Council had proposed to develop its own response plan, but last month said a region wide Adverse Events Plan template that could then be altered to suit individual councils would be the best way forward.
The proposal will be put to the next meeting of the joint organisation, which represents 11 councils across the region, including Berrigan and Murumbidgee.
“The council is waiting on a response to its request for RAMJO to develop the plan,” corporate services director Matt Hansen said.
“If RAMJO agrees, the council’s proposal is to develop a holistic plan for the region and use that regional plan to tailor the plan to local circumstances.
“The council considers that most RAMJO councils have reasonably similar natural, social and economic circumstances that would facilitate the development of a regional plan.”
The plan is intended to develop strategies that build community capacity and resilience both during a “stress” event and following a “shock” event.
It will complement the Emergency Management Plan already in place for the shire which provides advice and direction in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
“It (the adverse events plan) isn’t about evacuating people and restoring services, it is about helping prevent, mitigate and recover as a community from events like drought, fire and flood so that the community can survive, adapt, and grow.
“It is more a social plan than an emergency plan – how to bring the community together, how to bring tourists back, how to access social support, etcetera.
“Ideally, the plan will identify areas where the council and the community can work together to improve community leadership and resilience.
“These can then be incorporated into council’s operational plans and then into its day to day activities.”
Council is seeking funding through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program to assist with the development of the plan.