Multiple agencies run bushfire exercise in Aireys

September 22, 2024 BY James Taylor

Wednesday's exercise focused on the relief and recovery needs of the local community. Photos: SUPPLIED RIGHT: Emergency agencies came together in Aireys Inlet to run the training exercise.

MULTIPLE emergency agencies came together in Aireys Inlet on Wednesday this week to run a training exercise ahead of bushfire season.

The exercise, involving both professionals and volunteers, replicated a bushfire on a catastrophic fire day, where up to 60,000 people would be affected by road closures and the need to seek shelter in their immediate area.

This focused on the relief and recovery needs of the local community, as an earlier exercise was held in October 2023 to consider immediate response needs.

Representatives attended from Fire Rescue Victoria, Country Fire Association, Victoria Police, SES, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Ambulance Victoria, Department of Transport and Planning, Agriculture Victoria, Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), and the Surf Coast Shire and Colac Otway Shire councils, among others.

Emergency agencies came together in Aireys Inlet to run the training exercise.

Emergencies agencies are advising people not only in the Geelong region but also across Victoria to take steps to get ready for the high-risk weather season.

They advise downloading the VicEmergency app, making or review your fire plan, and start preparing your property now.

“Today’s exercise at Aireys Inlet is just one example of emergency services working together as one in preparation for the high-risk weather season,” ERV regional recovery director Angela Carey said.

“At Emergency Recovery Victoria, we undertake these exercises with our emergency management partners to remain well prepared to support communities impacted by future disasters.”

Participants tackled a scenario replicating a bushfire on a catastrophic fire day affecting up to 60,000 people.

“We encourage the community to begin to start planning for the high-risk weather season – have a fire plan in place and know what to do in an emergency.”

Originally established in 2020 as Bushfire Recovery Victoria, ERV is the permanent and dedicated agency that leads state and regional recovery co-ordination, and state relief, on behalf of the Victorian government.

For more information on what to do ahead of bushfire season, head to cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property