Councils have a variety of emergency management responsibilities, from prevention through to emergency response and recovery, as well as building the resilience of communities to respond to emergencies. Roles include:

• Emergency management plans for the municipality, in partnership with other emergency services agencies
• Undertaking fire prevention activities including issuing fire prevention notices and working with fire agencies to reduce fire risks
• Planning overlay controls to address risks to properties such as fire and flood
• Operating relief and recovery centres during/after an emergency
• Coordinating emergency shelter for displaced people and animals
• Assessing occupancy of damaged buildings, safety of sites after an emergency, and overseeing rebuilding (permits/inspections).

The MAV has developed an Emergency management guide for mayors and councillors (PDF - 329KB). It provides basic information about the role of councils in emergency management and advice on how mayors and councillors can engage with council officers, the emergency management sector and community before, during and after emergencies.

Learn more about

• A list of council responsibilities can be found in Roles and Responsibilities section of the State Emergency Management Plan