Residents shape plans for emergencies

ONE Golden Plains community found itself feeling more confident in preparing for emergencies after planning sessions throughout the shire.

The workshops were conducted in Rokewood, Maude and Linton from March to this month.

In Linton, residents learnt key tips for managing emergency situations for their households as well as devising a community-wide approach.

Gillian Fraser, vice-president of the Linton and District Progress Association, said those who attended worked through the process of developing an emergency plan specifically for the town.

The Skipton bushfire on 9 January affected many residents within the township.

“We began by identifying the main risks our town faces, including grass and bushfire, power outages, severe storms, and periods of extreme heat or cold and then turned those discussions into practical short, medium and long-term actions,” she said.

“It was also encouraging to learn that funding opportunities exist to help turn those ideas into reality.”

She said an initial emergency plan was developed.

“However, it is important to recognise that this will be a living document that continues to evolve as new ideas emerge and community needs change,” she said.

From the plan, one outcome was for an emergency planning group to be established.

Other ideas included upgrading the town’s community hub, exploring establishing another refuge at the recreation reserve, applying for funding for training and understanding ways to communicate and gather emergency information.

Fraser said the workshops that specialists conducted provided a collaborative approach residents appreciated.

“I think the community can feel more confident knowing that emergency planning is now something local people are actively involved in shaping,” she said.

“There is now a pathway for residents to contribute ideas and for those ideas to be turned into practical improvements with the support of funding.

“Most importantly, the process strengthens the sense of care and connection that already exists in Linton.”

The plans are set to be released by Golden Plains Shire Council.

Maude will host its Community Emergency Management Planning (CEMP) workshop on Saturday 2 May from 10am to 4pm at the town’s CFA station.

To register, email [email protected]