from the building unharmed. Firefighters from Success, Fremantle and Murdoch fire stations contained the blaze to the building and had it under control in 45 minutes.

WA SALVAGE, MORLEY – 17 MARCH 2006 A spectacular blaze gutted the WA Salvage store in Morley. The fire took hold quickly and had consumed 80% of the building when firefighters arrived at the scene. This fire, which could be seen all over the metropolitan area, took 18 hours to totally extinguish. Career Fire and Rescue Service firefighters from Bassendean, Malaga, Midland, Belmont and Perth attended the incident. Department of Environment representatives were present, conducting air monitoring and an adjacent premises was evacuated as a precaution. It was thought that the cause of the fire was in the vicinity of citronella bottles packed in pallets at the rear of the store. However, investigators said the exact cause of the $3 million blaze could not be determined beyond doubt. It was thought that sunlight shining through the citronella bottles may have had a magnifying effect, bringing the contents of the bottles to ignition temperature.

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NOTABLE INCIDENTS – BUSH FIRE BEVERLEY SPRINGS PASTORAL STATION – 6 October 2005 This level-two fire burned 1.2 million hectares of bush and pasture over a period of eight weeks. FESA provided assistance to control the fire through the provision of aerial and ground support.

KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK – 4-7 NOVEMBER 2005 A fire burned about 250,000ha of land in Karijini National Park and adjacent rangelands before being contained by volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and Rio Tinto’s private brigade. Operations were controlled by an incident management team jointly run by FESA, CALM and the Shire of Ashburton.

LAKE NEERABUP – 13 NOVEMBER 2005 - APRIL 2006 This fifth-alarm bush fire, although relatively small in area (67ha), posed many complex challenges to firefighters. Surface fires were contained relatively quickly by career firefighters and bush fire brigade volunteers. However, a subterranean peat fire continued to burn. Major efforts were required to prevent flare-ups escaping into the suburb of Carramar – and to combat acrid smoke emanating from the smouldering peat.

Following consultation with the City of Wanneroo, the Department of Environment, CALM and the Water and Rivers Commission, FESA approved the strategy of installing a trench across the swamp and neutralising acid soils with lime. The City of Wanneroo built a trench 350m long and back-filled it with more than 3,000 tonnes of lime, taking 32 hours to complete.

In February 2006, another fire which started near Burns Beach Road, Joondalup, crossed Wanneroo Road and entered the southern end of Lake Neerabup. This fire quickly spread north through surface fuel on the dry lake bed and eventually jumped the trench, to join up with the November fire. As a consequence of the two fires, a substantial area of peat was alight and caused a significant smoke problem for the local community.

FESA monitored the spread of the peat fire through Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) on aircraft, to ensure that hotspots were identified. In addition, Fire and Rescue Service crews and bush fire brigade volunteers patrolled the area on a daily basis to minimise the potential of an escape of the fire. Subsequently, a specialist fire suppressant was used to assist in containing the fire. Monitoring continued beyond the reporting period.

NORSEMAN – 9-11 DECEMBER 2005 A multi-agency effort was able to contain a bush fire which burnt 60,000ha of unallocated Crown land 40km north of Norseman. The fire ran for three weeks and was contained with the aid of firebreak lines and favourable wind conditions.

BORDEN – 19 December 2005 More than 100 volunteer fire units, two water bombers, a spotter aircraft, a bulldozer and three graders were used to combat a bush fire which destroyed 2,500 ha of farm land north of Borden. The fire, ignited by a faulty harvester, was also responsible for the deaths of about 700 sheep.

LEDGE POINT, LANCELIN – 1 January 2006 FESA assumed control of this fifth-alarm bush fire at the request of the Shire of Gingin. Residents in the Ledge Point and Seaview Estate were alerted to evacuate or stay and defend. Some residents decided to go to an emergency centre for evacuees in Lancelin. The fire, which rapidly burnt 1500ha of coastal heath, was quickly contained as a result of close working partnerships between the responding agencies. More than 100 volunteers fought the fire. There was a minimum of disruption and no loss of property.

LIGHTNING SWAMP, NORANDA – 10 January 2006 Two Helitacs supported fire crews from Malaga, Bassendean, Canning Vale, Belmont, Daglish, Joondalup and Wangara to quickly control a bush fire that was in an ecologically sensitive area and threatened Malaga’s industrial area. Several crews had to use four-wheel drive vehicles to gain access to the fire because of the thick vegetation and difficult terrain. Firefighters worked with the Bayswater City Council to

56 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

minimise damage to the ecologically sensitive Lightning Swamp. Appliances were driven along existing tracks where possible and the fire was not suppressed with foam, in case of harm to native vegetation.

WAROONA – January 2006 (10,000 hectares) Two Helitacs and the air intelligence helicopter were used to support CALM and FESA ground crews and fixed wing water bombers during this fire. Helitacs were primarily tasked for asset protection of the Alcoa Refinery and associated conveyer belt.

MURRAY VALLEY – 22-24 January 2006 More than 100 volunteer and career firefighters were part of a 350-strong contingent which attended a bush fire that burnt through more than 9100ha of bushland and pasture and threatened townships. Firefighters – including volunteers from 13 local governments and career and CALM firefighters – were on rotating shifts to fight the blaze, which started in state forest in Dwellingup and moved into private property north east of Yarloop.

The fire – thought to have been deliberately lit – forced the evacuation of 1,500 campers and bushwalkers from Lane Poole Reseve. Later, the blaze came within 600m of Aloca’s Wagerup refinery and caused the closure of the South Western Highway between Waroona and Harvey. Police and FESA officers door knocked homes in Yarloop, Hamel and Waroona to advise residents of options to evacuate or stay and defend. An emergency centre for evacuees was set up in Waroona town hall. It took two days to contain the fire. Mop-up included creation of a 100m buffer around the 90km perimeter of the fire zone.

BURNS BEACH – February 2006 Multi-agency fire services took three days to bring a bush fire under control in the Burns Beach area. The fire encompassed 558 hectares and threatened a number of residential properties. An intense response averted any major structural damage. Four Helitacs were utilised with 232 drops made totalling 232,000 litres of water and 400 litres of foam. Air intelligence provided ongoing valuable fire shape and activity data to the incident management team.

MOORE RIVER NATIONAL PARK – 17 MARCH 2006 Two fixed-wing water bombers and two Helitacs worked to help 20 FESA firefighters and 44 CALM and Forest Products Commission firefighters to contain a fire in Moore River National Park. The fire started on the Brand Highway and damaged 400ha before it was extinguished. Police directed traffic as smoke was heavy and affected visibility.

GERALDTON – 23 MARCH 2006 Several homes and a primary school at Bluff Point were saved from a bushfire by firebreaks and back burning created by 25 career and volunteer firefighters.

RECOVERY INCIDENT ANALYSIS BRINGS UPGRADE Homeswest and the Department of Housing and Works made a commitment to upgrade the fire safety features in some Homeswest apartment blocks following a fire in the Wandana Flats in Subiaco.

A post incident report by an officer from FESA's Built Environment Branch indicated a number of matters in the 40-year-old building needed attention.

The agency agreed to provide improvements including internal fire hydrants, boosters and pumps. Along with direct brigade alarm connections and smoke and thermal detection equipment, the building will be well protected.

As a result of further consultation, Homeswest has established a significant funding program to provide improvements in other older housing units.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 57

FLOOD

Many parts of Western Australia are prone to flooding at different times of year. Floods can cause significant disruption to road, rail, and communications and damage other community infrastructure.

Torrential rain in the monsoonal wet season the Kimberley and other northern areas of the state can cause the flooding of vast areas. The wet season also may bring rivers down in flood, threatening life, livestock and property.

FESA is the hazard management agency for flood in Western Australia with responsibilities in relation to preparedness, response and recovery. State Emergency Service units and Volunteer Emergency Service units undertake the primary response roles.

PREPAREDNESS FLOOD PLAIN MAPPING FOR PERTH RIVERS FESA has entered into an agreement with the Department of Water to fund production of flood plain mapping of the Swan and Canning rivers.

The project will cost $40,000, with FESA and the Department of Water each funding 50%. Growth in population density combined with changes to land use along the Swan River, such as agricultural and industrial development, have increased significantly the potential for loss of life, damage to industrial, commercial, agricultural facilities and strategic public utilities.

The digital floodplain mapping will be used to support emergency response planning during major flood events in the Swan and Canning rivers.

PREPARING FOR THE WET SEASON FESA staff and volunteers worked together to prepare northern communities for the wet season and the threat of cyclones and flooding.

The coastal stretch from Exmouth to Broome has the highest incidence of tropical cyclones anywhere in Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology predicted two possible cyclone coastal crossings for the 2005-2006 summer and expected one of them to be severe – of magnitude category 3 to 5. Four, in fact, crossed the coast – see over the page under the heading Response for more information.

Awareness activities commenced with a tour of coastal areas in the Mid-West/Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions in October 2005. Bureau of Meteorology and FESA staff addressed local and district emergency management committees, community members and media outlets in these areas.

Safety messages were broadcast through community service announcements on radio and television in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions and safety presentations were made to industry groups and remote Indigenous communities to inform them of the risks they may face and what action to take.

Community safety resources, including a CD and a cyclone tracking map, were provided on request to schools, businesses, mining companies, removalists, shire offices, hospitals and local communities.

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SAFETY BROCHURE FOR NORTH WEST TRAVELLERS FESA and ABC Radio joined forces to provide safety information on floods and cyclones to travellers who visit the North West of Western Australia during the wet season, through a new brochure, Travel Safe in the North West.

The brochure outlines the risks and what people can do to stay safe when travelling in the North West during the wet season. The first print run of 8,000 copies was distributed through ABC stations, FESA regional offices, visitor centres, camper van hire companies and CALM offices.

Regional staff and local emergency services volunteers identified self-drive travellers as an important target group for the FESA wet season campaign, designed to provide cyclone and safety information to people at risk.

FESA’s recent cyclone research indicated that ABC Radio was a trusted source of cyclone information for people in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Gascoyne regions. The new brochure lists all the frequencies for ABC Radio North West and ABC Radio Kimberley for travellers wanting information during an emergency.

Tourism Western Australia figures show that each December quarter over the past three years the North West was host to around 142,100 visitors. The majority (93,000) were Western Australians, followed by 32,000 interstate travellers and 17,100 overseas tourists.

FESA and ABC Radio shared the costs of producing the co-branded brochure, building on the partnership that began with a cyclone tracking maps resource in the previous season.

IMPROVED LOGISTICS A 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week service to make emergency flood control equipment available to volunteers at major incidents has been established under a commercial contract let by FESA to Mercury Firesafety Ptd Ltd. The service was initially established to ensure emergency supplies of firefighting foam were available for firefighters. However, it has been extended to include bulk supplies of items such as sand bags are available at any time.

Under the contract, Mercury Firesafety holds the bulk supplies at its warehouse. The incident controller is able to request urgent deliveries through the FESA Communications Centre or State Coordination Centre. The contract covers the dispatch directly to the incident scene.

The service to the SES was first used successfully during the regional floods in early 2006.

RESPONSE The Bureau of Meteorology reported eight major flood events in 2005-2006. State Emergency Service volunteers committed 1,144 hours to responding to floods. Tropical cyclones Emma, Clare and Glenda caused widespread flooding in the Pilbara. TC Emma went on to produce floods along the Murchison River. Rainfall from the remnants of TC Clare caused the Greenough River to break its banks. The Lake Grace region was inundated by floodwaters twice and the Goldfields/Eucla region was also hit.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS TROPICAL CYCLONES CLARE AND DARYL – 13 JANUARY - 17 MARCH 2006 After crossing at Dampier in the Pilbara early on 10 January, the remains of Tropical Cyclone Clare moved southwards, generating heavy rainfall and causing some flooding through the Gascoyne and inland parts of the South-West land division. The State Emergency Coordination Group was activated for flooding in the Great Southern and Greenough River catchments.

On Friday 13 January 2006, as a result of heavy and constant rainfall from ex Tropical Cyclone Clare, the shires of Kulin, Kondinin, Kent, Corrigin, Dumbleyung and Jerramungup reported various levels of damage to roads, culverts, stock, feed and fencing. The towns of Lake Grace and Kulin were the worst hit.

The Shire of Kulin and Kulin SES volunteers were activated to assist with floodwaters threatening the town’s business area, the local school and a private residence. The Kulin Local Emergency Management

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 59

Committee was activated. The local emergency services building was used as the emergency operations centre from where SES volunteers were dispatched to sandbag and divert water away from the threatened areas.

The Shire of Lake Grace and Lake Grace volunteer Fire and Rescue firefighters were activated to alleviate flood damage by sandbagging properties. All access roads were blocked and the entire town isolated. Many residents had flood water through their homes. Attempts to transport extra sandbags from Kulin to Lake Grace were unsuccessful due to rising flood waters from surrounding lakes. Many farming communities surrounding the township of Lake Grace were under water and remained so for weeks.

Greenough River – 14-16 January 2006 The Greenough River recorded its highest flooding in 100 years as a consequence of rain dumped by ex Tropical Cyclone Clare. The flood was similar to that experienced in 1999, when roads were cut and the town evacuated.

Mitigation strategies for the town of Walkaway were successful thanks to early planning before the flooding began on 14 January.

Volunteers from the SES and bush fire brigades joined Walkaway residents to build temporary levees at strategic locations around the town. A 1.5 metre high levee at the north end of town was instrumental in preventing major flooding. Late on Sunday 15 January, SES volunteers from Gosnells, Armadale and Bayswater arrived to assist in case the levees broke and urgent evacuations were required. The response also included a group of prisoners under the care of the Ministry of Justice, who helped fill sandbags. The town became isolated by floodwaters. Access roads, including the Brand Highway, were closed.

The flood level peaked at about six metres just after 2am on 16 January and another levy was added. When the water receded later that morning, it was obvious from the water marks that damage had been minimised by the levees.

After Tropical Cyclone Clare crossed the Pilbara coast, widespread rain flooded both the Ashburton and Fortescue Rivers and cut off several major roads, including the North West Coastal Highway. Tropical cyclone Daryl followed a fortnight later delivering more heavy rain to the Murchison River catchment.

TROPICAL CYCLONE EMMA – 28 FEBRUARY - 17 MARCH 2006 Heavy rain preceded the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Emma on 28 February. The associated storm system covered a wide area throughout a region already well into the wet season. Karratha registered 190mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 9am on 28 February and a total 306mm for the whole event. In the early stages, SES volunteers were involved in the successful rescue of several motorists from floodwaters outside Karratha. People were also rescued from Yarraloola Station, 150km south of Karratha on the banks of Robe River.

Rivers remained swollen more than two weeks after Tropical Cyclone Emma crossed the coast, with flooding in the Gascoyne River and Murchison River catchments between 28 February and 17 March. Some communities remained isolated by floodwaters until early March. Mileura Station (70km north west of Meekatharra) reported its homestead was flooded for the first time in 120 years. Damage was reported in the Shires of Carnarvon, Upper Gascoyne, Meekatharra, Murchison, Northampton and Ashburton. Flood waters entered four homesteads of pastoral stations along the Murchison.

In response to the flooding, FESA established a regional coordination centre in Geraldton. District emergency management committee agencies also became involved at various phases of the flood response. These included local governments, the Water Corporation, Western Power, Main Roads WA and CALM.

Thanks to a massive mitigation effort by emergency services and the community in general (including backpackers and children), commercial and residential properties in Kalbarri escaped damage from flooding.

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Sixty SES volunteers from Geraldton, Morawa, Eneabba and Carnarvon joined their Kalbarri counterparts, fire services and marine rescue volunteers to provide support. Preparation included: • air reconnaissance missions to assess the flood water impact • issuing of community flood warnings • early warning, advice and assistance to 11 pastoral stations located along the length of the Murchison River, including provision of 4,000 sand bags • sandbagging and building of temporary levies to protect Kalbarri and its assets, conducted by SES, other emergency service volunteers and community members (9,000 sandbags, 400 tonnes of sand and 35 rolls of heavy duty plastic were used for levee construction in Kalbarri).

Significantly, this was the first time remote sensing images had been used as a decision-making tool in preparation for a flood in WA. It proved valuable for identifying the amount of water gathering in the catchment area.

TROPICAL CYCLONE GLENDA – 24-31 MARCH 2006 Tropical Cyclone Glenda developed from a monsoonal low that dumped heavy rain in the East Kimberley from 23-24 March. SES volunteers advised residents to prepare for widespread flooding from the Dunham and Ord Rivers. Tracking off the Kimberley coast, TC Glenda attained category 5 status on 28 March and subsequently battered the Pilbara coast from Karratha to Onslow at category 4 as it moved southwards.

TC Glenda weakened to category 3 intensity before crossing the coast near Onslow overnight on 30 March. Onslow recorded 206mm of rain in the 24 hours to 9am on 31 March, the sixth wettest day on record for the town. Roads were flooded, powerlines downed and trees uprooted by winds of up to 179 kilometres per hour.

Other centres in the Pilbara recorded cumulative rainfall of more than 200mm. Although Glenda produced less than average rainfall for a land-falling tropical cyclone, falls were sufficient to cause flooding problems for transport in the Pilbara. In the first few days before the cyclone reached the Pilbara coast, it caused record floods in the East Kimberley district, washing out many roads around Kununurra, including part of the Great Northern Highway.

An adult and three children were evacuated from Ellenbrae Station, 220 kilometres west of Kununurra, while Home Valley (where residents had not been able to leave their station since Christmas because of flooding) was also resupplied with fresh fruit and vegetables. FESA also organised the evacuation of two adults and a dog from Diggers Rest Station.

RECOVERY During 2005-2006, FESA proclaimed four events which involved flooding as eligible natural disasters under the provisions of the Western Australian Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements. These were flooding associated with: • Tropical Cyclone Clare • Tropical Cyclone Daryl • Tropical Cyclone Emma • Tropical Cyclone Glenda

In partnership with the Department for Community Development and the Department of Agriculture and Food, FESA managed the provision of assistance to individuals and families, primary producers and local governments affected by these events.

SHIRE OF GREENOUGH Following the 14 January 2006 flood, the Department of Works and FESA have been exploring with the Shire of Greenough the possibility of employing a consultant undertake a full flood assessment of the Walkaway area. It would include assessing what mitigation works could be done to minimise damage to the town in the event of the river flooding in the future. The initial report is now part of a consultative process with the shire.

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LAKE GRACE At the invitation of the Shire of Lake Grace, FESA provided guidance on the establishment of a recovery committee after the 13 January 2006 flood. FESA also provided guidance on procedures to help the shire recover from the incident.

TROPICAL CYCLONE EMMA The Geraldton SES provided a team to Bullabulong Station for two days to assist with recovery. They pumped out floodwaters and helped to clean the main homestead. Assistance was offered to other stations as water levels receded.

The remote Indigenous community of Barringarra, in the Shire of Murchison, was resupplied from the air.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

(INCORPORATING CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL THREATS)

HAZARDOUS materials are widely used and transported throughout Western Australia. Wherever they are used within the community, there is a risk of an emergency occurring. They include explosives, compressed gases, corrosive substances, poisons, radioactive materials, infectious substances and flammable liquids and gases.

As the designated hazard management agency in WA, FESA has responsibility for the management of emergency incidents involving hazardous materials (HAZMAT). These include chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) incidents – ever present threats in a changing global environment in relation to terrorism. Because of the unique circumstances of chemical, biological and radiological incidents, a separate emergency management plan, Westplan – CBR, has been developed. This outlines the consequence management role for incidents involving chemical, biological and radiological materials. Generally, career and volunteer firefighters manage these incidents.

PREVENTION The Western Australian Hazardous Materials Coordinating Committee – made up of representation from government agencies, the community and industry – investigates all major hazardous materials incidents in the state with a view to preventing any recurrence of the cause of the incident. This proactive approach has resulted in Western Australia having one of the lowest incidences of hazardous materials emergencies in Australia.

PREPAREDNESS TRAINING OTHER AGENCIES Representatives from the Chemistry Centre, Police forensics officers and specialist groups, including St John Ambulance, undertook intensive training in the use of chemical, biological and radiological protective clothing and equipment so they will be better prepared when entering contaminated environments.

Fire and Rescue Service trainers showed 24 participants how to use and service breathing apparatus and a range of protective clothing. The training highlighted possible challenges at a complex incident when wearing specialised protective clothing and operating alongside Fire and Rescue Service personnel.

It was also a precursor to Exercise Canister, a major inter-agency scenario held in April to test chemical, biological and radiological capabilities.

NEW FACILITIES A new tanker roll over and LPG tanker fire simulation prop was installed at the FESA Training Centre at Forrestfield, enabling advanced training in an authentic location.

IMPROVED LOGISTICS Foam Watch, a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week service to make foam available to firefighters at major hazardous materials spills or fires, has been established under a commercial contract let by FESA to Mercury Firesafety Ptd Ltd. The service will ensure firefighters have access to bulk foam concentrates during significant emergency incidents at any time.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 63

Under the contract, Mercury Firesafety holds bulk supplies at its warehouse. The incident controller is able to request urgent deliveries through the FESA Communications Centre. The contract also covers the dispatch of other equipment items directly to the incident scene, such as emergency hose stocks.

The capability is also being extended to provide supplies to regional areas.

MAJOR EMERGENCY REPONSE TEAMS In order to better support communities and emergency responders in the event of a major emergency, FESA has established four major emergency teams that can be deployed quickly anywhere in the state.

While the existing initial response to emergencies remains unchanged, a major emergency team will be mobilised to complement current arrangements, to assist as required, or to manage complex events.

Full details are provided in the Urban Search and Rescue section on page 81 of this report.

MAJOR INTER-AGENCY OPERATIONS Two major inter-agency exercises held during 2005-2006 specifically examined hazardous materials response capability.

Mercury Mercury a multi-jurisdictional counter-terrorism exercise under the National Counter-Terrorism Committee’s capability development program was conducted in October 2005. The aim of the exercise was to practise the National Counter Terrorism Arrangements in support of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

FESA staff were involved in two phases of the exercise: • a cargo incident at Fremantle Port, Customs Department • response to assist the South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service in a chemical, biological and radiological incident in Adelaide.

FESA staff performed roles as umpires and as delegates of the international observer program.

Within Western Australia there were three broad objectives: • to practise and evaluate the operational response to hazardous materials incidents • to test activation and operational response of the Hazmat emergency advisory team • to evaluate inter-operability between the stakeholders attending the incident.

Deployment to assist in South Australia provided an opportunity to test inter-state mobilisation of chemical, biological and radiological equipment and operators.

Canister Exercise Canister 2006, a two-day multi-agency chemical, biological and radiological materials exercise, was held in April 2006.

Managed by FESA personnel, it tested Western Australia's emergency management arrangements and the preparedness, response and recovery capabilities and procedures of all of the agencies participating. Participants included 17 Fire and Rescue Service crews, Police forensic and tactical response groups, St John Ambulance crews and representatives from the Chemistry Centre and the Department of the Environment.

The exercise management team faced major logistical challenges involved with the management of significant numbers of casualties and their decontamination, as well as marshalling, mobilising and ensuring the welfare of response personnel.

As a follow-up, all of the agencies reviewed and modified protocols and procedures in preparation for an actual chemical, biological and radiological materials incident.

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INTERNATIONAL TRAINING A Memorandum Of Understanding signed between FESA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force in March 2005 resulted in an officer exchange program and specialist urban search and rescue operator training during 2005-2006. The professional relationship provides cost-effective training opportunities for both agencies and in the coming year is to involve participation by FESA personnel in internationally-accredited specialist courses including hazardous materials and ship and tank farm firefighting.

RESPONSE Career and volunteer firefighters attended a total of 1,285 hazardous materials incidents during the reporting period – 264 were of a serious nature and, of these, 68 were significant events requiring a major response.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS KEWDALE LPG LEAK – 10 October 2005 Twenty-one firefighters contained a gas leak from a 30,000-litre LPG tank at a business in Kewdale. Some of the firefighters used breathing apparatus to inspect the source of the leak. Staff were evacuated from the premises and a section of Leach Highway closed. The leak was contained two hours after FESA was notified of the incident. The highway was reopened when the Department of Environment Pollution Response Unit, which had been monitoring air quality, gave the all clear.

CHEMICAL FIRE, KWINANA – 8 JANUARY 2006 Firefighters attended a chemical fire in storage shed containing a pallet of a hazardous material called acrymlamide, used to make plastic products. Four other pallets were found during removal. In days following the fire, thermal-imaging cameras found two more pallets reacting. These were immediately cooled and made safe.

LPG TANKER ROLLOVER, ENEABBA – 14 March 2006 The Brand Highway 35km north of Eneabba was closed for 16 hours while firefighters attended to a motor vehicle crash involving an LPG tanker and a car. Dongara volunteer Fire and Rescue Service firefighters extricated the body of the car driver. They were also on stand-by when the contents of the LPG tanker, which had rolled over, were decanted into another tanker. Due to the prolonged nature of the incident, career and volunteer Fire and Rescue firefighters from Geraldton were called in relieve the Dongara volunteers from their watch.

CHEMICAL LEAK, NORTH FREMANTLE – 19 April 2006 Firefighters used a spill pad to contain about 1,000 litres of styrene that leaked from a 24,000 litre bulk container. Foam was released to prevent vapour escaping from the liquid styrene, which is used to make plastic products. The owners of the styrene decanted the remaining product into another container.

CHEMICAL FIRE, KWINANA – 25 May 2006 More than 1,300 occupants from 10 businesses In Kwinana were evacuated following a fire at a chemical blending facility. Firefighters contained the blaze, which involved caustic soda, tridimefon, ammonium sulphate and a red food dye. The fire caused widespread public complaints and 114 people were advised to seek medical attention.

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SEARCH / RESCUE

FESA provides a variety of search and rescue services, primarily in support of the Western Australia Police Service.

These range from operation of the state’s only dedicated emergency rescue helicopter service to marine search and rescue, in addition to a recently- enhanced capability to deal with casualties of terrorist activities.

CONTENTS

AERIAL RESCUE 67 CLIFF AND CAVE RESCUE 70 LAND AND AIR SEARCH 72 MARINE SEARCH AND RESCUE 74 ROAD CRASH RESCUE 78 URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE 80

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Aerial rescue

RAC Rescue 1 is Western Australia’s only dedicated emergency rescue helicopter.

The service provides: • Emergency rescues, eg. For the victims of car crashes, cliff rescues, farming accidents • Ship to shore rescues including responding to Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons • Hospital transfers for critically ill patients.

PREPAREDNESS RAC Rescue 1 and its highly trained crew are on standby, ready to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The helicopter is crewed by a pilot, rescue crewman (both supplied under contract by CHC Helicopters Australia) and a St John Ambulance Critical Care Paramedic.

Stationed at Jandakot Airport, Perth, RAC Rescue 1 typically operates within a 200km radius, covering 90% of Western Australia’s population or 1.8 million people. The Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service is managed by FESA and is funded by the State Government and principal sponsor, the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RAC).

Call outs are usually initiated by, or through St John Ambulance, or at the request of the WA Police. Critical life-saving missions take precedence over any other call out.

NEW FACILITIES The response time of the rescue helicopter will improve thanks to the allocation of $900,000 for an integrated base at Jandakot Airport. The new facility will have a hangar, planning and operations room and accommodation housed under the same roof. When the base is built (expected to be in 2006-2007), the target response time for the helicopter to be airborne will be reduced from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.

PROMOTION To promote the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service capability, over the past year live demonstrations were provided at community events and for a number of emergency services, including: • the IFAP Emergency Response Games • Australia Day Sky Show • Hillarys Boat Show • the Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group • the Perth Royal Show • RAC Centenary Rally • annual camp of the Emergency Services Cadet Corps

The service was also involved in a number of training exercises including multi-agency training with the Australian Defence Force at Lancelin.

RESPONSE In 2005-2006, the Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service undertook 217 missions. Of these: • 60% (130) were primary taskings, attending on scene at rescue incidents • 13% (27) of missions were for retrievals of critically ill patients from regional hospitals to metropolitan tertiary hospitals • 25% (54) of missions were search and rescue, most often in response to the activation of an Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon. These missions were requested either by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority through the Australian Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra, or the Western Australia Police.

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Two percent of missions were listed as 'other'. These included a request for an assistance flight by WA Police, which did not fall into any of the above categories. The helicopter was also used to gather data with an infrared camera for research into the effectiveness of peat fire suppression at Lake Neerabup.

Of all missions, approximately 34% (74) were in response to motor vehicle and motorcycle crashes.

The average activation (response) time was 15.2 minutes against a timeliness target of 20 minutes.

Flight time logged in the air for rescues (mission hours) constituted 254 hours as against an estimated 330 hours. Each mission averaged 1.17 hours as against 1.98 in 2004-2005. There were less hours as fewer missions were flown.

As only a limited number of operational personnel are involved in the rescue helicopter, their number is not included in the operational total of those ready to respond. The cost of the service cannot be included as representative of the general cost of response. However, the service can be considered separately and be costed by its mission hours as an efficiency indicator as seen in the following table.

AVERAGE COST PER MISSION HOUR WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EMERGENCY RESCUE HELICOPTER SERVICE

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06

(a) (b) Number of mission hours 330 387 254

Total expenditure $’000 3,800 3,921 3,950

(c) Average cost per mission hour $ 11,515 10,132 15,551

(a) Mission hours are actual hours in the air (ie. flight time) for rescues and other activities. (b) Variance in mission Hours for 2005-2006: Fewer extended distance rescues were flown this year. (c) Cost of helicopter service is linked to Consumer Price Index (CPI) and will increase each year. Total expenditure includes time on the ground, even if no missions are activated.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS NORTHAM – 18 August 2005 RAC 1 transferred a woman with serious injuries to Royal Perth Hospital after the car she was driving near Northam left the Great Eastern Highway and hit a tree at high speed. Firefighters took more than 90 minutes to extricate the woman from the car wreckage. RAC landed in a paddock next to the highway to attend to the woman.

DUNSBOROUGH – 17 September 2005 A man was washed off Sugarloaf Rock near Dunsborough by a large wave and broke a leg in two places. Ambulance officers could not lift the man over treacherous rocks so RAC 1 was called in from Perth to winch the man off the rocks. He was then flown to Bunbury Regional Hospital.

COLLIE – 21 OCTOBER 2005 RAC 1 flew two seriously injured women to Royal Perth Hospital after the car in which they were travelling collided with another vehicle on Wellington Dam Road near Collie. Firefighters had to cut the roof from the car to extricate them.

BALDIVIS – 25 OCTOBER 2005 A critically injured child was flown by RAC 1 to Royal Perth Hospital after the bus in which she and 20 other year-eight students were travelling collided with a semi trailer on Mandurah Road, Baldivis.

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HENDERSON – 20 NOVEMBER 2005 A 38-year-old man was rushed to hospital by RAC1 in a critical condition with suspected head, leg and spinal injuries after a trail bike accident in Henderson.

AUGUSTA – 30 NOVEMBER 2005 The RAC 1 helicopter made a mercy dash to a coal freighter off the Augusta coast to rescue a man suffering from severe abdominal pains.

PINGELLY – 28 DECEMBER 2005 A boy was airlifted to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital’s Poisons Treatment Centre after being bitten a dugite.

PINGELLY – 18 February 2006 A Pingelly woman was flown to Royal Perth Hospital after she received serious burns as a result of fuel igniting.

TOODYAY – 22 January 2006 A man with arm and shoulder injuries and a woman with chest injuries were taken to Royal Perth Hospital after being involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Toodyay.

WEDGE ISLAND – 5 March 2006 Four people were flown to hospital after two motorcycle accidents at Wedge Island. The patients who had spinal and multiple injuries, were airlifted by the rescue helicopter to Royal Perth and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospitals.

CERVANTES – 23 June 2006 RAC 1 flew a man to Royal Perth Hospital who had lost an arm in a crayfishing accident.

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Cliff and cave rescue

VOLUNTEERS from State Emergency Service units and some Volunteer Emergency Service units are trained to undertake vertical rescues on cliffs and in caves. These volunteers provide a support role for the Western Australia Police Service, the hazard management agency for land search and rescue. Volunteer Emergency Service units may also participate in cliff and cave rescues.

RESPONSE SES volunteers undertook 15 cliff rescues during the reporting period. No cave rescues were required. In total, 481 volunteer hours were spent in response.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK – 6 March 2006 A 30-year-old Dutch woman was lifted out of Mena Gorge by a SES cliff rescue team after she slipped and injured her hip. The incident prompted renewed calls for regulation of adventure tour operators in WA.

KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK – 25 June 2006 A 56-year-old Victorian woman was rescued by SES volunteers after she slipped and fell three metres into Dale's Gorge. At the time, it was suspected the woman had a broken leg or hip and she had to be transported out of the gorge by stretcher.

RECOVERY PROGRESS ON KARIJINI REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS A major incident review was undertaken by FESA following the tragic death of a State Emergency Service volunteer during a cliff rescue operation in Karijini National Park in April 2004. As a result of the review, 65 recommendations were developed and in January 2006, the FESA Regional Director Pilbara was given carriage to ensure the report recommendations were finalised.

In response to recommendation 43, an independent review was commissioned into vertical rescue equipment, techniques and training within FESA. The objective of the review is to enable the development of a single, whole-of-FESA standard and approach to vertical rescue.

Specific terms of reference include a review of the following areas in relation to State Emergency Service and Fire and Rescue Service vertical rescue: • existing vertical rescue equipment • vertical rescue techniques, training, policy, procedures and standards • vertical rescue qualifications and the recognition of prior learning/current competency processes • other matters relevant to the organisation’s vertical rescue operations.

As part of the contract the consultant is preparing a report for FESA’s Chief Executive Officer that: • details a standard of approved modern vertical rescue equipment that takes into consideration the unique Western Australian environment and FESA’s vertical rescue responders • comments on best practice techniques, training (initial and maintenance), policy, procedures and standards for FESA vertical rescue • outlines a structure to manage vertical rescue organisational requirements.

It is anticipated that the report will be available early in the 2006-2007 financial year.

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FESA has been working with other agencies including the Department of Environment and Conservation and WA Police Service to progress the implementation of other recommendations in the Karijini report. These include the installation of emergency rescue points and fixtures and the development of radio communications plans. FESA has upgraded Tom Price communication repeater facilities at Mt Nameless and in July/August 2006 will improve additional repeaters on CALM radio towers. These installations have already resulted in vastly improved communications between Tom Price and Karijini National Park.

A specific priority was to conduct an exercise to test existing standing operating procedures for response to incidents in the park. This was fulfilled when the Karratha State Emergency Service held a detailed exercise from 28-30 April 2006. Subsequently, FESA regional staff, volunteers from the Tom Price and Newman SES, CALM staff and local police held a comprehensive exercise in June to test regional inter- agency arrangements. To ensure all services were working from the same information base, FESA distributed topographical maps to all Volunteer Emergency Service units within the region and to the local police.

In order to improve response times to incidents in the park, FESA has allocated a new seven-seat vehicle to the Tom Price SES. This is in the current FESA vehicle build program and will be delivered to the unit as soon as possible.

In consultation with volunteers from the Newman SES unit, and after a trial of waterproof cases, FESA has undertaken to purchase waterproof radios for both the Newman and Tom Price SES. The new equipment will be provided early in 2006-2007.

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Land and air search

The Western Australia Police Service is responsible for managing land and air search and rescue but FESA's State Emergency Service (SES) and Volunteer Emergency Service units provide skills and resources to assist.

Assistance is in the form of fully trained and self-contained teams of volunteers who work under the leadership of volunteer field search controllers. Most of the searches are for missing people but they also have sought criminal evidence such as murder weapons. Air search can also be conducted in support of marine rescue. Among the resources made available to Police are a horseback mounted section and tracker dogs.

PREPAREDNESS REGIONAL EXERCISES Forty SES volunteers from the Karratha, Onslow, Port Hedland, Tom Price, Newman and Pilbara Regional Operations units took part in a major exercise at Eagle Rock Pools to test their skills in land search, communications, maps and navigation and cliff rescue.

TRAINING Protect and Preserve Incident Scene A Unit of Competency from the Certificate III in Public Safety (SES Rescue), Protect and Preserve Incident Scene (PUALAW001A), was embedded into the new Land Search training resource kit and distributed to land search trainers. Staff and volunteers who had already achieved Search as a Member of a Land Search Team (PUASAR008A) were able to meet this extra competency through a 90-minute gap course.

All future Land Search training resource kit courses will automatically incorporate this new competency. SES personnel across Western Australia will achieve the two competencies on completing the Land Search training program.

Land Search Team Leader / Field Search Controller Development of training materials for Land Search Team Leader and Field Search Controller courses commenced following reviews with WA Police. The reviews looked at the role of SES in land search and the current training material. The new training will bring these higher level training courses into line with FESA’s training for Land Search, which was adopted nationally as the base level in 2004-2005.

RESPONSE SES volunteers spent a total 865 hours undertaking 124 searches during 2005-2006.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS NORTH BANNISTER – 10-12 AND 22 AUGUST 2005 A 42-year-old father of five was the centre of a major search after he failed to return home from his office in Balcatta. He had left without his wallet or mobile phone. The man’s vehicle was located in North Bannister. SES units from Boddington, Murray, Mandurah, Collie, Waroona and regional staff were activated in the search. A month after he was reported missing, the man was discovered by chance living in a derelict house in Bunbury.

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PINJARRA – 5 OCTOBER 2005 SES units from Murray, Mandurah, Waroona, Boddington, Harvey, Collie and Australind were involved in a race against time to find a 13-year-old diabetic boy who had run away from home with only enough insulin to last him three days. The search – which involved 200 people, including the WA Police Airwing, horseback searchers and community members – ended in tragedy when the boy’s body was found.

KALBARRI – 5 OCTOBER 2005 SES volunteers were involved in a massive search for two men swept out of a dinghy at the mouth of the Murchison River. Police, marine rescue volunteers and aircraft were involved in the search for the men, last seen at Frustration Reef, only 100 metres off shore, before a large wave swamped their boat. The body of one man was found. Partial remains of the other man were found six weeks after the incident. Two other men in the boat survived after they were washed on to the reef.

FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK – 8 October 2005 SES volunteers joined sea search and rescue volunteers, police, CALM staff and community members in a five-day search for a fisherman swept off rocks at Caves Point, 14km west of Hopetoun. A RAAF helicopter with infrared equipment and an aircraft from Esperance Air Service were also involved in the search. The man was not found.

GEIKIE GORGE NATIONAL PARK – 31 October - 2 November 2005 Volunteers from SES and Volunteer Emergency Service units joined police, CALM staff and the Bayulu Aboriginal Community in an extensive three-day search for a 63-year-old German tourist in Geikie Gorge National Park. The volunteers undertook the search in extreme heat and topography to find the woman, who was last seen walking with a large group of German tourists. Her body was found after she apparently fell from a ledge.

MEEKATHARRA – 19-20 MARCH 2006 SES volunteers were part of an air and land search for two men and a woman who failed to arrive at a mine site 150km north of Meekatharra. The men, who had left their vehicle after it became bogged, were found in separate locations. The body of the mother of two was found on the second day of the search.

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Marine search and rescue

FESA supports 33 volunteer marine rescue groups that are formally approved under legislation. It has also established a service delivery arrangement with the Metropolitan Volunteer Sea Rescue Group which has three member groups operating in the Perth metropolitan region.

The approved Volunteer Marine Rescue Services (VMRS) groups are involved in a wide variety of marine emergency management activities. These include: • assisting WA Police to search for missing people or vessels • providing help to drifting vessels • assisting in operations to remove grounded or submerged vessels • providing a ‘sail plan’ notification service for boat owners • monitoring marine radio services • providing training in small-craft proficiency courses, communications and safety • providing information to boat owners on appropriate actions to take during an emergency at sea.

PREVENTION IMPROVED SAFETY FOR CRAYFISHERMEN VMRS has stepped up distribution of its fishing tags, a simple and effective initiative aimed at preventing injury to crayfishermen caused by snagged fishing hooks, lines and sinkers on craypot lines. There are 5,000 tags now available free of charge in tackle shops, fishing clubs and FESA offices.

The tags – the brainchild of a Lancelin volunteer and developed by FESA – simply warn crayfishermen of any fishing line and tackle that has been snagged on craypot lines and cut free. Marine rescue volunteers have witnessed many accidents involving craypots. Crayfishermen have received head injuries and hooks through their hands from snagged lines when retrieving craypots.

The tags are packaged in a handy plastic bag that bears an important message reminding fishermen to log on and log off with their local volunteer marine rescue group before and after a fishing trip. The life of the log on-log off message is extended as the bag can be reused for various functions on a boat.

PREPAREDNESS NEW EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES FESA approved a number of capital grant applications from Volunteer Marine Rescue Service (VMRS) groups for the 2005-2006 financial year.

The current reporting period was the second year of an ongoing VMRS hull and motor replacement program, designed to improve the overall safety and standards of the VMRS fleet. The program was the result of a commitment by the State Government to significantly increase the level of funding available annually for vessel replacement.

Under the requirements of the program there is an expectation that volunteers raise up to 50% of the cost of the vessel and or motors required.

The FESA VMRS Consultative Committee, in consultation with the FESA VMRS Coordination Unit, approved thirteen capital funding applications for 2005-2006, with an overall project total of $1,594,000.

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The approved funding was for: • five new or replacement rescue vessels (for Walpole, Port Denison, Margaret River, Bremer Bay and Dampier) • construction of a new operations centre in Busselton • various vessel equipment and motor upgrades • refurbishment of the Volunteer Sea Rescue Group headquarters in Rockingham.

RESOURCING VOLUNTEERS A new vessel for Port Denison is currently under construction and will be delivered in 2006-2007. Similarly, the construction of the Busselton Operations Centre is in progress.

During 2005-2006, vessels were delivered to the following groups: • Fremantle – August 2005 • Broome – September 2005 • Whitfords – October 2005 • Derby – October 2005 • Mandurah – December 2005 • Margaret River – January 2006 • Bremer Bay – March 2006 • Dampier – May 2006 • Walpole – June 2006.

BLACK SPOT COMMUNICATIONS FESA has been allocated funds by the State Government to address black-spot marine VHF communication areas along the coastline of Western Australia. This project aims to provide necessary marine radio communications during operations in areas where the signal constantly drops out.

In 2005-2006, four repeaters were installed: two in Wyndham and one each in Walpole and Bremer Bay. This brings the total number to 11 since this program began in 2003-2004. Other sites are being assessed for potential future installations.

NEW SAFETY PROMOTION TOOL A new interactive display panel has been created to encourage recreational boaters to log on and log off with their local volunteer marine rescue group when they embark and return from a journey to sea. Volunteer marine rescue groups offer this safety marine radio service to all mariners throughout Western Australia, so that an early alarm can be raised if a vessel does not return as planned.

The display, the first of its kind in the state, includes a mock boat dashboard with a working VHF marine radio. This radio enables event visitors to practice logging on and off with a volunteer manning the stand. The display also has a number of safety messages playing on a television monitor.

The display was unveiled at the Perth International Boat Show and considerable interest was received from the boating public. VMRS groups can book the display for use at local community events.

INAUGURAL CONFERENCE The first Volunteer Marine Rescue WA association conference, supported by FESA, was held in August 2005, bringing together representatives from volunteer groups round the state. It presented opportunities for interaction between the groups and for delegates to hear from industry representatives on new developments within the marine industry, research into emergency incidents at sea and new strategies for recruitment of volunteer members. A second conference is planned for August 2006.

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TRAINING More than 127 marine rescue volunteers enrolled with TAFE Colleges throughout Western Australia in 2005-2006 to participate in high level maritime training courses such as the Certificate III in Volunteer Marine Rescue Studies, Master 5 and Coxswain courses, and including marine search and rescue coordination, and senior first aid.

The Yachting Association of Western Australian also delivered training to 125 marine rescue volunteers for a variety of introductory courses, including Powerboat Instruction, Certificate IV Work Place Assessors, and Recreational Skippers Ticket Assessors.

Assessment of volunteer skills levels is ongoing and has ensured recognition of prior learning.

RESPONSE Marine rescue volunteers committed 1,496 hours to 953 rescue incidents during 2005-2006.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS KALBARRI – 3 SEPTEMBER 2005 A closed sandbar at the mouth of the Murchison River forced Kalbarri volunteer marine rescue crews to use jet skis and an inflatable dinghy in large swell to rescue a 15-year-old surfer swept out to sea. If a large search boat is required when the sandbar is closed, it has to be deployed from Port Gregory, 50km away.

KALBARRI – 5-15 OCTOBER 2005 Marine rescue volunteers in Kalbarri initiated a massive search for two men swept out of a dinghy at the mouth of the Murchison River. A 75-strong search team – including SES volunteers, police and community members – were involved in the search for the men, last seen only 100 metres off shore before a large wave swamped their boat. Ten aircraft, five commercial fishing craft and 14 amateur craft were also involved in the search. The body of one man was found. Partial remains of the other man were found six weeks after the incident. Two other men in the boat survived after they were washed onto the reef.

FITZGERALD RIVER NATIONAL PARK – 8 October 2005 Sea search and rescue volunteers from Hopetoun and Esperance joined SES volunteers, police, CALM staff and community members in a five-day search for a fisherman swept off rocks at Caves Point, 14km west of Hopetoun. A RAAF helicopter with infrared equipment and an aircraft from Esperance Air Service also joined the search. The man’s body was not found.

BALLA BALLA – 25 DECEMBER 2005 Two Port Walcott Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue volunteers sacrificed their Christmas Day celebrations to answer a call for assistance from two men on a seven-metre vessel in Balla Balla – a place known for its numerous mangrove-lined rivers. The vessel’s engines had seized after sucking in sand at low tide and the boat had begun drifting. The group's rescue boat, Pilbara Seeker, was too large to enter the mangrove area so a local member offered his smaller boat, which was towed to Balla Balla – a round trip of 250km. The stranded men were safely returned to land but their vessel remained in the mangroves.

PORT WALCOTT – 8 January 2006 As Tropical Cyclone Clare bore down on the Pilbara coast, Port Walcott Volunteer Sear Search and Rescue volunteers answered a distress call from a broken down vessel 65km off shore. The search and rescue attempt commenced in fading light at 5pm and efforts to keep on bearing were hampered by strong squalls. Strong winds also impeded communication on the return leg to shore with the rescued vessel in tow. Increasingly rough conditions prevented the mission from making a direct line toward their destination at Point Samson. The rescue team eventually arrived at the marina about 2am. The next day the eye of TC Clare was in the vicinity of the rescue area.

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GEOGRAPHE BAY – 30 January 2006 Members of the Naturaliste Volunteer Sea Rescue group were involved in a large-scale sea, air and land search for a recreational fisherman who fell overboard from his aluminium boat. The search – which involved 10 vessels, a police helicopter and several four-wheel drive vehicles – ended when the man walked ashore after swimming more than 5km in rough seas.

MANDURAH – 4 February 2006 Two men were winched to safety by the emergency helicopter RAC1 after their small boat capsized more than 30km off the coast south of Dawesville. The two spent more than three hours clinging to the bow of the boat before they were taken by RAC1 to Peel Hospital. RAC1 was mobilised after one of the men was able to retrieve and activate an emergency beacon that had been trapped under the boat.

COWARAMUP BAY– 4 May 2006 Margaret River Sea Search and Rescue braved dark and rainy conditions to escort a sailing boat with a damaged rudder into Cowaramup Bay.

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Road crash rescue

WHILE the Western Australia Police Service is the hazard management agency for road transport emergencies, the extrication of casualties of vehicle crashes is undertaken by emergency services supported by FESA.

Career and volunteer firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Service predominantly provide this service throughout the state. However, volunteers from State Emergency Service (SES) units and Volunteer Emergency Service units also undertake this often lifesaving task in areas where Fire and Rescue Services are unavailable.

PREVENTION DRIVE SAFE While FESA does not have direct responsibility for road crash prevention programs, it regularly supports road safety programs undertaken by the WA Police Service, Road Wise and other agencies. In Karratha in the lead up to Easter 2006, the Karratha State Emergency Service and Fire and Rescue Service volunteers joined the local Police, Road Wise, St John Ambulance and industry groups in promotion of a drive-safe program.

ROAD SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES FESA, St John Ambulance and the WA Police have joined forces to create an important brochure to promote safety on the roads: Every Second Counts - Give Way to Emergency Vehicles. It was launched as part of a new awareness campaign in October 2005 to educate motorists to give way to emergency vehicles to help increase the chance of saving lives.

In Western Australia, every four minutes an emergency vehicle uses lights and sirens to mobilise as quickly as possible to the scene of an emergency.

The brochure makes it clear that it is an offence to impede an emergency vehicle. It also clarifies the action drivers should take when giving way to emergency vehicles, emphasising that drivers must stay within the boundaries of the law or face a traffic infringement fine.

PREPAREDNESS EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE A coordinated preventative maintenance program commenced during 2005-2006 for all motorised hydraulic rescue equipment located at State Emergency Service units throughout the state. It is the first time a coordinated program has been in place. In the first 12 months, all equipment will be serviced and thereafter the program will adhere to manufacturers' specifications. Loan equipment is made available to units while their gear is at the FESA O'Connor Workshops.

ROAD CRASH RESCUE COMPETITIONS Two teams representing emergency services in Western Australia were fielded in the 2005 Australasian Road Crash Competition in Hamilton Hill, New Zealand, in October 2005. Teams were required to work on new vehicles to ensure rescue equipment and techniques kept pace with technological advances in motor vehicle manufacture. The competition is arranged to demonstrate excellence in road crash rescue.

The Fire and Rescue Services team won the limited category (which limits the use of power tools) and gained second place overall in the competition. They then went onto the World Road Rescue Skills Challenge and scored ninth from 21 teams. A team of State Emergency Service volunteers from units across the state recorded 18th place in the Australasian contest and 15th in the world contest.

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WESTERN RESCUE 2007 FESA has been selected to host the 2007 Annual Road Rescue Challenge and Conference on behalf of the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation Inc.

It is to be called Western Rescue 2007 and will have the theme: Road Safety – Are we prepared for the future? The event will bring together rescue practitioners and industry and road safety stakeholders from throughout Australia and New Zealand, and other international guests.

It is to be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 28 June to 1 July 2007 and will include a trade display and learning symposium for up to 300 delegates. FESA hosted a similar, highly successful event in 2001.

It is anticipated that up to 24 teams, each of six members, will participate in the competition.

RESPONSE In 2005-2006, emergency services in Western Australia attended 500 road crashes and extricated, or released 347 victims.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS HILLARYS – 1 SEPTEMBER 2005 An 18-year-old man with serious head injuries was extricated by career firefighters from a car that had been driven into a power pole on Marmion Avenue. The car’s driver and two other passengers received minor to moderate injuries.

ESPERANCE – 29 SEPTEMBER 2005 The Esperance volunteer Fire and Rescue Service used the jaws of life to free the body of a man from a car which ran off the South Coast Highway.

COLLIE – 25 OCTOBER 2005 Firefighters cut the roof from a sedan to free two trapped women involved in an accident on Wellington Dam Road near Collie. Two women were flown to Royal Perth Hospital.

STIRLING – 1 JANUARY 2006 A woman was extricated from her vehicle after the car she was driving hit a utility on Karrinyup Road. She was transported to hospital. The occupants of the other vehicle received only minor injuries.

GUILDFORD – 13 FEBRUARY 2006 Firefighters cut free the body of a teenager killed when he drove into the path of a train. The 18-year-old male died instantly when he drove down the wrong way of a one-way street and across the railway tracks.

HILLMAN – 16 JUNE 2006 The jaws of life were used by firefighters to extricate a 35-year-old man in a car that had flipped on to its roof. The car had failed to take a corner, become airborne and landed on its roof, trapping the man inside. The man was taken to hospital where he died later from his injuries.

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Urban search and rescue

(INCORPORATING CONFINED SPACE AND HEAVY RESCUE)

AS a combat authority, FESA has developed a capability to deal with the rescue of casualties trapped by buildings, landfall or slippage which collapse as a result of industrial accidents, explosions, natural disasters and terrorist activity.

Additional funding in the past three years has allowed significant advances to be made in the state's preparedness, response and recovery capabilities in relation to urban search and rescue.

Career personnel along with volunteers from State Emergency Service (SES) units, volunteer fire brigades and multi-skilled Volunteer Emergency Service (VES) units provide this service throughout the state.

PREPAREDNESS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION A Memorandum of Understanding signed between FESA and Singapore Civil Defence Force in March 2005 resulted in an officer exchange program and specialist urban search and rescue (USAR) operator training during 2005-2006.

The arrangement has resulted in a number of cost-effective training opportunities for both agencies in the past year, including: • exchange of two FESA station officers to Singapore during August 2005 • 10 FESA staff trained in Singapore as specialist Category 2 USAR operators in March 2006 • two specialist Task Force officers participated in Singapore's Disaster Assistance Relief training.

The relationship between FESA and the Singapore Civil Defence Force will be consolidated further through: • continued mutual training and professional development exchange opportunities • participation in internationally accredited specialist courses including USAR, hazardous materials and ship and tank farm firefighting • exchange of information and ideas in regard to operational procedures, research and development, equipment and training simulations.

IMPROVED CAPABILITY During 2005-2006 FESA implemented an enhanced confined space rescue capability across the state.

The program included upgraded equipment, improved skills among personnel and revised procedures. More than $200,000 was spent to enhance the safety and skills of rescuers, with $25,000 allocated to establishing eight confined space rescue specialist stations. Six of these are in country regions – Albany, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Karratha and Kununurra – and two in Perth, at Success and Joondalup.

New equipment included atmospheric monitors, telescopic tripods, harnesses and haulage systems, ventilators, generators and escape breathing apparatus packs.

Two training categories have been established: • category 1 – hazard identification and initial response • category 2 – technician trained to enter confined spaces and conduct rescues where safe to do so.

Endorsement of assessors and specialist training were conducted in both regional and metropolitan centres. Phase-one training, which covers atmospheric monitoring, the use of breathing apparatus and

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associated ventilation equipment, was delivered to crews at the confined space rescue specialist stations, crews at fire stations where special equipment tenders are located and to urban search and rescue teams in the Perth metropolitan area. Phase two training – covering the techniques for vertical and horizontal retrieval – was due to be completed by mid 2006.

MAJOR EMERGENCY REPONSE TEAMS In order to better support communities and emergency responders in the event of a major emergency, FESA has established four major emergency teams that can be deployed quickly anywhere in the state.

While the existing initial response to emergencies remains unchanged, a major emergency team will be mobilised to complement current arrangements, to assist as required, or to manage complex events.

The membership of each team is based on Australasian Inter-agency Incident Management System (AIIMS) roles. The teams will train and respond together in the event of significant emergencies.

The personnel for each team have been sourced from across the organisation, predominantly from the existing on-call rosters already in place.

The formation and mobilisation of pre-determined teams will ensure: • a response with the appropriate number of people • team members have the necessary competencies • timely response to relieve the first incident management team for longer duration events • specialist competencies for complex emergencies outside the normal operations of the organisation.

Processes and procedures were tested during Exercise Western Explorer in June 2006 (see details below).

UPGRADED FACILITIES The urban search and rescue Category 2 training site at the FESA Training Centre at Forrestfield was extensively upgraded during the year.

USAR DOGS FESA has begun training dogs to find survivors in collapsed buildings. The addition of the dogs to FESA’s urban search and rescue team will speed up the rescue process. The decision for the addition came after an explosion in a Yokine apartment block in April 2005 left a 71-year-old with critical injuries.

The dogs will complement the team’s technical equipment, such as listening devices, search cameras and heat-seeking instruments. They will be used to locate trapped, unconscious people who would not normally be able to be found by listening devices.

A three-day Canine Structural Collapse Search Workshop at the Forrestfield Training Centre encouraged the participation of more handlers and dogs from the State Emergency Service in this specialist field. Key aims of the workshop were to introduce trainers and dogs to new techniques and ensure they met nationally and internationally recognised competency standards.

EXERCISE WESTERN EXPLORER – JUNE 2006 Exercise Western Explorer, an investigation and consequence management exercise conducted under a Council of Australian Governments agreement, took place in Perth from 1-22 June 2006.

The purpose of the exercise was to test and practise the national counter-terrorism arrangements outlined in the National Counter-Terrorism Plan and handbook. The program included six discussion exercises and a three-day field exercise staged at a new purpose built building collapse facility at the FESA Training Centre in Forrestfield.

The exercise involved Fire and Rescue Service and State Emergency Service USAR Category 1 trained operators, SES volunteer units, the FESA USAR Task Force and FESA's Major Emergency Teams. They were required to operate alongside WA Police and other key stakeholders from Western Australia. In

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addition, New South Wales Fire Brigade and Australian Defence Force USAR teams also joined the exercise.

EXERCISE PACKER – JULY 2005 Firefighters from Canning Vale, Maddington, Osborne Park, Welshpool and Belmont practised locating and rescuing trapped victims in an extended simulated breathing apparatus operation 50 metres inside the west end of the new Kenwick Tunnel rail tunnel, Western Australia's longest at 835 metres.

Key learning was related to communications and logistics, especially in respect to the long distance over which rescuers had to carry casualties. With the simulated casualties weighing between 70kg and 90kg, the task of rapid extrication to a safe area was a demanding one.

All objectives were achieved in the allocated time. The exercise provided a valuable opportunity to enhance FESA’s operational pre-plan for the new tunnel and familiarise firefighters with the structure.

Observers from FESA, the Public Transport Authority, WA Police and St John Ambulance were also on- site to learn from the experience.

COCKBURN CEMENT RESCUE DRILL – AUGUST 2005 An explosion on the sixth level of a furnace tower involving two injured workers formed the basis of a Fire and Rescue Service drill at Cockburn Cement, Munster. Firefighters from Success and Perth worked with the company’s emergency response team to evaluate specific rescue and recovery procedures. The exercise also allowed the Fire and Rescue Service crews to review their own abilities and limitations when operating at heights and with different skills sets.

EXERCISE LEIGHTON – MAY 2006 The Leighton Battery historic tunnel system at Buckland Hill was the backdrop for a multi-agency exercise that tested the effectiveness of emergency services in a train tunnel crash scenario. The exercise prepared emergency services for any future incidents that may occur in the underground tunnel of Perth’s new rail system.

The exercise involved more than 60 personnel largely drawn from FESA’s Curtin region, as well as Fire and Rescue Service crews from Fremantle, Success, Murdoch and Belmont. A St John Ambulance crew, Police officers, representatives from the WA Chemical Centre and the Department of Environment also participated.

The old World War II tunnels put career firefighters to the test as they operated in a cramped, dark environment where access to the injured was difficult. Conditions were particularly demanding for firefighters carrying twin-cylinder breathing apparatus.

RESPONSE NOTABLE INCIDENTS There were no major incidents during 2005-2006.

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STORM

WHILE they usually occur from May through to September, severe storms can hit throughout the year in the southern half of Western Australia. Each year, storms generally cause more damage in the state's communities than cyclones, floods, bushfires and earthquakes.

FESA has overall responsibility for emergency management of storms in the areas of prevention (mitigation), preparedness, response and recovery. State Emergency Service (SES) units, and in some areas Volunteer Emergency Service units, are responsible for responding to call outs in relation to storm damage. After some severe storms, they may also call for assistance from other FESA services and local governments.

PREPAREDNESS STORMSAFE 2006 The StormSafe 2006 campaign was launched in May 2006 with a media event held at a Bicton home severely impacted by the previous year’s tornado. A regional media event to launch the campaign locally was held in Bunbury, also the scene of a tornado in 2005.

Tips for residents to reduce the impact of storm damage were distributed to a wider catchment in the 2006 campaign. Local government and State Government agencies were invited to participate in encouraging better preparedness. In particular, local councils were encouraged to include educational articles in newsletters, information on rates notices and provide website links to FESA StormSafe messages. They were also invited to establish displays featuring the SES StormSafe poster and brochure. It was also suggested that regular council activities such as green waste collections be aligned with storm preparation.

For the first time storm safety information was translated into nine different languages to meet the needs of multicultural communities.

FESA's regional and Perth metropolitan staff and SES volunteers continued to promote storm safety in their communities according to the local risks.

PLANS AND PROCEDURES Following the devastating early winter storms in 2005, the Metropolitan Storm Emergency Management Plan was reviewed and revised in consultation with experienced State Emergency Service volunteers.

The revised plan reflects recommendations from the post-incident analysis of the May 2005 storm and adopts the latest principles in emergency incident management. It allows for the consolidation and maximisation of resources for a major event, or scaled down operations as necessary.

Incident management centres were established in the six emergency management districts within the Perth Metropolitan area, all of which report to the SES Metropolitan Regional Coordination Centre at Belmont. All of these centres are staffed by qualified incident management personnel during complex emergencies.

IMPROVED LOGISTICS A 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week service to make emergency flood control equipment available to volunteers at major incidents has been established under a commercial contract let by FESA to Mercury Firesafety Ptd Ltd. The service was initially established to ensure emergency supplies of firefighting foam were available for firefighters. However, it has been extended to include bulk supplies of consumable supplies such as black plastic, sand and ropes are available at any time.

Under the contract, Mercury Firesafety holds the bulk supplies at its warehouse. The incident controller is able to request urgent deliveries through the FESA Communications Centre or State Coordination Centre. The contract covers the dispatch directly to the incident scene.

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In addition, minimum stocks of consumable supplies to sustain an SES unit's response needs for 24 to 36 hours have been established at a local level through each unit's Emergency Services Levy operating grants. In the South-West, stocks of consumables are now also strategically stored throughout the region.

STORM SAFETY FOR SCHOOLS Teacher registrations and requests for information on this year’s SES One Stormy Day program were encouraging, with more than 30 schools across metropolitan and regional areas opting to participate.

The program teaches students how to be safe during a storm and how their parents can prepare their household for storms. SES volunteers visited schools in support of the program.

Key marketing strategies for the annual initiative were taken up on a number of fronts: • This year’s event was promoted to all schools in areas of the State likely to be affected by winter storms. • The activity was promoted through briefing letters to school librarians and an advertisement in School Matters (a Department of Education and Training publication for teachers). • Information was made available with the Kidsafe’s Safety in Schools Week package, which was posted to all WA primary schools. • FESA helped to consolidate storm preparedness messages in schools by providing teachers with resources such as bookmarks, balloons and stickers, all of which were popular with young students.

RESPONSE SES volunteers spent a total of 6,352 hours responding to storm-related activities during 2005-2006. The Bureau of Meteorology reported 26 storms for the financial year, including summer thunderstorms and winter fronts.

Hundreds of SES volunteers supported by FESA personnel were kept busy in an eventful winter in 2005 with the highest incidence of tornadoes (22) on record. Volunteers attended at least four times the number of storm damage call-outs compared to the same period in 2004. FESA figures show there were more than 1,800 calls for assistance with storm damage last winter (which straddled the 2004-2005 and 2005- 2006 reporting periods). The Bureau of Meteorology issued 156 severe weather warnings for 20 events, some spanning several days, between April and mid-September 2005.

NOTABLE INCIDENTS SOUTH WEST From July 2005, more than 280 SES volunteers from the South-West attended a significant number of call- outs to several major incidents. In a storm in early September, a large karri tree crashed on to two holiday units in Pemberton. On 17 September, calls for assistance were received in the South-West to damage caused by a severe front that also hit Perth. A number of homes in areas including Waroona, Eaton and Australind lost their roofs during various storms. In one incident, two cars were crushed by a falling tree and the Cowaramup Primary School was severely damaged.

MID-WEST The Mid-West region had a quiet start to the season until 17 August 2005, when Geraldton and Leeman were struck by a storm and tornadoes that damaged trees, fences, sheds and roofs. SES volunteers from Geraldton, Morawa and Eneabba responded to 50 calls for assistance, including many complex jobs which took up to two days to complete. On 27 February 2006, SES volunteers were called to eight homes with roof damage caused by a storm that also uprooted trees, cut power and blew a roof off a shed into a main power line.

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PERTH A tornado that hit Perth in the early hours of 17 September 2005 saw 128 SES volunteers from all metropolitan units working through the day to attend to more than 150 call outs, most of which were complex jobs involving structural damage. Winds over 150km per hour were recorded during the storm. The worst affected areas were City Beach, Kingsley, Padbury and Subiaco. Some homes had severe structural damage, including roofs completely ripped off.

Five days earlier on 12 September, SES volunteers had responded to 40 calls for assistance throughout Perth following a severe storm. The storm caused more than $100,000 damage to commercial businesses in Canning Vale.

GOLDFIELDS On 14 November 2005, a severe storm accompanied by torrential rain hit the Warburton community. The area recorded 50mm of rainfall in 24 hours. Four homes, the medical centre and the school were badly damaged and aircraft on the airstrip were also affected. Kalgoorlie-Boulder SES volunteers and FESA staff travelled 920km to Warburton to assist the Ngaanyatjarraku Shire and the community in assessing the damage and clean-up operations.

On 1 March 2006, the SES responded to calls for assistance to a severe storm which caused roof and fence damage and uprooted trees. The storm emanated from the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Emma, as it moved to the south-south-east, after crossing the coast near Mardie in the Pilbara. The strong winds also downed power lines and ripped through vegetation in parts of the Goldfields including Kalgoorlie- Boulder. A couple narrowly escaped injury when a tree fell on their car while they were driving in Kalgoorlie.

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TSUNAMI

TSUNAMIS are surges of water in the ocean that can be generated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides or meteorite impacts. Most tsunamis that reach the Australian coastline are too small to have any noticeable effect, or even be seen by people. On average, a local tsunami occurs once every two years in Western Australia.

The biggest tsunami reported in Western Australia occurred in August 1977, at Cape Leveque and reportedly reached ground six metres above sea level. On 26 December 2004, a seafloor earthquake near Indonesia measuring 9 on the Richter Scale generated one of the most devastating tsunamis within living memory. It killed more than 270,000 people and made millions homeless along the coastline of 11 Indian Ocean countries from Africa to Thailand. The physical impact on Western Australia was minimal. Only minor environmental and property damage was reported. However, the event drew the community's attention to the potential threat of tsunami on the state.

The severity of any impact will depend on the nature, intensity and location of the earthquake that causes the tsunami and the physical characteristics of the coastal zone in its path. It is not just beaches that can be affected by tsunamis. Bay mouths or tidal flats and the shores of large coastal rivers are especially vulnerable to tsunamis.

As the hazard management agency for tsunamis in Western Australia, FESA is responsible for community preparation, response and recovery in relation to this hazard.

PREPAREDNESS TSUNAMI MODELLING FESA has commissioned research which will address a broad range of issues involving tsunami risk in Western Australia. It will provide impact estimates and tools to support emergency management planning and response processes for urban communities along the WA coast.

The WA coast is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of tsunami inundation. This is especially so given its proximity to the Java Trench, the close relationship of the urban environment to the coast and the generally low relief of the coastal hinterland. Western Australia has little understanding of the relative risk to its urban communities from the threat of tsunami and only broad plans for how it might respond to such events.

The Modelling Tsunami Behaviour project is a joint research project involving Geoscience Australia and FESA established in September 2005. It aims to provide a sound basis for tsunami planning and response operations. The research project will take two years and should be complete in July 2007.

As part of the progress to date, Geoscience Australia has published a Preliminary Tsunami Hazard Assessment for Western Australia. FESA has established a WA Tsunami Reference Group to provide a forum for coordinated actions in relation to tsunamis in Western Australia as well as supplying user feedback to Geoscience Australia to refine the tsunami model design for Western Australia.

To date, two north west communities have been assessed and a computerised assessment and mapping program has been developed. A hazard map and report for application to the WA coastline will be provided in July 2006.

The research is developing measures and tools to support emergency management training and response activities for urban environments along the WA coast. Typical tools will include visualisations of the

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exposure within communities and the impact of inundation – for example, water depth, the number of dwellings affected, the impact on critical infrastructure and casualty estimates.

The research is providing estimates that accurately reflect the comparative risk of tsunami from one community to another and from one region to another along the WA coast. When completed in 2007, this will support emergency management decision-making as well as longer term planning and mitigation options.

RESPONSE No major tsunamis impacted on the Western Australian coast in 2005-2006.

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Quality people services

FESA employs 1,184 full-time staff and 30 part-time staff. The full-time equivalent staff complement for FESA was 1,185 as at 30 June 2006.

FESA also supports almost 30,000 volunteers (see page 17 for full breakdown of volunteer numbers).

The success of the organisation and the services we provide to the community rely very much on our people. The provision of appropriate training, a range of opportunities, recognition and support for our staff and volunteers is integral to this success.

To continue this success we will ensure FESA has: • recruitment and retention strategies, including training and development, that attract, promote and retain the right people who are committed to FESA, our values and our mission • competent, committed leadership and management • a safe and healthy work environment.

CONTENTS

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH 89 TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 92 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS 94 RECRUITMENT 95 WORKFORCE PLANNING 95 VOLUNTEERS AND YOUTH 95 REWARD AND RECOGNITION 97 DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 101

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FESA's Board has determined that three key strategic issues are to be focused upon in the current three- year business cycle, in order to meet our strategic intention of providing Quality People Services in relation to emergency services volunteers, corporate and operational staff and emergency services cadets. These are: • active development of a culture of safety and well being • enhanced support, training, leadership and vocational opportunities • proactive encouragement of diversity and equal opportunity.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FESASAFE PROGRAM The FESASafe program has been steadily progressing in its second year. As a result of recent structural changes within FESA, the program was reviewed to ensure it kept pace with the needs of the organisation. As part of the review, completed action items were noted and outstanding items highlighted for implementation in year three of the program. In order to measure the success of the program to date, a safety satisfaction survey was conducted to gain an indication of how FESA’s occupational safety and health program is viewed by a wide range of FESA people.

The survey was distributed to 126 people, including managers, employees, safety and health representatives and volunteers. The results of the survey, which had a response rate of 47%, indicated that FESA people perceive the performance of our safety systems favourably, ranking FESA seven out of a possible score of 10. Two areas for improvement were identified: • the quality of occupational safety and health investigations undertaken by FESA’s middle managers • the establishment of a workable regime of workplace inspections specifically for occupational safety and health risks.

These issues will be addressed in year three of the program. The survey also indicated that personal protective equipment is of extremely high importance to FESA people and, therefore, should have equivalent organisational priority and value. Participants in the survey confirmed that the actions contained within the FESASafe plan strengthen FESA’s seventh value: Strive to keep ourselves and others safe.

The level of personal protective equipment for firefighters was increased in 2006 with all FESA career and volunteer firefighters being issued with flash hoods, increasing the level of protection when fighting structural fires. A review of all firefighting personal protective equipment was also undertaken.

Research by the University of Western Australia into the respiratory health of firefighters and the onset of adult asthma also progressed in the 2005-2006 financial year. Phase Two Bushland Burns was conducted by the University of Western Australia in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM). Sixty-seven firefighters were involved in four burns across the metropolitan area. The University of Western Australia is currently completing its report.

The FESASafe message was further consolidated in November with 36 presentations delivered to career firefighters focusing on FESA’s seventh value, personal protective equipment and the occupational safety and health hazard/accident reporting process, which was reviewed as part of the FESASafe plan. A new election of occupational safety and health representatives was also completed in 2005-2006, and an information session on occupational safety and health procedures was delivered to the new representatives. The information session was combined with FESA’s participation in the inaugural Safe Work Australia Week, a national program aimed at increasing the awareness of occupational safety and health across all industries. Information sessions on physical fitness and occupational safety and health were also delivered to various volunteer units across the state.

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INJURY PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The Injury Prevention and Management Program was expanded in 2005-2006 to provide staff from a wide cross-section of FESA with the opportunity to access advice and instruction on injury prevention within the workplace. Direct treatment of work-related injuries and the provision of injury management techniques have been integrated into the program. The result was that 679 FESA employees (503 firefighters, 158 non-operational staff) across various sections from both the metropolitan and country areas received individual treatment. This compares with 237 participants in 2004-2005. A larger number of FESA employees accessed the program through information sessions conducted at 14 work sites and ongoing follow-up sessions conducted at another 40 metropolitan and country work sites.

A podiatry service has been incorporated into the program for firefighters who suffer boot-related injuries. A total of 56 firefighters across metropolitan and country stations accessed the podiatry services on offer.

Another extension of the program is the development of individual work hardening programs for firefighters returning from serious injury and surgery. An exercise physiologist specialising in exercise rehabilitation provided this service to five fire fighters in 2005-2006, all of whom were all successfully returned to full duties.

PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HEALTH PROGRAM Involvement in the Physical Fitness and Health Program during 2005-2006 was on a voluntary basis with 148 firefighters receiving physical fitness assessments during 28 fire station visits. Forty-two individual exercise programs were developed and 32 information sessions, on topics ranging from heat stress and fatigue management, to heart disease and diabetes, were delivered at work sites across the organisation.

MINIMUM STANDARD OF PHYSICAL TRAINING EQUIPMENT The commissioning of a new fire station at Hope Valley provided the opportunity to develop an agreed minimum standard of physical training equipment that could be applied to all new fire stations. Equipment audits of all current permanent fire stations were conducted during 2005-2006. These contributed to the development of three-year programs for the upgrade of stations towards the agreed minimum equipment standard, to ensure that all career firefighters have access to the necessary equipment to maintain the level of fitness required to safely carry out their role.

REHABILITATION AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FESA strives to minimise the financial and personal impact of workplace injury on the organisation. This includes the ongoing goals of reducing the number of workers’ compensation claims received and workers’ compensation costs.

FESA has continued to achieve a reduction in the number of workers’ compensation claims for 2005-2006. In the period 102 claims were received, six less than in 2004-2005.

The FESA health and safety and workers' compensation staff are continuing to work with managers and employees to promote employee safety and better management of claims to ensure a reduction in lost time through injury to FESA employees and, therefore, a reduction in workers’ compensation costs.

IMPROVED RISK IDENTIFICATION The implementation of a combined hazard/accident report in conjunction with the launch of the FESASafe program has resulted in an increased awareness of reporting procedures across the organisation, particularly for hazards (likely risks in the workplace). This is evidenced by an increase in the number of report forms received by the FESA Workforce Management Branch over the past two financial years since 2003-2004. The increased reporting of hazards allows for control measures to be put in place to resolve the hazard before an injury takes place – an important part of the FESASafe Plan.

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FESA SUPPORT PROGRAM Welfare support for our people is provided through the Employee Assistance Program. FESA’s two service providers, Occupational Services Australia and the Wasley Institute, have assisted employees and volunteers with a range of concerns including work-related issues, family matters and cumulative/critical incident stress. Due to a change in Government contracts, FESA has been phasing out the Wasley Institute and is undertaking an assessment of other providers. The development of new programs is currently being investigated by FESA to add to the support already available to employees and volunteers involved in critical incidents.

Number of Injury and Hazard Reports Received

500 108 108 400

17 300 Hazards 9 200 Injuries 298 324 307 100 227

Number of Reports Received 0 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06

Financial Year

CHAPLAINCY The FESA Chaplain provides welfare and spiritual support to FESA employees and volunteers. The chaplain works closely with peer supporters and members of the FESA Human Services Division response team to ensure a coordinated approach to promoting employee and volunteer welfare.

Through FESA’s relationships with the Salvation Army and the Anglican Diocese of North Western Australia, the network of chaplains and assistant chaplains have continued to expand to ensure the availability of support to FESA employees and volunteers in metropolitan and regional areas.

PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM In 2005-2006, further steps have been taken to rebuild the profile and recognition of the peer support network as part of the FESA Support Program. A number of new peer support volunteers have joined the network and received the appropriate training. The bi-annual training program has been revised and refresher training will now be conducted on an annual basis to ensure peer supporters have up to date information and skills.

FESA's Peer Support 1800 free call number has continued to be well utilised as a means of providing immediate contact for confidential advice and assistance. The service is being accessed by managers, employees and volunteers, demonstrating an increased awareness of the assistance available under the FESA Support Program.

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SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR PRIVATELY-OWNED EQUIPMENT As part of its leadership role in setting standards for firefighting across Western Australia, FESA has developed the booklet Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires.

The intention of the booklet is to improve the safety of people, such as farmers, who voluntarily respond to bush fires with privately owned equipment. It covers an area where numerous reviews of incidents have provided evidence of poor practice.

The booklet was made available to local governments for distribution locally and FESA has also distributed it through Bush Fire Advisory Committee meetings and seminars and posted an electronic version on the FESA website.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR VOLUNTEERS External funding was obtained through the Commonwealth Government’s National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund to conduct nine leadership courses. Discover the Leader in You is a leadership skills development program for key FESA volunteers in leadership roles. In the financial year 2005-2006, five courses were held with 88 participants successfully completing this program.

SES TRAINING The SES Training Section continues to develop key skills training resource kits, using a proven consultative process utilising subject matter experts and focus groups. The section has started work in more specialist skills areas, such as road crash rescue and field search controller. During 2005-2006, apart from those previously mentioned, training resource kits for operations room, chainsaw, four-wheel drive and recovery, land search team leader and the new training and assessment competencies have been developed, some of which have been fully implemented.

In the past year, 648 SES volunteers have completed level 1 specialist skills training using new training resource kits (these figures do not include the workplace assessor and train small groups numbers which the SES delivers). Over the same period, 72 personnel have completed the new Level 3 Trainer/Assessor of Specialist Skills course. In addition, 54 SES volunteers now have a nationally recognised qualification – 23 completed the Certificate II in Public Safety (SES Operations) and 31 completed the Certificate II in Public Safety (SES Rescue). This has built on the previous year’s figures and it is interesting to note that SES training will be shortly offering the qualification for Certificate III in Public Safety (SES Rescue). It is estimated that up to 100 personnel should be immediately eligible.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING The endorsement of the Volunteer Firefighter Training Program by FESA’s Operational division has now allowed the Volunteer Firefighter Training Section to develop training resource kits that reflect the needs of volunteers.

Workshops for the implementation of the Volunteer Firefighter Training Program for managers and the handover of five new training resource kits have now been completed: • Volunteer Firefighter Induction • Introduction to Firefighting • Introduction to Bush Fire Firefighting • Bush Fire Firefighting • Chief Bush Fire Control Officer

Regions are now also in a position to conduct similar workshops for volunteers (both for potential trainer/assessors and for brigades and units) to inform them of the implementation of the Volunteer Firefighter Training Program and the new transitional arrangements.

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Regional workshops and courses for the Volunteer Firefighter Training Program have commenced in metropolitan and country locations for both Fire and Rescue Service and bush fire brigade volunteers. The feedback received from the workshops and courses has been extremely positive and has provided the Volunteer Firefighter Training Section with invaluable guidance for the development of future training resource kits.

The Structural Firefighting training resource kit and Breathing Apparatus training resource kit for the Volunteer Firefighter Training Program have been finalised, and a regional implementation process has commenced. The development of the Crew Leader Bush Fire training resource kit and Pumping training resource kit is progressing. These are expected to be handed over to regional areas in the near future.

CAREER FIREFIGHTER TRAINING The focus of the Career Firefighter Training Section for 2005-2006 has been the development and implementation of the new training resource kits aligned to the new national competency standards within the Public Safety Training Package.

The first phase of this project was to develop the new recruit firefighter development program (and associated training resource kits) which was previously aligned to the Australasian Fire Authorities Council modules. This new program (and training material) was implemented as a pilot for the first time in Recruit Firefighter School 58, which began on 12 September 2005. Eleven recruits graduated from this school on 8 December 2005. After the pilot, the program and training material were reviewed, changes implemented and the recruit firefighter development program finalised.

Recruit firefighter school 59 commenced on 5 April 2006 with 27 participants, due to graduate on 7 July 2006.

Phase 2 of the Public Safety Training Package implementation project, being the review and development of the firefighter development program (formerly called modular training) and all the associated training resource kits, is currently under way.

Other career firefighter training projects in 2005-2006 were: • Skills Enhancement Program for country areas, which consisted of compartment fire behaviour training (phase one), level one urban search and rescue refresher and road crash rescue skills improvement on current techniques. • Confined Space Training. Phase one of this training has been delivered to identified stations in both country and metropolitan regions. Phase two is 50% completed in country regions and ready to commence in the metropolitan region. • Heavy Rescue. This training has been delivered in the metropolitan area and is waiting on the delivery of the Manage Injuries component in the course to allow national recognition to proceed. Country areas have had their local trainer assessors endorsed and this program has now commenced delivery to all country career staff. • Eight senior firefighters completed the incident command course as part of the Operational Management Program which is delivered to National Competency Standards and is provided for firefighters seeking promotion to station officer.

MAJOR INCIDENT TRAINING Continuing development of the FESA Incident Planning Course has seen it evolve from a predominantly fire and rescue focus, to one that is applicable to the entire sphere of FESA's responsibility as a hazard management agency. Four courses were delivered to level two and three incident managers over the course of the financial year. Recent amendments to both the Incident Planning and Logistics Management courses have incorporated relevant elements from the Coordinate Resources Within a Multi-agency Emergency Response unit of competency of the Advanced Diploma of Public Safety.

During the 2005-2006 financial year, eight FESA Logistics Management courses were conducted for level two and three incident managers.

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The Major Incident Management for Incident Controllers course has been developed specifically for level three incident managers. It comprises all the elements of the national competency Control Multi-agency Emergency Situations as well as relevant learning outcomes from two modules of the former (Australasian Fire Authorities Council) National Fire Curriculum.

The VectorCommand simulator was used extensively to deliver both tactical (one-to-one) and strategic (incident management team) scenarios to level two and three incident managers throughout the state. FESA was also significantly involved in the development and testing of tactical VectorCommand scenarios for Australasian users of the system.

TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE During the past year, the Training and Compliance Section has been involved in the implementation of a number of new, or revised, training programs/initiatives, including the implementation of courses in the new training and assessment qualifications and a revised Key Organisational Skills program.

One of the key achievements in 2005-2006 was the implementation of the FESA Corporate Training and Development Strategic Plan 2005-2008, including the implementation of the two key senior leadership development initiatives: • Frontline Management Initiative • Leading Edge Leadership Development Program.

Currently, 15 FESA personnel have begun the Diploma in Frontline Management conducted by Modal Pty Ltd and three FESA personnel are undertaking the Leading Edge program conducted by Edith Cowan University.

In the compliance area, significant issues have been addressed, including a full review of the Training Procedures Manual (and associated procedures and documentation), an internal audit by FESA, and an external audit by a Training and Accreditation Council auditor.

APPLIED TRAINING The 2005-2006 financial year has been extremely busy for the FESA Applied Training Unit with 135 hot fire courses safely completed and more than 320 vehicles utilised for road crash rescue training. Major achievements include: • new training props were added with the introduction of a new intermediate hot fire pad and a tanker roll over / LPG tanker fire simulation prop • the urban search and rescue category two site was extensively upgraded and provided an excellent location for the investigation and consequence management exercise, Western Explorer in June 2006 • The FESA Training Centre central store stock inventory was completed and includes a full maintenance register of all stores items.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ENTERPRISE BARGAINING Significant progress has been made on outstanding matters to be implemented from the WA Fire Service Certified Agreement 2004. These include the readiness to respond initiative, station management program and improved response functions.

The new classification level of area officer has been implemented in regional areas of Western Australia. Eighteen employees have demonstrated appropriate competencies through a training and evaluation process and received a formal promotion in July 2006.

Negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement with the United Firefighters Union of WA to cover firefighters have progressed significantly since they began in January 2006. The assistance of the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has been sought to finalise outstanding issues. It is expected that an agreement will be registered shortly.

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A new enterprise bargaining agreement, the Government Officers Salaries, Allowances and Conditions General Agreement 2006, was negotiated and it was registered in early July 2006. This agreement provides salary increases as well as some changes to conditions of employment for FESA’s government officers.

RECRUITMENT SELECTION In 2005-2006, FESA conducted 106 selection processes across the organisation, which attracted 1,250 applicants.

FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT FESA’s approach of conducting information sessions about the requirements for becoming a firefighter, as well as holding feedback sessions and providing candidates with individual results, has continued with positive feedback being received. As a result, candidates are generally comfortable with and accepting of the outcomes with very few Breach of Standard claims being lodged.

WORKFORCE PLANNING WORKFORCE ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT REPORTING Ongoing analysis of the FESA workforce has continued, particularly in the operational areas, with preliminary emphasis on age and length of service. Further analysis and profiling of the workforce is to be conducted over the coming year.

Management reporting has continued to be refined with a review of the leave management reporting process and equal employment opportunity reporting based on new survey results and rank establishment. FESA has completed its participation in a public sector benchmarking program and will be consolidating these results. FESA has also participated in the public sector retirement intentions survey, results of which are due in September 2006.

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION During the year computer hardware and software upgrades were made to accommodate a new version of the human resource information system. This will provide benefits to employees including additional features within the employee self service kiosk. Further opportunities will be assessed to deliver additional information directly to staff.

CORPORATE SERVICES REFORM FESA has continued to play an active role in preparations for the State Government’s corporate services reform and establishment of Shared Services Centres. Representatives have participated in a number of committees and working groups in relation to both human services and financial services. The Office of Shared Services provided a regular newsletter containing up-to-date information which FESA distributed to all potentially affected employees.

VOLUNTEERS AND YOUTH During 2005-2006 the FESA Volunteer and Youth Services Branch focused on further developing and promoting various non-operational programs and initiatives to improve the support that FESA offers to emergency services volunteers in the areas of recruitment and retention, reward and recognition, and youth development.

Emergency Service Cadet Corps unit visits, courses and camps, as well as involvement in community service have been undertaken throughout the past year. The inaugural Emergency Service Cadet Corps Awards were introduced in 2005, and 2006 saw the introduction of a Child Protection Policy. Working with Children Checks, a new system to prevent unsuitable people from working with children, will be phased in as required by new State Government legislation which came into effect on 1 January 2006.

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FESA representatives attended the Emergency Volunteers Summit and the Forest and Rural Fire Association Conference (New Zealand), and a visit was made to the Country Fire Authority (South Australia). In order to develop further contacts and the branch's knowledge base, staff attended and or gave presentations at various other forums.

During the year under review, the branch established FESA's free call 1800 Volunteer Recruitment Information telephone line: (1800 628 141), to provide prospective volunteers with timely and accurate information relating to their area of interest.

Callers are able to access information on: • the volunteer brigade, group and/or unit in their local area; the roles and responsibilities associated with operational and non-operational positions; • contact details and brochures.

All volunteering inquiries are documented and a follow up phone call is made after the initial call. Additional information and support are then provided if necessary. FESA staff and volunteers have been encouraged to promote this new service through local brigades, groups and units.

YOUTH PROGRAMS A Junior/Cadet Program Guide and a Child Protection Information Kit have been produced to assist volunteer emergency services brigades, groups and units with the management of their youth development programs and the implementation of the FESA Child Protection Policy.

The Junior/Cadet Program Guide is a comprehensive resource covering training, administration, financial management, duty of care and risk management planning. It is designed as a tool for members of brigades, groups and units to: • develop and structure a junior/cadet program • attract and enrol juniors/cadets • attract and enrol leaders for junior/cadet programs • plan and conduct a variety of structured training and activities • undertake program evaluation and, • transfer juniors/cadets to senior ranks.

The FESA Child Protection Information Kit aims to ensure all FESA staff, volunteers and people contracted by FESA comply with their legal and moral responsibilities in creating a safe and protective environment for children while they are involved in FESA activities.

The kit outlines FESA's code of conduct for those working with children and clearly establishes the responsibilities and rights of both adults and children. It has been designed to increase awareness about child protection and duty of care issues. It clearly sets out processes to deal with management and reporting in relation to the wellbeing of children.

COMMONWEALTH FUNDING Several grant applications submitted under the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund were approved by the Commonwealth Attorney General. These grants benefit both volunteers and youth involved in emergency services. The Junior/Cadet Program Guide has been successfully completed, with other projects at various stages of development. Details are provided in the following table.

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National emergency volunteer support fund projects

Project Brief Description Funding Volunteer Behaviour and Develop a framework that provides emergency services $50,000 Governance volunteers with the guidelines, policies and procedures to guide their behaviour and enable them to minimise the risk of not complying with governance responsibilities. Youth Development – Junior Develop a training and administrative framework for $43,000 Cadet Program Junior/Cadet programs operating within brigades, groups and units. Volunteer and Youth Website Develop the volunteer and youth component of the FESA $85,000 website to enhance the recruitment and retention of emergency services volunteers. Volunteer Employer Recognition Develop an employer recognition program that provides $90,000 opportunities to reward supportive employers of emergency services volunteers and encourages other employers of emergency services volunteer to show similar generosity. Youth Development – Develop a training and administration guide for emergency $24,000 Junior/Cadet Program Guide services juniors and cadets. Volunteer and Youth Develop a volunteer recruitment DVD to enhance the $30,000 Recruitment DVD recruitment and retention of emergency services volunteers.

EMPLOYER RECOGNITION Stage one of FESA's Volunteer Employer Recognition program has been completed. The ongoing program was devised to recognise supportive employers and encourage other employers to show similar generosity and support for staff who are prepared to undertake volunteer emergency services duties.

An advertisement thanking the employers of emergency service volunteers was run in The West Magazine in January 2006. Radio station 94.5 and regional radio stations ran advertisements thanking employers for their contribution to the community. More recently, a FESA letter to the media resulted in good coverage of the contribution employers of volunteers make throughout the state.

Stage two of the recognition program is currently in development. It is proposed to include an award that employers would be proud to display, demonstrating their contribution to community safety by allowing volunteers on their staff to be released from work duties to attend emergency incidents or by providing them with other forms of support. The program will also recognise self-employed emergency services volunteers who often forgo personal income to respond to emergencies.

REWARD AND RECOGNITION FESA staff and volunteers are eligible for a comprehensive range of awards and medals that acknowledge the contributions they make towards achievement of a safer community in Western Australia. These include medals awarded at a national level and a series of medallions, certificates and trophies awarded by FESA and community stakeholders.

Eligibility criteria are established in FESA's Reward and Recognition Policy. During 2005-2006, this policy was reviewed and published for use by all FESA personnel.

A new Reward and Recognition Handbook was developed in support of the policy and will be available to staff and volunteers via the new FESA intranet. It provides information on all of the reward and recognition programs available to FESA employees and volunteers, detailing the eligibility criteria and nomination processes.

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AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICES MEDAL Fire Services personnel whose service is distinguished by a high degree of resourcefulness and devotion above and beyond normal work are eligible for this medal. Recipients in 2005-2006, announced as part of Australia Day and Queen's Birthday Honours Lists, were: • Gordon Edward Franklin, volunteer, Fire and Rescue Service • Adrian Teunis Kranendonk, volunteer, Bush Fire Service • Stanley William Sutherland, volunteer, Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service • John Grant Barker, volunteer, Fire and Rescue Service • William George Rose, FESA • Trevor James Wigg, FESA

AUSTRALIAN EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL This medal is awarded to those who have demonstrated distinguished service as a member of the emergency services. Recipients in 2005-2006, announced as part of Australia Day and Queen's Birthday Honours Lists, were: • Kenneth Rex Pember, volunteer, State Emergency Service • Ronald Kenneth Smith, volunteer, Volunteer Marine Rescue Services • Kevin John Wrightson, volunteer State Emergency Service

NATIONAL MEDAL The National Medal is awarded to career and volunteer firefighters and State Emergency Service volunteers who have served for a period of 15 years. A Service Clasp is awarded for every 10 years thereafter. Nominations for the National Medal and Service Clasps are processed by FESA Human Services and sent to the Governor-General in Canberra for approval and issuing. In 2005-2006, FESA held four National Medal and Clasp presentation ceremonies for career firefighters and volunteers. The number of nominations approved by the Governor-General are shown in the following table:

Number of nominations for National Medals and Clasps approved by the Governor-General

National Medal 1st Clasp 2nd Clasp 3rd Clasp (15 years) (25 years) (35 years) (45 years) Career firefighters 60 73 21 1 Volunteer Fire and 23 5 4 2 Rescue Service Bush Fire Service 114 6 41 23 State Emergency Service 15 2 0 0

FESA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL This medal has been established as the most prestigious internal FESA award. It recognises extraordinary contributions made by FESA staff and volunteers. The award is presented for outstanding achievements that would not be eligible for nomination under the Australian Honours and Awards system.

In February 2006 the inaugural FESA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Robert (Bob) Mitchell, was awarded the medal in recognition of his distinguished service with the organisation and his outstanding achievements in its development since 1999. Other recipients presented with the FESA Outstanding Achievement Medal in 2005-2006 were:

• Gary King, Packsaddle Bush Fire Brigade • Maxwell Borwick, Gingin Bush Fire Brigade • Richard Maslen, Chief Bush Fire Control Officer, Shire of Greenough • John McMahon, volunteer, FESA History Society and Museum

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FESA COMMENDATION MEDAL The FESA Commendation Medal recognises contributions made by members of FESA towards helping the organisation achieve its vision of a safer community, where such contributions are not eligible to be nominated through another category of award contained in the FESA Recognition and Reward Policy. Recipients for 2005-2006 were: • Ian Thompson, Ray Barnet and Samantha McCormack, volunteers, Bedfordale Bush Fire Brigade • Gordon Davidson, volunteer, Moulyinning Bush Fire Brigade • Judd Powell, Senior Firefighter, Claremont Fire Station

WA EMERGENCY SERVICES DILIGENT SERVICE MEDAL The inaugural presentations of the new WA Emergency Services Diligent Service Medal, introduced on 1 January 2005, were held in July and August 2005 for 335 current employees.

The Diligent Service Medal has also been extended to former employees and 258 applications were received. Three functions were held – on 19 May, 26 May and 2 June 2006 – to present the medals to these recipients.

A special bedside presentation was made to Mr Raymond Fearn on Tuesday 9 May 2006 at St John of God Hospital in Murdoch. Mr Fearn was awarded a 40-year Diligent Service Medal and was the oldest former employee to apply. Ill health did not allow him to attend the scheduled presentation ceremony.

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE AWARDS 2005 Peter Keillor Award The SES Peter Keillor Award is presented to a SES volunteer who has achieved a high level of service in an operation, in the development or promotion of a community safety initiative, or in raising their unit's profile or capabilities. The 2005 winner was Phillip Petersen of the Gosnells SES Unit.

SES Team Achievement Award As teamwork is a vital part of SES operations, this category recognises the efforts of SES units or teams who have initiated a new idea, worked collectively to achieve outstanding results in a particular area, or undertaken a community safety project. The 2005 winner was Newman SES Unit.

Youth Achievement Award This award recognises, rewards and encourages the special contributions of youth to the community. The 2005 winner was Andrae Lee Moore of the Tom Price SES Unit.

RAC INSURANCE AND ROTARY CLUB OF WHITFORDS FIREFIGHTING AWARDS 2005 Career Fire and Rescue Service of WA Award Senior firefighter Wayne Duyvestein of Bicton, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to FESA’s Road Accident Rescue and Confined Space Rescue services.

Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service of WA Award Cheryl Noah, Laverton Volunteer Fire Brigade captain, was recognised for her tireless and indomitable efforts at fundraising for local firefighters, equipment and community safety.

Murray Lang Volunteer Bush Fire Service of WA Award Lisa Wendy King, of Bunbury Bush Fire Brigade, was acknowledged for her outstanding commitment to the community and emergency services.

Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service of WA Youth Achievement Award Mark Papalia, of the Busselton Fire and Rescue Service, won this award for his exceptional commitment to training, FESA Fire Services and community-based programs.

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Volunteer Bush Fire Service of WA Youth Achievement Award Joel Lynam, of the Allanson Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, was presented with this award for his dedication to the community of Allanson and firefighting.

VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARDS In 2005, the FESA Unit Awards were renamed the Volunteer Emergency Service Awards, in keeping with a change of name for these multi-skilled units and groups. The awards recognise the outstanding contributions of members of these ground-breaking groups in providing a comprehensive range of emergency services to their local communities.

Bob Mitchell Award Named in honour of the founding FESA chief executive officer, this award is presented to a volunteer in recognition of outstanding service. This may be within their unit and/or across the emergency services sector and it may encompass actions performed over a number of years. The award is not necessarily made every year. The 2005 winner was Andrew Twaddle of the Fitzroy Crossing Volunteer Emergency Service.

Outstanding Volunteer Emergency Service Member Award This award is made for outstanding service within a Volunteer Emergency Service group/unit. The 2005 winner was Ken Graham of the Hyden Volunteer Emergency Service.

Volunteer Emergency Service Youth Achievement Award A nominee for this award must be aged 25 years or less and have demonstrated a commitment to emergency services in the area of prevention, preparedness, response or recovery. The 2005 winner was Matt Donkin of the Eucla Volunteer Emergency Service.

Outstanding Volunteer Emergency Service Award This award is designed to recognise the exceptional efforts of Volunteer Emergency Service groups/units that use teamwork to work together to achieve outstanding results in a particular area of emergency services. This may be in any of the areas of prevention, preparedness, response or recovery. The 2005 winner was the Wyndham Volunteer Emergency Service.

VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE SERVICES AWARDS The inaugural Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Awards were held in 2005.

Outstanding Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Member Award This Award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and made an outstanding contribution to their community. The 2005 winner was Ron Smith of the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Search and Rescue Group.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Service Youth Achievement Award This Award recognises a youth member who has made the needs of other a high priority, gone above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrated reliability, dependability, teamwork and leadership qualities. The 2005 winner was Ben Small of the Bunbury Sea Search and Rescue Group.

EMERGENCY SERVICES CADET CORPS AWARDS The inaugural Emergency Services Cadet Corps Awards were held in 2005.

Cadet Achievement Award This Award recognises a registered member of the Emergency Services Cadet Corps who has made a valuable contribution to their unit, local community or the Emergency Services Cadet Corps. The 2005 winner was James McCutcheon of the John Septimus Roe Emergency Services Cadet Corps.

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Instructor Achievement Award This award recognises a registered volunteer instructor of the Emergency Services Cadet Corps who has demonstrated a high level of dedication to their unit or the Emergency Services Cadet Corps. The 2005 winner was Dave Feint of the Clarkson Emergency Services Cadet Corps.

Unit Achievement Award This award recognises the outstanding efforts of Emergency Services Cadet Corps units that have initiated a new idea, worked collectively to achieve outstanding results in a particular area, or undertaken a community project. The 2005 winner was the Australind Emergency Services Cadet Corps.

HONOUR BOARDS New honour boards have been produced in the past 12 months including: • Honour boards for the various FESA divisional awards • A memorial board to honour those volunteers and staff who have lost their lives serving the community of Western Australia • A new board for the FESA Outstanding Achievement Medal and FESA Commendation Medal is displayed on Level 6 at FESA House.

All the boards are displayed at FESA House, Perth.

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FESA continues to promote equal employment opportunities and diversity through the workforce by actively educating employees, eliminating employment barriers and adopting policies to improve representation of diverse groups.

Significant efforts have been made to promote diversity in the recruitment of career firefighters – to ensure the service more closely reflects the diverse community of Western Australia.

Despite endeavours to attract applicants from diverse groups there has been very limited success, even though FESA is ahead of counterparts in other states. To address this issue in a more focused way, a Firefighter Recruitment Equity and Diversity Initiative (FREDI) has been established. A senior firefighter is project managing this initiative with members of the group including female and male staff from a number of areas.

The key aims of the FREDI group are to: • increase the pool of quality candidates for career firefighter positions • increase the diversity of the pool of quality candidates • raise the profile of firefighting as a preferred career.

FESA strives to ensure that equal opportunity is provided to people with disabilities who seek employment with the organisation. A survey of FESA’s staff revealed that five people have disabilities ranging from hearing and sight impairment to considerable physical disabilities (the sensitive nature of this data means that not all staff may have notified FESA of impairments). The physically dangerous role of firefighter precludes the employment of people with certain impairments for active service. However, in all other roles FESA strictly applies EEO principles in the selection process. Volunteer groups are encouraged to develop non-active or non-operational roles within their groups for people who have disabilities but who nevertheless wish to be emergency services volunteers.

NATIONAL WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING FORUM Two staff members and three volunteer firefighters represented FESA at the second Women in Fire Fighting Conference held in Sydney from 7-9 June 2006. Some 300 delegates from across Australia and New Zealand attended.

Organised by the Fire Services Research Program at the University of Western Sydney’s Centre for Learning and Social Transformation, the theme for the forum was Same but Different:

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Some of the key areas discussed were: • the importance of a gender balance within fire services and a need to change social culture in order for this to be achieved • coaching and mentoring programs • encouragement of language studies within the fire services (at agencies’ expense) to increase the capability of dialogue with people from diverse backgrounds • issues with personal protective equipment for female firefighters, particularly with regard to problems with the correct size and fit.

Each of the volunteer representatives will be providing a report on the conference to their respective volunteer associations. A consolidated report will be prepared within FESA with input from those who attended.

INDIGENOUS TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM FESA has supported the Indigenous Traineeship Program for the past six years. Since 2000 FESA has hosted 16 young Indigenous people who were working towards attaining a Certificate II in Business. To date, eight trainees have completed Certificate II. One has gone on to graduate in Certificate III in Business. Four trainees are still completing their qualifications. Five of the trainees went on to gain work elsewhere while three have remained with FESA.

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Sound business practices

FESA believes that in order to meet our commitments to the community, we must implement business practices that can be benchmarked against recognised standards of excellence. We commit to managing our financial and physical resources in a competent and accountable manner and maintaining a customer focus.

CONTENTS

KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 104 FINANCIAL SYSTEMS 107 BUSINESS PROCESSES 108 PHYSICAL RESOURCE PLANNING 110 CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM 112

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KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT GENERAL INFORMATION RESOURCES (DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT) The FESA Retention and Disposal Schedule was approved by the State Records Advisory Committee in May 2006. Final endorsement is to be obtained from the State Records Commission in July 2006, along with an amended Recordkeeping Plan.

The archival programme for the following regional offices has been completed: • Albany • Geraldton • Belmont Fire Services

Work has continued on the state-wide Records and Document Management System across FESA, in particular, the amendments to the system as regional offices collocate. Dedicated training for the upgraded version of the Records and Document Management System (TRIM) was provided in early May 2006 to regional support officers.

Work commenced on the Fire Incident Information project which collated and indexed completed fire incident information into the FESA Records and Document Management System.

The Building Plan Vetting function was re-located from Information Resources to FESA’s Community Safety division.

INFORMATION SERVICES Over the past 12 months FESA Information Services has continued working on a number of projects to improve operational support computing applications. These projects include: • consolidation of FESA emergency management applications into a single application • redevelopment of the FESA intranet service • Shared Land Information Platform • re-engineering of the FESA emergency dispatch system.

FESA Information Services is combining all emergency management computing requirements into a suite of modules including training, resources, incident reporting and membership details. The system will be accessible to staff, volunteers, local government and operations centre personnel. Work continues on migrating existing data into the new system.

The new FESA intranet portal infrastructure and software is now in place. Following the completion of divisional content the system will move into production. The intranet connects people, teams, and knowledge, providing a flexible deployment and management tool that will facilitate collaboration through data aggregation, organisation, and searching between all divisions and departments within FESA.

FESA has continued to lead the Emergency Management component of the State’s Shared Land Information Platform (SLIP) initiative. The SLIP-EM project is establishing fit-for-purpose, web-based mapping services that can assist cross-agency planning and communication. A pilot web mapping service has been deployed and is now available for trial to support the State’s emergency management operations, linking current and authoritative spatial/mapping information.

Under the guidance of the State Mitigation Spatial Information Working Group, FESA has identified three strategic hazard areas to benefit from the initial SLIP-EM service. Key information flows and user requirements have been documented to address the state’s responsibilities for hazardous material, bushfire and search and rescue activities. The SLIP project team is currently working with the relevant hazard management agencies (FESA, CALM and WA Police) to implement and trial the three pilot applications during the next 12 months.

The re-engineering of FESA’s Computer Aided Dispatch system is progressing with the first production release version anticipated for implementation for the 2006-2007 fire season. The new version will further improve FESA’s dispatch capability particularly in the mapping functionality.

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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SERVICES The FESA Geographic Information Services Branch has focused on managing corporate data in the following areas: • currency and accuracy of the spatial information for the FESA Operations Centre • review and publication of unexploded ordnance boundaries • Emergency Services Levy boundary changes for 2006-2007 • preparation and implementation of mapping data for FESA’s Computer Aided Despatch system.

RESEARCH FESA has established significant short and longer-term involvement in bush fire and associated environmental protection research through a range of scientific and operational research partnerships.

At 30 June 2006, FESA was involved in nine major research programs. Partners range from Western Australian universities, other WA government agencies, to the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) and the private sector. Additional funding is provided by the Australian Research Council, Natural Disaster Mitigation Program, the Office of Crime Prevention and the Department of Primary Industry. Details of some projects are included in the Fire section of this annual report, starting page 44.

During 2005-2006, the FESA Research Coordinating Committee was established. The purpose of the committee is to oversee FESA research including the setting of research objectives, establishing FESA research priorities, fostering research links with tertiary institutions and ensuring efficient use is made of research resources. The general research principles which provide guidance for FESA bush fire and natural environmental research were established through the Draft Natural Environment Strategy.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC ALERTS During major bush fire emergencies, cyclones and floods, public alerts generated by FESA are sent to ABC radio for regular broadcast throughout the duration of the incident.

This is governed by a formal Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the ABC and all of the WA hazard management agencies. In addition, for cyclones and often also for storms, the Bureau of Meteorology includes SES alerts at the end of its forecast bulletins.

An alert is different from a media statement in that it is expected that the media will use the wording of an alert in its exact format, in the same manner in which a weather forecast is broadcast. The MOU with the ABC gives effect to this protocol. In this way, there can be no conjecture about the meaning of the alert.

The alerts broadcast by radio are backed up with updated information recorded on FESA's 1300 657 209 public information phone line as well as the FESA website alert page.

PUBLIC EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM A project funded jointly by FESA and the Western Australia Police Service to develop a web-based early warning system for the community is nearing completion.

The system, tentatively called APECS, allows an authorised agency to record voice and text warning messages to be delivered on landline and mobile telephones in defined geographic areas.

All listed telephone numbers within the prescribed area will be called. Householders with unlisted telephone numbers, and people with mobile phones can also receive the messages but will need to ‘opt- in’. Text messages will also be delivered, using fax, email and SMS text. SMS is a primary means of communication for people with a hearing disability.

While media organisations are generally cooperative in times of emergency, and there is a formal arrangement in place with ABC Radio to deliver emergency information, APECS is an additional tool to reach people who may not be listening to the radio or watching television when a bush fire danger is imminent. It also overcomes the problem of broadcasts being operated remotely, with the licensed transmitter area hosting limited or no locally sourced broadcasting.

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The system is designed to be operated by any hazard management agency, but in practical terms this is likely to be the Police or FESA, who will broadcast messages for other agencies on request. Testing will commence later in 2006 and it is proposed to have the new system in place prior to the 2006-2007 summer fire season in the south of the state.

NATIONAL EMERGENCY CALL CENTRE FESA has noted with interest an announcement by the Australian Government that it is to establish a National Emergency Call Centre to be used in the event of major disasters. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Committee Secretariat has advised that a funding commitment was made in the 2006- 2007 Federal Budget.

A subcommittee has been proposed to progress implementation and interim capacity is expected to be in place by December 2006, with the centre fully operational by July 2007.

WEBSITE TECHNOLOGY REVIEW A review of technology used to manage content on FESA’s public website was undertaken during the year. The review found that low-cost, function-rich web-editing products are now available on the market, providing the organisation with opportunities to: • significantly improve delivery of services to customers • significantly improve the efficiency of internal processes • significantly improve data gathering for improved decision making • significantly improve community engagement towards creating a Safer Community and • meet the State Government’s requirement to allow equal access for people with disabilities.

The review proposed any new technology must: • be used to meet business outcomes based on real customer needs. These needs must be identified through objective consultation with our clients • be rigorously tested as part of the procurement process for efficiency and effectiveness • be easy to use to ensure (a) better uptake among FESA staff tasked with updating online and (b) mitigate training and support costs • allow faster page downloads • have greater functionality • be cost effective to acquire and develop and • meet Government standards on equal access.

Following the review, an audit of information needs throughout the organisation has been established to develop a business plan. This audit will be finalised in the 2006-2007 financial year.

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION AND MESSAGING During the year FESA completed the installation of mobile data terminals in career firefighting appliances in the metropolitan area. This system provides a text messaging service to career firefighting appliances and operates over the CDMA mobile phone data network. The system also incorporates the return of global positioning system data from the vehicle to the FESA Operations Centre providing automatic vehicle location functionality.

COUNTRY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM Successful acceptance testing of both the career and volunteer firefighter pilot installations concluded during the year. System rollout for career fire stations in major regional centres is scheduled for completion prior to the 2006-2007 fire season. Volunteer station installations will follow on from this.

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This system incorporates the following emergency communication functionality: • direct brigade alarms • group call • paging • station siren operation.

The system will now enable all country direct brigade alarm messages to be transmitted to the FESA Operations Centre.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN EMERGENCY RADIO NETWORK (WAERN) The WAERN is a $20 million, four-year project to upgrade the state’s emergency radio infrastructure, which was launched in July 2005. The network and repeater layout design was completed in July 2005 and considerable preparations have been undertaken for implementation of the program.

It will revolutionise emergency services radio communications in Western Australia and bridge a huge gap by providing inter-operable emergency radio communications during the management of fires, floods and other disasters. This project involves the installation of approximately 300 VHF High Band Radio repeaters at all FESA, local government and CALM radio sites and the adoption of the new FESA dual- band radio across the state, replacing approximately 7,000 mobile radios currently in use.

Four major equipment contracts have been awarded and orders have been placed. Work has commenced in four pilot regions, the Burrup Peninsular, Esperance, Warren District and Mundaring.

FINANCIAL SYSTEMS PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT FESA, under the new procurement arrangements with the Department of Treasury and Finance Client Procurement Services, is still responsible for procurement outcomes, decisions to purchase and awarding contracts. This includes: • providing direction for forward procurement planning • providing technical specifications and expertise to support contracting • managing contracts at an operational level.

The business relationship is supported by a Memorandum Of Understanding signed in September 2004 that outlines the working arrangements between the Department of Treasury and Finance and FESA, regarding the provision of an integrated, efficient and effective procurement service that meets FESA's expectations.

Under the new arrangement, two former FESA staff positions now form part of the Department of Treasury and Finance Client Procurement Services team located at FESA House. Benefits and values of the recently introduced procurement reform initiate have delivered: • improved customer services • simplified procurement processes • greater knowledge sharing • improved support through the availability of centralised procurement specialists • coordinated buying • policy consistency • value for money. FESA is committed to the State Government’s new procurement reform strategy of smarter buying – better business and working relationships for the delivery of procurement services.

FESA’s procurement activities and direction have continued to focus on strategic sourcing, in particular, e- commerce solutions, in an approach to reduce total costs. To date, a number of Common Use Arrangements utilising better buying processes have also been implemented within FESA.

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IMPROVED LOGISTICS IN EMERGENCIES 'Foam Watch', a 24 hours a day, seven days a week service to make foam available to firefighters at major hazardous materials spills or fires, has been established under a commercial contract let by FESA to Mercury Firesafety Ptd Ltd. The service will ensure firefighters have access to bulk foam concentrates during significant emergency incidents at any time.

Under the contract, Mercury Firesafety holds bulk supplies at its warehouse. The incident controller is able to request urgent deliveries through the FESA Communications Centre. The contract also covers the dispatch of other equipment items directly to the incident scene, such as emergency hose stocks. The capability is also being extended to provide supplies to regional areas. During 2006 the contractor supplied bulk emergency flood and storm control equipment and consumables for State Emergence Service volunteers.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS On 1 July 2003, the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) was introduced under the Emergency Services Levy Act 2002. Amendments were made to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 and the Fire Brigades Act 1942 in relation to the annual estimates of expenditure and the source of funding for FESA.

The financial reporting period ending 30 June 2006 is the third year of the ESL under the provisions of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998. The ESL is a levy on all properties in Western Australia, regardless of ownership, and is applicable to residential, farming, commercial and industrial properties and vacant land. Only vacant land owned by local governments and certain mining tenements that only permit prospecting and exploratory activities are exempt from the ESL.

Processes and systems to administer the ESL are now well established and local governments, as ESL collection agents, are continuing to operate in accordance with legislative requirements. Revised versions of the Local Government Manual for Capital and Operating Grants and the Manual of Operating Procedures were developed and issued for 2005-2006. The grants manual provides guidance to local governments in preparing annual estimates for the operating and capital requirements for their volunteer bush fire brigades and State Emergency Service units. The operating procedures manual, coupled with local government rates systems upgrades, was introduced to ensure that appropriate ESL billing, collection, remittance and reporting procedures are implemented by local governments.

Monitoring of these relatively new ESL accounting and administrative processes has continued during the year to ensure that property owners are correctly charged and that FESA's reporting obligations are met.

BUSINESS PROCESSES ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE As a result of a review undertaken in early 2005, far-reaching structural reforms commenced in July 2005. A restructure of FESA's operational divisions was undertaken, with two main objectives: better service delivery across the state and clearer definition of the identities of the career and volunteer emergency services falling under the FESA umbrella.

From 1 July 2006 Fire Services – including the Bush Fire Service, the Fire and Rescue Service and Volunteer Fire Service – the State Emergency Service, Volunteer Marine Rescue Services, Volunteer Emergency Service and the WA Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service were brought under one Operational Services Division.

Further structural change is anticipated in the coming year to ensure FESA continues to meet the needs of the community. A closer relationship has been developed between FESA's Emergency Management division and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, which is responsible for the State Disaster Council and disaster recovery arrangements.

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT BRANCH BUSINESS PRACTICE REVIEW The FESA Built Environment Branch (previously called the Fire Safety Branch) is responsible for implementing a large percentage of FESA’s prevention responsibilities in regard to structural fires. A high proportion of the branch’s work is involved with ensuring new or refurbished buildings comply with the fire safety requirements of FESA and the Building Code of Australia. Efficiencies within this Branch have relevance for the building industry.

FESA commissioned a review into the Built Environment Branch to examine the role of the branch, regional staff and firefighters in regard to building plan assessment, building inspections, land use planning and subdivisions. The results of the review were documented in a consultant's report – Madison Red Report – which was published in the latter half of 2005 and made 29 recommendations as shown in the table.

MADISON RED REPORT - SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Category Number of recommendations

Legislation (Regulations) 4

Procedures 2

Staff and training 9

Planning and business review 1

Processes 6

Information and systems 6

Security 1

TOTAL 29

During 2005-2006, FESA commenced implementing the review recommendations, with priority being given to those which required legislative support through amendments to existing Building Regulations or the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998, or through the proposed Western Australian Building Act. This also impacted on some recommendations for procedural change.

FESA also commissioned a detailed staff structural review of the Built Environment Branch by consultants Estill and Associates in response to Madison Red recommendations. The report from Estill and Associates was presented in April 2006 and is currently being examined.

By the end of the financial year, action had been taken on all but one of the Madison Red recommendations. More than half of the recommendations had been implemented to the fullest extent possible by FESA and the remainder were progressing, but due to their complex nature were some way from full implementation.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT The FESA Corporate Executive Team has approved a business continuity management process and implementation proposal.

A template for a business continuity plan has been developed which will enable the integration and enhancement of existing strategic and operational plans from across the organisation and incorporate risk data from risk management process completed in the past year.

In the short term, while an overarching plan is in development, some key projects have been undertaken. These include: • development of an operational pandemic business continuity plan to support FESA's emergency services obligations in the event of a pandemic • Avian Influenza preparations, to assist the Department of Agriculture in the outbreak of an animal disease.

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EMERGENCY SERVICES LEVY REVIEW The Emergency Services Levy (ESL) was introduced in 2003-2004, on the basis of operating parameters and administrative arrangements formulated and agreed with key stakeholders and the local government sector. A review of the ESL was conducted in 2003-2004 and 2004-2005. The review focused on refining processes and implementing improvements based on experiences gained in the early years, and generally confirmed the adequacy and suitability of existing policy and processes.

In 2005-2006, minor process and system refinements have continued. • The Local Government Manual for Capital and Operating Grants was again updated (2006-2007 version) with a focus on areas where more simplified administrative approaches could be introduced and improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the ESL grants scheme could be made. • Promotion of an alternative, more efficient, ESL remittance arrangement for local governments continued. This resulted in a further 23 councils electing to use this option for 2006-2007 (in addition to the 52 that operated under this arrangement in 2005-2006). • A review of all ESL category boundaries was conducted to ensure that, in readiness for 2006-2007 ESL billing, they properly reflected the service delivery available to property owners. • A revised and cost-effective ESL communications and marketing strategy was adopted for the 2006- 2007 ESL billing cycle. The strategy involves the continuing use of the ESL call centre from June to October 2006 and the development of an ESL brochure for inclusion with 2006-2007 local government rates notices. To inform property owners of ESL category classification changes that will take effect in 2006-2007, a specific brochure was designed for inclusion in the Town of Kwinana’s 2006-2007 rates notices. Letters of advice were issued to property owners in the Ellenbrook/Vines regions in the Shire of Swan and the Aubin Grove/Banjup, Jandakot regions in the City of Cockburn. The ESL pages on the FESA website were also updated.

PHYSICAL RESOURCE PLANNING FESA continues to utilise an approach that incorporates the use of business-case strategies to ensure that resource project planning, procurement and delivery are consistent with government policies, organisational goals and, hence, clearly identified outcomes.

The continuation of this approach to resource service delivery ensures that our decisions are based on the principles of sound reasoning and therefore provides a foundation for achieving the organisation’s strategic and corporate outcomes. These business case strategies also assist FESA to reduce corporate risk and thereby maintain its effectiveness and efficiencies within the competitive public sector.

FLEET AND EQUIPMENT SERVICES VEHICLE BUILD PROGRAM The 2005-2006 Vehicle Build Program consisted of 128 projects with a value of approximately $12 million. The program has two parts – the vehicle replacement program and a special project component that addresses the vehicle and equipment needs of FESA’s additional capability requirements (either additional fire stations or new response capability requirements such as urban search and rescue).

FESA Fleet Services completed 93 vehicle build projects during the year. This represented 73% of the total program for the year. Vehicles included pumpers, tankers, special purpose trailers, personnel carriers and special units such as mobile storage pods.

It is important that the vehicles and associated equipment available to emergency responders are reliable and fit for purpose. The replacement program is a critical element in achieving this end.

Efficiencies for appliance build program A direct purchase contract was awarded to Mercury Firesafety Pty Ltd in 2005-2006 for the supply and delivery of firefighting equipment, foam and ladders, creating a 'one stop shop' for most fire appliance equipment.

Previously under FESA's Capital Works Investment Appliance Build Program, its Fleet Services Branch arranged for the stowage equipment kits to be sent directly to vehicle manufacturers for installation before

110 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

the vehicles were delivered. This caused logistical and time management problems for both FESA and the manufacturer, due to the large volumes of equipment ordered and audit trail requirements.

Under the new arrangements, FESA supplies Mercury Firesafety with standard stowage lists for each appliance category. Once an appliance is constructed it is sent to the Mercury Firesafety warehouse for equipment stowage. This releases FESA's Fleet Services staff to concentrate on engineering functions.

LEASED FLEET FESA has achieved a significant change in the profile of its passenger vehicle fleet in favour of smaller four cylinder vehicles.

In 12 months, the number of four-cylinder passenger vehicles has increased by 63% to 57 vehicles while the number of six-cylinder passenger vehicles has been reduced by 44%, to 28 vehicles. The results of this change will see a reduction in the total operating costs of the passenger fleet and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions into the future.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 111

CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM The FESA capital works program for the 2005-2006 financial year of $28.578 million comprised new works of $18.363 million and works in progress of $10.215 million. As part of the 2006-2007 budget process, the capital works program for 2005-2006 was revised to $38.870 million, an increase of $10.292 million, and included carry-overs from 2004-2005 and additional funding for cost escalation approved during the financial period. Details of the capital works projects are contained in the following tables.

CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM AS AT 30 JUNE 2006

Note Estimated Expenditure Estimated Actual Expenditure Estimated Total prior to Expenditure Expenditure Variance Cost of Project Cost 01/07/2005 2005-2006 2005-2006 2005-2006 Balance of Program Program

$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

FIRE STATIONS

Completed

Career FRS Albany fire station 1 610 451 159 235 76 (76)

Career FRS Belmont fire station 1 2,900 1,530 1,370 1,015 (355) 355

Career FRS Hope Valley fire 1 2.500 2,168 332 438 106 (106) station

Career FRS Kalgoorlie fire station 1 675 306 369 247 (122) 122

Under construction

Volunteer FRS Broome fire 1 1,100 10 740 475 (265) 615 station

Volunteer FRS station 1 755 481 274 134 (140) 140 modifications

Planning stages

Career FRS Perth fire station 1 9,100 3,097 2,803 437 (2,366) 5,566 relocation

Volunteer FRS Merredin fire 1 805 0 45 21 (24) 784 station

Land acquisitions

Career FRS Maddington fire 2 320 0 320 9 (311) 311 station

Career FRS Eglinton fire station 2 1,780 0 400 0 (400) 1,780

FESA strategic land acquisition 2 2,000 0 2,000 0 (2,000) 2,000

REGIONAL OFFICES

FESA regional collocation – 3 1,655 6 1,099 1,105 6 544 Bunbury

FESA regional collocation – 3 1,375 156 769 56 (713) 1,163 Geraldton

SES Regional Headquarters 3 921 24 897 0 (897) 897 replacement – Broome

112 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM AS AT 30 JUNE 2006

Note Estimated Expenditure Estimated Actual Expenditure Estimated Total prior to Expenditure Expenditure Variance Cost of Project Cost 01/07/2005 2005-2006 2005-2006 2005-2006 Balance of Program Program

$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

VOLUNTEER COLLOCATIONS

FESA volunteer collocation – 4 1,700 1 499 6 (493) 1,693 Derby

FESA volunteer collocation – 4 1,100 3 397 3 (394) 1,094 Esperance

FESA volunteer collocation – 4 520 114 406 279 (127) 127 Manjimup

FESA volunteer collocation 4 1,500 495 425 3 (422) 1,002 Mundaring

FESA volunteer collocation – 4 350 261 89 0 (89) 89 Toodyay

TRAINING FACILITIES

National USAR enhancement 5 332 0 332 0 (332) 332 strategy – facilities

FIRE & EMERGENCY VEHICLES

FESA CBR specialist vehicle 6 450 387 443 63 (380) 0

Career FRS turn table ladder half 7 400 0 400 0 (400) 400 life refurbishment

Career FRS combination ladder 7 400 12 388 202 (186) 186 platform half life refurbishment

Career FRS demountable pods 8 1600 1,039 181 0 (181) 561

National USAR enhancement 9 328 0 328 0 (328) 328 strategy – pod carrier

Career FRS firefighting appliance 10 1,000 409 591 0 (591) 591 program – 2003-2004 program

Career FRS heavy pumper 11 4920 0 700 2 (698) 4,918 Replacement program

Career FRS North Region 12 600 0 250 81 (169) 519 appliance – Eglinton

Career FRS light pumper 13 2,700 1200 600 0 (600) 1,500 replacement program

Volunteer FRS light pumper 13 18,550 11,389 1,711 1,468 (243) 5,693 replacement program

Career FRS light tanker 14 2,750 2,050 700 885 185 (185) replacement program

Volunteer FRS light tanker 14 3,700 3,187 513 231 (282) 282 replacement program

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 113

Note Estimated Expenditure Estimated Actual Expenditure Estimated Total prior to Expenditure Expenditure Variance Cost of Project 01/07/2005 2005-2006 2005-2006 2005-2006 Balance of Program Cost Program

$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000

FIRE & EMERGENCY VEHICLES (cont’d)

Career FRS medium tanker 15 600 0 200 132 (68) 468 replacement program

SES trailer replacement 2004- 16 300 150 150 150 0 0 2006 program

SES truck replacement 2004-2006 17 400 200 200 200 0 0 program

Volunteer FRS Albany fire station 18 280 12 268 318 50 (50) – pumper

PLANT & EQUIPMENT WORKS

Volunteer FRS breathing apparatus replacement program 19 1,400 1394 6 6 0 0

SES asset replacement 2003- 20 480 320 160 160 0 0 2006 program

SES volunteer equipment 2003- 21 1,500 1,000 500 500 0 0 2006 program

Volunteer FRS direct brigade 22 800 297 503 0 (503) 503 alarm replacement program

Volunteer FRS hose replacement 23 450 121 179 37 (142) 292 strategy 2001-2007 program

VMRS vessel and equipment 24 1,700 305 295 225 (70) 1,170 replacement 2004-2009 program

VMRS communication network 25 850 86 214 9 (205) 755 2003-2011 program

WA Emergency Radio Network 26 20,000 0 10,000 258 (9,742) 19,742

National USAR enhancement 27 1,003 0 973 0 (973) 1,003 strategy – equipment

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

Shared Land Information Platform 28 1,831 0 2,192 624 (1,568) 1,207

FESA ES-CADCOM project 29 2,500 0 2,500 166 (2,334) 2,334

Total 103,490 32,661 38,870 10,180 28,040 60,649

114 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

NOTES TO THE CAPITAL WORKS

FIRE STATIONS 1. Provision of additional and new facilities that will provide greater functional capacity between services and improved service delivery to the community in accordance with risk. These include Fire and Rescue Service building projects that have been completed in Kalgoorlie (career and volunteer), Albany, Belmont and Hope Valley. Stations under construction or due to commence construction during 2006-2007 include Perth, Merredin and Broome. Fire and Rescue Service station modifications include the addition and modification of building structures to accommodate current and new emergency appliances and/or provide training facilities on an ongoing basis. 2. Land acquisition to accommodate provision of new facilities at Maddington, Eglinton and relocation of the existing FESA headquarters administration building that has reached the end of its serviceable life. 3. Provision of new facilities for collocated regional offices in Geraldton, Bunbury and Broome. 4. Replacement of existing fire stations in Toodyay, Derby, Esperance, Manjimup and Mundaring with new volunteer collocated facilities. The total project costs incorporate funding contributions from local governments that will be provided as follows: Derby $100,000, Toodyay $75,000, Esperance $100,000, Manjimup $100,000 and Mundaring $460,000. 5. National USAR enhancement strategy facilities – provision of additional training facilities for the provision of urban search and rescue accreditation and service outputs.

APPLIANCES AND VEHICLES 6. Chemical, biological, radiological (CBR) materials specialist vehicle – provision of additional vehicle to cater for increased risk in chemical, biological and radiological threat. 7. Half-life vehicle refurbishments – refurbishment of specialised combination ladder platform and turntable ladder vehicles in order to maintain its operational effectiveness in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements. 8. Demountable pods – continuation of a program to provide additional functional capacity and diversity within the metropolitan firefighting fleet. 9. National USAR enhancement strategy – pod carrier – provision of an additional vehicle for transportation of the USAR pod. 10. Fire fighting appliance program (2003-2004) – an ongoing program to replace existing firefighting vehicles that have completed their economic and serviceable life. 11. Heavy pumper replacement program – a program to replace existing heavy pumper fire fighting vehicles that have completed their economic and serviceable life. 12. FRS north west corridor appliances (Eglinton) – provision of vehicles for the new career Fire and Rescue Service facility at Eglinton, currently used for the interim facility at Nowerup (Butler). 13. Light pumper replacement program (2000-2008) – ongoing replacement of existing light pumpers that have completed their serviceable life in country regions. 14. Light tankers replacement program – ongoing program to provide additional and replacement Fire and Rescue Service fire fighting capacity state-wide. 15. Medium tanker replacement program – a program to replace existing medium tanker fire fighting vehicles that have completed their economic and serviceable life. 16. SES trailer replacement programs (2003-2004 and 2004-2006) – for replacement of SES volunteer unit trailers that have completed their serviceable life. 17. SES truck replacement program (2004-2006) – replacing SES volunteer unit vehicles that have completed their serviceable life. 18. Provision of new Albany volunteer FRS vehicle as a consequence of increased risk, and relocation to a new site.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 115

PLANT AND EQUIPMENT WORKS 19. Breathing apparatus replacement program – continuation of existing program for the introduction of state-of-the-art breathing apparatus incorporating electronic monitoring equipment and lightweight cylinders. 20. SES Asset Replacement Program (2003-2006) – replacement of assets that have completed their serviceable life. 21. SES volunteer equipment – updating aged equipment at SES volunteer units. 22. FRS volunteers direct brigade alarm replacement program – replacement of existing communications infrastructure to fire stations in country regions, that has reached the end of its serviceable life. 23. VFRS volunteers hose replacement strategy – replacement of firefighting hoses that have completed their serviceable life. 24. VMRS vessel and equipment replacement program – the upgrade and replacement of vessels and equipment that has reached the end of its serviceable life. 25. VMRS communication network (2003-2011) – provision and replacement of communication infrastructure to improve emergency response service delivery. 26. Western Australian Emergency Radio Network (WAERN) – Migration to VHF high band for FESA and CALM operational radio communications. Includes the construction of approximately 300 radio repeaters and replacement of 7,000 mobile radios. 27. National USAR enhancement strategy – equipment – provision of urban search and rescue equipment to meet service delivery needs.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS 28. Shared Land Information Platform (SLIP) – The development of a spatial information system consistent across all emergency services. 29. ES-CADCOM project – a program to redevelop the communications and computing infrastructure for the FESA operations centre emergency dispatch area.

116 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

FESA is committed to maintaining community confidence in FESA’s integrity by upholding the highest standards of corporate behaviour. FESA seeks to always act in the best interests of the Western Australian community by working towards its vision of a safer community. FESA’s corporate values underpin the expected standards of personal and organisational conduct and behaviour.

Corporate governance within FESA concerns the structure and methods for controlling and directing the organisation. This means ensuring that appropriate systems and practices are in place to monitor, evaluate and meet the State Government’s designated services – prevention services and emergency services – and desired outcome – to minimise the impact of human and natural hazards on the community of Western Australia.

The FESA Board of Management is responsible for FESA functioning in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998, other relevant Western Australian and Australian Government legislation and State Government policy. Particular importance is placed on the FESA Board’s role, operations and accountability. Related emphasis is placed on strategic planning functions, as well as policy, risk management and performance reporting frameworks and corporate decision-making rules and procedures.

CONTENTS

LEGISLATION & LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE • acts administered 118 • legislative compliance 118 • emergency management legislation 119 • emergency services legislation review 119 • ministerial communications 120

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE • board of management 120 • board sub-committees 126 • consultative committees 127 • corporate executive 132

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND REVIEW • agency resource agreement and CEO performance agreement 132 • internal audit 133 • strategic planning 133 • organisational policy development, implementation and review and risk management frameworks 133

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 117

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

LEGISLATION & LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE

ACTS ADMINISTERED FESA administers the following Acts: • Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 • Fire Brigades Act 1942 • Bush Fires Act 1954 • Emergency Management Act 2005.

LEGISLATIVE COMPLIANCE In performing its functions, FESA complies with the following legislation: • Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 • Fire Brigades Act 1942 • Bush Fires Act 1954 • A New Tax System (Fringe benefits Reporting) Act 1999 (Commonwealth) • A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Commonwealth) • Australian Crime Commission (Western Australia) Act 2004 (Commonwealth) • Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 • Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947 • Criminal Code • Criminal Procedure Act 2004 • Dangerous Goods Safety Act 2004 • Disability Services Act 1993 • Electoral Act 1907 • Electronic Transactions Act 2003 • Environmental Protection Act 1986 • Equal Opportunity Act 1984 • Evidence Act 1906 • Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act 1961 • Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 • Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Act 1985 • Freedom of Information Act 1992 • Government Employees’ Housing Act 1964 • Government Financial Responsibility Act 2000 • Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 • Industrial Relations Act 1979 • Library Board of Western Australia Act 1951 • Local Government Act 1995 • Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960 • Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Act 1909 • Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 • Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 • Public Sector Management Act 1994 • Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 • Salaries and Allowances Act 1975 • State Administrative Tribunal Act 2004 • State Records Act 2000 • State Superannuation Act 2000 • State Supply Commission Act 1991 • Water Boards Act 1904 • Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 • Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 1981 • Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Commonwealth)

118 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION The Emergency Management Act 2005 was proclaimed on 23 December 2005 and came into operation the following day.

The Act formalises the longstanding emergency management arrangements previously established under the 1985 Cabinet Minute which approved the basis of the State Emergency Management Committee’s Policy Statement No. 7 Western Australian Emergency Management Arrangements.

The Act provides the legislative mandate for responsible agencies to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of people and minimise damage to property in an emergency.

The Act provides for the legislative establishment of: • the State Emergency Management Committee, predominantly for emergency management planning, policy and advice • hazard management agencies, combat agencies and support organisations, each with emergency management roles and responsibilities • local governments’ roles and responsibilities in emergency management, including local emergency management committees, local emergency management arrangements, and community recovery • two higher-level emergency categories of ‘emergency situation’ and ‘state of emergency’ with appropriate functions and powers available in each circumstance • roles and responsibilities of the State Emergency Co-ordinator, State Emergency Co-ordination Group and the State Disaster Council • liability protection for volunteers and emergency management agency workers when acting in good faith under the provision of the Act • protection of employment rights of persons absent from employment in order to perform authorised emergency management response activities • compensation and insurance arrangements.

FESA is currently working with stakeholders to draft the accompanying Emergency Management Regulations 2006.

EMERGENCY SERVICES LEGISLATION REVIEW Section 41 of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 (the FESA Act) compels a review of the operation and effectiveness of the emergency services Acts. The FESA Act defines the emergency services Acts to be the FESA Act, the Bushfires Act 1954 and the Fire Brigades Act 1942. The review must be conducted five years after proclamation of the FESA Act, or as soon as practicable thereafter.

A review instigated in 2004 by the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly of the 36th Parliament had not been completed in January 2005 when the Legislative Assembly was dissolved prior to the WA general election. The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee of the 37th Parliament re-commenced the legislative review in August 2005. All stakeholders of the emergency services legislation, including FESA, have had the opportunity to submit to and consult with the committee on matters related to the review. The committee is expected to table its report in the spring 2006 parliamentary session.

AMENDMENTS TO THE BUSH FIRES ACT 1954 The Machinery of Government (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2006 amended the Bush Fires Act 1954 to reflect changes to the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. The amendments related to the creation of the new Department of Environment and Conservation from 1 July 2006 and references made in the Bush Fires Act to the former Department of Conservation and Land Management and its Executive Director. The changes do not materially affect the administration of the Bush Fires Act.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 119

MINISTERIAL COMMUNICATIONS In accordance with Section 74 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, FESA has a communications agreement with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. The agreement outlines communication procedures between staff of the Minister’s office and employees of FESA on all matters pertaining to: • requests for advice, briefing notes, information or research • media inquiries • arrangements for special events • arranging meetings with FESA staff • drafting of legislation • requests for information from Parliament and State Cabinet.

The agreement ensures that the Minister receives accurate and timely information and advice from FESA.

In 2005-2006, more than 690 ministerial items were attended to by the FESA Ministerial Services Coordinator. This included requests from the Minister’s office for draft replies, advice, briefing notes, speeches, State Cabinet comments and parliamentary questions, in addition to items initiated by FESA for the Minister’s approval or information. This compares with 570 items handled in 2004-2005.

During the year, the Minister attended 39 FESA functions including openings, launches, commissioning ceremonies, presentations and visits (44 in 2004-2005). FESA responded to 30 parliamentary questions (44 in 2004-2005).

The resignation of Premier Dr Geoff Gallop and subsequent changes to Cabinet resulted in FESA having three different Ministers during 2005-2006. FESA worked closely with the Ministers and their staff to ensure a seamless transition of portfolio responsibilities. FESA also took the opportunity to provide briefings to Opposition spokespersons for Emergency Services and Volunteering.

MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Government places significant trust in the boards of management of statutory authorities such as FESA. In return, board members are required to perform their duties with care, diligence, honesty, openness and in good faith.

Section 6 of the FESA Act established the FESA Board of Management and states:

the Board is the governing body of the Authority and, in the name of the Authority, is to perform the functions of the Authority under the Emergency Services Acts.

The board is accountable to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and is responsible for: • determining FESA’s strategic direction and overall performance • ensuring FESA’s compliance with key legislation • endorsing management initiatives.

120 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

PRINCIPLES FOR EXCELLENCE IN BOARD GOVERNANCE A number of supporting principles ensure that the organisation achieves the FESA Board’s objectives and conducts its operations with distinction. The FESA Board is explicit about its organisational performance expectations. It has assigned these expectations clearly and assesses their achievement annually. In particular, the following performance areas are monitored: • Maintenance of FESA’s strategic direction and strategic intentions through divisional business plans. • FESA’s funded services: i. Prevention services that increase community awareness of human and natural hazards and the community’s involvement in minimising their impact ii. Emergency services that enable a rapid and effective response to emergency incidents to minimise their impact. • FESA’s desired outcome: To minimise the impact of human and natural hazards on the community • FESA’s vision: A safer community.

The board uses a single point of delegation, the FESA Chief Executive Officer, to ensure that performance expectations are met and decisions can be made and actions taken with a minimum of delay. Responsibilities are delegated to the FESA Chief Executive Officer under the provisions of the FESA Act, with all approved delegations held on a delegations register.

Through this system of governance, the FESA Board is able to devolve necessary authority and responsibility to FESA’s staff and volunteers while preserving the controls necessary for accountability.

BOARD COMPOSITION The ability of a board is dependent on the quality and diversity of its individual members, the skills they bring to their work and their capacity to function as an effective team.

The structure of the FESA Board reflects the need for transparency and independence. As established in the FESA Act, the FESA Board consists of 13 members: • a Chair • the Chair of each of the board’s four consultative committees representing: - Bush Fire Service - Fire and Rescue Service - State Emergency Service - Volunteer Marine Rescue Services • four members who represent emergency services volunteers • one member who represents FESA staff • one member who represents local government • the FESA Chief Executive Officer • not more than one other member

While many of the positions are notionally representative of different groups, the FESA Board applies public sector guidelines and recognises that all members must act in the best interests of the Authority, not representing any sectional interest to the detriment of, or at the expense of, FESA as a whole.

The FESA Chief Executive Officer attends FESA Board meetings as an ex-officio member but is not entitled to vote on matters considered by the FESA Board. All other members of the FESA Board are non- executive positions.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 121

BOARD MEMBERS The membership of the FESA Board as at 30 June 2006 is as follows:

MR MICHAEL BARNETT AM

CHAIR OF THE FESA BOARD

Mr Barnett is a former member of Parliament and is well respected for his role as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Chair of Committees and Shadow Ministerial responsibilities in Lands, Conservation and Environment. He was also the Member for Rockingham for 22 years until his retirement from Parliament in 1996. For many years Mr Barnett was involved with a number of community groups and organisations within the City of Rockingham, either in an advisory capacity, as an office bearer, patron or life member.

First appointed: 1 January 2004 Term expires: 31 December 2006

MR ELIOT FISHER

DEPUTY CHAIR OF THE FESA BOARD MARINE RESCUE SERVICES VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVE

Mr Fisher is Commander and a Sea Rescue Skipper of the Bunbury Sea Search and Rescue Group. He is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Shire of York and is currently a consultant working for local governments. He is also the Chief of Staff – Australian Navy Cadets.

First appointed: 28 April 2003 Term expires: 6 February 2008

MR IAIN AGNEW

EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE

Mr Agnew was appointed to the FESA Board following his success in a FESA staff election process in late 2003. Mr Agnew has been an employee of FESA since 1979. He is a senior firefighter stationed at Welshpool Fire Station.

First appointed: 25 November 2003 Term expires: 31 December 2006

MR BRUCE BRENNAN APM

CHAIR OF THE BUSH FIRE SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Mr Brennan had a long and distinguished career with the Western Australia Police, rising to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, which he held on his retirement in 2003. Mr Brennan represented the WA Police on many committees, including the State Emergency Management Committee. In 1998, he was awarded the Australian Police Medal.

First appointed: 6 February 2006 Term expires: 6 February 2008

122 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

MR JOHN CAPES

STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVE

Mr Capes has been involved in the State Emergency Service Volunteer Association in many capacities for the past 20 years. He has also made a considerable contribution as a volunteer. After leaving the Australian Government service, Mr Capes established his own business, Capes Consultancy Services, which supplies expertise on security and facilitation of emergency management exercises.

First appointed: 2 November 1999 Term expires: 30 June 2007

CR TERENCE (TERRY) GAUNT

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE

Cr Gaunt is a semi-retired businessman and a current councillor with the City of Bayswater. Mr Gaunt has served on a large number of community, management and advisory committees over many years.

First appointed: 25 August 2003 Term expires: 24 August 2006

MS SANDRA GREGORINI

CHAIR OF THE STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Ms Gregorini has been a member of a volunteer bush fire brigade for the past 10 years and a volunteer in a number of other community groups. She has worked in property development management for over 30 years.

First appointed: 19 March 2002 Term expires: 31 December 2007

MR TREVOR JONES

FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVE

Mr Jones has a long association with the volunteer sector of the Fire and Rescue Service in regional Western Australia. Mr Jones has been a member of the South Kalgoorlie Brigade since 1977, which includes a five-year term as captain. Mr Jones is currently the Goldfields Zone representative for the WA Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association.

First appointed: 6 February 2006 Term expires: 6 February 2008

MR WILLIAM (BILL) HEWITT

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (EX-OFFICIO MEMBER)

As a consequence of the transfer of Mr Bob Mitchell to the Department of Housing and Works, Mr Hewitt was appointed the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority pending the appointment of a permanent CEO.

First appointed: 20 February 2006 Term expires: 4 August 2006

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 123

MR ALLAN SKINNER PSM

CHAIR OF THE VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE SERVICES CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

A retired career state public servant, Mr Skinner was a former Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Land Administration and Chair of the Bush Fires Board. Since his retirement in 2001, he has undertaken several consulting assignments for government. Mr Skinner was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2001 and the Centenary Medal in 2003.

First appointed: 19 February 2003 Term expires: 31 December 2007

MS GLENDA TEEDE

INDEPENDENT MEMBER

Ms Teede is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange Incorporated, which is the legal entity of the Bidyadanga Community, a position she has held for the past three years. Ms Teede has worked extensively with Indigenous communities throughout Australia and, in particular, the Kimberley Region of WA.

First appointed: 6 February 2006 Term expires: 6 February 2008

MRS PENELOPE VALENTINE

CHAIR OF THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Mrs Valentine is well known to FESA where she worked for seven years before leaving in July 2005 to pursue private business interests. Mrs Valentine’s professional career spans 35 years commencing in the field of journalism to more recently working in strategic planning and corporate governance with FESA. Mrs Valentine continues to provide corporate communications consultancy services to the public sector.

First appointed: 6 February 2006 Term expires: 6 February 2008

MR EDDIE VAN RIJNSWOUD

BUSH FIRE BRIGADE VOLUNTEER REPRESENTATIVE

Mr van Rijnswoud has more than a decade's experience as a bush fire brigade volunteer and served for six years as Secretary of the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades WA. He has had extensive involvement with other voluntary community organisations, including the Scout Association of Australia and has worked in the WA and Australian Government public sectors as an electrical engineer for 38 years.

First appointed: 31 December 2001 Term expires: 31 December 2006

124 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

APPOINTMENT AND INDUCTION The Minister for Police and Emergency Services recommends the appointment of board members to State Cabinet and the Governor, and ensures that those recommended have expertise relevant to the functions of the authority.

Schedule 1 of the FESA Act outlines the FESA Board’s constitution and proceedings. Apart from the FESA Chief Executive Officer, members hold office for a term not exceeding three years, but may from time to time be reappointed. Other sections of the Act define the quorum, voting procedures, minutes and disclosure of interests.

To assist with gaining an understanding of the business of the organisation, a FESA Board induction manual is presented to all new members. The manual includes: • corporate governance guidelines for state public sector board members • accountability and risk management guidelines for the state public sector • the legislative framework for emergency services • FESA’s roles and responsibilities, including those of the Chair, board members and the Chief Executive Officer • the FESA Board’s code of conduct.

New members are also taken on a tour of facilities and are briefed by the FESA Corporate Executive Team.

ETHICAL STANDARDS A code of conduct for the FESA Board and consultative committees was developed to specify members’ obligations and promote sound, ethical practices. The code of conduct outlines members’: • relationships with the FESA Chief Executive Officer and Minister for Police and Emergency Services • personal behaviour • accountability (including public expenditure, remuneration and allowances) • use of public sector resources and facilities • record keeping and use of information • responsibilities in relation to conflict of interest • compliance with WA Public Sector Code of Ethics.

The code of conduct stresses the need for board members to observe FESA’s values and, where possible, consult with stakeholders and affected parties. Accountability is also highlighted in noting that the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 places a responsibility on board members to ensure efficient and effective operations, avoid wasteful use of resources, maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with statutory and legal requirements. Other legislative requirements are contained in section 39 of the FESA Act, section 85 of the Criminal Code, the Freedom of Information Act 1992 and the Public Sector Management Act 1994.

The code of conduct states that the board will prepare and retain minutes of meetings, ensure adequate procedures are observed for documenting decisions and prepare and release a summary of proceedings following each meeting.

The code also defines the role of the Chair. Key tasks include facilitating the boardroom process, ensuring that the board provides leadership and vision and undertaking public relations responsibilities.

MEETING ATTENDANCE Eleven board meetings were held during the year, 10 at FESA House and one in Karratha.

The record of attendance of members is as shown in the following table.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 125

Number of meetings attended in 2005-2006

Mr Mike Barnett 10 Mr Iain Agnew 10 Mr Bruce Brennan 5 Mr John Capes 11 Mr Frank Filmer 1 4 Mr Eliot Fisher 11 Ms Sandra Gregorini 11 Mr Terry Gaunt 10 Mr Willian (Bill) Hewitt2 5 Mr Trevor Jones 4 Ms Annemie McAuliffe1 5 Mr Robert (Bob) Mitchell2 6 Ms Susan Rooney1 3 Mr Allan Skinner 9 Ms Glenda Teede 4 Mr Penelope Valentine 5 Mr Eddie van Rijnswoud 11 Mr Eric Wood1 5

1Ms Annemie McAuliffe, Ms Susan Rooney and Mr Eric Wood: Term expired 31 December 2005. Mr Frank Filmer’s term expired 27 January 2006. 2On 20 February 2006, the substantive FESA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bob Mitchell, was transferred to the Department of Housing and Works. Mr Bill Hewitt was appointed acting CEO pending the appointment of a permanent CEO.

BOARD SUB-COMMITTEES FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE The FESA Internal Audit Charter states that the Finance and Audit Committee shall comprise at least three FESA Board members. The committee met three times in 2005-2006. Membership and attendance records are set out in the following table.

Number of meetings attended in 2005-2006

Glenda Teede – Chair 2006 1

Susan Rooney1– Chair 2005 2

John Capes 2

Eliot Fisher 1

Eddie van Rijnswoud 3

Eric Wood2 2

1 Ms Susan Rooney’s term expired 31 December 2005. 2Mr Eric Wood’s term expired 31 December 2005. Meetings were also attended by the Chief Executive Officer; Executive Director Business Services; Manager Financial Services; the Managing Partner and the Senior Manager Risk and Management Assurance from PKF Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers (internal auditor); and the Director, Attest Audit from the Office of the Auditor General (external auditors).

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CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES The Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 (the FESA Act) established three consultative committees as forums for stakeholders of FESA’s operational divisions to be consulted on significant issues. These cover the Bush Fire Service, the State Emergency Service and the Fire and Rescue Service. During 2002, the Act was amended to formally recognise the Volunteer Marine Rescue Services Consultative Committee, which was established by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services in 1999.

Each consultative committee has a Chair appointed by State Cabinet and the Governor, on the recommendation of the Minister for Police and Emergency Services. By virtue of their position as Chair, they are members of the FESA Board of Management.

Section 25 of the FESA Act stipulates that Schedule 1 of that Act, Constitution and proceedings of Board, also applies to the constitution and proceedings of the FESA consultative committees, providing a basis for the appointment and removal of members, the calling of meetings and meeting procedures.

BUSH FIRE SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Members (as at 30 June 2006)

Bruce Brennan Chair Craig Hynes A/FESA Executive Director Operational Services Rod Eyre Perth North District Operations Advisory Committee (DOAC) Paul Maddern Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades George Storer Central West-Carnamah DOAC Dave Gossage Perth South DOAC Colin James Western Australian Local Government Association Peter Capito Midlands-Northam DOAC Brian Wood Goldfields-Merredin DOAC Rod Daw Great Southern DOAC Terry Hunter Southwest DOAC Terry Maher Department of Conservation and Land Management

The Bush Fire Service Consultative Committee met four times in 2005-2006. A new Chair, Mr Bruce Brennan, was appointed during 2005-2006 and attended his first meeting in February 2006. He replaced Ms Annemie McAuliffe, whose considerable service to the committee was acknowledged by the FESA Board.

COMMITTEE REPORT Key issues covered during the year included: • bush fire brigade profiling • bushfire cadets – funding from National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund • Insurance cover on government property • ESL funding • Bush Fire Service Appliance Build Program • personal protective clothing and equipment – guidelines and policy • movement of unlicensed vehicles • private equipment guidelines • harvest and vehicle movement bans – policy • fast fill trailers • bush fire brigade volunteer qualifications • Volunteer Firefighter Training Program • bush firefighter fitness issues • fire weather officers

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• coronial information and responsibilities • Auditor General’s report • emergency services legislation review • community emergency management officers • Westplan Bushfire review • incident handover agreements • bush fire threat analysis • evacuation policy and video – Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early • fire danger announcements – media coverage and reports • Dwellingup fire video • CALM burning program • Main Roads fire management plans • emergency services directory • Dowerin Field Day representation • bushfire forum.

Presentations were made to the committee on the following topics: • WA Emergency Radio Network Project • determining of equipment needs through resource modelling • capital grants scheme assessment process • emergency management legislation • FESA Volunteers and Youth Services Branch • Shared Land Information Platform

Members also participated in the following forums with a view to providing input and recommendations on key issues: • Bushfire Forum • Corruption and Crime Commission – Organisational and Personal Responsibilities

Bruce Brennan APM – Chair

FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Members (as at 30 June 2006)

Penelope Valentine Chair

Craig Hynes A/FESA Executive Director Operational Services

Norm Flynn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association

Francis Burgoyne Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association

Frank Martinelli United Firefighters Union

Scott Gamble United Firefighters Union

Chris Mitchell Local government representative

Russell Stevens Director Fire Service Metro

The Fire and Rescue Service Consultative Committee met four times in 2005-2006. A new Chair, Mrs Penelope (Penny) Valentine, was appointed during 2005-2006 and attended her first meeting in February 2006. She replaced Mr Eric Wood PSM, whose considerable service to the committee was acknowledged by the FESA Board. Mr Lyle Boyle, a representative of the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association, also retired from the committee during the year. He was replaced by Mr Francis Burgoyne.

COMMITTEE REPORT The Fire and Rescue Service Consultative Committee members represent FESA's Fire and Rescue Service staff and volunteers, as well as providing a link to local government. They provide input into key

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issues and provide advice in relation to policy and planning with regard to the Fire and Rescue Service within FESA.

In 2005-2006, the committee received regular updates on major incidents, incident reporting, volunteer firefighter training, community safety initiatives, legislative changes and new appliances and equipment.

Members provided advice and input on a broad range of issues including the Operational Services restructure within FESA, fire hydrant markings, collocated volunteer facilities, community safety programs and volunteer training. Of particular interest to volunteers was the introduction of a Readiness Review Program, which will assist volunteer brigades in assessing their readiness to respond to incidents, the general management of the brigades, their membership numbers, and equipment and training requirements.

Other volunteer-related issues and initiatives covered included: • improved injury prevention programs at volunteer championship events • computers for volunteer stations • a trial Volunteer Trainer Program • replacement of rescue trailers in regional areas.

FESA presentations included: • Shared Land Information Platform • resource –to-risk model for allocation of fire appliances • FESA Volunteers and Youth Services Branch • emergency management legislation

Penelope Valentine – Chair

SES CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Members (as at 30 June 2006)

Sandra Gregorini Chair

Craig Hynes A/FESA Executive Director Operational Services

Phil Marshall A/Director Country Operations South

Bill Mulroney Great Southern District

Charlie Myres Great Southern District

Craig Chadwick Midwest District

Peter Newton South-West District

Phillip Petersen SES Volunteers Association

Derek Fletcher South Metro District

Sylvia Bristow-Stagg Midlands District

Andrae Moore Pilbara District

Doug Simpson North Metro District

The SES Consultative Committee met four times in 2005-2006 and conducted a teleconference to enhance communications across the SES.

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COMMITTEE REPORT The Consultative Committee welcomed new members Mr Charlie Myers, Mr Derek Fletcher and Ms Andrae Moore during 2005-2006. It is appropriate to thank and acknowledge the efforts and contributions of retiring members Mr Steve Cable, Ms Tracy Barker and Mr Sean McGee.

The consultative committee continues to work towards its vision, which is to represent and promote SES volunteers at a strategic level.

The SES Consultative Committee has four strategic directions: • Encourage and facilitate the flow of communication among volunteers • Enhance and expand the image and identity of the SES • Contribute to the vision, direction and purpose of the SES • Raise the profile of the SES Consultative Committee and SES volunteers within FESA

During the year the committee has provided advice and input in a number of key areas including: • SES Recognition Awards • Uniforms for volunteers • SES emblem • Training Resource Kits and Standing Operating Procedures • Training, marketing and retaining of volunteers • SES Induction Kit • Road crash rescue equipment and servicing • ESL Grants and SES representative on the Grants Committee • Country restructure of FESA • Emergency Services Legislation Review • Emergency Management Act • Operations Grab Kit • Exit questionnaire for volunteers

Presentations to the committee included: • the WA Emergency Radio Network • the Crime and Corruption Commission.

The Consultative Committee extended congratulations to the winners of the 2005 SES Recognition Awards: • Peter Keillor Award, Phil Petersen • SES Team Achievement Award, Newman SES Unit • SES Youth Achievement Award, Andrae Moore.

The achievements of Chris Strickland, Phil Petersen, Kenneth Pember and Kevin Wrightson, recipients of the Emergency Services Medal were also recognised.

Sandra Gregorini – Chair

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VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE SERVICES CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Members (as at 30 June 2006)

Allan Skinner Chair Phil Marshall Director Country Operations North/VMRS President Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia Keith Shadbolt (VMRWA) Stuart Robertson Vice President VMRWA Chris Wright VMRWA Regional Representative Peter Aram VMRWA Regional Representative Barry Corish VMRWA Regional Representative Barry Lapham VMRWA Regional Representative Roy Brown VMRWA Regional Representative Phil Nicholls VMRWA Regional Representative Paul Kimber FESA VMRS Coordinator Jeff Howe FESA VMRS Coordinator

The VMRS Consultative Committee met five times in 2005-2006 and conducted a sustainability workshop at Mandurah in February 2006.

COMMITTEE REPORT The consultative committee's representative membership is closely linked to the Volunteer Marine Rescue Western Australia (VMRWA) executive and regional representation. With the VMRWA nominations being ratified in August 2005, it is appropriate to thank and acknowledge the efforts of retiring members, Mr Ron Smith, Mr Graeme Pratt, Mr Rick Holman and Mr Ian Smith who were part of the committee for a few months of 2005-2006. Mr Terry Pow resigned late in 2005-2006 and his contribution is also appreciated.

The VMRS Consultative Committee sustainability workshop in February 2006 covered such issues as the financial viability of VMRS into the future; retention and attraction of younger volunteers; replacement of assets, including boat hulls, buildings and infrastructure maintenance using a risk analysis basis; and a marketing strategy to drive the business of VMRS. Of key importance was the consensus for the consultative committee to develop VMRS on a strategic level.

The first Volunteer Marine Rescue WA association conference, supported by FESA, was held in August 2005 and was considered by all as an unqualified success, bringing together VMRS representatives from around the state. It presented an opportunity for interaction between the groups and to hear from industry representatives on new developments within the marine industry. The consultative committee considered and approved grant applications from VMRS groups totalling $740,800: • Bremer Bay – $134,890 toward the purchase of a new 8.5m Naiad vessel • Busselton – $130,000 toward the construction of a new operations facility • Margaret River – $95,000 toward the purchase of a new 6.8m Naiad vessel • Port Denison – $98,134 toward the purchase of a new 7.5m Wetscat vessel • Walpole – $175,790 toward the purchase of a new 8.5m Naiad vessel • West Pilbara – $107,000 toward the purchase of 9.3m Global Marine vessel.

In addition, the committee considered applications for LotteryWest funding amounting to $139,330.

During the year, the committee has provided advice and input in a number of key areas including: • the impact of the FESA country restructure on VMRS operations • consideration of introducing Police clearances for volunteers in line with other volunteer groups • finalisation and implementation of capital expenditure application policy and procedures – a risk management approach to capital grant applications • the implementation of the Recreational Skippers Ticket which will have implications on VMRS groups

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• the review of the emergency services Acts • a proposal to allow VMRS volunteers to receive the National Medal in line with volunteers from other emergency services • development of the inaugural FESA and VRMWA awards for VMRS • a review of insurance coverage afforded to all groups • the establishment of interstate relationships, designed to take both FESA and VMRWA forward in joint partnership • commencement of a strategic review of all policy and procedures within VMRS with direct input from committee members.

The committee also received presentations on the operations of the Corruption and Crime Commission and the implementation of the FESA country restructure.

Allan Skinner PSM – Chair

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE The executive directors of the five FESA divisions make up FESA’s corporate executive team, which is led by the FESA Chief Executive Officer.

On 22 February 2006, the FESA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Robert (Bob) Mitchell was transferred to the Department of Housing and Works. Mr Bill Hewitt was appointed to act in the position of FESA Chief Executive Officer pending the appointment of a substantive CEO.

(Note: Ms Jo Harrison-Ward was appointed FESA Chief Executive Officer, commencing 6 August 2006.)

Corporate Executive (as at 30 June 2006)

DIVISION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Business Services Frank Pasquale (acting)

Community Safety Barry Hamilton

Emergency Management Services James Butterworth (acting)

Operational Services Craig Hynes (acting)

Human Services Ric Gornik

The FESA corporate executive team met 11 times in 2005-2006.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND REVIEW

AGENCY RESOURCE AGREEMENT AND CEO PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT Agency resource agreements have a critical role in ensuring financial management and accountability. They: • clarify the State Government’s desired outcomes for the organisation • provide a formal mechanism for the endorsement of budget allocation and the goods and services (services) purchased by the Government.

Accordingly, chief executive officer performance agreements are closely aligned to agency performance agreements. The existing FESA Resource Agreement is between the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Chair of the FESA Board, the FESA Chief Executive Officer and the State Treasurer.

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INTERNAL AUDIT PKF Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers provided internal audit services in accordance with FESA’s audit requirements as established in the FESA Internal Audit Charter and the Internal Audit Strategic Plan for 2005-2006 which was endorsed by the Finance and Audit Committee.

Internal audit activity during 2005-2006 was provided in accordance with this Charter and is consistent with best practice models, including adopting a risk based approach and formally reporting results to the Finance and Audit Committee.

Audits were undertaken in the areas of: • review of the emergency services levy processes and integrity of related information • accounts payable/corporate credit cards • fixed assets • capital works • end user computing • contract management • investments • grants management • fleet management • payroll • local government council grants • physical security – FESA House.

STRATEGIC PLANNING FESA’s strategic planning process has been aligned to the Government’s Better Planning: Better Future framework to facilitate the delivery of cohesive, coordinated services to the community of Western Australia.

FESA’s strategic planning directly links to the Government’s Goal for People and Communities: to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for all people throughout Western Australia and the Government’s strategic outcome of safe and secure Western Australian communities.

FESA’s approach to strategic and business planning involves a continual cycle of: • analysis of internal and external factors • strategy development and planning • service delivery • performance monitoring and evaluation.

FESA Strategic Plan 2005-2007 continues to reaffirm the commitment to community centred emergency management and putting the community at the hub of FESA’s decision-making processes. During 2005- 2007 FESA’s strategic direction is focused on: • engaging the community in mitigating, preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies • progressing community-centred approach to emergency management • continuously improving the delivery of our services • promoting research, innovation and learning in all aspects of our business.

ORGANISATIONAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW & RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS

POLICY FRAMEWORK FESA provides all of its personnel with access to comprehensive and relevant policies that are consistent with legislation and support FESA’s vision, mission and values. FESA has continued to build upon its effective and coherent policy development and implementation framework. During 2005-2006, FESA reviewed existing policies to simplify and rationalise the number of policies. For example, seven existing

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policies were merged and replaced by a single Procurement Policy. FESA’s intranet-based policy directory is to be enhanced to improve user access and navigation around policies.

Significant policies developed during the year include: • Child Protection Policy • Reward and Recognition • Accepting or Providing Gifts, Benefits, Hospitality and Entertainment

RISK MANAGEMENT BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN The driver for the approval of the FESA Business Continuity project was and still remains the potential terrorist threat to Australia, and more recently, Pandemic Influenza preparedness.

As an emergency service, FESA practises business continuity repeatedly throughout the year (and at times, daily through the bush fire season) with the ramping up and down of resources to combat emergencies. In addition, FESA has many plans in place that provide for business continuity, examples are: • standing operating procedures • special risk plans and major hazard facility plans • divisional and unit plans • the State's Westplans.

Business continuity to date To date the following work has been progressed: • an extensive review of FESA’s business continuity needs was conducted • a pandemic business continuity workshop was conducted by FESA's Emergency Management Services division • a business continuity template was developed and approved by the FESA Corporate Executive Team (CET) • a project statement for business continuity was approved by CET • a business continuity intranet site was set up on the new FESA intranet with access via key business continuity project leaders • development of a FESA Information Security Policy commenced through the Office of FESA Chief Executive Officer • a FESA Pandemic Operational Plan is in progress • the FESA Communications Centre has well developed disruption plans • the FESA Information Technology Disaster Recovery Plan is in place.

FESA RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN FESA recognises that effective risk management requires the continual identification, recording and evaluation of risks to ensure that reasonable and effective controls are in place and that the level of risk exposure is acceptable.

FESA’s Risk Management Policy was adopted on 26 July 2005. In accordance with the policy: • the FESA Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring that risk management is a part of the corporate, operational and line management responsibilities and is integrated into the overall business planning process • Executive Directors, as part of the FESA Corporate Executive Team, are responsible for ensuring that FESA divisions comply with the policy, and that every employee is invited and encouraged to participate in the risk management process • the FESA Corporate Executive Team is required to monitor and steer the risk management process within FESA and ensure integration with all strategic planning processes. • the FESA Corporate Executive Team is also to provide advice and support for the application of the Risk Management Policy • The Finance and Audit Committee of the FESA Board is responsible for the corporate governance requirements, with FESA’s internal audit process required to conduct ongoing risk audit checks to

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establish that there is agency compliance, and that plans and procedures are in place, and the risk assessment process is effective.

As reflected above, a fundamental principle of the risk management discipline within FESA is that risk management is to be conducted within the existing corporate structure and as part of the corporate strategic planning process, the divisional business planning process; and the day-to-day business of FESA officers (including the ‘risk’ evaluation of all new activities).

To aid the risk management process, the RiskCover-developed RiskBase 2000 system has been tailored for use throughout FESA to capture, monitor and report on risks. This includes the adoption of ‘risk likelihood’ and ‘risk consequence’ measurement criteria and the endorsement of a corporate risk management monitoring and reporting structure. All activities and processes that help to control FESA’s risks are being identified and where unacceptable risks have been identified, appropriate treatment options are being evaluated and, where necessary and viable, implemented.

The training of a number of FESA officers has been conducted in the use of the database and risk managers have identified and recorded corporate risks.

MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING When it is necessary to formalise arrangements between FESA and other government agencies, local governments and/or private sector entities, it is FESA’s policy to establish either a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) or a legally binding agreement.

FESA is continuously renewing existing MOUs and in 2005-2006 has entered into several new arrangements with key partners. For example, it has established a MOU with the Department of Conservation and Land Management, formalising a Joint-Agency Aerial Controlled Burning Program in the Kimberley region. The Chemistry Centre of WA and FESA have signed an MOU in relation to the centre's use of a FESA-owned Raman Spectrometer, for the identification of liquids and powders at incidents involving hazardous materials.

FESA is currently working on restructuring and improving the management and recording of MOUs, which will be reflected in an amended version of the MOU Policy in the near future.

In addition to memoranda and legal agreements, FESA’s operational services maintain response plans with government agencies, local governments and the private sector to ensure each party’s roles and responsibilities in relation to emergency response at particular locations are understood.

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Compliance reports

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 137

PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES 137 • cultural diversity and language services outcomes 137 • disability access and inclusion plan outcomes 138 • substantive equality 139 • youth outcomes 140

THE ECONOMY 141

THE ENVIRONMENT 142 • energy smart 142 • waste paper recycling and savings 143

THE REGIONS 144 • regional development policy report 144

GOVERNANCE • advertising and sponsorship 146 • compliance with public sector standards and ethical codes 146 - public sector standards in human resource management - public sector code of ethics and code of conduct - self assessment • corruption prevention 147 • equal employment opportunity and diversity 148 • evaluations 149 • freedom of information and information statement 152 • promotions 153 • publications 154 • public interest disclosures 155 • record keeping plan 155 • research 155 • sustainability 156

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COMPLIANCE REPORTS

OBLIGATORY REPORTING TO GOVERNMENT

FESA reports regularly, or as required, to the following public sector bodies: • Crime and Corruption Commission • Office of the Auditor General • Department of Housing and Works (Commercial Property Branch) • Department of the Premier and Cabinet • Department of Consumer and Employment Protection, including WorkSafe • Department of Treasury and Finance • Director of Equal Opportunity in Public Employment • WA Disability Services Commission • Government Employees Superannuation Board • Heritage Council of Western Australia • Library and Information Service of WA • Office of the Information Commissioner • Office of Multicultural Interests • Office of the Public Sector Standards Commissioner • Parliament • State Supply Commission • State Records Office of the Department of Culture and the Arts • WorkCover WA.

FESA also provides data and organisational performance information to the Emergency Management chapter of the annual Australian Government Report on Government Services, published by the Productivity Commission for the Council of Australian Governments.

The majority of obligatory reports that must be published in an annual report are provided in this section, to enable a quick and easy reference. The reports are presented under the headings of the Better Planning: Better Services framework.

GOAL 1: PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES

FESA reports against the Government's strategic outcome of safe and secure Western Australian communities in relation to the goal for People and Communities: to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for all people throughout Western Australia. The chapter entitled Community-centred Emergency Management outlines FESA's activities in relation to this outcome. Further information is contained in the sections of this annual report entitled Quality People Services and Sound Business Practices.

Other outcomes in this area are covered under the following headings.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND LANGUAGE SERVICES SAFETY INFORMATION FESA makes community safety and other information brochures available in languages other than English, Braille or by recording on request. To assist community members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds be better prepared for WA’s winter storms, FESA’s StormSafe campaign brochures were translated into nine languages other than English – Chinese, Indonesian, Polish, Croatian, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Macedonian and Vietnamese.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN CROSS CULTURAL AWARENESS FESA’s Indigenous Programs Team in consultation with the FESA Training Centre has developed the framework for a Professional Development in Cross Cultural Awareness model. The next steps in 2006- 2007 will be to call tenders for development of the training package and then training to implement delivery.

It is proposed that over a period of time, all FESA staff will undertake this training, in particular those working in areas where there are large populations of Indigenous people. It is also intended for this to be part of the FESA orientation process for new employees, particularly those working with Indigenous groups.

DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN OUTCOMES FESA has progressed development of a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan to replace its existing Disability Services Plan. Proposals have been contributed to the draft plan from key stakeholders within FESA. Further development of the plan will continue when the Disability Services Commission provides government agencies with a reporting framework and guidelines. FESA will ensure that the Department of Disability Services’ deadline of 31 July 2007 to submit the plan is met.

OUTCOMES TO DATE People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and any events organised by, a public authority • People with disabilities are provided with the opportunity to participate in emergency and evacuation planning • Information about FESA’s services is provided on request in formats that meet the needs of people with disabilities • FESA staff are aware of, and understand the needs of, people with disabilities and provide advice and services accordingly. In particular: - A guide to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to events has been delivered to key stakeholders within FESA. The guide was developed by the Meetings and Events Industry of Australia in collaboration with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. - When responding to emergency incidents, FESA’s operational services provide priority assistance to the frail, aged and people with disabilities. Operational Services work closely with all stakeholders, including the WA Police and Department of Health, to ensure that response protocols consider people who may have reduced mobility. Advice is also provided at a local level for community members with special needs in relation to evacuation planning or other community safety matters. - Fire safety and prevention programs delivered at the Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum for school children are modified and adapted to cater for children with special needs. These groups may include children with intellectual, physical and behavioural disabilities. The modified delivery ensures the children still receive important messages and participate in practical activities that reinforce personal fire safety strategies. Groups who access the program are often from Education Support Centres (primary and secondary) attached to mainstream schools and special needs schools that operate independently. - Firefighters visited homes of the aged and people with disabilities throughout the state to install or maintain smoke alarms as part of FESA's annual home fire safety promotion. - A major refurbishment of the Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum has commenced which, when completed, will enable a meaningful educational experience for people with sensory (hearing or visual) impairment and/or physical disabilities. In addition to ensuring that access and facilities comply with legislative requirements, other facilities will include: (a) provision of listening devices and visual options for audio material (b) large font size for all text, labels and signs throughout the site (c) audio options for all text at each exhibit (d) appropriate lighting for all signs, text and labels and placement that enables a clear view for people confined to wheelchairs or who are unable to stand fully upright (e) access for walking frames and wheelchairs around all exhibits

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(f) all controls, handles, buttons that are part of participatory and interactive display hardware are easily accessible, simple in design and able to be manipulated by someone who does not have full digital dexterity.

People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities of a public authority • FESA’s capital works program addresses access by people with disabilities to buildings and facilities. A major refurbishment of the Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum has commenced which, when completed, will enable a meaningful educational experience for people with sensory (hearing or visual) impairment and/or physical disabilities (see under previous heading for more information).

People with disabilities receive information from a public authority in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it • FESA publications are available upon request in large type, Braille and tape recordings. • A review of the FESA website has revealed it does not meet State government access standards for people with disabilities. Research has commenced on acquiring a new website editing program to provide this capability.

People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to a public authority. Opportunities are available to all people, including those with disabilities, to participate in public consultation that is undertaken by FESA and to make complaints through FESA's Customer Feedback process.

SAFETY SOLUTION FOR COMMUNITY HOMES FESA has devised a flexible safety design solution to better meet the needs of people with disabilities who reside in community homes under the management of a live-in carer. The solution was developed in collaboration with the Disability Services Commission for a community home in Redcliffe.

The commission sought a variation and concession from Building Code of Australia requirements for a home of this nature, because the fire-safety features prescribed to protect the building occupants, in fact could have inhibited the ability of residents to move in and around the building safely. Some specifications, such as door self-closers, could injure frail residents and people in wheel-chairs. The commission also considered the requirements reintroduced an institutionalised environment, which detracted from its objectives in providing community housing.

The solution proposed by FESA was the installation of a residential fire safety sprinkler system to replace some of the other safety features. This would allow unrestricted mobility and reduced risk for occupants while providing an acceptable level of fire safety.

The suggestion proved to be both cost effective and aesthetically acceptable – and is likely to be used in similar new developments in future.

SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY The objective of the State Government’s Policy Framework for Substantive Equality is to achieve substantive equality in the Western Australian public sector by: • Eliminating systemic racial discrimination in the provision of public sector services • Promoting sensitivity to the different needs of client groups.

FESA’s commitment to substantive equality is clearly evidenced in a range of initiatives to enhance and customise FESA services to the community. Some of these are outlined in the following items.

SAFER COUNTRY Safer Country is an innovative program to deliver emergency risk management services to remote Indigenous communities. The nine-module course has been developed in to reflect the Australian Standard in Emergency Risk Management and is customised to meet the needs and capacity of individual

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communities. FESA’s Indigenous Programs Unit engaged with key community leaders to identify issues that are of importance to their community.

Each course is delivered in the community by FESA’s Indigenous Programs staff underpinned with culturally appropriate language, resources and messages. FESA’s Indigenous Programs staff work with National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) provider, Kimberley Interpreting Services, to translate Safer Country into local Aboriginal languages to assist in delivering enduring learning outcomes.

To date Safer Country has been delivered to remote indigenous communities at: • Bardi • Jiggalong • Kiwirrkurra • Ngaanyatjarra Lands • Oombulgurri.

Further courses will be delivered in 2006-2007 for communities in Halls Creek, Kalumburu, Dampier Peninsular and Bidydanga, including a course focusing on the needs of community women.

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SAFETY VIDEO A video produced by FESA which features Kimberley Aboriginal people telling their stories and showing how they have implemented the four components of the community-centred emergency management concept (prevention, preparation, response and recovery) in their own communities, is used regularly to reinforce safety messages in remote communities.

FESA first partnered with the Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS) to telecast the video to communities in the Kimberley in 2001. The 17-minute video continues to be broadcast in the regions and is also incorporated into FESA’s Safer Country program.

MARY G COMMUNITY EDUCATION – LEVERAGING ABORIGINAL LEADERSHIP Iconic Aboriginal comedian Mary G stars in a range of community safety advertisements including information about Cyclone Ready and Dry Season Bush Fires. The advertisements are broadcast on local television and radio networks in the north of the state.

Mary G was invited to participate in the program after a survey among community people indicated that people wanted to be able see or hear safety messages and that radio and television were the preferred media. Feedback also reflected that it was important for messages to be delivered by indigenous people who held positions of high influence in the Aboriginal community.

INDIGENOUS TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM FESA has supported the Indigenous Traineeship Program for the past six years. Since 2000 FESA has hosted 16 young indigenous people who were working towards attaining a Certificate II in Business. To date, eight trainees have completed Certificate II, one Trainee went to graduate in Certificate III in Business. Four trainees are still completing their qualifications.

Five of the trainees have left to take up positions elsewhere, while three have remained with FESA.

YOUTH OUTCOMES FESA established a Volunteer and Youth Services branch in February 2005 to improve strategic services to youth and emergency services volunteers across the state.

Among the responsibilities of the branch is the provision of support for services and programs that encourage the participation of young people in emergency services. The branch oversees FESA's involvement in the Emergency Services Cadet Corps, part of the Cadets WA initiative of the State Government. FESA has been host organisation for the Emergency Services Cadets since 1 July 2000. Support is also provided for other junior and cadet programs that are run by volunteer emergency service

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groups, units and brigades. Further information about activities that support youth programs is contained in the Quality People Services chapter of this report.

EMERGENCY SERVICES CADETS – JUNIOR/CADET PROGRAMS The 2005-2006 reporting period marks the 10th anniversary of the Emergency Services Cadet Corps program. To celebrate this milestone and to acknowledge the significant contribution the cadets and instructors make to the program and to FESA, a 10th anniversary badge has been struck for all members of the program.

State Camp The fourth State Camp for the Emergency Services Cadet Corps was held at Ern Halliday Recreation Camp with 300 cadets and 70 adult volunteer instructors from 22 units attending. During the five day program the cadets participated in a variety of challenging activities, including archery, power boating and canoeing, the FESA Games, abseiling, Surf Life Saving, orienteering, fishing and team sports.

Fire Extinguisher Training Two Fire Extinguisher courses have been conducted during the reporting period with five instructors and 47 cadets. The participants undertook theory and practical lessons covering the use of hose reels, fire blankets and fire extinguishers and moving in darkness.

Community Service Emergency Services Cadet Corps members participated in the following community activities during the reporting period: • FESA open day • Len Hall AFL game • Order of Australia Association reception at Government House • City of Perth Physical Activity Expo • Exercise Canister • Cadets WA advertising campaign.

Leeuwin Cadet Voyage Two bush fire brigade juniors and 38 emergency services cadets participated in a voyage on the sailing vessel Leeuwin from Monkey Mia to Exmouth. The voyage provided an outstanding setting for the young people to develop leadership and teamwork skills.

CHILD PROTECTION A FESA Child Protection Information Kit was introduced in 2005-2006 which clearly outlines FESA's Child Protection Policy. The kit and policy aim to ensure all FESA staff, volunteers and people contracted by FESA comply with their legal and moral responsibilities in creating a safe and protective environment for children while they are involved in FESA activities.

GOAL 2: THE ECONOMY

Obligatory reporting in relation to this goal is provided in the Financial Statements and Key Performance Indicators sections of this annual report. Other relevant information is provided in the Quality People Services and Sound Business Practices chapters.

FESA contributes directly to a strong economy through provision of prevention services and emergency services that provide a safe environment for business and community infrastructure. By working in partnership with communities to ensure safety plans and preparations are in place to combat emergencies, FESA contributes to the creation of the conditions required for investment and growth.

FESA applies the Government's ‘buy local’ policy and actively supports regional industry through encouragement of regional enterprises to participate in the building program for the firefighting appliances and other emergency equipment used throughout the state by emergency services personnel. Plants

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currently operate at Collie and Narrogin. A new initiative in the Mid-West has encouraged manufacturers to construct rural firefighting appliances in 2005-2006. There are also three major suppliers in Perth. Three career fire stations opened in 2005-2006 providing the most up-to-date fire and emergency services to their local residential, commercial and industrial communities. The new facilities in Albany and Belmont replaced aging fire stations, while at Hope Valley a completely new facility was completed.

BUNBURY REVIEW A major review of emergency services in Bunbury and the surrounding areas has been completed in consultation with key stakeholders, including local governments and volunteers. Bunbury and the surrounding areas are experiencing unprecedented growth, which is significantly impacting on emergency risks. The aim of the review was to identify the future strategic resourcing requirements for the region. Recommendations contained in the report consider the emerging issues and are designed to ensure that emergency services that match the risks can be provided into the future.

MINISTERIAL REVIEW A Ministerial Review of Emergency Services in the Shires of Busselton and Augusta Margaret River was announced in October 2005. The review was prompted because of the unprecedented economic growth and demographic change within the area in recent years. It was considered that the nature of the growth may also give rise to hazards not previously encountered in the area. It was, therefore, timely to evaluate the current and future capacity of existing emergency services to respond to potential hazards against this backdrop of change.

The review methodology and approach follows that of the Ministerial Review of Emergency Services in the Burrup Peninsula in 2004. It will specifically emulate the extensive stakeholder consultation that was undertaken at that time.

GOAL 3: THE ENVIRONMENT

ENERGY SMART In accordance with the Energy Smart Government Policy, FESA has committed to achieving a 12% reduction in non-transport related energy use by 2006-2007 with a 2% reduction targeted for 2005-2006.

The actual saving achieved was 9% from the baseline figure, as detailed in the following table.

FESA’s Energy Smart performance

ENERGY SMART GOVERNMENT PROGRAM BASELINE 2005-2006 VARIATION

Energy consumption (GJ) 28,060 24,688 9%

Energy cost ($) 824,520 802,233

Greenhouse gas emissions (tonnes of CO2) 5,325 4,999

Performance indicators Office – tenant light and power MJ/sqm 276 450 MJ/person 24,545 20,682 Office – combined MJ/sqm 1,041 966 MJ/person 38,253 31,563 Police, Fire and Emergency Services MJ/person 13,242 13,525

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During the year, the following energy saving initiatives were undertaken: • in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) various improvements to the environmental data gathering and reporting software were implemented • the Energy Audit Consultant contract for assessment was completed in June 2005 – Stage One • upgrade of the air conditioning plant at the Belmont regional office, replacing obsolete mechanical services technology, was commenced in 2005 and install completed in July 2005 • ongoing construction of new Fire Stations incorporating cost saving and energy efficient initiatives through energy smart design.

WASTE PAPER RECYCLING AND SAVINGS FESA recorded a decrease in the level of paper recycling during the past year. The following table shows the recycling history for FESA House, the Belmont office and the O’Connor workshop.

Waste paper recycling

FESA – PERTH & BELMONT FESA – O’CONNOR TOTAL COMBINED

2005-2006 1,210 kg (1.2 t) 480 kg (0.5 t) 1,690 kg (1.7 t)

2004-2005 2,765 kg (2.8 t) 400 kg (0.4 t) 3,165 kg (3.2 t)

2003-2004 1,520 kg (1.5 t) 350 kg (0.4 t) 1,870 kg (1.9 t)

2002-2003 1,615 kg (1.6 t) 375 kg (0.4 t) 1,990 kg (2 t)

2001-2002 790 kg (0.8 t) 390 kg (0.4 t) 1,180 kg (1.2 t)

FESA CARBON NEUTRAL PROGRAM FESA has commenced a carbon sequestration program to offset the emissions of its vehicle fleet by planting thousands of trees at Whiteman Park, to the north of the Perth metropolitan area.

The partnership with Whiteman Park has allowed FESA to meet sustainability objectives while at the same time enhancing the natural environment. As a result of the program, FESA has also developed a relationship with Ballajura Community College. Students have helped with tree plantings and the college has introduced an environmental education program which fosters a sense of ownership in the students through their direct connection with the bushland.

FESA is providing the funding and support to Whiteman Park to develop three re-vegetation sites. In a holisitic approach, FESA developed an integrated management plan that would rehabilitate the whole ecosystem by planting a combination of trees, shrubs, and sedges.

The program, developed by FESA's Bush Fire and Environmental Protection Branch, involved calculation of the carbon dioxide emitted by FESA’s 586 vehicles. Vehicle information was gathered from FESA Fleet Services about vehicle types, fuel types and distances travelled. Using data from the Australian Greenhouse Office, as shown in the following table, it was then possible to determine the number of trees that would be required to take up (or sequester) that amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Calculation of CO2 emissions from FESA vehicles

Vehicle type Co2 produced Trees required (tonnes) to sequester

Petrol 908.10 3,948

LPG 60.87 265

Diesel 1,098.02 4,774

Diesel trucks 768.00 3,343

TOTAL 2,834.99 12,330

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FESA will sponsor planting of more than 12,000 trees, suffiicient to sequester the carbon dioxide emitted from all of its 586 vehicles, thus making the vehicle fleet carbon neutral. More than 3,000 trees have been planted in the first year of the program.

RESEARCH FESA has established significant short and longer-term involvement in bush fire and associated environmental protection research through a range of scientific and operational research partnerships.

In its formative years FESA, was a minor partner in many areas of research, but not a significant contributing partner to bush fire and associated environmental protection scientific research. Following a strategic decision in 2003-2004, considerable efforts have been made to increase participation. The general research principles which provide guidance for FESA bush fire and natural environmental research were established through a Draft Natural Environment Strategy.

At 30 June 2006, FESA was involved in nine major research programs. Partners range from Western Australian universities, other WA government agencies, to the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (Bushfire CRC) and the private sector. Additional funding is provided by the Australian Research Council, Natural Disaster Mitigation Program, the Office of Crime Prevention and the Department of Primary Industry. Details of some of the projects are provided in the Fire section of this report, starting on page 44. As an example, the research projects include the impact of fire fighting suppressants on native vegetation and fire management for Swan coastal plain wetlands.

GOAL 4: THE REGIONS

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY REPORT FESA is one of the responsible agencies in relation to the Government’s Regional Development Policy and is required to report in relation to Safe and Cohesive Regional Communities.

It has specific responsibilities in relation to the fifth outcome priority:

Increased regional community capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency incidents.

To this end, FESA is committed to the related strategy:

Develop and maintain effective partnerships between State Government agencies, local governments and regional communities to minimise the impact of human caused and natural hazards.

Working in collaboration local governments and other government agencies, local and district emergency management committees and local industry, FESA supports communities in measures to enhance their resilience to natural and man made disasters.

FESA is a regionalised organisation and its regional services are integrated. Safety of regional communities in emergency situations is largely dependent on volunteers with the majority of emergency volunteer groups located in regional areas. FESA supports these volunteers and the community through regionalising its service delivery. It has directors based in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Albany and Bunbury, and managers are located in a number of additional centres, including Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Geraldton, Northam, Narrogin, Kununurra and Esperance.

Some examples of FESA’s tangible support to the regions include the following: • the launch of a $20 million Western Australian Emergency Radio Network that will support every regional community's emergency service provision • continuation of the risk management program AWARE (All West Australians Reducing Emergencies) which supports local governments in emergency risk management planning • development of the FESA Framework for Engaging Remote Indigenous Communities

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• the Safer Country training program – an integrated emergency risk management program for remote Indigenous communities • establishment of the Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early Program to improve community evacuation during bush fires • Bush Fire Ready Action Group program to prepare local community groups to defend themselves in the event of bush fires • the Juvenile and Family Fire Awareness program which is designed to reduce firelighting by juveniles • targeted bushfire arson prevention in regional centres • bush fire scar mapping in the Kimberley to assist pastoralists in controlled burning programs • promotion through community engagement in the Kimberley of reduction in the area burnt by unplanned and unmanaged late dry season bush fires • provision of extensive capital works and re-equipment programs in regional areas through the Emergency Services Levy.

REGIONAL BOARD MEETING In March 2006 the FESA Board continued its tradition of holding one board meeting each year at a regional venue to ensure the board is well informed when planning and making decisions that affect regional people. On this occasion, the board met in Karratha and took the opportunity to visit staff and volunteers in a number of Pilbara centres. This presented the board with an overview of the conditions under which staff and volunteers people work, and the unique features of emergency services provision in isolated locations.

INDUSTRY AND INTER-AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS FESA has a historical commitment to the development and enhancement of inter-agency cooperation, skill standardisation and resource sharing with regional industry. Opportunities for combined training in incident command systems and resource sharing between FESA, industry, local government, Police and volunteers, bring cost effectiveness and enhance the community capacity to respond to and deal with emergencies.

During 2005-2006 some of the significant developments included the following: • state-wide bush fire threat analysis and bushfire arson reduction program in cooperation with WA Police Service • continued facilitation of the establishment of multi-skilled Volunteer Emergency Service units in partnership with local governments, in order to address the impact of dwindling population in rural and remote areas on volunteer membership. Two new groups were established – at Onslow and Tambellup and combined Volunteer Fire Service brigades were gazetted for Ballidu and Waroona. • $1.1 million in funding was secured from the Federal Government for the Western Australian National Disaster Mitigation program projects for victims of cyclones and floods • a Memorandum Of Understanding was entered into with the Department of Conservation and Land Management, formalising a Joint Agency Aerial Controlled Burning Program in the Kimberley region • continuing advancements were made with partnerships in place with Woodside Petroleum on the Burrup Peninsular, with Pilbara Iron and BHP Billiton to enhance emergency management planning and preparedness for response across a key growth area of the state.

EMERGENCY SERVICES LEVY FUNDING Funding provided through the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) continues to support a major project to re- equip emergency services in regional areas. The ESL is contributing an estimated 30% increase in funding to local governments, for volunteer bush fire brigades and State Emergency Service units, on that provided before the introduction of the ESL in 2003-2004.

During 2005-2006 a new career Fire and Rescue Service fire station was opened in Albany and collocated volunteer facilities were provided in Manjimup, Beverley and Collie. A new Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service station was also opened in Kalgoorlie. New collocated facilities in Derby and Esperance, and fire stations for Wundowie and Broome, are currently in the design or early construction stages.

Local government volunteer bush fire brigades at Coorow, Mumballup and Irishtown were each provided with a two-bay fire station for their firefighting appliances and those at Metricup, Ygnattering,

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 145

Kordabup/Owingup and Karlgarin received single bay fire stations. Funding for facility upgrades was provided for the Witchcliffe, Beermullah and Bonnie Rock bush fire brigades and the Albany, Denmark, Newman, Gnowangerup, Meekatharra, Mount Barker and Kununurra State Emergency Service units.

Based on local government estimates, it is projected that $2.1 million will have been spent on personal protective clothing for bush fire brigade volunteers in the first three years (2003-2004 to 2005-2006) of the operation of the ESL grant scheme.

REGIONAL INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT (FIRE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURING) FESA has successfully implemented a risk mitigation strategy aimed at increasing the number experienced service providers in Western Australia available to manufacture fire appliances while at the same time, continuing FESA’s commitment to fostering local industry in regional Western Australia.

Suppliers from Collie and Narrogin already feature strongly in FESA’s fire appliance manufacturing. FESA has committed to providing opportunities for engineering businesses in the Mid-West region to trial the manufacture of fire appliances. Strong interest was evident from businesses in Geraldton and surrounding districts and positive feedback from the Department of Treasury and Finance regarding FESA’s support of regional industry was received.

The strategy involved local businesses being invited to tender for the manufacture of a single appliance (for broad acre firefighting) with a view to exposing the selected businesses to fire appliance construction. This exposure will provide those businesses with the opportunity of making an informed decision of whether to participate in a tender process for FESA’s fire appliance panel contracts which will be advertised in 2006-2007.

While there is no guarantee that the successful Mid-West businesses will tender for FESA’s fire appliance build contracts, FESA is looking forward to the prospect of a flexible and competitive supplier base with wider regional representation.

As a result of the first phase of the initiative, two fire appliances are under construction in Geraldton and are due for delivery in September 2006.

IMPROVED CAPABILITY An example of the commitment to the regionalisation of emergency response capability was the establishment of six confined space rescue specialist stations in country centres during 2005-2006. These are located at Albany, Bunbury, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Karratha and Kununurra, and are in addition to two in Perth, at Success and Joondalup.

The program included upgraded equipment, improved skills among personnel and revised procedures. More than $200,000 was spent to enhance the safety and skills of rescuers, with $25,000 allocated to establishing the new specialist stations.

New equipment included atmospheric monitors, telescopic tripods, harnesses and haulage systems, ventilators, generators and escape breathing apparatus packs. These are used in the event of major collapse or explosion disasters.

GOAL 5: GOVERNANCE

ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP The obligatory report in relation to advertising and sponsorship is contained in the Notes to Financial Statements on page 181.

COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC SECTOR STANDARDS AND ETHICAL CODES PUBLIC SECTOR STANDARDS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT In 2005-2006, FESA conducted 106 selection processes that had the potential to attract Breach of Standard claims. These processes attracted 1,250 applicants. Six breach claims were lodged.

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Summary of Breach Applications Number lodged: 6 Breaches found: 0 Multiple breaches: 0 Breaches under review: 0 Material breaches: 0 Non-material breaches: 0

All breach claims lodged were reviewed and claimants advised of the outcomes. Further action was requested by one claimant. An external examination revealed that no breach of standard was found and this matter was dismissed.

The framework of all FESA policies, including those that are related to recruitment, emphasises compliance with the Public Sector Standards in Human Resource Management.

PUBLIC SECTOR CODE OF ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT FESA values underpin the achievement of ethical conduct throughout the organisation. These values are detailed in pamphlets entitled Living Our Values and Leadership the FESA Way, which are provided to all new employees and are available electronically to all other staff.

The values and leadership attributes are integral to the way FESA people work with each other and the community for a safer Western Australia. FESA’s values are compatible with ethical principles, values and behaviour embodied in the Western Australian Public Sector Code of Ethics. By living the values, employees of FESA will comply with the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

An education and training program on public sector corporate governance requirements has been presented to career firefighters at fire stations throughout the metropolitan area and major regional centres. Funding has been granted through the National Emergency Volunteer Support Fund program for a governance DVD that can be presented to emergency services volunteers. The scoping of this project has commenced with a target roll-out for 2006-2007.

SELF ASSESSMENT FESA's self assessment model established in relation to the Public Sector Standards and Code of Ethics revealed overall compliance with the requirements during 2005-2006.

CORRUPTION PREVENTION During the year FESA devoted significant resources to enhancing personal conduct and integrity and strengthening organisational resistance to corruption and misconduct.

EDUCATION, AWARENESS & TRAINING Working with the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) FESA conducted a number of presentations about the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003, the role of the CCC and responsibilities of the CEO to report matters to the CCC. Presentations were given to: • Executive of Operational Services • Mid-West Gascoyne Regional Leaders Forum • Goldfields-Midlands District Managers • United Firefighters Union Committee of Management • Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Association Executive • FESA Board • FESA Corporate Executive • Consultative Committees of the Bush Fire Service, State Emergency Service and Volunteer Marine Rescue Services.

Increased organisational awareness of corruption and misconduct can be reflected in the increase in the number of matters reported to the CCC up from five in 2004-2005 to 18 in 2005-2006. A significant proportion (70%) of these matters were subject to the involvement of WA Police.

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In consultation with the CCC, FESA has commenced work on a Conflict of Interest training session to be delivered during 2006-2007.

FESA’s corruption prevention actions continue to be supported by a range of other FESA policies which guide expected employee and volunteer individual conduct including: • Conflict of interest • Risk management • Internet use • Secondary employment • Purchasing and procurement • Behaviour in the workplace • Child protection.

In addition to the CCC awareness-raising presentations, FESA staff visited all career fire stations and delivered a customised corporate governance presentation reaffirming FESA values and highlighting individual rights and responsibilities.

A number of FESA staff participated in a range of training and development activities to improve organisational capacity to prevent, detect and investigate misconduct and corruption including: • investigative techniques • Equal Opportunity and the law • ethical decision making • fraud prevention.

PROFILING OF RECRUITS FESA’s employee profiling continues to be an important facet of FESA’s approach to building a corruption- resistant organisation. In addition to the psychological testing undertaken by all applicants for firefighter positions since 2003, FESA has also required permanent appointments to general staff positions to be subject to candidates undergoing personal profiling to assess the congruence between the candidate’s individual attributes, job and organisational requirements. This process administered by the University of Western Australia, assesses a range of dimensions including corporate citizenship, honesty and conscientiousness.

Research As part of FESA’s ongoing participation in the UWA research project on organisational integrity, researchers delivered a number of integrity workshops and focus groups across the state. The integrity project further advances and promotes FESA’s commitment to the highest standards of personal conduct and ethical decision making.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FESA continues to promote equal employment opportunities and diversity through the workforce by actively educating employees, eliminating employment barriers and adopting policies to improve representation of diverse groups.

DIVERSITY IN RECRUITMENT Significant efforts have been made to promote the diversity of the career firefighter role in the diverse community of Western Australia. FESA has targeted diverse groups through career expos and school visits on an ongoing basis, and was also able to run a promotion at the Western Australia Police Open Day held at the Joondalup complex.

Success to date has been limited and, in some respects, is disappointing. The formation of a special internal Firefighter Recruitment Equity and Diversity Initiative (FREDI) is expected to significantly improve results in the future.

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FESA continues to participate in the public sector traineeship program with three Indigenous trainees successfully completing Certificate II in Business. Two new trainees have commenced Certificate II in Business. FESA strives to ensure that equal opportunity is provided to people with disabilities who seek employment with the organisation. A survey of FESA’s staff revealed that five people have disabilities ranging from hearing and sight impairment to considerable physical disabilities (the sensitive nature of this data means that not all staff may have notified FESA of impairments). The physically dangerous role of firefighter precludes the employment of people with certain impairments for active service. However, in all other roles FESA strictly applies EEO principles in the selection process. Volunteer groups are encouraged to develop non-active or non-operational roles within their groups for people who have disabilities, but who nevertheless wish to be emergency services volunteers.

EVALUATIONS GENERAL EXAMINATION OF TIMELINESS OF SERVICES FESA was one of the agencies nominated in the Office of the Auditor General’s review of timeliness of selected essential services such as water and electricity, emergency services such as police, ambulance and fire services, and public transport including bus, train and taxi services. The aim of the examination was to determine the extent to which: • citizens are provided with quality information about the timeliness of government services • services are being delivered in a timely manner.1

The Office of the Auditor General anticipates that the examination will establish: • how well timeliness information is publicly reported in terms of being accessible and useful to the general public • gaps in information which could be usefully reported • the soundness of how timeliness targets are determined • whether timely delivery of services is being achieved.1

The OAG report is to be tabled in the Spring 2006 session of Parliament.

INCIDENT ANALYSIS FESA’s Incident Analysis Policy provides for a tiered approach to incident review through: • debrief • post incident analysis or • major incident review.

The key outcomes of the incident analysis process is to learn from strengths and weaknesses associated with activities both internal and external to the agency. During 2005-2006, FESA undertook reviews into the following incidents: • Murray Valley – bush fire (Interagency) • Lake Grace – flood • Murchison River – flood • Pilbara – cyclone season • WA Salvage Morley – fire • Metropolitan storms May 2005 – storms • Burns Beach – bush fire.

FESA continues to progress its development of a comprehensive database to manage and implement recommendations from incident analysis activities.

INCIDENT DATA QUALITY REVIEW FESA’s evidence-based decisionmaking relies heavily upon the conclusions drawn from incident reporting data. Incident data can assist users to be better informed about trends, agency performance, operational

1 Office of Auditor General, 2006, General Examination of Timeliness of Services, Terms of Reference.

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patterns and emerging issues. Incident data supports FESA decisions in regard to deployment and allocation of resources, investigations, assessment of performance, service standards, policy development and risk management. In recognition of the importance and value of incident data, FESA undertook a review of incident data quality. FESA partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in an arrangement for an ABS officer to be outposted to FESA to conduct the review.

The six-month review commenced in November 2005 and involved wide consultation with FESA’s internal stakeholders and data users and considered issues relating to data: • comprehensiveness • completeness • quality • geographic information • security • extracting and processing • statistical reporting.

The final report and recommendations are currently being considered.

RETENTION OF WOMEN Review of staff exit trends indicated that women occupying middle/senior level positions (level five or senior firefighter and above) had significantly shorter tenure than their male counterparts. FESA undertook to conduct a small survey of senior women who had recently left FESA in to further explore whether there were any systemic organisational issues impacting on the tenure of senior women employees.

Survey findings reflected that most senior women felt well supported during their employment with FESA. The survey results indicated that there is an opportunity for FESA to improve and clarify expectations in regard to accessing professional and personal development activities and relationship building.

While acknowledging the small survey size, the FESA Chief Executive Officer considered that the preliminary findings were worthy of further analysis. FESA will examine how we can use what we have learnt in this survey to build on the information currently collected in the standard staff exit survey.

AWARE PROGRAM The implementation of the AWARE (All West Australians Reducing Emergencies) program has seen an increase in the number of local governments participating in emergency risk management and emergency management activities. This year, the AWARE program has involved 12 local governments and funded six AWARE emergency risk management projects and 15 AWARE training activities.

For 2005-2006 the total attendance at emergency management training through the AWARE Program was: • Emergency Management for Local Government 38 • Introduction to Recovery Management 180 • Introduction to Emergency Risk Management 148 • AWARE Coordinators workshops 9

Each training activity workshop was evaluated with a rating of ‘overall success of the activity’ with a rating for the 2005-2006 financial year of 3.5 out of 4. The total cost of the program for the 2005-2006 financial year was $101,398 with $15,378 being spent on training and $86,020 on the grant scheme.

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COMMUNITY SAFETY PROGRAMS FESA regularly reviews its community safety programs for their effectiveness in promoting safety messages. In 2005-2006 it completed four comprehensive evaluations, the results of which will contribute to program improvements in 2006-2007. • Cyclone Preparedness Research Stage Two was completed during the year and the research recommendations are being progressively incorporated in revisions of the Wet Season program. • Community surveys were used to assist evaluation of StormSafe 2005 and additional targeted reviews of storm arrangements were conducted in Melville, the South-West and appropriate SES units. • The bushfire evacuation Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early 2005-2006 Campaign was evaluated using a written survey completed by 600 respondents and through an independent telephone survey of 400 residents. The evaluation indicated that the campaign was effective in raising awareness, achieving a much stronger recollection of the message than for previous campaigns and had a definite impact on the propensity of people to make a decision about whether they would stay or go in the event of a bushfire. However, a disturbing finding was that around half of the residents in the Perth Hills area did not believe they were at risk of bushfire. More than half believed the fire service would prevent any real damage if there was a fire and a significant number of people would wait to be advised by authorities on when to leave. The surveys have provided FESA with a better understanding of community needs and a guide for more effective community safety initiatives in future campaigns. • Research undertaken after the FESA's annual smoke alarm promotion, the Don’t be a Fool! Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries on April 1st campaign, found that the proportion of households with a smoke alarm has continued to increase. Of households surveyed, 24% reported they had a hard wired alarm and 62% had a battery powered alarm – compared with 58% and 18% respectively in 2005. Only 16% reported no smoke alarm, and this figure has fallen from 22% in 2005. However, the survey results also indicated that while the campaign appears to have had quite an impact on households where there is no alarm currently, over time, the campaign appears to be losing some of its impetus. FESA will review the concept before planning for 2007.

BRANCH REVIEW FESA commissioned a review into its Built Environment Branch to examine the role of the branch, regional staff and firefighters in regard to building plan assessment, building inspections, land use planning and subdivisions – all of which are vital services in relation to fire prevention. The results of the review were documented in a consultant's report, Madison Red Report, which was published in the latter half of 2005 and made 29 recommendations.

During 2005-2006, FESA commenced implementing the review recommendations, with priority being given to those which required legislative support through amendments to existing Building Regulations or the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998, or through the proposed Western Australian Building Act. This also impacted on some recommendations for procedural change.

FESA also commissioned a detailed staff structural review of the Built Environment Branch by consultants Estill and Associates in response to Madison Red recommendations. The report from Estill and Associates was presented in April 2006 and is currently being examined.

By the end of the financial year, action had been taken on all but one of the Madison Red recommendations. More than half of the recommendations had been implemented to the fullest extent possible by FESA and the remainder were progressing, but due to their complex nature were some way from full implementation.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUDITS – EMEGENCY SERVICES LEVY GRANT SCHEME Following consultation with the West Australian Local Government Association, a program of local government audits was commenced in 2005-2006 to verify compliance with Emergency Services Levy (ESL) Grants Scheme. FESA developed the audit program and appointed an independent audit company to undertake the audits. The pilot audit, which concentrated on 2003-2004 grants application and administration processes, was conducted with the assistance of a metropolitan council in late 2005, and three further audits, which examined 2004-2005 processes, were completed at regional councils towards the end of 2005-2006.

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The audit program is principally aimed at improving ESL grants administration and accounting processes in the local government sector to ensure that the available grant funding is optimised and that volunteer bush fire brigades and State Emergency Service units are provided the appropriate level of grant funding.

Constructive feedback is provided to each council as an audit is conducted and the program will continue in 2006-2007.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RATES NOTICE REVIEW A comprehensive review of the 2005-2006 rates notice of each Western Australian local government was conducted by FESA during 2005-2006 to ensure compliance with Emergency Service Levy billing requirements as established in the Regulations to the Fire and Emergency Services of Western Australia Act of 1998. An extremely high level of compliance was discovered.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND INFORMATION STATEMENT FREDOM OF INFORMATION FESA received 71 valid new applications during 2005-2006 (an increase on the 55 for the previous year), four of which were transferred in full to local government. Most requests sought access to non-personal information from Fire Services (including Fire Incident Reports and Fire Investigation Reports) that related to a number of domestic property fires and factory unit fires (Malaga, Bibra Lake and Morley). Partial transfers were made to the WA Police Service and Department of Conservation and Land Management.

Of the 73 applications dealt with this year, 18 applications were granted access in full. Edited access applied to 55 applications and Exemption Clause 3(1) (which enables certain personal information about individuals to be withheld) was claimed for the majority of those applications. One application is still being deliberated.

FESA received one application from a FESA volunteer for personal information which was granted edited access.

The average processing time is 18 days (still within the 45 limit imposed by the Freedom of Information Act). This reduction from 28 days in the previous year is attributed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator having direct access to the FESA Incident Database.

There were no internal or external reviews lodged by any of the applicants against the decisions of the FESA Freedom Of Information decision-makers.

FESA Freedom of Information Statistical Return – 2005-2006

APPLICATIONS STATISTICS

New valid applications received in this period (excludes 4 application that 67 was transferred in full to another agency) Applications held over (undecided) from 2004-2005 7 Applications not yet dealt with 1

Total applications dealt with (decided) in this period 73

OUTCOME OF APPLICATIONS STATISTICS

Access in full 18 Edited access 55 Denied (documents did not exist) 0 Total 73

Average Processing Time (days) 18

Internal Review 0

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FEES AND CHARGES $

Application fees collected 2,070 Charges waived * 2,941 Actual charges collected 391

Note: * Charges are waived if the actual processing cost is less than $10

INFORMATION STATEMENT The FESA Corporate Executive Team endorsed an updated Information Statement in January 2006. The FESA Information Statement is available at: www.fesa.wa.gov.au

PROMOTIONS

FESA undertaken the following promotions in 2005-2006: • All West Australians Reducing Emergencies (AWARE) The AWARE program enables local governments to identify emergency risks or hazards within their community and develop appropriate treatment options through the emergency risk management process. • Don’t be a Fool! Change your Smoke Alarm Batteries on April 1st FESA and campaign sponsor Duracell urged community members to increase their safety by installing and maintaining smoke alarms in homes. • Mary G Community Education Iconic Aboriginal comedian Mary G starred in a range of community safety advertisements including information about Cyclone Ready and Dry Season Bush Fires. The advertisements were broadcast on local television and radio networks in the north of the state. • Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early This program aims to assist with bush fire preparedness activities and help householders assess their capacity to stay and defend their homes in the event of a bush fire. • StormSafe StormSafe urged residents from Geraldton to Esperance to minimise storm damage to their homes from May to September. • Volunteer Employer Recognition This program was devised to recognise supportive employers and encourage others to show similar generosity and support for staff prepared to undertake volunteer emergency services duties. • Wet Season The Wet Season program provided Pilbara and Kimberley residents and tourists with valuable information on ways to prepare for cyclones and floods.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 153

PUBLICATIONS

FESA produced the following publications in 2005-2006:

Name of publication Purpose

REPORTS

FESA Annual Report 2004-2005 Mandatory reporting requirement

State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) Mandatory reporting on behalf of the State Emergency Management Committee.

MAGAZINES

24seven (July 2005, Spring 2005, Summer 2005-2006, A print publication to inform FESA staff and external Autumn 2006) stakeholders of FESA initiatives and developments.

BROCHURES (new)

Emergency Services Levy 2006-07 Delivers information on benefits, rates and concessions of the Emergency Services Levy.

Guidelines for Operating Private Equipment at Fires The intention of this booklet is to improve the safety of people who voluntarily respond to bush fires with privately- owned equipment.

Give Way to Emergency Vehicles The brochure makes it clear that it is an offence to impede an emergency vehicle. It also clarifies the action drivers should take when giving way to emergency vehicles.

Travel Safe in the North West This brochure outlines the risks and the preparedness activities people can undertake to stay safe when travelling in the North West in the wet season.

BROCHURES (revised)

All West Australians Reducing Emergencies (AWARE) This brochure aims to inform the community about the AWARE Program, developed in consultation with local government to enhance Western Australian emergency management arrangements.

BOOKLETS

Volunteer Firefighter Training Program Part of a new resource kit developed for training volunteer firefighters.

Volunteer Firefighter Training Activity/Log Book For recording volunteer firefighter training

Western Australian Emergency Risk Management Guide Intended to be used by local governments for the development of emergency risk management projects.

KITS

Prepare … Stay and Defend or Go Early Supports a FESA campaign that aims to assist the community with bush fire preparedness activities and help householders assess their capacity to stay and defend their homes in the event of a bush fire.

Child Protection Information Kit To assist volunteer emergency service brigades, groups and units to undertake responsibilities required under the State Government’s new Child Protection Policy.

MANUALS

Local Government Manual for Capital and Operating This manual provides the processes and supporting detail Grants 2006-07 for local governments to participate in the ESL Grants scheme.

154 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

Name of publication Purpose

ESL Manual of Operating Procedures 2006-2007 Produced for local government funding administrators, this manual is a detailed overview of the operating rules and procedures that apply under the ESL funding arrangements.

Junior/Cadet Program Guide To assist volunteer emergency service brigades, groups and units with the management of their youth development programs

VIDEOS

Callout #16, Callout #17 A DVD produced internally to inform FESA staff and external stakeholders of FESA initiatives and developments.

PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE In accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003, FESA has developed a comprehensive policy and guidelines in relation to ‘public interest disclosures’ (PID) [commonly referred to as ‘whistle blowing’]. FESA has appointed a PID officer who is required to record and investigate claims and make an annual report to the Public Sector Standards Commissioner. FESA has not had any disclosures made during 2005-2006.

RECORD KEEPING PLAN To demonstrate FESA’s compliance with the State Records Act 2000, the following has been achieved. • Approval has been obtained by the State Records Advisory Committee for the FESA Retention and Disposal Schedule. Endorsement by the State Records Commission (SRC) for the FESA Retention and Disposal Schedule, along with an amended Recordkeeping Plan will be obtained in July 2006. • Work has commenced on the project to collate and index completed fire incident information into the FESA records and document management system. This project resulted from a recommendation of a FESA Internal Audit report. • Presentations on various aspects of FESA recordkeeping program are delivered on a regular basis to branches and units within FESA. Tailored sessions are conducted to individual FESA employees as required. • The training program is reviewed from time to time through the results of the annual audit or through a client satisfaction survey. • FESA’s induction program addresses employee roles and responsibilities in regard to their compliance with FESA’s recordkeeping plan. • It is planned to conduct audits of records management activities at regional offices on a regular basis.

RESEARCH Over the past 12 months, the following research projects was undertaken: • The effectiveness of helicopters in fire suppression • State-wide bush fire threat analysis development • Bush fire vegetation, infrastructure and fuel mapping • Fire management for Swan coastal plain wetlands, including organic soil fire suppression (and the implications for acid sulphate soils) • The impact of fire suppressants on native vegetation • Road side mulch fires • Visual fuel load guides • Ember screens for evaporative air conditioners • Profiling of bush fire arsonists.

More information on some of these projects can be found in the Fire section of this annual report, starting on page 44.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 155

SUSTAINABILITY In accordance with the Government's simplification of the State Sustainability Strategy, a review of FESA’s Sustainability Action Plan was undertaken during the year. FESA’s plan demonstrates a tangible commitment to sustainability through its focus upon community centred emergency management.

FESA’s Sustainability Action Plan 2005-2007 supports its approach in working collaboratively with local communities to build the community’s resilience to emergencies and to enhance their capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Through these partnerships FESA is better able to understand the priorities of each community, including: • protection of biodiversity in local bushland, rivers, wetlands and coastal areas • maintaining clean air and water • safeguarding farming, agricultural, industry and business enterprises • assisting local communities to build governance and decision making capacity • Respecting places of heritage value and cultural significance.

A priority this year has been a program to make FESA’s fleet and fire appliances 'carbon neutral' by natural means. The carbon dioxide emissions, which are said to contribute to global warming, are traded off by planting trees which consume this gas. Targets of the number of trees needed to sequester (take up) the carbon dioxide emissions from each type of vehicle were set using Australian Greenhouse Office data and tables. With the involvement of Ballajura Community College and Whiteman Park, approximately 3,000 trees have already been planted towards a total target of 12,000.

In order to achieve the full target in 2006-2007, thousands more trees and other plants will be planted or seeded at two additional sites of the park, including the high conservation wetlands area. This holistic approach produces a sustainable outcome beneficial in many ways, including a carbon neutral FESA fleet, community education about the importance of bushland and ongoing rehabilitation of the ecosystem environment at Whiteman Park.

Other examples of FESA’s contribution to sustainability include: • ongoing investment in environmental research including significant contribution and participation in the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and other local research initiatives • collaboration with key stakeholders in reviewing and enhancing the environmental outcomes of the Aerial Controlled Burning Program in the North West • provision of additional resources to local governments to assist with bushfire planning and development of emergency management plans • delivery of customised programs and services for remote Indigenous communities which recognise and accommodate the capacity and special needs of individual communities • provision of a legislative framework for the delivery and management of emergency services in Western Australia • working in partnership with GeoScience Australia to enhance the protection and preparation of communities vulnerable to tsunamis by development and implementation of the Australian Tsunami Warning System • advancing WA’s emergency management planning by using leading edge modelling technology to simulate and predict the impact of natural disasters on WA communities • preservation and redevelopment of the State heritage-listed Old Perth Fire Station, to create an interactive educational exhibition that promotes the community safety values of FESA within a stimulating, educational and historical framework, using 21st century technology.

156 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

AUDITOR GENERAL

INDEPENDENT AUDIT OPINION

To the Parliament of Western Australia

FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006

Audit Opinion In my opinion, (i) the financial statements are based on proper accounts and present fairly the financial position of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia at 30 June 2006 and its financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date. They are in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia and the Treasurer’s Instructions; (ii) the controls exercised by the Authority provide reasonable assurance that the receipt, expenditure and investment of moneys, the acquisition and disposal of property, and the incurring of liabilities have been in accordance with legislative provisions; and (iii) the key effectiveness and efficiency performance indicators of the Authority are relevant and appropriate to help users assess the Authority’s performance and fairly represent the indicated performance for the year ended 30 June 2006.

Scope The Board is responsible for keeping proper accounts and maintaining adequate systems of internal control, for preparing the financial statements and performance indicators, and complying with the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 (the Act) and other relevant written law.

The financial statements consist of the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement and the Notes to the Financial Statements.

The performance indicators consist of key indicators of effectiveness and efficiency.

Summary of my Role As required by the Act, I have independently audited the accounts, financial statements and performance indicators to express an opinion on the financial statements, controls and performance indicators. This was done by testing selected samples of the evidence. Further information on my audit approach is provided in my audit practice statement. Refer "http://www.audit.wa.gov.au/pubs/Audit-Practice-Statement.pdf".

An audit does not guarantee that every amount and disclosure in the financial statements and performance indicators is error free. The term “reasonable assurance” recognises that an audit does not examine all evidence and every transaction. However, my audit procedures should identify errors or omissions significant enough to adversely affect the decisions of users of the financial statements and performance indicators.

D D R PEARSON AUDITOR GENERAL 21 September 2006

4th Floor Dumas House 2 Havelock Street West Perth 6005 Western Australia Tel: 08 9222 7500 Fax: 08 9322 5664

Key performance indicators

CONTENTS

STATEMENT OF CERTIFICATION 159 FESA’S OUTCOME STATEMENT 160

EFFECTIVENESS INDICATORS Key Performance Indicator 1 161 Number of accidental residential fires per 100,000 households

Key Performance Indicator 2 162 Response times

Key Performance Indicator 3 165 Proportion of structure fires contained to room of origin

Key Performance Indicator 4 166 Human costs of flood, tropical cyclone, storm, earthquake and tsunami hazards

EFFICIENCY INDICATORS Key Performance Indicator 5 167 Average cost per Prevention Services

Key Performance Indicator 6 168 Emergency Services: Average cost per operational personnel ready to respond to an emergency

158 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

STATEMENT OF CERTIFICATION

We hereby certify that the performance indicators are based on proper records, are relevant and appropriate for assisting users to assess the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia performance and fairly represent the performance of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia for the financial year ended 30 June 2006.

M Barnett AM FESA BOARD CHAIR

J Harrison-Ward FESA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

20 September 2006

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 159

Key performance indicators

FESA’s vision is to achieve a safer community through:

• Its mission: Working in partnership with the people of Western Australia to: - improve community safety practices - provide timely, quality and effective emergency services.

• Meeting its strategic intentions: - Community-centred emergency management (composed of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery initiatives) - Sound business practices - Quality people services.

• ensuring that its services (prevention services and emergency services) produce FESA’s agreed outcome for the Western Australian community.

FESA’S OUTCOME STATEMENT The impact of human and natural hazards on the community of Western Australia is minimised.

160 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

EFFECTIVENESS INDICATORS

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 1 Number of accidental residential fires per 100,000 households

One of FESA’s two principal services is Prevention Services. Through FESA’s focus on community- centred emergency management, the public becomes aware of natural hazards. Prevention Services becomes more effective as the community becomes involved in minimising the impact of these hazards.

These measures have the potential to not only decrease or eliminate the impact of an emergency event on the community, but also on the environment. Due to the complex variables including many external factors involved in fires, a direct relationship cannot be made between the number of fires and the effectiveness of services.

However, effective prevention services do have a positive impact on the incidence of residential fires. In the past, FESA has reported the number of residential fires per 100,000 persons. This acted as a control for population changes, which in Western Australia, comprise an annual increase generally between 1-2%. Over the past 10 years, a level has been maintained in the order of 46 to 55 fires in any one period. Figure 1 indicates this steady level of fires per 100,000 people. This year there were 47.3 fires per 100,000 for the WA population which is now estimated at over two million.

Figure1. Number of residential fires per 100,000 people

70 60 50 Target 50 fires per 100,000 40 30 20 Number fires of 10 0 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 Year

NOTE: Comparison is based on estimated population as at December quarter of each year, published by Australian Bureau of Statistics.

In 2005-2006, more than 24,400 primary incidents were attended by Fire and Rescue Service brigades and bush fire brigades. Of these incidents, 1,357 were structure fires of which 491 are classified as “accidental residential,” as determined and classified by service personnel.

In 2005-2006 and for years to come, this indicator will be aligned to national performance indicator ‘accidental residential fires per 100,000 households’, which is published in January every year in the chapter on Emergency Management in Report on Government Services. The term ‘households’, defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), serves as a better measure for residential fires. There is one residence per household. The data series for the estimated number of households is currently under review by the ABS. As a result, the estimated number of households in Western Australia (755,000) has not been updated for four years (Source: ABS Australian Demographic Statistics, Cat, No 3101.0 – unpublished). Due to the national census in August 2006, it is anticipated that a new figure for households will be issued in mid-year 2007.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 161

If the new standards were applied to 2005-2006 data, the actual result would be 65 accidental residential fires (per 100,000 households), which is below the target of 70 fires (per 100,000 households) recorded in the budget statements.

For comparative purposes, 1996 to 2005 have been shown graphically for the reader to gain a trend over time.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 2 Response times

Scope of response indicators As most Fire Services emergencies occur in the Perth metropolitan area, reported response times are for incidents within FESA metropolitan brigade areas where career brigades of firefighters provided the primary response. As response time statistics for incidents in country areas and those attended by volunteer firefighters are subject to different control procedures, these are not included in the assessment. The Report on Government Services issued by the Commonwealth in January of each year is beginning to develop an indicator for non-metropolitan areas but is limited by the relatively small number of incidents.

Response time indicators are provided for four major classes of emergencies: property fires, grass, scrub, bush and rubbish, as well as hazardous conditions and rescues. Quick response is expected by the community to emergency incidents so that their impact can be minimised. Community satisfaction with our services increases when we provide prompt services. Figure 2 and Table 1 indicate that all response times for all four classes met or exceeded target in 2005-2006.

Figure 2. Percentage of arrivals to incidents in eight minutes or less

Property 64% Target for average response time Grass fires 56%

Hazmat 61%

Rescue 71%

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Per cent

162 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

TABLE 1: TIMELINESS OF RESPONSE TIME TO INCIDENTS

Type Percent Attend 50% of Other measures of timeliness incident response: in eight incidents in eight attended minutes or less minutes or less

Property Fires 64% Exceeded target by • 90% in 12 minutes or under 14% • 99.5% of incidents were attended in 19 minutes or under • Only nine incidents were 20 minutes or over; nearly 10% were attended in four minutes or under

Grass, Scrub, 56% Exceeded target by • 90% in 12 minutes or under Bush and 6% • 99.2% of incidents were attended in 19 minutes Rubbish or under • 116 incidents were attended in two minutes or under

Hazardous 61% Exceeded target by • 90% in 12.5 minutes or under Conditions 11% • 98.7% in 19 minutes or under • 20% in five minutes or under

Rescue 71% Exceeded target by • 90% in 12 minutes or under Incidents 21% • 98.7% in 19 minutes or under • 60% in seven minutes or under

Response times for property fires were further analysed to see if they changed by time of day or date of the year. Neither factor appears to impact on the ability of the metropolitan career fire-fighters to meet response time targets.

Trends for response times are provided for the four major classes of emergencies: • Property fires (Figure 3) • Grass, scrub, bush and rubbish fires (Figure 4) • Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents (Figure 5) • Rescues (Figure 6).

For the most part, our prompt response times have been maintained for all types of incident over the past three years.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 163

Figure 3. Response time to property fires 100 90 80 70 60 2003-04 50 2004-05 40 Per cent 2005-06 30 20 10 0 0123456789> 9 Minutes

Figure 4. Response time to grass, scrub, bush and rubbish fires

100 90 80 70 2003-04 60 2004-05 50 2005-06 40 Per cent 30 20 10 0 0123456789> 9 Minutes

Figure 5. Response time to Hazmat 100 90 80 70 60 2003-04 50 2004-05 2005-06

Per cent 40 30 20 10 0 0123456789> 9 Minutes

164 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

Figure 6. Response time to rescues

100 90 80 70 60 2003-04 50 2004-05

Per cent 40 2005-06 30 20 10 0 0123456789> 9 Minutes

NOTE: Response time is measured as the duration from the time stamping of an incident by a FESA

Communications Centre operator (ie. the incident is confirmed as an emergency) to the arrival at the scene of the emergency.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 3 Proportion of structure fires contained to room / object of origin

Structure fires are those fires which occur in housing and other buildings. The percentage of fires where damage is confined to room / object of origin measures the effectiveness of combating property fires. Response and mitigation strategies reduce the adverse effects of such fires on the community.

Although a higher proportion of containment is desirable, 100% containment can never be met due to uncontrollable factors. For example, variables include weather conditions, traffic conditions, type of household furnishings, chemicals stored on site, time elapsed before notification of an emergency and many other factors.

However, effective and appropriate firefighting techniques, as well as prompt detection and rapid response, make a significant difference in the percentage of fires contained. FESA is this year aligning its definition of this indicator to the national performance indicator from the Report on Government Services. This means that both object and room of origin are considered when calculating the percentage of structure fires contained.

Figure 7 indicates the proportion of containment since 1994-1995. In 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, 68.5% of structure fires had damage confined to the room of origin. Using the national definition this year, the result was similar at 66.4% containment.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 165

Figure 7. Proportion of structure fires with damage confined to object / room of origin 80 70 Target 65% 60 50 40

per cent per 30 20 10 0 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 Year

NOTE: Comparison possible for 1994-1995 to 2005-2006 as same definition ‘confined to room of origin’ is used. This time series is now finished. For 2005-2006 annual report, definition conforms to national indicator ‘confined to object / room of origin’ (Report on Government Services).

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 4 Human costs of flood, tropical cyclone, storm, earthquake and tsunami hazards

The State Emergency Service responds to five major natural hazards – flood, tropical cyclone, storm, earthquake and tsunami. The human cost of these hazards by reporting deaths and serious injuries is a partial indicator of the effectiveness of emergency services. In particular, it relates to the preparedness and response activities undertaken in partnership with local communities. The total number of events each year is combined in Table 2.

In 2005-2006 there were many natural hazards. Six cyclones were officially recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology for WA. A seventh cyclone put us on ‘blue alert’, but was recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Northern Territory. Monsoonal heavy rains caused road outages in the Kimberley. In addition, much of the state experienced flooding: the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Murchison and the South-West land division at Greenough / Lake Grace. Even the Goldfields / Eucla experienced flooding over the New Year. Despite all these natural events, no deaths or serious injuries were recorded in 2005- 2006. Moreover, for the nine years prior, there were no serious injuries and the number of recorded deaths was either one or zero.

As the natural environment is variable, the number of events varies from year to year. Whereas there were only 21 hazard events in financial year 2000-2001, numbers peaked at 199 incidents in 2004-2005, falling to 116 for the current year. The number of events is also dependent on definitions used. For example, using Bureau of Meteorology definitions, Cyclone Clare as a hazard was not only a ‘cyclone event’ but also a ‘rain event’, which resulted in a ‘flood event’.

Although there is not a direct cause and effect relationship between hazard frequency and the incidence of deaths/injuries, better preparedness for hazards lessens the impact of the hazard. For example, preparedness activities such as undertaking response planning and evacuation procedures significantly mitigate the outcome of events such as flood, cyclone, storm and other natural hazards.

166 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

Table 2. 10-year report of deaths and serious injuries by number of hazard events

Year Number of events Deaths Serious Injuries 1996-1997 40 1 0 1997-1998 58 0 0 1998-1999 105 1 0 1999-2000 126 0 0 2000-2001 21 0 0 2001-2002 104 0 0 2002-2003 133 0 0 2003-2004 93 0 0 2004-2005 199 0 0 2005-2006 116 0 0 10-year total 995 2 0

NOTE: Number of event types is determined by data published by GeoScience Australia (earthquakes) and the Bureau of Meteorology. One death was recorded in1996-1997 and 1998-1999. Data on deaths is from FESA internal database EM2000.

EFFICIENCY INDICATORS

SERVICE 1 PREVENTION SERVICES Provision of prevention services to increase community awareness of human and natural hazards, and involvement in minimising their impact.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 5 Weighted average cost per prevention service

To cover the majority of FESA’s prevention related activities, a composite performance measure is needed. Output-based efficiency measures were originally selected and weighted. Weightings were established from costs for 1999-2000 as supplied in the 2000-2001 budget papers. Current measures correspond with prevention services reporting in the 2006-2007 budget papers.

The weighting system is proportional. As the majority of prevention expenditure is directed towards community prevention/awareness campaigns, a weighting of one was applied to this output. Comparatively, the smaller weightings for emergency management services training and explosive inspections represented the difference in unit cost of these services. For the year 2002-2003 explosive inspections were outsourced and are no longer part of the equation. They are, hence, reported as a zero factor. Redevelopment of this indicator to reflect changes in organisational structure and services is anticipated in 2006-2007. Table 3 indicates the average cost over seven years.

Table 3. Average cost per prevention service

1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Target 2005-06

Average cost per 555.675 573.214 639.004 626.238 658.913 740.826 823.288 823.24 prevention service $’000

NOTE: as per the formal change to the organisation’s output measures, the average cost per prevention service for 2000-2001 and 1999-2000 are different to those reported in the 2000-2001 FESA Annual Report.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 167

SERVICE 2: EMERGENCY SERVICES Provision of emergency services to enable rapid and effective response to emergency incidents to minimise their impact.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR 6 Emergency Services: Average cost per operational personnel ready to respond to an emergency

The service quantity measure used to determine emergency services efficiency is formed by the number of operational personnel ready to respond to an emergency. In total, operational staff and volunteers numbered 30,699 in 2005-2006.

For the past three years, FESA has made enhancements to reporting in order to improve the accuracy of our records. Although volunteer numbers will remain dynamic, continuous improvement to personnel records systems and the ongoing review of volunteer status will enable a more precise picture.

Table 4 shows this fluctuation in numbers as well as the fluctuations in the average cost per personnel over the past seven years.

Table 4. Average cost per operational personnel ready to respond to an emergency

1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Target 2005-06 Average cost 3,515.16 3,443.82 3,505.54 3,446.02 4,722.49 4,471.45 5,335.84 5,796 per operational personnel $

168 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006

Financial statements

CONTENTS

STATEMENT OF CERTIFICATION 170 INCOME STATEMENT 171 BALANCE SHEET 172 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 173 CASH FLOW STATEMENT 174 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 175

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 169

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STATEMENT OF CERTIFICATION

The accompanying financial statements of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia have been prepared in compliance with the provisions of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1985 from proper accounts and records to present fairly the financial transactions for the twelve months ending 30 June 2006 and the financial position as at 30 June 2006.

At the date of signing we are not aware of any circumstances, which would render the particulars included in the financial statements misleading or inaccurate.

M Barnett AM FESA BOARD CHAIR

J Harrison-Ward FESA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Frank Pasquale ACTING FESA PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER

20 September 2006

170 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Income Statement For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 NOTE $000 $000 COST OF SERVICES

Expenses Employee benefits expense 3 91,983 82,353 Supplies and services 4 43,076 39,151 Depreciation and amortisation expense 5 8,322 8,116 Finance costs 6 2,508 2,712 Accommodation expenses 7 4,771 4,589 Grants and subsidies 8 28,042 29,765 Capital user charge 9 3,038 3,048 Loss on disposal of non-current assets 10 259 591 Other expenses 11 330 1,285

Total Cost of Services 182,329 171,610

INCOME

Revenue Regulatory fees and fines 12 139,040 126,237 User charges and fees 13 4,344 3,965 Commonwealth grants and contributions 14 3,013 15,249 Other grants and contributions 15 1,769 2,190 Interest Revenue 16 3,861 2,132 Other revenue 17 3,101 2,946

Total Revenue 155,128 152,719

Gains Gain on disposal of non-current assets 10 1,978 289

Total Gains 1,978 289

Total Income other than income from State Government 157,106 153,008

NET COST OF SERVICES 25,223 18,602

INCOME FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Service appropriation 18 (i) 44,301 38,320 Resources received free of charge 18 (ii) 888 1,153

Total Income from State Government 45,189 39,473

SURPLUS FOR THE PERIOD 19,966 20,871

REPLACEMENT RESERVES

Net Transfer to Reserves 32(b) 15,500 10,013

Total Transfer to Reserves 15,500 10,013

TOTAL CHANGE IN EQUITY 4,466 10,858

The Income Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 171 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Balance Sheet As at 30 June 2006

2006 2005 NOTE $000 $000 ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Restricted cash and cash equivalents 19 72,165 51,433 Inventories 20 5,646 4,239 Receivables (a) 21 2,894 1,364 Amounts receivable for services (a) 22 1,675 3,894 Other current assets 23 1,051 431

Total Current Assets 83,431 61,361

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Restricted cash and cash equivalents 24 500 - Property, plant and equipment 25 134,185 131,502 Intangible assets 26 183 237

Total Non-Current Assets 134,868 131,739

TOTAL ASSETS 218,299 193,100

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Payables (a) 28 3,212 2,757 Borrowings (a) 29 2,050 2,030 Provisions 30 6,825 5,244 Other current liabilities 31 7,268 1,704

Total Current Liabilities 19,355 11,735

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Borrowings (a) 29 32,865 40,687 Provisions 30 8,147 8,139

Total Non-Current Liabilities 41,012 48,826

TOTAL LIABILITIES 60,367 60,561

NET ASSETS 157,932 $132,539

EQUITY

Contributed equity 32(a) 58,113 51,882 Reserves 32(b) 85,092 69,592 Accumulated surplus/(deficit) 32(c) 14,727 11,065

TOTAL EQUITY 157,932 132,539

(a) In accordance with AASB 1.36A and Treasurer’s Instruction 1106 the recognition, measurement and disclosure of line items accounted for under AASB 139 will remain on the existing AGAAP basis as at the date of transition on 1 July 2004 and for the comparative period ending 30 June 2005. The date of transition date for these items will be 1 July 2005. Items such as derivative financial instruments that may be recognised for the first time under AASB 139 will have a value of ‘nil’ until their recognition on 1 July 2005.

The Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

172 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Statement of Changes in Equity For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 NOTE $000 $000

Balance of equity at start of period 45 (iii) 132,539 110,971

CONTRIBUTED EQUITY 32(a)

Balance at start of period 51,882 75,268 Contributions received 6,447 1,382 Contributions repaid (1,020) (685) Contributions reclassed to replacement reserve - (23,929) Contributions reclassed to retained earnings 804 (154)

Balance at end of period 58,113 51,882

RESERVES 32(b)

Replacement Reserves

Balance at start of period 54,581 20,639 Replacement reserve reclassed from equity - 23,929 Net Increment / (Decrement) 15,500 10,013

Balance at end of period 70,081 54,581

Asset Revaluation Reserve

Balance at start of period 15,011 15,011 Gains/(losses) from asset revaluation - -

Balance at end of period 15,011 15,011

Total Reserves 85,092 69,592

ACCUMULATED SURPLUS (RETAINED EARNINGS) 32(c)

Balance at start of period 11,065 53 Net adjustment on transition to AIFRS - - Equity contributions reclassed to retained earnings (804) 154 Surplus/(deficit) for the period 4,466 10,858 Gains/(losses) recognised directly in equity - -

Balance at end of period 14,727 11,065

Balance of equity at end of period $157,932 $132,539

Total income and expense for the period (a) 19,966 20,871

(a) The aggregate net amount attributable to each category of equity is: surplus $19,966,000 (2005: surplus $20,871,000).

The Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 173 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Cash Flow Statement For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 NOTE $000 $000

CASH FLOWS FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Service appropriation 43,596 36,025 Capital contributions 5,426 1,382 Holding account draw downs 2,924 4,360

Net Cash provided by State Government 51,946 41,767

Utilised as follows:

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Payments Employee benefits (90,394) (83,665) Supplies and services (37,669) (42,965) Finance costs (2,508) (2,723) Accommodation (4,771) (4,589) Grants and subsidies (28,042) (29,765) Capital user charge (3,038) (3,048) GST payments on purchases (7,400) (8,487)

Receipts Regulatory fees and fines 138,013 125,560 User charges and fees 3,944 5,655 Grants and subsidies 4,810 16,500 Interest received 3,493 2,015 GST receipts on sales 1,591 1,297 GST receipts from taxation authority 5,809 6,888 Other receipts 2,481 9,642

Net Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 33(b) (13,681) (7,685)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from sale of non-current physical assets 4,330 399 Purchase of non-current physical assets (13,561) (22,216)

Net Cash provided by/(used in) investing activities (9,231) (21,817)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from borrowings 3,000 9,630 Repayment of borrowings (10,802) (9,038) Distribution of equity to insurance companies - (685)

Net Cash provided by/(used in) financing activities (7,802) (93)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 21,232 12,172

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 51,433 39,261

Cash & cash equivalents at the end of the period 33(a) $72,665 $51,433

The Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

174 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

1. FIRST TIME ADOPTION OF AUSTRALIAN EQUIVALENTS TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

General

This is the Authority’s first published financial statements prepared under Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS).

Accounting Standard AASB 1 ‘First-time Adoption of Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards’ has been applied in preparing these financial statements. Until 30 June 2005, the financial statements of the Authority had been prepared under the previous Australian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (AGAAP).

The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) adopted the Standards of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) for application to reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005 by issuing AIFRS which comprise a Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements, Australian Accounting Standards and the Urgent Issue Group (UIG) Interpretations.

In accordance with the option provided by AASB 1 paragraph 36A and exercised by Treasurer’s Instruction 1101 ‘Application of Australian Accounting Standards and Other Pronouncements’, financial instrument information prepared under AASB 132 and AASB 139 will apply from 1 July 2005 and consequently comparative information for financial instruments is presented on the previous AGAAP basis. All other comparative information is prepared under the AIFRS basis.

Early adoption of standards

The Authority cannot early adopt an Australian Accounting Standard or UIG Interpretation unless specifically permitted by TI 1101 ‘Application of Australian Accounting Standards and Other Pronouncements’. This TI requires the early adoption of revised AASB 119 ‘Employee Benefits’ as issued in December 2004, AASB 2004- 3 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards; AASB 2005-3 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 119]’, AASB 2005-4 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard [AASB 139’, AASB 132, AASB 1, AASB 1023 & AASB 1038]’ and AASB 2005-6 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 3]’ to the annual reporting period beginning 1 July 2005. AASB 2005-4 amends AASB 139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ so that the ability to designate financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value is restricted. AASB 2005-6 excludes business combinations involving common control from the scope of AASB 3 ‘Business Combinations’.

Reconciliations explaining the transition to AIFRS as at 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2005 are provided at note 44 ‘Reconciliations Explaining the Transition to AIFRS’.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2.1 General Statement

The financial statements constitute a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards, the Framework, Statements of Accounting Concepts and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board as applied by the Treasurer’s Instructions. Several of these are modified by the Treasurer’s Instructions to vary application, disclosure, format and wording.

The Financial Administration and Audit Act and the Treasurer’s Instructions are legislative provisions governing the preparation of financial statements and take precedence over Accounting Standards, the Framework, Statements of Accounting Concepts and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

Where modification is required and has a material or significant financial effect upon the reported results, details of that modification and the resulting financial effect, are disclosed in individual notes to these financial statements.

2.2 Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting using the historical cost convention, modified by the revaluation of land and buildings which have been measured at fair value.

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements have been consistently applied throughout all periods presented unless otherwise stated.

The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000).

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 175 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2.3 Income

Revenue

Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable. Revenue is recognised for the major business activities as follows:

(i) Regulatory Fees and Fines

Revenues from regulatory fees and fines is recognised upon the rendering of services and encompass the following:

ƒ Fire service levy contributions from insurance companies raised in accordance with Section 37 of the Fire Brigades Act 1942; ƒ Emergency services levy assessments raised in accordance with Part 6A of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998; ƒ Private brigade registration fees raised in accordance with Regulation 215 of the Fire Brigades Regulations 1943; ƒ Incorrect and incomplete insurance return penalties raised in accordance with Section 39(6) of the Fire Brigades Act 1942; ƒ Failure to pay prescribed payments in accordance with Section 43 of the Fire Brigades Act 1942; ƒ Interest accrued on unpaid Emergency services levy assessments in accordance with Section 36X of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998; and ƒ Other related fees, penalties and fines enshrined within the emergency services Acts.

(ii) User Charges, Fees and Disposal of Non-Current Assets

Revenue is recognised from the sale of goods and disposal of other assets and the delivery of services to the client when the significant risks and rewards of ownership control transfer to the purchaser.

(iii) Service Appropriations

Service appropriations are recognised as revenues at nominal value in the period in which the Authority gains control of the appropriated funds. The Authority gains control of appropriated funds at the time those funds are deposited into the Authority’s bank account or credited to the holding account held at the Department of Treasury and Finance. (See note 18 ‘Income from State Government’).

(iv) Interest

Revenue is recognised as the interest accrues.

(v) Grants, Donations, Gifts and Other Non-Reciprocal Contributions

Revenue is recognised when the Authority obtains control over the assets comprising the contribution. Control is normally obtained upon their receipt.

Contributions are recognised at their fair value. Contributions of services are only recognised when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would be purchased if not donated.

Where contributions recognised as revenues during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and those conditions were undischarged as at the reporting date, the nature of, and amounts pertaining to, those undischarged conditions are disclosed in the notes.

Gains

Gains may be realised or unrealised and are usually recognised on a net basis. These include gains arising on the disposal of non-current assets and some revaluations of non-current assets.

Borrowing Costs

Borrowing costs for qualifying assets are capitalised net of any investment income earned on the unexpended portion of the borrowings. A qualifying asset is an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. Other borrowing costs are expensed when incurred.

176 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2.4 Property, Plant and Equipment

Capitalisation/Expensing of assets

Items of artwork, property, plant and equipment costing over $1,000 are recognised as assets and the cost of utilising assets is expensed (depreciated) over their useful lives. Items of property, plant and equipment costing less than $1,000 are immediately expensed direct to the Income Statement (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total).

Initial recognition and measurement

All items of property, plant and equipment are initially recognised at cost.

For items of property, plant and equipment acquired at no cost or for nominal cost, the cost is their fair value at the date of acquisition.

Subsequent measurement

After recognition as an asset, the revaluation model is used for the measurement of land and buildings and the cost model for all other property, plant and equipment. Land and buildings are carried at fair value less accumulated depreciation on buildings and accumulated impairment losses. All other items of property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

The Authority has a policy of valuing land and buildings at fair value every three years. The revaluation of land and buildings is provided independently by the Department of Land Information (Valuation Services). The last valuation was undertaken as at 1 July 2003.

Depreciation

All non-current assets having a limited useful life are systematically depreciated over their estimated useful lives in a manner which reflects the consumption of their future economic benefits.

Land and Artwork are not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight- line method, using rates which are reviewed annually. Estimated useful lives for each class of depreciable asset are:

Buildings 20 - 40 years Fire and Emergency Appliances 4 - 20 years Non-Emergency Vehicles 2 - 20 years Plant and Equipment 5 - 10 years

2.5 Intangible Assets

Capitalisation/Expensing of assets

Acquisitions of intangible assets over $1,000 are capitalised. The cost of utilising assets is expensed (amortised) over their useful lives. Costs incurred below these thresholds are immediately expensed direct to the Income Statement.

Initial recognition and measurement

All intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. For assets acquired at no cost or for nominal cost, the cost is their fair value at the date of acquisition.

Subsequent measurement

The cost model is applied for subsequent measurement requiring the asset to be carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

The carrying value of intangible assets is reviewed for impairment annually when the asset is not yet in use, or more frequently when an indicator of impairment arises during the reporting year indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Amortisation

Amortisation for intangible assets with finite useful lives is calculated for the period of the expected benefit (estimated useful life) on the straight-line basis using rates which are reviewed annually. The expected useful lives for each class of intangible asset are:

Software 3 years

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 177 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2.6 Impairment of Assets Property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets are tested for any indication of impairment at each reporting date. Where there is an indication of impairment, the recoverable amount is estimated. Where the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to the recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognised. As the Authority is a not-for-profit entity, unless an asset has been identified as a surplus asset, the recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost.

The risk of impairment is generally limited to circumstances where an asset’s depreciation is materially understated or where the replacement cost is falling. Each relevant class of assets is reviewed annually to verify that the accumulated depreciation/amortisation reflects the level of consumption or expiration of asset’s future economic benefits and to evaluate any impairment risk from falling replacement costs.

Intangible assets with an indefinite life and intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment at each reporting date irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment.

The recoverable amount of assets identified as surplus assets is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Surplus assets carried at fair value have no risk of material impairment where fair value is determined by reference to market evidence. Where fair value is determined by reference to depreciated replacement cost, surplus assets are at risk of impairment and the recoverable amount is measured. Surplus assets at cost are tested for indications of impairment at each reporting date.

Refer to note 27 ‘Impairment of assets’ for the outcome of impairment reviews and testing.

Refer to note 2.14 ‘Receivables’ and note 21 ‘Receivables’ for impairment of receivables.

2.7 Leases The Authority has entered into a number of operating lease agreements for buildings, office equipment and motor vehicles where the lessors effectively retains all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the items held under the operating leases.

Lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis over the lease term, as this is representative of the pattern of benefits to be derived from the leased property.

2.8 Resources Received Free of Charge or for Nominal Cost

Resources received free of charge or for nominal cost that can be reliably measured are recognised as revenues and as assets or expenses as appropriate, at fair value.

2.9 Reserves Section 35A of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 allows the Authority to retain funds for specific purchases. The Motor Vehicle Replacement Reserve, Land and Building Replacement Reserve, Plant and Equipment Replacement Reserve and General Reserve have been established.

2.10 Financial Instruments The Authority has two categories of financial instrument: ƒ Loans and receivables (cash and cash equivalents, receivables); and ƒ Non-trading financial liabilities (payables).

Initial recognition and measurement of financial instruments is at fair value which normally equates to the transaction cost or the face value. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

The fair value of short-term receivables and payables is the transaction cost or the face value because there is no interest rate applicable and subsequent measurement is not required as the effect of discounting is not material.

2.11 Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purpose of the Cash Flow Statement, cash and cash equivalent (and restricted cash and cash equivalent) assets comprise cash on hand and short-term deposits with maturities of six months or less that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.

2.12 Accrued Salaries Accrued salaries represent the amount due to staff but unpaid at the end of the financial year, as the end of the last pay period for that financial year does not coincide with the end of the financial year. Accrued salaries are settled within a week of the financial year end. The Authority considers the carrying amount of accrued salaries to be equivalent to its net fair value.

178 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2.13 Investments Investments are brought to account at the lower of cost and recoverable amount. Term investments held represent investments in approved commercial bills. Interest revenues from investments are recognised as they are accrued.

2.14 Receivables Receivables are recognised and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any uncollectible amounts. The collect ability of receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis and any receivables identified as uncollectible written-off. The allowance for uncollectible amounts (doubtful debts) is raised when there is objective evidence that the Authority will not be able to collect the debts. The carrying amount is equivalent to fair value as it is due for settlement within 30 days. See note 2.10 ‘Financial Instruments’ and note 21 ‘Receivables’.

2.15 Amounts Receivable for Services (Holding Account) The receivable (holding account) covers items such as leave entitlements and asset replacement programs. It represents the non-cash component of service appropriations and is funded by the State Government.

2.16 Inventories Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assigned by the method most appropriate to each particular class of inventory, with the majority being valued using the average cost method.

Inventories not held for resale are valued at cost unless they are no longer required, in which case they are valued at net realisable value.

2.17 Payables Payables are recognised at the amounts payable when the Authority becomes obliged to make future payments as a result of a purchase of assets or services. The carrying amount is equivalent to fair value, as they are generally settled within 30 days. See note 2.10 ‘Financial Instruments’ and note 28 ‘Payables’.

2.18 Borrowings Loans are recorded at an amount equal to the net proceeds received. Interest expense is recognised on an accrual basis. See note 2.10 ‘Financial Instruments’ and note 29 ‘Borrowings’.

2.19 Provisions Provisions are liabilities of uncertain timing and amount and are recognised where there is a present legal, equitable or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and when the outflow of economic benefits is probable and can be measured reliably. Provisions are reviewed at each balance date. See note 30 ‘Provisions’.

(i) Employee Benefits - Annual Leave and Long Service Leave The liability for annual and long service leave expected to be settled within 12 months after the end of the reporting date is recognised and measured at the undiscounted amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Annual and long service leave expected to be settled more than 12 months after the end of the reporting date is measured at the present value of amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Leave liabilities are in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date.

When assessing expected future payments consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels including non-salary components such as employer superannuation contributions. In addition, the long service leave liability also considers the experience of employee departures and periods of service.

The expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

All annual leave and unconditional long service leave provisions are classified as current liabilities as the Authority does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting date.

(ii) Superannuation Contributions are made to the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Board and to the Government Employees Superannuation Board to provide benefits for employees and their dependants on retirement, disability or death.

The liability for superannuation charges under the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Act 1985 is extinguished by weekly payments of employer contributions to the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Board.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 179 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2.19 Provisions (continued) The liability for superannuation charges under the Government Employees Superannuation Act is extinguished by fortnightly payments of employer contributions to the Government Employees Superannuation Board.

The liability for superannuation charges incurred under the Superannuation and Family Benefits Act 1938 pension scheme, together with the pre-transfer service liability for employees who transferred to the Gold State Superannuation scheme, and have been provided for in the financial statements

(iii) Employment On-Costs

Employment on-costs, including workers’ compensation insurance, are not employee benefits and are recognised separately as liabilities and expenses when the employment to which they relate has occurred. Employment on-costs are included as part of ‘Other Expenses’ and are not included as part of the Authority’s ‘Employee benefits expense’. The related liability is included in ‘Employment on-costs provision’. See note 11 ‘Other expenses’ and note 30 ‘Provisions’

2.20 Contributed Equity

UIG 1038 “Contributions by Owners Made to Wholly-Owned Public Sector Entities” requires transfers in the nature of equity contributions to be designated by the Government (owners) as contributions by owners (at the time of, or prior to transfer) before such transfers can be recognised as equity contributions. Capital contributions (appropriations) have been designated as contributions by owners by TI 955 ‘Contributions by Owners made to Wholly Owned Public Sector Entities’ and have been credited directly to Contributed Equity.

2.21 Comparative Figures

Comparative figures have been restated on the AIFRS basis except for financial instruments, which have been prepared under the previous AGAAP Australian Accounting Standard AAS 33 ‘Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Instruments’. The transition date to AIFRS for financial instruments is 1 July 2005 in accordance with the exemption allowed under AASB1, paragraph 36A and TI 1101.

2.22 Future Impact of Australian Accounting Standards Not Yet Operative

The Authority cannot early adopt an Australian Accounting Standard or UIG Interpretation unless specifically permitted by TI 1101 ‘Application of Australian Accounting Standards and Other Pronouncements’. As referred to in Note 1, TI 1101 has only mandated the early adoption of revised AASB 119, AASB 2004-3, AASB 2005-3, AASB 2005-4 and AASB 2005-6. Consequently, the Authority has not applied the following Australian Accounting Standards and UIG Interpretations that have been issued but are not yet effective. These will be applied from their application date:

1. AASB 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ (including consequential amendments in AASB 2005-10 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 132, AASB 101, AASB 114, AASB 117, AASB 133, AASB 139, AASB 1, AASB 4, AASB 1023 & AASB 1038]’). This Standard requires new disclosures in relation to financial instruments. The Standard is required to be applied to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2007. The Standard is considered to result in increased disclosures of an entity’s risks, enhanced disclosure about components of an financial position and performance, and changes to the way of presenting financial statements, but otherwise there is no financial impact. 2. AASB 2005-9 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 4, AASB 1023, AASB 139 & AASB 132]’ (Financial guarantee contracts). The amendment deals with the treatment of financial guarantee contracts, credit insurance contracts, letters of credit or credit derivative default contracts as either an “insurance contract” under AASB 4 ‘Insurance Contracts’ or as a “financial guarantee contract” under AASB 139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. The Authority does not undertake these types of transactions resulting in no financial impact when the Standard is first applied. The Standard is required to be applied to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006. 3. UIG Interpretation 4 ‘Determining whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease’. This Interpretation deals with arrangements that comprise a transaction or a series of linked transactions that may not involve a legal form of a lease but by their nature are deemed to be leases for the purposes of applying AASB 117 ‘Leases’. At reporting date, the Authority has not entered into any arrangements as specified in the Interpretation resulting in no impact when the Interpretation is first applied. The Interpretation is required to be applied to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2006.

180 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2.22 Future Impact of Australian Accounting Standards Not Yet Operative (continued)

The following amendments are not applicable to the Authority as they will have no impact:

AASB Affected Amendment Standards 2005-1 AASB 139 (Cash flow hedge accounting of forecast intragroup transactions). 2005-5 ‘Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [AASB 1 & AASB 139]’. 2006-1 AASB 121 (Net investment in foreign operations). UIG 5 ‘Rights to Interests arising from Decommissioning, Restoration and Environmental Rehabilitation Funds’. UIG 6 ‘Liabilities arising from Participating in a Specific Market – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment’. UIG 7 ‘Applying the Restatement Approach under AASB 129 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’. UIG 8 ‘Scope of AASB 2’. UIG 9 ‘Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives’.

2006 2005 $000 $000 3. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPENSE

Wages and salaries (a) 69,676 61,046 Superannuation contribution to FESB 7,886 7,441 Superannuation contribution to GESB 733 667 Long service leave (b) 2,818 3,050 Annual leave (b) 10,261 9,584 Other related expenses 609 565

$91,983 $82,353 (a) Includes the value of the fringe benefit to the employee plus the fringe benefits tax component, (b) Includes a superannuation contribution component.

4. SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

Administration 2,964 2,815 Advertising and promotion expense 997 467 Communication expense 1,936 1,827 Electricity and water expense 1,116 1,069 Hire charges 9,009 8,394 Insurance premiums and claims 2,139 2,215 Lease motor vehicle expense 1,368 1,290 Lease other expense 78 65 Maintenance of inventory (22) 71 Maintenance of motor vehicles 4,027 3,401 Maintenance of Plant and equipment 6,376 5,496 Protective clothing and uniforms 2,210 1,864 Services and contracts expense 8,179 7,837 Travel expense 2,699 2,340

$43,076 $39,151

5. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION EXPENSE

(a) Depreciation

Buildings 2,453 2,144 Motor vehicles 3,816 3,874 Plant and equipment 1,929 2,080

8,198 8,098

(b) Amortisation

Software 124 18

124 18

$8,322 $8,116

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 181 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 6. FINANCE COSTS

Borrowing costs 2,508 2,712

$2,508 $2,712

7. ACCOMMODATION EXPENSES

Lease rentals 999 983 Repairs and maintenance 3,772 3,606

$4,771 $4,589

8. GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES

Grant and subsidy payments are made in accordance with policy and guidelines approved by the Authority to enable such entities to meet service delivery requirements of the community.

Classified as:

Emergency Service Levy grants paid in accordance with the provisions of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998 and the Local Government Manual for Capital and Operating Grants:

- Local Governments 15,562 17,149 - Private Fire Brigades 102 99

Natural Disaster grants paid in accordance with agreements and determinations administered on behalf of the Commonwealth Department for Transport and Regional Services in relation to:

- Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements 9,959 9,531 - Natural Disaster Risk Management Studies Program - 103

Grants and subsidies paid to volunteer establishments and external bodies in line with approved schemes, agreements and statues encompassing:

- Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service delivery 853 594 - Volunteer Bush Fire Service delivery 250 274 - Volunteer State Emergency Service delivery 30 45 - Volunteer Marine Rescue Service delivery 1,110 1,651 - Volunteer FESA Units 175 70 - Other grants and subsidies 1 249

$28,042 $29,765

9. CAPITAL USER CHARGE

The Government applies a levy for the use of its capital for the delivery of services. It is applied at 8% per annum on 30% of the net assets of the Authority, excluding exempt assets, and is paid to the Department of Treasury and Finance quarterly.

Capital user charge 3,038 3,048

$3,038 $3,048

182 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 10. NET GAIN/ (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Cost of Disposal of Non-Current Assets Buildings 883 - Land 1,466 492 Motor vehicles 256 152 Plant and equipment 7 49 Intangible assets - 8

Proceeds from Disposal of Non-Current Assets Buildings 967 - Land 3,078 40 Motor vehicles 284 358 Plant and equipment 2 1

$1,719 ($302)

11. OTHER EXPENSES

Doubtful debts 284 1,241 Bad debts - 9 Employment On-costs 46 35

$330 $1,285

12. REGULATORY FEES AND FINES

Contributions to Fire and Emergency Services

(i) ESL assessments for ratepayers

Ratepayers contribute to the ESL through Council rates levied annually. The ESL is assessed, raised, collected and remitted to the Authority in line with the Manual of Operating Procedures as approved by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998. 127,022 115,561

127,022 $115,561

(ii) ESL assessments for Local Governments, the State Government general sector and State Government Instrumentalities

ESL assessments are raised directly by the Authority for properties owned by Local Governments, the State Government general sector (met by the Treasurer) and State Government Instrumentalities.

Local Government assessments 1,132 861 State Government public sector assessments 8,866 7,662 State Government Instrumentalities 2,020 2,153

12,018 10,676

$139,040 $126,237

13. USER CHARGES AND FEES

Direct brigade alarms 1,518 1,511 Operational activities 1,009 825 Training and education charges 1,817 1,629

$4,344 $3,965

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 183 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 14. COMMONWEALTH GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Fire Service Contributions 383 586 State Support Package Funding 710 756 Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements - 11,377 Natural Disaster Mitigation Studies Program 686 2,092 Emergency Mitigation and Research Grants 914 397 Indian Ocean Territories Funding 320 41

$3,013 $15,249

15. OTHER GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

(i) Non-Reciprocal Contributed Assets

Assets received under the Emergency Services Levy Capital Grants Scheme that are either refurbished and recommissioned or disposed off. 1,355 742

Assets received under memorandums of understanding for the formation of emergency service units and brigades are capitalised as assets. 255 939

1,610 1,681

(ii) Other grants, sponsorships and subsidies

Received for various programs promoted by the Authority and the recovery of the diesel fuel rebate under the Energy Grants Credit Scheme. 159 509

159 509

$1,769 $2,190

16. INTEREST REVENUE

Interest from investments 3,676 1,932 Interest from Emergency Services Levy 185 200

$3,861 $2,132

17. OTHER REVENUE

Employee and volunteer cost recovery 1,431 1,137 Insurance sources - 306 Sponsorship and donations 501 18 General 1,169 1,485

$3,101 $2,946

184 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 18. INCOME FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

(i) Appropriation received during the year:

Service Appropriation (a) 44,301 38,320

44,301 38,320

(ii) Resources received free of charge (b)

Resources received free of charge are determined on the basis of estimates provided by agencies.

Department of Land Administration 888 1,153

$45,189 $39,473

(a) Service appropriations are accrual amounts reflecting the net cost of services delivered. The appropriation revenue comprises a cash component and a receivable (asset). The receivable (holding account) comprises the depreciation expense for the year and any agreed increase in leave liability during the year. (b) Where assets or services have been received free of charge or for nominal cost, the Authority recognises revenues (except where the contributions of assets or services are in the nature of contributions by owners in which case the Authority shall make a direct adjustment to equity) equivalent to the fair value of the assets and/or the fair value of those services that can be reliably determined and which would have been purchased if not donated, and those fair values shall be recognised as assets or expenses, as applicable.

19. RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank 1,317 6,684 Cash deposits 31 25 Cash investments 70,744 44,683 Cash on hand and advances 73 41

$72,165 $51,433

Cash held by the Authority is to be used only for the purpose of providing services in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia Act 1998.

20. INVENTORIES

Inventories held for consumption 1,200 1,085 Inventories held for distribution 4,446 3,154

$5,646 $4,239 See also note 2.16 ‘Inventories’.

21. RECEIVABLES

Current receivables 5,047 3,620 Allowance for impairment of receivables (3,286) (3,002) Interest receivable 432 64 Goods and services tax receivable 701 682

$2,894 $1,364 See also note 2.14 ‘Receivables’ and note 2.10 ‘Financial Instruments’.

22. AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE FOR SERVICES

Current 1,675 3,894

$1,675 $3,894

23. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Prepaid expenditure 1,051 431

$1,051 $431

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 185 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 24. RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash investments 500 -

$500 -

25. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Land

At fair value 32,430 33,714

32,430 33,714

Buildings

At fair value 66,917 63,019 Accumulated depreciation (13,580) (11,449)

53,337 51,570

Motor Vehicles

At cost 51,335 46,433 Accumulated depreciation (22,463) (19,576)

28,872 26,857

Plant and Equipment

At cost 16,426 17,287 Accumulated depreciation (8,727) (9,565)

7,699 7,722

Artwork

At cost 160 160

160 160 Capital Works In Progress

Appliances (Owned) 6,259 6,398 Land & Buildings 3,950 3,635 Plant and equipment 1,478 1,446

11,687 11,479

$134,185 $131,502

186 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

25. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Reconciliation of the carrying amounts of property, plant, equipment and vehicles at the beginning and end of the reporting period are set out below.

Net Book Values as at 30 June 2006

Non-Current Asset Balance as Revaluations Disposals Balance as By Class at and and at 30/06/2005 Additions Capitalised 30/06/2006 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land - at fair value 33,714 183 (1,467) 32,430 Written Down Value 33,714 183 (1,467) 32,430 Buildings - at fair value 63,019 5,102 (1,204) 66,917 Accumulated Depreciation (11,449) (2,453) 322 (13,580) Written Down Value 51,570 2,649 (882) 53,337 Motor Vehicles - at cost 46,433 6,087 (1,185) 51,335 Accumulated Depreciation (19,576) (3,816) 929 (22,463) Written Down Value 26,857 2,271 (256) 28,872 Plant and Equipment - at cost 17,287 1,919 (2,780) 16,426 Accumulated Depreciation (9,565) (1,929) 2,767 (8,727) Written Down Value 7,722 (10) (13) 7,699 Artwork - at cost 160 - - 160 Written Down Value 160 - - 160 Capital Works in Progress - at cost - Appliances (Owned) 6,398 5,756 (5,895) 6,259 - Land & Buildings 3,635 4,541 (4,226) 3,950 - Plant & Equipment 1,446 163 (131) 1,478 Written Down Value 11,479 10,460 (10,252) 11,687 Total Written Down Value 131,502 15,553 (12,870) 134,185

Net Book Values as at 30 June 2005

Non-Current Asset Balance as Revaluations Disposals Balance as By Class at and and at 30/06/2004 Additions Capitalised 30/06/2005 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Land - at fair value 30,258 3,496 (40) 33,714 Written Down Value 30,258 3,496 (40) 33,714 Buildings - at fair value 56,653 6,990 (624) 63,019 Accumulated Depreciation (9,436) (2,144) 131 (11,449) Written Down Value 47,217 4,846 (493) 51,570 Motor Vehicles - at cost 40,674 6,662 (903) 46,433 Accumulated Depreciation (16,295) (3,874) 593 (19,576) Written Down Value 24,379 2,788 (310) 26,857 Plant and Equipment - at cost 15,387 2,029 (129) 17,287 Accumulated Depreciation (7,750) (2,080) 265 (9,565) Written Down Value 7,637 (51) 136 7,722 Artwork - at cost 160 - - 160 Written Down Value 160 - - 160 Capital Works in Progress - at cost - Appliances (Owned) 5,959 6,121 (5,682) 6,398 - Buildings 511 9,218 (6,094) 3,635 - Plant & Equipment 317 1,364 (235) 1,446 Written Down Value 6,787 16,703 (12,011) 11,479 Total Written Down Value 116,438 27,782 (12,718) 131,502

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 187 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 26. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Computer Software

At cost 1,589 1,520 Accumulated amortisation (1,428) (1,304) Accumulated impairment losses - -

161 216

Trademarks

At cost 22 21 Accumulated amortisation - - Accumulated impairment losses - -

22 21

$183 $237

Reconciliation:

Computer Software

Carrying amount at start of year 216 249 Additions 69 - Disposals - (15) Amortisation expense (124) (18)

Carrying amount at the end of year 161 216

Trademarks

Carrying amount at start of year 21 21 Additions 1 - Disposals - - Amortisation expense - -

Carrying amount at the end of year 22 21

27. IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS

There were no indications of impairment to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets at 30 June 2006.

28. PAYABLES

Trade payables 2,521 2,076 Interest payable 535 625 Goods and services tax payable 156 56

$3,212 $2,757 See also note 2.17 ‘Payables’ and note 41 ‘Financial Instruments’.

29. BORROWINGS

At the reporting date, the Authority has the following obligations under loans from Western Australia Treasury Corporation:

Classified as:

Current liabilities 2,050 2,030 Non-current liabilities 32,865 40,687

$34,915 $42,717

188 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 30. PROVISIONS

The settlement of annual and long service leave entitlements give rise to the payment of on-costs including superannuation. The liability for such on-costs is included here.

(a) Current employee benefits

Annual leave 2,796 2,205 Long service leave (a) 3,129 2,394 Employment on-costs (b) 900 645

$6,825 $5,244

(b) Non-Current employee benefits

Long service leave (a) 7,140 7,137 Employment on-costs (b) 1,007 1,002

$8,147 $8,139

(a) Long service leave liabilities have been classified as current where there is no unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after reporting date. Assessments indicate that actual settlement of the liabilities will occur as follows:

Within 12 months of reporting date 3,501 2,7340 More than 12 months after reporting date 6,768 6,797

$10,269 $9,531

(b) The settlement of annual and long service leave liabilities gives rise to the payment of employment on-costs including workers’ compensation insurance. The provision is the present value of expected future payments. The associated expenses are included in note 3 ‘Employee benefits expense’ and note 11 ‘Other expenses’.

Movement in Other Provisions

Movements in each class of provisions during the financial year, other than employee benefits, are set out below.

Employment on-cost provision

Carrying amount at start of year 1,002 - Additional provisions recognised 1,007 1,002 Payments/other sacrifices of economic benefits (1,002) -

Carrying amount at the end of year 1,007 1,002

31. OTHER LIABILITIES

Accrued salaries 937 - Accrued expenditure 5,795 1,689 Unearned revenue 535 - Unclaimed monies 1 15

$7,268 $1,704

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 189 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 32. EQUITY

Equity represents the residual interest in the net assets of the Authority. The Government holds the equity interest in the Authority on behalf of the community. The asset revaluation reserve represents that portion of equity resulting from the revaluation of non-current assets.

(a) Contributed Equity

Opening Balance 51,882 75,268

Equity contributions received 6,447 1,382 Distribution to owners (a) (1,020) (685) Equity contributions reclassed to replacement reserve - (23,929) Equity contributions reclassed to retained earnings 804 (154)

Closing Balance $58,113 $51,882 (a) Distribution to owners relates to transfer of Crown Land to DPI.

(b) Reserves

(i) Replacement Reserves

The replacement reserve is used to record increments and decrements for specific purchase programmes, as described in accounting policy note 2.9

Opening balance 54,581 20,639

Replacement reserve reclassed from equity - 23,929 Net Transfer from Surplus 15,500 10,013

Closing Balance 70,081 54,581

(ii) Asset Revaluation Reserve

The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets, as described in accounting policy note 2.4

Opening balance 15,011 15,011

Net revaluation increments - - Motor vehicle - - Land - - Building - -

Closing Balance 15,011 15,011 Total Reserves $85,092 $69,592

(c) Accumulated Surplus/(Deficit)

Opening Balance 11,065 53

Equity contributions reclassed from retained earnings (804) 154 Income and expense recognised directly to equity 4,466 10,858

Closing Balance $14,727 $11,065

33. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(a) Reconciliation of Cash

Cash at the end of the financial year as shown in the Cash Flow Statement is reconciled to the related items in the Balance Sheet as follows:

Cash at bank 1,317 6,684 Cash deposits 31 25 Cash investments 71,244 44,683 Cash on hand and advances 73 41

$72,665 $51,433

190 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 33. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT (continued)

(b) Reconciliation of net cost of services to net cash flows provided by/ (used in) operating activities

Net Cost of Service (25,223) (18,602)

Plus/(minus) non-cash items:

Depreciation and amortisation expense 8,322 8,116 Doubtful debts expense 284 1,241 Gain/loss from sale of non-current assets (1,719) 302 Resources received free of charge 888 1,153

7,775 10,812

(Increase)/Decrease in assets:

Receivables and other assets (1,814) 742 Inventories (1,407) 122 Non-current assets (620) (1,484)

Increase/(Decrease) in liabilities:

Payables and other liabilities 6,019 912 Provisions 1,589 (187)

3,767 105

Net cash used in Operating Activities ($13,681) ($7,685)

34. COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

(a) Lease Commitments

At the reporting date, the Authority had the following obligations, not recognised as liabilities, under non- cancellable operating leases:

Motor vehicles 1,442 1,228 Property 976 1,298 Plant and equipment 4 57

$2,422 $2,583

Commitments in relation to leases contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, are payable as follows:

Within one year 1,530 1,500 Later than one year and no later than five years 879 1,064 Later than five years 13 19

$2,422 $2,583

(b) Capital Expenditure Commitments

Capital expenditure commitments, being contracted capital expenditure additional to the amounts reported in the financial statements are due and payable.

Buildings 563 - Motor vehicles 2,001 2,090 Plant and equipment 13,856 678 $16,420 $2,768

Commitments in relation to capital expenditure at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, are payable as follows:

Within one year 2,271 2,197 Later than one year and no later than five years 14,149 571

$16,420 $2,768

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 191 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000

35. REMUNERATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ACCOUNTABLE AUTHORITY AND SENIOR OFFICERS

(a) Remuneration of Members of the Accountable Authority

The number of members of the Accountable Authority, whose total of fees, salaries, superannuation, non-monetary benefits and other benefits for the financial year, fall within the following bands are:

$ $ 30/06/06 30/06/05 1 - 10,000 13 7 10,001 - 20,000 2 3 30,001 - 40,000 1 1 180,000 - 190,000 - - 200,001 - 300,000 1 - 300,001 - 310,000 - 1 17 12

Total fees, salaries, superannuation and other benefits received or due and receivable for the period by members of the Accountable Authority. 354 409

Total Remuneration for members of the Accountable Authority $354 $409

The total remuneration includes the superannuation expense incurred by the Authority in respect of members of the Accountable Authority. No members of the Authority are members of the Pension Scheme.

(b) Remuneration of Senior Officers

The number of Senior Officers other than members of the Accountable Authority whose total of fees, salaries, superannuation and other benefits received or due and receivable for the period falls within the following bands:

$ $ 30/06/06 30/06/05

0 - 10,000 4 - 10,001 - 20,000 1 - 20,001 - 30,000 2 - 30,001 - 40,000 2 - 40,001 - 50,000 1 - 50,001 - 60,000 - - 60,001 - 70,000 - - 70,001 - 80,000 1 - 80,001 - 90,000 1 - 90,001 - 100,000 3 3 100,001 - 110,000 5 5 110,001 - 120,000 2 4 120,001 - 130,000 4 8 130,001 - 140,000 - 1 140,001 - 150,000 1 1 150,001 - 160,000 1 - 190,001 - 200,000 - 1 320,001 - 330,000 - 1 28 24

Total fees, salaries, superannuation and other benefits received or due and receivable for the period by Senior Officers other than members of the Accountable Authority. 2,205 3,083

Total Remuneration of Senior Officers $2,205 $3,083

The total remuneration includes the superannuation expense incurred by the Authority in respect of senior officers of the Accountable Authority. No senior officers are members of the Pension Scheme.

36. REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR

Remuneration payable to the Office of the Auditor General for the financial year is as follows:

Audit of accounts, financial statements and performance indicators 80 53

$80 $53

192 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

2006 2005 $000 $000 37. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Write-Offs

Bad Debts - 9 Non-current assets - 54 Inventory - 44

- $107

38. RELATED AND AFFILIATED BODIES

a) Non-Government Affiliated Bodies

The following are classified as non-government affiliated bodies and receive indirect and/or direct financial assistance.

Direct financial assistance is given in the form of a grant. Indirect financial assistance is also given in the form of administrative support including the use of a motor vehicle and running costs, office accommodation and minor administrative support.

Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades WA Inc 28 28 Emergency Services Volunteer Association Inc - 15 SES Volunteer Association of WA Inc 25 28 Volunteer Marine Rescue WA 65 30 Western Australian Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services Association 257 248

$375 $349

b) Related Bodies

The Authority has no related bodies at the reporting date.

39. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER BALANCE DATE

The Authority is not aware of any event or events occurring after the reporting date, which would materially, effect the operating results as disclosed in the financial statements during the current or future reporting periods.

40. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND CONTINGENT ASSETS

In addition to the liabilities included in the financial statements the Authority is aware of 1 potential claim with an estimated value of $2,000,000.00. This claim relates to the overpayment of Fire Levy Contributions. There are also 2 potential claims that are too early to estimate.

41. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(a) Financial Risk Management Objectives and Policies

Financial instruments held by the Authority are cash and cash equivalents, loans, finance leases, receivables and payables. The Authority has limited exposure to financial risks. The Authority’s overall risk management program focuses on managing the risks identified below.

Credit risk

The Authority trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties. The Authority has policies in place to ensure that sales and services are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Authority’s exposure to bad debts is minimal. There are no significant concentrations of credit risk.

Liquidity risk

The Authority has appropriate procedures to manage cash flows including draw downs of appropriations by monitoring forecast cash flows to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet its commitments.

Cash flow interest rate risk

The Authority’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relate primarily to the long-term debt obligations. The authority’s borrowings are all obtained through the Western Australian Treasury Corporation (WATC) and are at fixed rates with varying maturities. The risk is managed by WATC through portfolio diversification and variation in maturity dates.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 193 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

41. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

(b) Financial Instrument disclosures

Financial instrument information for the year ended 2005 has been prepared under the previous AGAAP Australian Accounting Standard AAS 33 ‘Presentation and Disclosure of Financial Instruments’. Financial instrument information from 1 July 2005 has been prepared under AASB 132 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ and AASB 139 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. See also note 2.21 ‘Comparative figures’.

Interest Rate Risk Exposure

The following tables detail the Authority’s exposure to interest rate risk at the reporting date:

Fixed interest rate maturity Weighted Variable Less 1 to 5 More Non Total average interest than years than interest INTEREST RATE RISK effective rate 1 year 5 years bearing As at 30 June 2006 interest rate $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 %

FINANCIAL ASSETS Cash at bank 5.17 1,317 - - - - 1,317 Cash on hand - - - - - 73 73 Cash deposits - - - - - 31 31 Term Investments 5.67 - 70,744 - 500 - 71,244 Receivables - - - - - 4,569 4,569 Total financial assets 5.42 1,317 70,744 - 500 4,673 77,234

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES Payables - - - - - 3,212 3,212 Interest-bearing Liabilities 6.11 - 2,050 8,360 24,505 - 34,915 Total financial liabilities 6.11 - 2,050 8,360 24,505 3,212 38,127

Fixed interest rate maturity Weighted Variable Less 1 to 5 More Non Total average interest than years than interest INTEREST RATE RISK effective rate 1 year 5 years bearing As at 30 June 2005 interest rate $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 %

FINANCIAL ASSETS Cash at bank 4.99 6,684 - - - - 6,684 Cash on hand - - - - - 41 41 Cash deposits - - - - - 25 25 Term Investments 5.49 - 44,683 - - - 44,683 Receivables - - - - - 5,258 5,258 Total financial assets 5.24 6,684 44,683 - - 5,324 56,691

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES Payables - - - - - 2,757 2,757 Interest-bearing Liabilities 5.82 - 2,030 8,784 31,903 - 42,717 Total financial liabilities 5.82 - 2,030 8,784 31,903 2,757 45,474

Fair Values

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the financial statements are not materially different from their net fair values.

194 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

42. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

(a) Significant variances between actual results for 2005 and 2006

Details and reasons for significant variations between the total actual results with the corresponding results of the preceding year are detailed below. Significant variations are considered to be those greater than 10% and $2,000,000.

2006 2005 ACTUAL COMPARISON Actual Actual Variance Variance $’000 $’000 $’000 %

Expenses Supplies and services 43,076 39,151 3,925 10.03

Income Regulatory fees and fines 139,040 126,237 12,803 10.14 Commonwealth grants and contributions 3,013 15,249 (12,236) (80.24)

Income from State Government Service appropriations 44,301 38,320 5,981 15.61

Expenses

The increase in supplies and services is due to operational control expenditure recouped via supplementary funding.

Income

The increase in revenue from regulatory fees and fines is due to normal service cost escalation, funded from the Emergency Services Levy. The decrease in commonwealth grants and contributions is due to no major claim for natural disaster administration for the financial year.

Income from State Government

The increase in service appropriations is due to supplementary funding for operational control expenditure.

(b) Significant variances between estimated and actual result for the 2006

Details and reasons for significant variations between the total actual results with the annual estimates are detailed below. Significant variations are considered to be those greater than 10% and $2,000,000.

2006 2006 Variance Variance ACTUAL V ESTIMATES Actual Estimates $’000 % $’000 $’000

Expenses Supplies and services 43,076 52,004 (8,928) (17.17) Accommodation expense 4,771 2,182 2,589 118.65 Grants and subsidies 28,042 20,486 7,556 36.88

Income from State Government Service appropriations 44,301 33,237 11,064 33.29

Expenses

The supplies and services variance is due to reclassification of accounts under IFRS. Estimates need to move to employee benefits expense and accommodation expenses.

The accommodation expenses variance is due to the reclassification of accounts under IFRS which was budgeted for in supplies and services.

Grants and subsidies have increased due to grant payments made under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements and Natural Disaster Mitigation Programme and grants disbursed under the Emergency Services Levy to Local Governments that were not expended in the previous financial year.

Income from State Government

The increase in service appropriations is due to supplementary funding for operational control expenditure.

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 195 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

43. INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORIES

The funds provided by the Department of Transport and Regional Services have been spent on provision of services to the Indian Ocean Territories as specified in the Service Delivery Arrangements entered into between the State and Commonwealth.

Opening Balance 106,054 253,922 Total Receipts 339,926 56,627 Total Expenditure (386,229) (204,495)

Closing Balance $59,751 $106,054

44. SCHEDULE OF INCOME AND EXPENSES BY SERVICE

As at 30 June 2006 As at 30 June 2005 COST OF SERVICES Prevention Emergency Total Prevention Emergency Total Services Services $’000 Services Services $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Expenses Employee benefits expense 14,981 77,002 91,983 13,413 68,940 82,353 Supplies and services 2,524 40,552 43,076 2,294 36,857 39,151 Depreciation and amortisation expense 227 8,095 8,322 221 7,895 8,116 Finance costs 43 2,465 2,508 46 2,666 2,712 Accommodation expense 326 4,445 4,771 314 4,275 4,589 Grants and subsidies 99 27,943 28,042 105 29,660 29,765 Capital user charge 302 2,736 3,038 303 2,745 3,048 Loss on disposal of non-current assets 8 251 259 18 573 591 Other expense 14 316 330 54 1,231 1,285

Total Cost of Services 18,524 163,805 182,329 16,768 154,842 171,610

Income Regulatory fees and fines 13,796 125,244 139,040 12,526 113,711 126,237 User charges and fees 431 3,913 4,344 393 3,572 3,965 Commonwealth grants & contributions 299 2,714 3,013 1,513 13,736 15,249 Other grants and contributions 175 1,594 1,769 217 1,973 2,190 Interest revenue 384 3,477 3,861 212 1,920 2,132 Gain on disposal of non-current assets 198 1,780 1,978 29 260 289 Other revenue 307 2,794 3,101 292 2,654 2,946

Total Income other than income from State Government 15,590 141,516 157,106 15,182 137,826 153,008

NET COST OF SERVICES 2,934 22,289 25,223 1,586 17,016 18,602

Income from State Government Services Appropriation & Contributions 4,395 39,906 44,301 3,802 34,518 38,320 Resources received free of charge 88 800 888 114 1,039 1,153

Total Income from State Government 4,483 40,706 45,189 3,916 35,557 39,473

Surplus for the period $1,549 $18,417 $19,966 $2,330 $18,541 $20,871

196 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

45. RECONCILIATION EXPLAINING THE TRANSITION TO AUSTRALIAN EQUIVALENTS TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (AIFRS)

(i) Reconciliation of Equity at the Date of Transition to AIFRS 1 July 2004

GAAP AIFRS 2004 Reclassification 2004 $’000 $’000 $’000

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

Restricted cash and cash equivalents 39,235 - 39,235 AASB 102 Note 6 Inventories 1,207 3,304 4,511 AASB 101 Note 5 Receivables 3,802 (2,528) 1,274 Amounts receivable for services 5,959 - 5,959 Other current assets - 2,528 2,528

Total Current Assets 50,203 3,304 53,507

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

AASB 102 Note 6, 7 Property, plant and equipment 120,012 (3,574) 116,438 AASB 138 Note 7 Intangible assets - 270 270

Total Non-Current Assets 120,012 (3,304) 116,708

TOTAL ASSETS 170,215 - 170,215

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

AASB 101 Note 8 Payables 3,548 (1,474) 2,074 Borrowings 2,112 - 2,112 Provisions 5,129 - 5,129 AASB 101 Note 8 Other current liabilities - 1,474 1,474

Total Current Liabilities 10,789 - 10,789

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Borrowings 40,013 - 40,013 Provisions 8,442 - 8,442

Total Non-Current Liabilities 48,455 - 48,455

TOTAL LIABILITIES 59,244 - 59,244

NET ASSETS $110,971 - $110,971

EQUITY

AASB 101 Note 9 Contributed equity 75,268 (23,928) 51,340 AASB 101 Note 9 Reserves 35,650 23,928 59,578 Accumulated surplus/(deficit) 53 - 53

TOTAL EQUITY $110,971 - $110,971

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 197 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

45. RECONCILIATION EXPLAINING THE TRANSITION TO AUSTRALIAN EQUIVALENTS TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (AIFRS) (Continued)

(ii) Reconciliation of Income Statement (Profit or Loss) for the Year Ended 30 June 2005

GAAP AIFRS 2005 Reclassification 2005 $’000 $’000 $’000

COST OF SERVICES

Expenses

AASB 101 Note 1 Employee benefits expense 84,927 (2,574) 82,353 AASB 101 Note 1, 2 Supplies and services 41,215 (2,064) 39,151 Depreciation and amortisation expense 8,116 - 8,116 Finance costs 2,712 - 2,712 AASB 101 Note 2 Accommodation expense - 4,589 4,589 Grants and subsidies 29,765 - 29,765 Capital user charge 3,048 - 3,048 AASB 116 Note 3 Loss on disposal of non-current assets 701 (110) 591 AASB 119 Note 4 Other expense 1,236 49 1,285

Total Cost of Services 171,720 (110) 171,610

Income

AASB 101 Note 4 Regulatory fees and fines 126,789 (552) 126,237 AASB 101 Note 4 User charges and fees 5,102 (1,137) 3,965 Commonwealth grants and contributions 15,249 - 15,249 Other grants and contributions 2,190 - 2,190 AASB 101 Note 4 Interest Revenue 1,933 199 2,132 AASB 116 Note 3 Gain on disposal of non-current assets 399 (110) 289 AASB 101 Note 4 Other revenue 1,456 1,490 2,946

Total Income 153,118 (110) 153,008

NET COST OF SERVICES 18,602 - 18,602

INCOME FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Service appropriations 38,320 - 38,320 Resources received free of charge 1,153 - 1,153

Total Income from State Government 39,473 - 39,473

SURPLUS FOR THE PERIOD 20,871 - 20,871

REPLACEMENT RESERVES

Net Transfer to Reserves

Net transfer to reserves 10,013 - 10,013

Total Transfer to Reserves 10,013 - 10,013

TOTAL CHANGE IN EQUITY 10,858 - 10,858

198 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

45. RECONCILIATION EXPLAINING THE TRANSITION TO AUSTRALIAN EQUIVALENTS TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (AIFRS) (Continued)

(iii) Reconciliation of Equity at the end of the Last Reporting Period Under Previous AGAAP: 30 June 2005 GAAP AIFRS 2005 Reclassification 2005 $’000 $’000 $’000

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS

AASB 101 Note 5 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 51,407 26 51,433 AASB 102 Note 6 Inventories 1,085 3,154 4,239 AASB 101 Note 5 Receivables 1,389 (25) 1,364 Amounts receivable for services 3,894 - 3,894 Other current assets 431 - 431

Total Current Assets 58,206 3,155 61,361

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

AASB 102 Note 6, 7 Property, plant and equipment 134,894 (3,392) 131,502 AASB 138 Note 7 Intangible assets - 237 237

Total Non-Current Assets 134,894 (3,155) 131,739

TOTAL ASSETS 193,100 - 193,100

LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

AASB 101 Note 8 Payables 2,233 524 2,757 Borrowings 2,030 - 2,030 Provisions 5,244 - 5,244 AASB 101 Note 8 Other current liabilities 2,228 (524) 1,704

Total Current Liabilities 11,735 - 11,735

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Borrowings 40,687 - 40,687 Provisions 8,139 - 8,139

Total Non-Current Liabilities 48,826 - 48,826

TOTAL LIABILITIES 60,561 - 60,561

NET ASSETS $132,539 - $132,539

EQUITY

Contributed equity 51,882 - 51,882 Reserves 69,592 - 69,592 Accumulated surplus/(deficit) 11,065 - 11,065

TOTAL EQUITY $132,539 - $132,539

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 199 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

45. RECONCILIATION EXPLAINING THE TRANSITION TO AUSTRALIAN EQUIVALENTS TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (AIFRS) (Continued)

(iv) Reconciliation of Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2005

GAAP AIFRS 2005 Reclassification 2005 $’000 $’000 $’000

CASH FLOWS FROM STATE GOVERNMENT

Service appropriations 36,025 - 36,025 Capital contributions 1,382 - 1,382 Holding account drawdown 4,360 - 4,360

Net Cash provided by State Government 41,767 - 41,767

Utilised as follows:

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Payments Employee benefits (83,665) - (83,665) AASB 101 Note 2 Supplies and services (47,814) 4,849 (42,965) AASB 101 Note 4 Finance costs (2,765) 42 (2,723) AASB 101 Note 2 Accommodation - (4,589) (4,589) Grants and subsidies (29,765) - (29,765) Capital user charge (3,048) - (3,048) AASB 101 Note 4 GST payments on purchases - (8,487) (8,487)

Receipts Regulatory fees and fines 125,560 - 125,560 User charges and fees 5,655 - 5,655 Grants and subsidies 16,500 - 16,500 Interest received 2,015 - 2,015 AASB 101 Note 4 GST receipts on sales - 1,297 1,297 AASB 101 Note 4 GST receipts from taxation authority - 6,888 6,888 Other receipts 9,642 - 9,642

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Operating Activities (7,685) - (7,685)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from sale of non-current physical assets 399 - 399 Purchase of non-current physical assets (22,216) - (22,216)

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Investing Activities (21,817) - (21,817)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from borrowings 9,630 - 9,630 Repayments of borrowings (9,038) - (9,038) Distribution of equity to insurance companies (685) - (685)

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Financing Activities (93) - (93)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 12,172 - 12,172

AASB 101 Note 5 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 39,235 26 39,261

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $51,407 26 $51,433

200 FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2006

45. RECONCILIATION EXPLAINING THE TRANSITION TO AUSTRALIAN EQUIVALENTS TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (AIFRS) (Continued)

(v) Notes to the reconciliations

1. Travel expenses have been reclassified from employee expenses to supplies and services.

2. Accommodation expenses have been reclassified from supplies and services to the new AIFRS categories accommodation expenses.

3. Disposals are treated on the net basis under AIFRS.

4. Reclassification of income and expenses to more appropriate groups.

5. Property rental bonds have been reclassified from receivables to restricted cash and cash equivalents including a rounding adjustment.

6. AASB 102 requires inventories held for consumption to be recognised at net realisable value. Inventories comprising vehicle spare parts, consumables and supplies are valued using the average cost method and are brought to account at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Recognition is as per disclosure under GAAP.

AASB 102 requires inventories held for distribution at no or nominal consideration to be measured at the lower of cost and current replacement costs. ESL Fire Fighting and Emergency vehicles previously categorised under Capital Works In progress have been recategorised as inventories held for distribution for IFRS purposes. Vehicles being constructed under this program are currently valued at cost and are distributed to Local Governments free of charge under "non- reciprocal contribution" arrangements. Recognition of this category for IFRS purposes is at cost as there is no difference between the cost and current replacement cost.

ESL emergency vehicles have been reclassified from property, plant and equipment to inventories held for distribution

7. There has been a change in terms of grouping of individual classes of assets previously disclosed under one heading from AGAAP to IFRS. There has been a reduction in Works under Construction with the reclassification of "ESL Fire Fighting and Emergency Vehicles" from Non-Current Assets as it does not fit within AASB 116 and has been reclassed to Current Assets for the purposes of AASB 102(Aus 9.1) as these items are constructed and held for distribution to Local Governments under the provisions of the Emergency Services Levy Capital Grant Scheme.

Intellectual property has been reclassed to intangible assets in the following note and excluded from property, plant and equipment as per AASB 138.

Software and trademarks have been reclassified from property, plant and equipment to intangible assets

8. Interest payable has been reclassified from other liabilities to payables

9. Reclassification of equity to reserves

FESA ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 201