COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN (COMDISPLAN) · PDF fileCOMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT...

COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTDISASTER RESPONSE PLAN

(COMDISPLAN)

DECEMBER 1997

Issued by Direction of theDirector General Emergency Management Australia

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page i

CONTENTS

Subject Page

CONTENTS i.

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS ii

AUTHORITY iii

DISTRIBUTION LIST iv

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT vii

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS viii

COMDISPLANIntroduction 1Aim 1Scope 1Execution

Outline 3Activation of COMDISPLAN 4Authority to Request 5Authorisation 5Provision of Commonwealth Resources 5Emergency Management Liaison Officers (EMLOs) 6Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force (CCDTF) 6Pre-positioning of Commonwealth Resources 6Offers of Assistance 6Offers of Assistance from Overseas 7Requests for Overseas Assistance 7National Registration and Inquiry System 7

FinanceFinancial Aspects of COMDISPLAN 7Commonwealth Financial Assistance 7

CommunicationsGeneral Principles 8Media 8

Review and TrainingReview 8Training 8

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page ii

ANNEXES:

A. Provision of Commonwealth Physical AssistanceB. Commonwealth Advisory, Analysis and Liaison ServicesC. State and Territory Authorities Authorised to Request Commonwealth Physical

Assistance through Emergency Management AustraliaD. National Coordination of Offers of AssistanceE. National Registration and Inquiry System - Function, Operational Responsibilities

and Activation Procedures

PLANNING INFORMATION (Provided as Attachments)

1. Planning Information for Marine and Aviation Search and Rescue, MarinePollution, Communicable Disease Outbreaks, Management of Human Quarantine,Animal Disease, and Terrorist Incidents.

2 Additional Planning Information - Civil Defence3. Additional Planning Information - Cyclones4. Additional Planning Information - Earthquakes and Tsunamis5. Additional Planning Information - Inter-state Evacuation of Persons6. Additional Planning Information - Re-entry of Space Debris7. Additional Planning Information - Radiological Accidents/Incidents8. Additional Planning Information - Chemical Warfare Agent Incidents

ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

Australian Contingency Plan for Space Re-entry Debris (AUSCONPLAN SPRED)Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN)Civil Defence Policy for AustraliaCommonwealth Emergency Management PolicyCommonwealth Veterinary Emergency Plan (COMVETPLAN)Guide for Emergency Management Liaison OfficersThe National Emergency Management Coordination Centre Standing Operating Procedures(NEMCC SOP)Visits by Nuclear Powered Warships to Australian Ports - Procedures (OPSMAN 1)

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page iii

AUTHORITY

The Commonwealth Government Disaster Response Plan (short title COMDISPLAN) isprepared and maintained by Emergency Management Australia (EMA) as a contingency planfor the provision of Commonwealth Government assistance to the Australian states andterritories in an emergency or disaster.

COMDISPLAN replaces AUSDISPLAN, issued in July 1992, which should be destroyed.

A. H. HodgesDirector GeneralEmergency Management AustraliaCanberra ACT

December 1997

ENDORSEMENT

The Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force endorses COMDISPLAN and therequirement for Commonwealth Agency Supporting Plans. The Task Force asks that eachagency prepare and maintain its own supporting plan.

J. NewmanChairmanCommonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force

December 1997

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page iv

DISTRIBUTION LIST

COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENTS

Attorney General Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1Protective Security Coordination Centre 1

Communications, the Information EMLO 1Economy and the Arts

Defence Office of the Minister for Defence 1Office of the Minister for Defence Industry, Science and Personnel 1VCDF 1COMSPTAS 1HSCD 1DGJOP (Member, Commonwealth Counter DisasterTask Force) 1SGADF (DGOPHS) 1DJOPS 1Navy Headquarters (DNCPP-N) 1Army Headquarters (DCOORD-A) 1Air Force Headquarters (DOSIA-AF) 1HQAST 1J30 EAC HQAST (EMLO) 1HQJMOVGP 1MHQ 1LHQ 1AHQ 1DNSDC 1

Employment, Education, Training EMLO 1and Youth Affairs

Environment EMLO 1

Finance and Administration Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO 3

Foreign Affairs and Trade AS Executive Branch 1Director, Consular Operations 1

Health and Family Services Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO (Health) 1Australian Radiation Laboratories 1NRIS Controller 1

Immigration and Multicultural Affairs EMLO 1

Industry, Science and Tourism EMLO 1Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation 1Space Policy Unit 1AUSLIG 1

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page v

COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENTS (Continued)

Primary Industries and Energy Member Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO (Primary Industry) 1EMLO (Resources and Energy) 1Animal Diseases/Incidents Section 1Australian Geological Survey Organisation 1

Prime Minister and Cabinet Chairman, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO 1

Social Security EMLO 1

Transport and Regional Development EMLO 1Director Christmas and Cocos Islands Section 1Director Norfolk Island Section 1

Veterans Affairs EMLO 1

OTHER AUTHORITIES

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EMLO 1Commission

Air Services Australia Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO 1

Australian Broadcasting Corporation EMLO 1

Australian Customs Service EMLO 1

Australian Federal Police Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO 1

Australian Maritime Safety Authority AusSAR 1Marine Environment Protection Services 1

Australian Postal Corporation EMLO (Melbourne) 1

Australian Red Cross Society National Headquarters 1

Bureau of Meteorology Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1

Centrelink Member, Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force 1EMLO 1

CSIRO COSSA 1

Telstra EMLO (Canberra) 1

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page vi

STATES AND TERRITORIES

Queensland Chair, State Counter Disaster Organisation 1Executive Officer, Central Control Group 1Director, Disaster Management Service 1

New South Wales Chair, State Emergency Management Committee 1State Emergency Operations Controller 1Executive Officer, Emergency Management Committee 1

Victoria Chair, Emergency Management Council 1Executive Officer, Emergency Management Council 1State Emergency Response Coordinator 1

South Australia Chair, State Disaster Committee 1Executive Officer, State Disaster Committee 1State Coordinator 1

Western Australia Chair, State Emergency Management Advisory Committee 1Executive Officer 1Director, Emergency Management Unit 1

Tasmania Chair, State Disaster Committee and Executive 1Executive Officer 2

Northern Territory Chair, Counter Disaster Council 1Executive Officer 2

Australian Capital Territory Chair, ACT Emergency Services Bureau 1Executive Officer 2

Norfolk Island Chair, Emergency Management Committee 1Administrator 1

Cocos Island Territory Controller 1Administrator 1

Christmas Island Territory Controller 1Administrator 1

INTERNALDGEMA 1DPPC 1DBM 1DAEMI 1ADCD 1ADEM 1ADPOL 1ADCIS 1PCO 1DML 1EMDO 1MDAP 1MIDNDR 1MIS 1OEMO 1PCSO 1

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page vii

NEMCC 4EMLO Room 6Alternative NEMCC 2AEMI 2Spare 13Total Copies 140

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page viii

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

EMA will review COMDISPLAN on a regular basis. Suggestions for amendments to the plancan be forwarded at any time to:

Director GeneralEmergency Management AustraliaPO Box 1020DICKSON ACT 2602 (Attention: ADEM)Phone: 02 6266 5165Facsimile: 02 6257 1490E-mail: [email protected]

Entry of amendments in this copy of COMDISPLAN is to be noted in the columns below.

Amendment No. Issue Date Amendment

Made By

Date

Complete re-issue - December 1997

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page ix

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ADHQ Australian Defence HeadquartersADCD Assistant Director Civil DefenceADCIS Assistant Director Communications and Information

SystemsADEM Assistant Director Emergency ManagementADPOL Assistant Director PolicyAEMI Australian Emergency Management InstituteAGSO Australian Geological Survey OrganisationAHQ Air HeadquartersAMSA Australian Maritime Safety AuthorityANEMIS Animal Emergency Information SystemANSTO Australian Nuclear Safety and Technology OrganisationARL Australian Radiation LaboratoriesASA Airservices AustraliaAUSCONPLAN SPRED Australian Contingency Plan for Space Re-entry DebrisAUSDISPLAN Australian Disaster Plan (replaced by COMDISPLAN)AUSLIG Australian Land Information GroupAusSAR Australian Search and RescueAUSVETPLAN Australian Veterinary Emergency PlanCACNARE Convention on Early Notification of Nuclear AccidentsCCEAD Consultative Committee on Exotic Animal DiseasesCDANZ Communicable Disease Network Australia New ZealandCENNA Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear

Accident or Radiological EmergencyCOMDISPLAN Commonwealth Government Disaster Response PlanCOMSPTAS Commander Support AustraliaCOMVETPLAN Commonwealth Veterinary Emergency PlanCOSSA CSIRO Office of Space Science and ApplicationsCRRT Chemical Radiological Response TeamCSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research

OrganisationCVO Chief Veterinary OfficerDAEMI Director Australian Emergency Management InstituteDBM Director Business ManagementDCOORD-A Director of Coordination-ArmyDEETYA Department of Employment, Education, Training and

Youth AffairsDGEMA Director General Emergency Management AustraliaDGJOP Director General Joint Operations and PlansDGOPHS Director General Operations Health SupportDGPI Director General Public InformationDHFS Department of Health and Family ServicesDJOPS Director of Joint OperationsDNCPP Director Naval Current Policy and PlansDNSDC Defence National Storage and Distribution CentreDML Director Media Liaison

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page x

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED)

DOSIA Director of Operational Support and International Activities

DPIE Department of Primary Industries and EnergyDPPC Director Policy Planning and CoordinationDSS Department of Social SecurityEMA Emergency Management AustraliaEMDO Emergency Management Development OfficerEMLO Emergency Management Liaison OfficerEOD Explosive Ordnance DisposalHQAST Headquarters Australian TheatreHQJMOVGP Headquarters Joint Movement GroupHSCD Head Strategic Command Division (ADHQ)J30 (EAC) Officer responsible for Emergency Assistance Coordination

at HQASTLHQ Land HeadquartersMDAP Manager Disaster Awareness ProgramMIDNDR Manager International Decade for Natural Disaster

ReductionMIS Manager Information SystemsMHQ Maritime HeadquartersMM Modified Mercalli (Scale of earthquake intensity)NATP National Anti-Terrorist PlanNBCD Nuclear, Biological and Chemical DefenceNEMCC National Emergency Management Coordination CentreNRIS National Registration and Inquiry SystemOEMO Overseas Emergency Management OfficerOPSMAN Operations ManualPCO Policy and Coordination OfficerPCSO Policy Coordination Support OfficerPSCC Protective Security Coordination CentrePTWC Pacific Tsunami Warning CentreRAAF Royal Australian Air ForceSAC-PAV Standing Advisory Committee for Protection Against

ViolenceSITREP Situation ReportSGADF Surgeon General of the Australian Defence ForceSOP Standing Operating ProceduresTCWC Tropical Cyclone Warning CentreVCDF Vice Chief of the Defence Force

COMDISPLAN

December 1997 Page 1

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 State and territory authorities have constitutional responsibility, within theirterritorial boundaries, for coordinating and planning for the response to disasters and civilemergencies. When the total resources (government, community and commercial) of anaffected state or territory cannot reasonably cope with the needs of the situation, the state orterritory government can seek assistance from the Commonwealth Government. TheCommonwealth Government accepts responsibility and prepares plans for providingCommonwealth physical resources in response to such requests.

1.2 The Minister for Defence is designated as the Cabinet Minister with responsibilityfor disaster-related matters. Emergency Management Australia (EMA) is nominated as theagency responsible for planning and coordinating Commonwealth physical assistance to thestates and territories under the Commonwealth Emergency Management Policy. Coordinationof disaster and emergency response is carried out from the National Emergency ManagementCoordination Centre (NEMCC) at EMA in Canberra.

1.3 This Commonwealth Government Disaster Response Plan (COMDISPLAN)provides the framework for addressing state/territory requests for Commonwealth physicalassistance arising from any type of disaster or emergency. COMDISPLAN is normallyactivated when Commonwealth assistance for emergency response or short-term recovery isrequested or is likely to be requested. The plan may also be activated when pre-disastermeasures are taken to support the provision of longer-term recovery and reconstructionassistance.

1.4 While COMDISPLAN complements state and territory emergency response plans,its effectiveness relies heavily on support from a number of Commonwealth agencies. Toensure that all agencies can respond in a timely manner, it is essential that they developsupporting plans for COMDISPLAN.

SECTION 2: AIM

2.1. The aim of COMDISPLAN is to detail the coordination arrangements for theprovision of Commonwealth physical assistance in the event of a disaster or emergency inAustralia or its offshore territories.

SECTION 3: SCOPE

3.1 COMDISPLAN describes the arrangements for centralised coordination of thedeployment of Commonwealth resources. Annex A lists the resources most likely to berequested by state and territory authorities after a disaster; the agencies that may be calledupon to provide those resources; and the action required when COMDISPLAN readinessphases are declared. The list is not exhaustive and any Commonwealth Government resourcemay be requested and activated in a time of need. Annex B lists some of the advisory, analysisand liaison resources that Commonwealth agencies can also provide to support emergencyresponse operations.

COMDISPLAN


3.2. The senior state/territory-based representatives of some Commonwealth agenciesare authorised by their central offices to commit local resources in support of state/territoryemergency management organisations. For example, Telstra resources may be committed byState Managers. Immediate mobilisation of local Defence assistance necessary to save humanlife, alleviate immediate suffering, or prevent substantial damage to or loss of property may beapproved by local Defence commanders if civilian resources cannot cope. These arrangementsare not subject to the provisions of COMDISPLAN and should be covered in state andterritory emergency response plans and in agency supporting plans. If COMDISPLAN issubsequently activated for the same event, agencies are expected to inform EMA of anyregional resources already committed to the response.

3.3 States and territories are free to seek the assistance and support of other states andterritories at any time during a disaster. COMDISPLAN will not be invoked to cover suchactivities unless Commonwealth Government resources are sought to facilitate arrangements orto coordinate some part of the activity, eg transport.

3.4 Commonwealth participation in certain specialised emergencies is the responsibilityof designated agencies. Arrangements for responding to these events are described in separateplans and COMDISPLAN is not activated unless general support assistance is sought by anaffected state or territory. The specific emergencies covered by these specialised arrangementsare:

Emergency Agency Plan/Arrangements

Marine and Aviation Search andRescue

Australian MaritimeSafety Authority(AMSA)

National Search and RescueArrangements

Marine Pollution AMSA National Plan to Combat Pollutionof the Sea by Oil

Communicable DiseaseOutbreaks

Dept of Health &Family Services

Communicable Diseases NetworkAustralia New Zealand (CDANZ)

Management of HumanQuarantine

Dept of Health &Family Services

Animal Disease Dept of PrimaryIndustries & Energy

AUSVETPLAN/COMVETPLAN

Terrorist Incidents Protective SecurityCoordination Centre

National Anti-Terrorist Plan(NATP)

Planning information for these arrangements is given at Attachment 1.

3.5 COMDISPLAN is also applicable during time of conflict when it may be necessaryto provide Commonwealth physical assistance to states and territories to assist with theexecution of their civil defence responsibilities. Civil defence relates to those humanitarian

COMDISPLAN


actions taken to protect the civil population from the effects of hostilities. Planninginformation for civil defence is provided in Attachment 2.

3.6 Additional planning information relating to cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis,interstate evacuation of persons, re-entry of space debris, radiological accidents and chemicalwarfare agent hazards is contained in Attachments 3 to 8.

SECTION 4: EXECUTION

4.1 Outline

4.1.1 When advice of an emergency which may require Commonwealth Governmentassistance is received, the Director General EMA (DGEMA) or a nominated representativeactivates COMDISPLAN through a series of readiness phases, identified by colour codes.These phases are related to the likelihood of requests for Commonwealth assistance. Disastersand emergencies vary and the initial activation may begin with any phase. Nominated state andterritory officials pass requests for Commonwealth assistance to the National EmergencyManagement Coordination Centre (NEMCC) for consideration by the DGEMA. After theprovision of Commonwealth assistance for a particular emergency is approved by the Ministerfor Defence, DGEMA is authorised to task any appropriate Commonwealth resources to meetrequests. The system is shown below in diagrammatic form.

Request for assistancefrom State or Territory

EMA assesses the request andascertains the availability of assistance

EMA obtains approval to respondfrom the Minister for Defence

Relevant Minister or delegateapproves agency response as required

The appropriate Commonwealth agency is asked to carry out the task

DGEMA advises requestingState or Territory

COMDISPLAN


4.2 Activation of COMDISPLAN

4.2.1. The NEMCC continuously monitors events that may cause disasters and providesinformation to Commonwealth agencies if hazard impact has been, or is likely to be, seriousenough to require provision of Commonwealth physical assistance. The NEMCC will provideSituation Reports (SITREPs) on events that may result in activation of the plan.

4.2.2. When it is apparent that Commonwealth assistance may be required, or when arequest has been received, the NEMCC will activate COMDISPLAN at the appropriatereadiness phase and advise appropriate agencies. Changes to readiness phases will bepromulgated as they occur. Readiness phases are.

a. COMDISPLAN WHITE. When the NEMCC considers there may be a requestfor Commonwealth physical assistance, it will issue the codeword COMDISPLANWHITE with a summary of the situation. This warns that the potentialrequirement for disaster relief assistance has been identified. Agencies are requiredto warn the resources that may be required. These will normally be nominated inthe NEMCC message either by name or with reference to the table in Annex A.

b. COMDISPLAN YELLOW. When the NEMCC considers that a request forCommonwealth physical assistance is imminent, it will issue the codewordCOMDISPLAN YELLOW with a summary of the situation. This warns of theneed to increase readiness levels which may have to be maintained for an initialperiod of up to 72 hours. The NEMCC will review the need to remain at this levelof readiness before the end of the nominated period. Unless a different readinessperiod is specified, or the resources to be brought to high readiness are individuallydesignated, all warned resources are to be brought to the indicated level of warningor readiness to move as listed in Column e of Annex A.

c. COMDISPLAN RED. When a request for assistance has been received andCommonwealth resources to meet the request have been identified, the NEMCCwill send a tasking message to the appropriate agency(ies). This message willsignify that a request for Commonwealth physical assistance has been approvedand nominated resources are to be committed. It will contain the codewordCOMDISPLAN RED which is applicable only to designated resources.Deployment of the resources will be in accordance with coordinating instructionsissued by the NEMCC. COMDISPLAN RED will remain in force for thoseresources until deployment is completed.

d. COMDISPLAN GREEN. When there is no further expectation thatCommonwealth assistance will be sought, or when the assistance deployed hasbeen delivered, or loaned resources returned, a message will be sent containing thecodeword COMDISPLAN GREEN. On receipt of this message, resources maybe stood down from any warning or readiness to move. Depending on thecircumstances, this phase may be applicable to designated resources or to allresources. Details will be given in the message.

COMDISPLAN


4.3 Authority to Request

4.3.1. State and territory officials authorised to request Commonwealth physicalassistance through EMA under COMDISPLAN are listed at Annex C. Other authorities orofficials making requests for assistance will be referred to the appropriate requesting officer.

4.3.2 State and territory officials forwarding requests for Commonwealth assistance arerequired to justify why the need cannot reasonably be met using the resources available withinthat state or territory. The preferred form of requests is shown in Appendix 1 to Annex C.

4.4 Authorisation

4.4.1. DGEMA or a nominated representative is authorised to activate COMDISPLAN.The Minister for Defence is to be kept informed of progress. Before COMDISPLAN RED isactivated, DGEMA will obtain the approval of the Minister for Defence for provision ofCommonwealth Government response to requests for assistance.

4.4.2 Internal agency authorisations for deployment of resources are the responsibility ofthe tasked agency.

4.5 Provision of Commonwealth Resources

4.5.1. It is not possible to forecast which resources will be needed to respond to aparticular disaster, nor is it possible to give precise warning times for activation of resources.However, the following points should be noted:

a. COMDISPLAN YELLOW is normally activated for only 72 hours to avoid havingresources maintained at short notice to move for unnecessarily long periods;

b. when possible, readiness phase messages will list the serials from Annex A thatshould be warned or brought to notice to move;

c. notice to move times listed in Annex A are a guide to the maximum response timesthat agencies should plan to meet;

d. in all circumstances, the NEMCC will attempt to provide the longest possiblewarning to all concerned;

e. although preparatory instructions and directions are an agency responsibility, theNEMCC is to be kept advised of progress in meeting tasks;

f. where more than one agency is nominated in Annex A, the NEMCC will specifywhich agency is to provide the support, or nominate a coordinating agency if acombined response is required; and

g. g. the NEMCC will consult with agencies on options for providing resources tothe maximum extent possible in the period leading to formal tasking underCOMDISPLAN RED.

COMDISPLAN


4.5.2 Commonwealth resources are provided in support of state and territory operations.The NEMCC will facilitate liaison and working arrangements between agencies providingsupport and authorities coordinating operations.

4.6 Emergency Management Liaison Officers (EMLOs)

4.6.1 Provision and deployment of Commonwealth physical resources to assist state orterritory authorities combating a disaster will be coordinated by the NEMCC throughnominated Commonwealth agency Emergency Management Liaison Officers (EMLOs) whoare their agency’s first point of contact for matters relating to disasters and emergencies. Theirrole in disaster response is to facilitate the provision of the resources and skills available fromtheir agency. Details of their duties are given in the EMA publication “Guide for EmergencyManagement Liaison Officers”.

4.6.2 EMLOs normally operate from their usual place of work but must be prepared tomeet for briefings and in committee as required. EMA provides training and equips EMLOswith copies of Commonwealth plans, including this plan, Standing Operating Procedures forthe NEMCC, EMLO Instructions and NEMCC Contact Lists.

4.6.3 EMLOs are contacted when COMDISPLAN WHITE is issued, kept informed ofdevelopments and may be called to the NEMCC for briefing. When COMDISPLANYELLOW is issued, EMLOs of agencies with warned resources must be contactable bytelephone at all hours and be prepared to attend the NEMCC if necessary.

4.7 Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force (CCDTF)

4.7.1 The Commonwealth Counter Disaster Task Force (CCDTF) is an inter-departmental committee, chaired by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, whichis responsible to the Minister for Defence for providing policy guidance on emergencymanagement matters and for coordination of Commonwealth emergency recovery activities.

4.7.2 The CCDTF may be convened at the request of DGEMA to provide policyguidance in major or more complex emergencies.

4.8 Pre-Positioning of Commonwealth Resources

4.8.1. In certain circumstances, the NEMCC may coordinate the pre-positioning ofCommonwealth resources, in advance of a disaster impact or a formal request for assistance, toreduce reaction time.

4.9 Offers of Assistance

4.9.1 During any disaster there are likely to be offers of assistance from concernedindividuals, organisations and agencies. Most offers are made to charity organisations or tothe affected location or state/territory. Offers passed to the NEMCC will be acknowledged,recorded and classified. A record of offers will be passed regularly to the affected state orterritory. Relevant offers will be forwarded to the agency tasked to respond. They may beused in the response if assessed as suitable but any related costs are to be met by the agency.

COMDISPLAN


During a major disaster, a state or territory may ask the NEMCC to coordinate offers ofassistance on its behalf. Information on the national offers of assistance system is given inAnnex D.

4.10 Offers of Assistance from Overseas

4.10.1. EMA, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), isresponsible for coordinating offers of assistance from overseas countries. The NEMCC willacknowledge receipt of offers and relay them to the affected state or territory. In cooperationwith DFAT, it will coordinate any action necessary to accept the offer. All offers of assistancereceived from overseas by states and territories are to be referred to EMA for advice to DFAT.

4.11 Requests for Overseas Assistance

4.11.1. Where resources to meet a particular need are not available in Australia, theNEMCC in consultation with the affected state or territory and DFAT will seek overseasassistance as necessary.

4.12 National Registration and Inquiry System

4.12.1 In major emergencies and disasters, the Commonwealth can activate a NationalRegistration and Inquiry System (NRIS) to record details of people affected by disasters.Inquiry Centres in each state and territory can access the system to provide answers to requestsfor information from concerned relatives and friends. Details of NRIS and procedures for itsactivation are given in Annex E.

SECTION 5: FINANCE

5.1 Financial Aspects of COMDISPLAN

5.1.1. Assistance provided under COMDISPLAN is funded from agency funds.Where agency resources are inadequate, either because of insufficient funds or lack of asuitable appropriation item on which to call, no financial commitments can be entered intoor expenditure incurred unless authorised by the Minister for Finance or one of hisdelegates. This authorisation process would include immediate funding through theAdvance of the Minister for Finance, if necessary. Authorisation is to be sought throughdepartmental financial managers.

5.1.2. Agencies should not presume that they will be provided with net budgetsupplementation.

5.1.3 The Commonwealth does not seek reimbursement from states and territories ofthe cost of assistance provided under COMDISPLAN.

COMDISPLAN


5.2 Commonwealth Financial Assistance

5.2.1. There are two types of post-disaster financial assistance provided by theCommonwealth:

a. Under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements (NDRA), administered by theDepartment of Finance, the Commonwealth reimburses states and territories, inaccordance with an agreed formula, for expenditure on eligible measuresundertaken in response to a disaster; and

b. Under the Social Security Act 1991, Special Benefit may be paid to people infinancial hardship including those affected by disasters. In extreme situations,where the Minister for Social Security declares a disaster under the Act, DisasterRelief Payment is payable to affected people (following consultation with theMinister for Defence). These payments are administered by Centrelink.

SECTION 6: COMMUNICATIONS

6.1. General Principles

6.1.1 While initial contact and liaison on matters relating to COMDISPLAN may bemade by telephone, all matters of substance are to be confirmed in print. The primary mediumfor communication between the NEMCC and other agencies will be facsimile. It is theresponsibility of individual agencies to provide the NEMCC with appropriate facsimile contactnumbers and to arrange internal distribution of facsimile messages to internal addressees withthe necessary urgency.

6.1.2 Alternative communication arrangements will be coordinated by the NEMCC asthe situation demands.

6.1.3. All telephone requests, tasking and instructions are to be confirmed by facsimilemessage as soon as is possible.

6.2 Media

6.2.1 Media releases relating to the activation and status of COMDISPLAN and to theprovision of Commonwealth physical assistance will be made by the Minister for Defence orDGEMA. Commonwealth agencies making media releases relating to assistance provided inresponse to COMDISPLAN tasking are to copy the releases to the NEMCC.

COMDISPLAN


SECTION 7: REVIEW AND TRAINING

7.1 Review

7.1.1 COMDISPLAN will be reviewed by EMA every three years in consultation withkey Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.

7.2 Training

7.2.1 Training in the use of COMDISPLAN will be carried out at two levels. Staffjoining EMA and newly-nominated EMLOs will receive an introduction to the plan withexplanation of its use from EMA coordination staff. Additional training to cover areas ofconcern can be provided on request.

7.2.2 At suitable intervals, training exercises will be conducted for thoseagencies/individuals with a role under the plan. Table-top exercises will be conducted eachyear unless the plan has been activated to COMDISPLAN RED level in the previous12 months. A full simulation exercise will be conducted at least every three years and morefrequently if considered necessary. All agencies mentioned in COMDISPLAN will not beexercised on each occasion but scenarios will be selected which provide the opportunity for thewidest possible range of participation.

COMDISPLAN


ANNEX A

PROVISION OF COMMONWEALTH PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE

1. It is not possible to forecast the specific resources that may be requested by stateor territory governments to relieve the effects of any particular disaster. This Annex givesdetails of the major resources that may be requested and the Commonwealth agencies thatmight be expected to arrange their deployment. Agencies should note that they may be taskedto arrange provision of resources listed even if they do not own them. The tables below arenecessarily expressed in general terms and should not be seen as restrictive. In an emergencyor disaster, when life and property are at stake, any Commonwealth Government resource maybe required to meet a need and its deployment may be tasked.

2. As a situation develops, an assessment will be made of the resources that may needto be provided, based on the size and location of the affected community, the knowninformation on the disaster and the capabilities of the affected state or territory.COMDISPLAN messages will designate the readiness phase required. All resources listed inthe message should be alerted or brought to the stated level of readiness unless the messagespecifically lists resources, by reference to the tables in this Annex, that may be required. Ifcircumstances require, a COMDISPLAN message may vary the level of readiness in theAnnex, particularly if a quick reaction may be needed. If a state or territory has indicated thatit may require assistance additional to that listed in the annex, the COMDISPLAN messagewill list the designated resources and the department or agency responsible for warning orbringing them to readiness.

3. Agencies are to advise EMA whenever they are unable to meet a resourcerequirement.

COMDISPLAN


PROVISION OF COMMONWEALTH PHYSICAL SUPPORT

Serial Type of Support ResponsibleDepartment/Authority

Degree of Warning Remarks

COMDISPLANWHITE

COMDISPLANYELLOW

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)1. RECONNAISSANCE/SURVEY AIRCRAFT

a. General Reconnaissance Defence/Customs Warning 6 hours For impact disasters 3 hours notice to movemay be advised on notification ofCOMDISPLAN YELLOW

b. Photographic reconnaissance Defence Warning 6 hours As for 1ac Satellite imagery ACRES Warning 6 hours As for 1ad. Multisensor survey Defence/AGSO Warning 6 hours As for 1a2. COMMUNICATIONS

a. Basic communicationsnecessary to establish analternative control system forlocal authority.

Defence Warning 6 hours To include personnel to operate equipment.

b. Establishment of long haulcommunications into and out ofthe disaster area.

EMA/Defence/ASA/Telstra

Warning 6 hours a. Operators may be required.b. Portable satellite terminals may beincluded.

c. Line repair teams. Telstra Warning 6 hours Additional to existing regional plans.3. HEALTH SERVICES

a. Aeromedical evacuation teams Defence Warning 6 hours For deployment with RAAF transport aircraft.b. Supplementary medical teams Defence Warning 6 hours Including Triage and Surgical Teams.c. Additional medical/health

storesDefence Warning 6 hours This could include consumable and non-

consumable health supplies.d. Deployment of major medical

capabilityDefence Warning 12 hours Elements of field hospital facilities

supplemented as necessary. Availabilitydepends on current commitments

e. Medical Escort Teams Defence Warning 6 hours To escort evacuees on military & civiltransport aircraft.

COMDISPLAN




COMDISPLANWHITE

COMDISPLANYELLOW

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)f. Public health measures to avoid

epidemics & provide basichealth services until normalservices have been restored.

Defence Warning 9 hours May include health inspectors, hygiene teamsand vaccination teams in disaster area.Health & Family Services may be able toprovide information.

g. Veterinary and quarantinehealth teams.

Primary Industries andEnergy

Warning 9 hours To be deployed with appropriate medicalsupplies during animal disease emergenciesand to provide for animal welfare.

h. Nuclear radiation monitoringteams for low-level leaks.

Industry, Science andTourism (ANSTO) andHealth & FamilyServices (ARL)

Warning 6 hours Four teams identified and on permanent24 hour alert

4. TRANSPORT

a. Rotary wing aircraft foremergency tasks.

Defence/ASA Warning(See Remarks)

6 hours On receipt of COMDISPLAN WHITE,availability near the threatened or disasterarea is to be passed to the NEMCC.

b. Light fixed wing aircraft foremergency tasks.

Defence/ASA Warning 6 hours(See Remarks)

On receipt of COMDISPLAN YELLOW,availability is to be passed to the NEMCC.

c. Transport aircraft (storesand/or passengers).

Defence/ASA Warning(See Remarks)

6 hours On receipt of COMDISPLAN WHITE,availability near the threatened or disasterarea is to be passed to the NEMCC

d. Airport & airspace support Defence/ASA Warning Warning For restoration, upgrading or support ofairports and air navigation systems in thedisaster area.

e. Light sea transport Defence/AMSA Warning(See Remarks)

12 hours(See Remarks)

a. RAN and other shipping for evacuation,movement of stores etc.b. On receipt of COMDISPLAN WHITE,availability in vicinity of threatened ordisaster areas is to be ascertained.c. On receipt of COMDISPLAN YELLOW,availability is to be passed to the NEMCC.

COMDISPLAN




COMDISPLANWHITE

COMDISPLANYELLOW

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)f. Heavy sea transport Defence/AMSA Warning

(See Remarks)Warning(See Remarks)

See Notes for Serial 4 e.

g. Marine navigation support AMSA Warning Warning Repair of navigation aids etch. Road transport (buses, cars) in

non-disaster states/territoriesDefence Warning Warning

(See Remarks)This serial is normally activated only wheninter-state evacuation of persons is expected.Availability is to be passed to the NEMCC onreceipt of COMDISPLAN YELLOW.

i. Heavy lift road transport(Trucks, low loaders)

Defence Warning Warning(See Remarks)

a. On receipt of COMDISPLAN WHITE,availability in vicinity of threatened ordisaster areas is to be ascertained.b. On receipt of COMDISPLAN YELLOW,availability is to be passed to the NEMCC.

j. Road water tankers and trailers. Defence Warning 6 hoursk. High clearance vehicles Defence Warning 6 hours Usually only required for floods5. PERSONNEL TO STAFF TRANSIT/RECEPTION/WELFARE CENTRES

a. Catering staff Defence Warning Warningb. Welfare workers/counsellors Centrelink/Defence/

Veterans AffairsWarning Warning Centrelink & DVA counsellors already widely

deployed in capitals and regional centres.c. Employment officers Centrelink Warning Warningd. Interpreters Immigration &

Multicultural Affairs(DIMA)

Warning Warning DIMA interpreters available nation-wide.

e. Postal staff Australia Post Warning Warning To arrange redistribution of mail

f. Personnel to staff transit/reception/welfare centres.

All agencies Warning Warning Requests for availability will be addressed toindividual agencies.

COMDISPLAN




6. EQUIPMENT FOR TRANSIT/RECEPTION/WELFARE CENTRES

a. Cooking equipment Defence Warning 9 hoursb. Tentage Defence Warning 9 hoursc. Construction of temporary

accommodationDefence Warning Warning

d. Water/Sewage/Electricity Defence Warning Warninge. Mobile laundry and bath unit Defence Warning Warning7. ACCOMMODATION

a. Commonwealth buildings in ornear disaster area for receptionareas;

Defence/Finance andAdministration

Warning(See Remarks)

a. On receipt of COMDISPLAN YELLOWavailability and capacity of accommodation tobe ascertained and passed to NEMCC.

b. Accommodation in non-disaster states/territories

Defence/Finance andAdministration


This serial is only actioned if the NEMCCadvises that an inter-state evacuation is tooccur. Availability is then to be passed to theNEMCC.

8. DEBRIS CLEARANCE/REPAIR

a. Engineer plant and operators. Defence Warning 6 hoursb. Building tradesmen. Defence Warning9. ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL

a. Additional personnel tosupplement local authoritiesother than police.

Defence/other agenciesas required

Warning 6 hours For planning purposes - 100 personnel per10,000 population in the disaster area.Planning figure for initial deployment shouldnot exceed 100 unless NEMCC receivesspecific information from the affected state orterritory.

b. Additional personnel tosupplement police.

Australian FederalPolice

Warning

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10. GENERAL STORES

a. Tarpaulins and plastic sheeting EMA/Defence Warning 6 hours EMA’s Disaster Earmark Store will be usedbefore other stocks are sought. Pre-positioningmay be necessary if stocks are depleted in aparticular area.

b. Water purification stores. Defence Warning 6 hoursc. Water pumps and bulk storage

for potable water and waterpumps for other purposes:firefighting, drain floodedcompartments, etc.

EMA/Defence Warning 6 hours(See Remarks)

Outline of availability to be passed to NEMCCon receipt of COMDISPLAN YELLOW.

d. Portable generators Defence Warning 6 hourse. Sandbags EMA/Defence Warning 6 hoursf. Fire appliances Defence/ASA Warning 6 hours Usually only required for bush fires but may be

deployed in chemical spills.g. Assault boats Defence Warning 6 hoursh Temporary bridging Defence Warning Warning11 CHEMICAL WARFARE HAZARD CLEAN-UP

a. Decontamination andMonitoring

Defence Warning(See Remarks)


‘No warning” activation may be needed incertain circumstances.

12 EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL

a. Disposal of unexploded ordnance Defence/AFP Warning Warning

COMDISPLAN


ANNEX B

COMMONWEALTH ADVISORY, ANALYSIS AND LIAISON SERVICES

1. In addition to the physical resources it can provide, the Commonwealth has a widerange of resources which can support disaster and emergency response operations from theirnormal locations. These resources can provide:

a. specialist advice;

b. scientific analysis and assessment; and

c. liaison and conference networks that may be called upon to assist coordination ofresponse operations.

2. These resources may be called upon by the NEMCC to support theCommonwealth role under COMDISPLAN or to provide assistance to the states andterritories.

3. The full range of Commonwealth resources is constantly changing withimprovements in technology and changes in areas of responsibility. The basic resourcesidentified are:

Agency Resource

Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Commission (ATSIC)

Advice relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands peopleincluding evacuation.

Affirmative Action Agency Staff support for a variety of functions.

Airservices Australia Advice on aviation matters.

Attorney General’s Department(Protective Security CoordinationCentre) (PSCC)`

Advice on legal aspects.

Access to the SAC-PAV network

Operations staff assistance and media management.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Population and other statistical advice.

Australian Competition &Consumer Commission

Video conferencing network covering state & territory capitalsand Townsville.

Australian Federal Police Access to national Police communications networks fortransmission of urgent traffic when other communications arerestricted or unavailable.

Australian Maritime SafetyAuthority (AMSA)

Marine and aviation search planning, marine pollution dispersaland movement.

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Agency Resource

Centrelink Business TV Unit satellite linked to 350 locations and withinteractive talkback support.

Advice relating to social security benefits.

Department of Communications,the Information Economy and theArts

Emergency broadcasting arrangements.

Advice on broadcasting and archival protection, recovery andpreservation.

Department of Defence Air photo analysis, advice on a wide range of operational,engineering, medical, social and other subjects.

Department of Finance andAdministration

Australian Government PublishingService

Information dissemination via Internet.

Department of Foreign Affairs andTrade

Liaison with foreign governments and Australian missionsoverseas regarding disasters, evacuations etc.

Department of Health & FamilyServices

Australian Radiation Laboratories(ARL)

Computer network between capitals and major centres;epidemiologists and communicable disease experts to assist withepidemic prevention and response; health physics advisers;

Capability to conduct radio analysis of environmental and othersamples (food, water etc); facilities for whole body monitoringof people exposed to radiation; national network of radiationfallout monitoring stations supported by computer models forassessment of radiation dose after a radiation release.

Department of Industry, Science &Tourism

ANSTO

Australian Institute of MarineScience

CSIRO

AUSLIG

Australian Government AnalyticalLaboratories

Nuclear analytical laboratories with a wide range of monitoringand analysis capabilities including whole body monitoring andchemical radiation analysis.

Advice on ocean-current modelling and oil spill mapping.

Advice and analytical services on animal health andquarantine/biocontainment facilities; advice on buildingconstruction, bushfires, communications and imaging/sensingtechnologies.

Advice on availability of maps etc.

Analysis of food and water.

COMDISPLAN


Agency Resource

Department of Immigration andMulticultural Affairs

Radio (except WA) and mobile telecommunications networks inall states & territories; counsellors and interpreters in statecapitals and regional centres. 24 hour entry operations centre inCanberra which can expedite entry of overseas experts;nationwide computer network.Liaison with and advice relating to ethnic communities.

Department of Primary Industriesand Energy (DPIE)

Australian Geological SurveyOrganisation (AGSO)

Advice on animal health and welfare, pesticide use andresponse. Australian Plague Locust Commission has radio andGPS equipped vehicles in QLD and NSW.

Advice on geological matters.

Department of Veterans Affairs Counsellors in capitals and some regional centres experienced incritical incident stress debriefing; advice on long term effects oftrauma.

Department of WorkplaceRelations and Small Business

Worksafe Australia Advice on industrial safety matters.

COMDISPLAN


ANNEX C

STATE AND TERRITORY AUTHORITIES AUTHORISED TOREQUEST COMMONWEALTH PHYSICAL

ASSISTANCE THROUGH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA

1. The responsibility for requesting Commonwealth physical assistance will normallybe vested in one authority in each state or territory. This authority is responsible for vettingrequests from within the state or territory and for forwarding to EMA those requests which arebeyond the resources of the state or territory.

2. The current state or territory authorities who may initiate requests underCOMDISPLAN are:

a. New South Wales State Emergency Operations Controller.

b. Victoria State Emergency Response Coordinator.

c. Queensland Executive Officer, Central Control Group, StateCounter Disaster Organisation.

d. South Australia State Coordinator, State Disaster Committee.

e. Western Australia State Emergency Coordinator.

f. Tasmania Executive Officer, State Disaster Committee andExecutive.

g. Northern Territory Executive Officer, Northern Territory Counter-Disaster Council.

h. Australian Capital Territory Executive Officer, ACT Emergency Services Bureau.

i. Norfolk Island Chair, Norfolk Island Emergency ManagementCommittee.

j. Cocos (Keeling) Islands Administrator, Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

k. Christmas Island Executive Officer, Counter Disaster Executive.

3. The preferred format for Requests for Assistance is shown in Appendix 1.

Appendix

1. Request format for Commonwealth physical assistance

COMDISPLAN


APPENDIX 1 TOANNEX C

REQUEST FORMAT FOR COMMONWEALTH PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE

Requests for physical assistance from the Commonwealth may be phoned to the NEMCC inthe first instance, but must be confirmed by a formatted hard copy via facsimile or Email. Theformat for requests is as follows:

SUBJECT: Request for Commonwealth assistance.

DATE/TIME/ORIGIN This must include the date and local time of the request and thename of the person and department that is making the request.

REQUEST NUMBER: This should be a state/territory number (the NEMCC willallocate separate sequential NEMCC numbers to each incomingrequest).

SITUATION: A brief summary of the reason for the request.

OWN RESOURCES: An explanation why the requirement cannot be met from withinthe state/territory resources (government, commercial or other).

REQUEST: A brief description of the need and tasks for the requestedresource/s (eg, move 100 bales of fodder from supply dump toproperties within a 20 km radius). Requesting authorities shouldNOT specify the means for meeting the need or tasks (eg, bynominating particular types of transport), but should identifyconstraints that may influence EMA’s decision (eg, areaunsuitable to all but rotary wing aircraft).

DELIVERY: Details of when and where required.

CONSIGN: To whom and where addressed, and any other labellingrequirements.

CONTACT: To include full details of delivery point contact officer/s includingname, location and telephone/facsimile numbers as appropriate.Where desired, contact officer/s may be from state /territoryheadquarters.

REMARKS: Any general comments that may contribute to providing thefastest and most effective response to the request.

COMDISPLAN


ANNEX D

NATIONAL COORDINATION OF OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE

General

1. During disasters, most offers of assistance from the public or from organisations arepassed directly to the disaster affected state or territory. However, when a major disaster hasoccurred, the volume of offers may increase dramatically and offers of assistance may bereceived from all states and territories and from overseas. There is a large administrativeworkload in processing these offers and activating those that are accepted. The affected stateor territory may request the NEMCC to coordinate the offers by activating a national offers ofassistance system.

Procedures

2. The process of establishing a national coordination system for offers of assistancewill include the following steps:

a. the NEMCC will warn states/territories when establishment of a nationalcoordination system for offers of assistance may be required;

b. states and territories will be asked to activate and staff centres to receive andcoordinate offers of assistance from within their state/territory;

c. state and territory coordinating centres will accept, record and summarise offersthen advise the NEMCC of the details;

d. the NEMCC will collate details of all offers received from outside the disaster-affected state/territory and provide the relevant emergency operations centre withconsolidated lists of the offers;

e. the affected state or territory will notify the NEMCC of the offers that it wishes toaccept or reject. The NEMCC will coordinate their acceptance or non-acceptancethrough the relevant state or territory centres;

f. offers of assistance will be taken into consideration by the NEMCC in meetingrequests for Commonwealth assistance; and

g. with the offerer's agreement, the NEMCC may redirect unaccepted offers toalternative areas which could make better use of them.

Media Aspects of Offers of Assistance

3. DGEMA is responsible for issuing national media releases advising the publicwhether or not offers of assistance are being sought on a national basis. If the nationalcoordinating system is established, DGEMA will also provide the public with details of thesystem and (if appropriate) the types of assistance being sought.

COMDISPLAN


ANNEX E

THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION AND INQUIRY SYSTEM

Function

1. The National Registration and Inquiry System (NRIS) is a computerised data base,designed to record basic details on the whereabouts and safety of disaster affected people andto store the data for easy access in response to inquiries from relatives and friends. It iscapable of either manual or computer operation. NRIS relies on registration of the affectedpersons at or near the scene of the disaster and entry of the registration data in a nationwidecomputer network. Persons seeking information on disaster affected people can seekinformation from Inquiry Centres either in the affected location or elsewhere in the country.

2. In the early stages of a disaster which requires registration of affected persons, theNRIS may be initiated at the local or state level without having to activate the national system.States or territory concerned may use manual or local computer procedures to record details ofdisaster affected persons. When these systems can no longer cope with the load (and desirablybefore that stage is reached) EMA may be requested to activate the system nationally.

Operational Responsibilities

3. EMA is responsible for:

a. directing that the NRIS be activated when requested by a state or territory;

b. allocation of disaster codes; and

c. vetting all requests from other authorities for activation of the system.

4. Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) is responsiblefor:

a. operational maintenance of the NRIS program;

b. activation of the NRIS when requested by EMA;

c. provision of reasonable access to additional terminals by users, when these userslack a state/territory compatible operations centre. 'Reasonable' access is definedas use of existing on-site DH&FS computer network facilities;

d. production and distribution of all associated reports;

e. on-line operation of the NRIS; and

f. provision to all users of all necessary user documentation to permit easy access to,and use of, the NRIS program.

COMDISPLAN


5. The states and territories are responsible for:

a. establishment of state/territory centres for registration and inquiry;

b. equipping the centres with the communications and terminal facilities needed topermit full use of the NRIS;

c. warning EMA when activation of the NRIS may be needed;

d. advising EMA of contact telephone numbers for registration and inquiry centres;

e. identifying and maintaining a team of trained NRIS personnel, capable of 24 houruse of the system;

f. in the disaster affected state/territory, input of the initial batch of registrations andsubsequent updating of these and other registrations as the situation clarifies;

g. early advice to both EMA and the affected DHFS regional office on the probabletotal on-line period required; and

h. immediate advice to all concerned when the system can be taken off-line.

Activation Procedure

6. When a state or territory requires the NRIS to be activated, a request is made toEMA by the responsible emergency management authority. The request may be made initiallyby telephone but is to be authenticated by a facsimile message or E-mail as soon as possible.

7. EMA is to be advised:

a. the approximate number of registrations anticipated;

b. the expected extent and duration of the operation; and

c. any factors likely to contribute to subsequent involvement of other states andterritories as inquiry nodes.

8. EMA will assess the request and decide whether or not to task DHFS to bring theNRIS program on-line. EMA will assign a disaster code at this stage, consisting of thestate/territory prefix followed by a two-letter code indicating the type of event and two-number suffix. The numeral suffix will be unique for each state and territory. It will run from01 to 99 and re-commence on 1 January each year.

9. On direction, the DH&FS will activate the system and adjust or terminate normaldepartmental programs as circumstances dictate.

COMDISPLAN


10. Once the system has been activated, registrations will be entered either on-line oras batch-processed tape. While information is entered, particularly during the first 12 to 24hours, the data base may be of limited value for inquiries. Accordingly, although all states andterritories will be advised as soon as the program is activated, EMA will not publicise theactivation through the national media until satisfied that a sufficiently useful data base has beenestablished. At that point EMA will promulgate brief details of the activation together withnominated state and territory inquiry centre contact telephone numbers.

11. The system will remain on-line for as long as the disaster state or territory requires.The activation will be continually monitored by the NEMCC, with the Department of Healthand Family Services providing regular advice on program usage.

12. On request, EMA will task DHFS to de-activate the national program. DHFS willde-activate the program and prepare final reports for participant agencies.

13. The disaster affected state or territory will submit a post-activation report toDGEMA, with an information copy to the Department of Health and Family Services.DGEMA will decide whether or not a national summary of each activation is to be issued.

COMDISPLAN


ATTACHMENT 1 TOCOMDISPLAN

PLANNING INFORMATION FORMARINE AND AVIATION SEARCH AND RESCUE, MARINE POLLUTION,COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAKS, MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN

QUARANTINE, ANIMAL DISEASE AND TERRORIST INCIDENTS,

MARINE AND AVIATION SEARCH AND RESCUE

1. Marine and Aviation Search and Rescue is coordinated by Australian Search andRescue (AusSAR) which is managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

2. The major functions of AusSAR are to:

a. coordinate search and rescue activities for vessels in distress;

b. coordinate search and rescue activities in aviation distress incidents;

c. manage the acquisition, deployment and maintenance of air-droppable emergencysupplies;

d. manage the civil Search and Rescue unit program under which operators areengaged on a commercial basis to undertake aerial searches and to deliver air-droppable emergency supplies;

e. manage the Australian ground segment of the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system whichis used for the detection of distress beacons;

f. operate the Australian ship reporting system; and

g. manage maritime distress and safety communications including arrangements forthe Coast Radio Station network and the Inmarsat communications system.

3. AusSAR coordinates its activities from a centre in Canberra and in performing itsfunctions works closely withindustry and the ADF.

MARINE POLLUTION

4. Response to marine pollution is undertaken under the National Plan to CombatPollution of the Sea by Oil. The plan provides for a national integrated government andindustry organisational framework capable of effective response to oil pollution incidents in themarine environment and to manage associated funding, equipment and training programs. TheAustralian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the managing agency of the National Plan,working in partnership with the state and Northern Territory governments and the shipping, oiland exploration industries, to maximise Australia’s marine pollution response.

COMDISPLAN


5. The plan is based upon tiered response arrangements:

a. Tier 1. Small Spills. Less than 10 tonnes. Such incidents are usually associated withship transfer or bunkering operations at a jetty, pier or mooring and around waterside storage tanks.

b. Tier 2. Medium Spills. These are between 10 and 1000 tonnes and are typically associated with shipping incidents in ports or harbours, but could be from pipelines, tank failures or near shore exploration and production operations

c. Tier 3. Large Spills. Greater than 1000 tonnes. This covers major incidents, normally involving oil tankers or other vessels having large amounts of bunker oil.

6. The National Plan is supported by state and local contingency plans and providesfor response from Commonwealth, state, and local resources. This includes stockpiles of oilspill equipment being located at major ports around the Australian coast.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAKS

7. The Communicable Diseases Network Australia New Zealand (CDNANZ) is acommittee comprised of representatives of all Commonwealth and State health authorities, theNew Zealand Department of Health, the Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries andEnergy, the Australia New Zealand Food Authority, the Australian Defence Force, theAustralian Society for Microbiology and other public health experts in communicable diseases.The committee meets by teleconference every 2 weeks to exchange information on theincidence and management of communicable diseases outbreaks.

8. In the event of an emergency of national significance involving an outbreak of acommunicable disease, or a potential major risk to public health, teleconferences are held morefrequently to consider the implications and response. In practical terms, a teleconference canusually be convened within three hours of a need being identified.

9. Outbreak control is usually effected using the resources available within therelevant jurisdiction(s). In the event, however, that the size or severity of an outbreak isbeyond the capabilities of the relevant agency/jurisdiction, protocols have been devisedwhereby CDNANZ can apply to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Committee forsupplementary funding. This can be done at short notice, and enables additionalepidemiological and control measures to be undertaken.

MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN QUARANTINE

10. Quarantine is a legislated Commonwealth responsibility. The CommonwealthDepartment of Health and family Servuices (DFHS) has primary responsubility for humanquarantione activities in Australia. The purpose of these activities is to permit theidentification of persons who have been potentially exposed a quarantinable disease and theirsubsequent surveillance or, if they are sympomatic, the provision of appropriate treatment andisolation if necessary.

COMDISPLAN


11. The quarantinable diseases that are of most concern in Australia are cholera, rabies,plague and yellow fever and four of the viral haemorrhagic fevers - Crimean-Congo, Ebloa,Lassa and Marburg.

12. The Commonwealth agencies which cooperate in the management of humanquarantine are the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Quarantine and InspectionService, the Department of Defence and the Office of the Australian Chief Vetinary Officer.Within each state and territory senior public health medical officers perform the duties of ChiefQuarantine Officers. The DHFS officer responsible is the Director of Human Quarantine.

ANIMAL DISEASE EMERGENCIES

13. Animal diseases which are not endemic to Australia have the potential to causegrave disruption to the trade in animals and animal products, or to pose serious threats topublic health. Appendix 1 lists the major animal diseases of concern to Australia.

14. Animal disease emergencies differ from other emergencies in a number of ways.These are:

a. the economic impact can be immediate and national;

b. the operational phase of emergency control is usually longer, lasting weeks,months or years;

c. the demand for resources may be much larger and may continue for a much longertime; and

d. the reasons for many essential control measures may not be obvious to the generalpublic or to many of the people called upon to provide assistance.

15. The outbreak of an animal disease in any part of Australia may necessitate nationalcontrol of movement of people, livestock and animal products. Extensive surveillance andtesting may also be necessary as part of a control campaign and later to demonstrate tointernational trading partners that Australia had eradicated the disease.

AUSVETPLAN

16. The Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) is issued underauthority of the Australian Agricultural Council to provide a systematic and integratedplanning approach to effective management of animal disease emergencies in Australia.

17. AUSVETPLAN is designed to be used by all the organisations that may be calledupon to respond to an animal disease emergency including Commonwealth, state and territoryanimal health authorities, and counter disaster and livestock industry organisations

COMDISPLAN


COMVETPLAN

18. The Commonwealth Veterinary Emergency Plan (COMVETPLAN), issued by theDepartment of Primary Industries and Energy, is a subsidiary plan of AUSVETPLAN. Itdetails responsibilities of Commonwealth agencies for the provision of technical assistance.

National Policy and Strategies

19. The fundamental aim of national animal disease control policy is to eradicate anyintroduced disease. The primary strategy is eradication by 'stamping out’ which involvesthe slaughter and sanitary disposal of all infected and in-contact animals. When 'stamping out'is not appropriate, other methods of control will be applied. These include:

a. geographical containment;

b. vaccination;

c. medication; and

d. vector control.

National Emergency Response Structure

20. When an exotic animal disease emergency occurs, the State Chief VeterinaryOfficer will use state/territory legislation to:

a. initiate field control measures as detailed in AUSVETPLAN EmergencyOperations Manuals,

b. alert state/territory counter-disaster authorities to activate the animal disease sub-plan of state/territory disaster plans as appropriate, and

c. consult the Consultative Committee on Exotic Animal Disease (CCEAD) to seekagreement on the preferred national control strategy and, where appropriate, seekagreement on the need to invoke the Cost Sharing Agreement for eradication ofanimal diseases.

21. Powers also exist under the Constitution, and under the Quarantine Act, for similaractions to be initiated by the Commonwealth.

22. Field control activities will be directed from a Local Disease Control Centreestablished in the vicinity of the outbreak. State-wide measures will be coordinated from StateDisease Control Headquarters. A National Disease Control Headquarters will be set up in theDepartment of Primary Industries and Energy in Canberra. It will implement the 'Manual ofProcedures in an Animal Disease Emergency', support the CCEAD, handle internationalcommunications and relations, and provide liaison with the Commonwealth Government. Itwill be responsible for national coordination of eradication measures. National liaison withanimal health authorities will be achieved through telephone meetings of the CCEAD.

COMDISPLAN


23. At state/territory level, counter disaster support will be provided by thecoordinator of the state/territory emergency response plan. If resources are inadequate, thestate/territory may request non-technical Commonwealth physical assistance through EMA inaccordance with provisions detailed in the main body of COMDISPLAN.

TERRORIST INCIDENTS

24. The Standing Advisory Committee on Commonwealth/State Cooperation forProtection Against Violence (SAC-PAV) has the principal aim of achieving a set of nationalarrangements and agreements to respond to threats or acts of politically motivated violence.The Committee is administered by the Protective Security Coordination Centre (PSCC) of theCommonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

25. SAC-PAV comprises representatives from both the Commonwealth and the States.Representatives from the Commonwealth include the Departments of the Attorney-General,Prime Minister and Cabinet and Transport and Regional Development, the Australian FederalPolice, Australian Defence Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and theAustralian Protective Service. The Department of Finance and Administration attends in thecapacity of an adviser. State representatives include officials from Premier’s and ChiefMinister’s Departments and State Police Services. The Department of Foreign Affairs andTrade and the New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the NewZealand Police have observer status.

26. The work of SAC-PAV is largely completed by various sub-committees andpermanent and ad hoc project groups. The Strategic Planning Sub-Committee provides SAC-PAV with its strategic planning and advice on policy and strategic issues. The Project Groupon Training (PGT), develops the training and exercise program and designs and developstraining courses. It also maintains training standards and undertakes validation.

27. The PSCC provides SAC-PAV with executive and secretariat support. As well asensuring that the day-to-day requirements of the committee are met, the PSCC manages theSAC-PAV equipment, training and exercise programs, and maintains the National Anti-Terrorist Plan.

28. SAC-PAV has worked towards ensuring national cooperation and has establishednation-wide capabilities in such areas as crisis management, command and control, intelligence,bomb response, bomb scene examination, negotiation, VIP protection, police tactical responseand media cooperation.

29. SAC-PAV is continuing to ensure that Australia has a nation-wide counterterrorism capability by fostering cooperation between all relevant agencies in theCommonwealth and the State Governments.

Appendix 1. Major Animal Diseases

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APPENDIX 1 TOATTACHMENT 1

MAJOR ANIMAL DISEASES

African Horse SicknessAfrican Swine Fever (See Note 1)Aujesky’s DiseaseBluetongue (See Notes 1 and

3)Brucellosis (B. melitensis) (See Note 2)Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) (See Note 1)Contagious Bovine PleuropneumoniaDourineEquine Viral Encephalitides (See Note 2)Foot and Mouth Disease (See Note 1)Glanders (See Note 2)Lumpy Skin DiseaseMaedi-VismaNewcastle Disease (See Notes 1 and

3)Peste des Petits RuminantesRabies (See Notes 1 and

2)Rift Valley Fever (See Note 2)Rinderpest (See Note 1)ScrapieScrew Worm Fly (See Notes 1 and

2)Sheep and Goat PoxSurraSwine Vesicular Disease (See Note 1)Trichinosis (See Note 2)Vesicular Exanthema (See Note 1)Vesicular Stomatitis (See Note 1)Virulent Avian Influenza (See Note 1)

Notes:

1. Diseases to which the Commonwealth/States Cost Sharing Agreement applies.

2. Animal diseases which also affect humans.

3. Strains which do not produce clinical diseases are already in Australia.

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATION - CIVIL DEFENCE

Definition

1. Civil Defence is defined as the performance of some or all of theundermentioned humanitarian tasks intended to protect the civilian population against thedangers, and to help it to recover from the immediate effects, of hostilities or disasters andalso to provide the conditions necessary for its survival. The tasks are:

a. warning;b. evacuation;c. management of shelters;d. management of blackout measures;e. rescue;f. medical services, including first aid and religious assistance;g. fire-fighting;h. detection and marking of danger areas;i.. decontamination and similar protective measures;j. provision of emergency accommodation and supplies;k. emergency assistance in the restoration and maintenance of order in distressed

areas;l. emergency repair of indispensable public utilities;m. emergency disposal of the dead;n. assistance in the preservation of objects essential for survival; ando. complementary activities necessary to carry out any of the tasks mentioned

above, including, but not limited to, planning and organisation.

Commonwealth Support to Civil Defence

2. Under the Civil Defence Policy for Australia, many Commonwealth agencies havecivil defence support responsibilities. These cover such areas as policy, planning, programs,strategic analysis, training, awareness, coordination, legislation and advice. Provision of thissupport is coordinated through existing consultative committees and much of it will occur inthe preparatory phase before conflict and civil defence operations have been commenced.

3. During a period of hostilities when civil defence organisations are faced with theimmediate effects of enemy activity and are unable to cope, there may be a need to call forsupport from other states or territories or the Commonwealth. COMDISPLAN will meet therequirement for provision of much of the Commonwealth support necessary to state andterritory civil defence organisations.

Additional Protocol 1 (1977) to the Geneva Conventions of 1949

4. Under the terms of Additional Protocol 1 to the Geneva Conventions, persons andagencies providing support to civil defence during hostilities must note the protected status ofcivil defence resources involved in carrying out any or all of the 15 humanitarian tasks listed in

COMDISPLAN


Paragraph 1. Commonwealth officers involved in providing support relating to these tasks areentitled to be designated as members of civil defence, by competent authorities, and are therebyentitled to protection from enemy activity for the duration of the support task.

5. In addition, should Commonwealth support for civil defence be provided bymembers of the Australian Defence Force, Additional Protocol 1 provides specific guidanceand direction about their status and places conditions on provision of their support.

National Civil Defence Plan

6. A National Civil Defence Plan is currently being developed.

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATION - TROPICAL CYCLONES

Glossary of Terms

1. Tropical Cyclone. A rotational low pressure system of tropical origin, in which10-minute mean winds of at least gale force (63 km/h) occur, the belt of maximum winds beingnear the system's centre.

2. Cyclone Watch. A message released by a Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre(TCWC) when a cyclone or a disturbance with potential to develop into a cyclone exists and islikely to cause coastal gales within 48 hours but not within 24 hours.

3. Cyclone Warning. A message released by a TCWC when the existence of acyclone or a developing disturbance with potential to develop into a cyclone exists and isexpected to cause at least gale force winds in coastal areas within 24 hours.

4. Storm Surge/Tide. A Storm Surge is an abnormal, but not necessarily large,increase in sea level when a cyclone is close to land. It results from wind stress on the seasurface and a low-pressure-induced increase in sea height near a cyclone's eye. A Storm Tide,which can produce severe damage and abnormal sea levels, is the combination of a StormSurge, tidal peaks, a shallow coastal gradient, and on-shore winds. A Storm Tide effect maybe increased by funnelling due to coastal terrain.

Cyclone Severity Category

5. Tropical cyclones are categorised to make it easier to denote the scale of damage thatmay be expected when they pass over populated areas. There are a number of scales used indifferent parts of the world of which the US Saffir/Simpson Scale is the best known. Details ofthe Australian Scale are as follows:

Category Strongest wind gust (km/h) Indicative Damage

1 less than 125 Slightl2 125-169 Moderate3 170-224 Extensive4 225-279 Extreme5 280 or greater Catastrophic

Cyclone TRACY, which devastated Darwin in 1974, was a Category 4 cyclone on this Scale.

6. The Australian Scale does not provide guidance on central pressure because this cannotbe precisely related to wind speed. A small intense cyclone is likely to develop higher windspeeds than a larger system of the same pressure. Storm surge forecasts cannot be directlyrelated to wind speed or central pressure because the height of a storm surge is significantlyaffected by local bathymetry and topography.

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The Warning System

7. Bureau of Meteorology tropical cyclone warnings are issued from TCWCs inBrisbane, Darwin or Perth. These centres are normally activated between November and Aprileach year but can be activated outside these months if necessary. The TCWCs issue CycloneWatch and Cyclone Warning messages to supplement normal forecasts when cyclones threatenan area.

8. Cyclone Watch messages are designed to alert communities to the existence of athreat and to give them time to take precautions as a cyclone approaches.

9. Cyclone Warning messages are issued every three hours for threatened areas.They are designed to warn people of the imminent arrival of a cyclone and the need to takesuitable precautions. If a cyclone is close to the coast and can be monitored by radar, warningscontaining revised position are issued hourly. Cyclone Warnings are sometimes accompaniedby advisory messages from emergency management authorities to remind people of the actionthey should take.

10. The difficulty of assessing the influence of other weather systems or of interactionwith physical features makes it hard to predict the path of a cyclone very accurately The rateand direction of movement of a cyclone can change quite drastically under the influence ofchanging atmospheric conditions. Consequently, Cyclone Watch and Cyclone Warningmessages indicate areas or lengths of coastline that may be affected, rather than predicting atrack for the eye. It should be noted that even when a cyclone position is forecast, thepotentially destructive winds associated with that cyclone can extend over many hundreds ofsquare kilometres. Eye positions can be subject to errors of up to 60 km since the centre of aneye is not always distinguishable on satellite or radar images. Errors in the central positionmay also occur depending on whether it is defined as the point of lowest pressure, the centre ofwind rotation or the centre of the cloud-free eye.

11. Population centres likely to be most severely affected by a cyclone and anyaccompanying storm tide can be expected to be identified approximately 12 hours beforepredicted landfall.

State and Territory Plans

12. States and territories at risk have developed plans for coping with tropical cyclonedisasters. These plans are implemented in conjunction with plans developed at localgovernment level by authorities established within tropical cyclone coastal belts. In outline,these provide for:

a. monitoring of cyclone watch and warning messages issued by TCWCs; and

b. implementation of local plans, supported as appropriate by regional and stateresources.

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13. In general, state and territory and local plans are based on three phases:

a. Warning Phase. Commencing within 24 hours of possible onset of a cyclone,local preparation begins and the public are reminded of precautions to be taken.

b. Preparatory Phase. Local preparation for likely onset of a cyclone is conducted inareas identified in the warning phase. As warnings become more precise, anynecessary local evacuation is carried out between 3 and 6 hours before expectedonset of gale-force winds. At state-level monitoring continues and state resourcesare brought on standby as necessary.

c. Immediate Post-Impact Phase. Emergency management authorities are involvedin saving of life, assessing the extent of damage, preventing loss of and damage toproperty, and alleviating human suffering.

14. Requests for Commonwealth assistance are rarely made during warning orpreparatory phases. When assistance is requested, it is likely to be required urgently.

COMDISPLAN Phases During Tropical Cyclones

15. As tropical cyclone movements are forecast, phases of COMDISPLAN willnormally follow the sequence described in the main text.

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATION - EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS

Glossary of Terms

1. Earthquake Intensity. A measure of the degree of shaking at a specified place.Intensity ratings are non-instrumental and rely on human observation and interpretation.Ratings are assigned by an experienced observer using a descriptive scale.

2. Earthquake Magnitude. A rating of the total energy released by an earthquake.Magnitude records the amplitude for a given earthquake shown on a standard type ofseismograph at a given distance from the epicentre. The magnitude is independent of distancefrom the epicentre.

3. Tsunami. A tsunami is a form of seismic sea wave consisting of a series of up to12 abnormal wave crests and troughs, usually between 20 and 40 minutes apart, radiating from(or from close to) the epicentre of the submarine earthquake or landslide which causes it.

BACKGROUND NOTES - EARTHQUAKES

Earthquake Risk and Distribution

4. Compared with countries on the tectonic plate boundaries like Japan, NewZealand, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, Australia is relatively aseismic. However, thereare regions in Australia where earthquake risk is significant and can be quantified to an extent.These areas, or seismic zones, can be conveniently grouped in three regions as follows:

a. Eastern Region. (Tasmania to Queensland) The most consistently active area inthis region is the Dalton-Gunning zone about 50 kilometres north of Canberra.

b. Central Region. (South Australia and the Northern Territory) The mostrecently active area was around Tennant Creek.

c. Western Region. (Western Australia) There are several separate zones ofseismic activity in Western Australia including the south west seismic zone which isa north-south belt 60 kilometres wide and 550 kilometres long to the east of Perth,the Great Sandy Desert, and an area to the east of Carnarvon.

The outlines of the main earthquake risk areas in Australia is shown at Appendix 1.

Magnitude and Intensity

5. Earthquakes may be described in terms of their magnitude, energy or seismicmovement. Of these, magnitude is the measure most commonly used. Magnitude scales, of

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which the Richter Scale is commonly used in non-specialist forums in Australia, describe theenergy released by the earthquake on a logarithmic scale in whole numbers and decimals. Ashock of magnitude 2 is the smallest normally felt by humans and earthquakes with magnitudesof 6 or more can cause major damage if they are shallow and close to habitation.

6. The severity of the effects of ground movement due to an earthquake at any pointis expressed on 'intensity' scales. These provide a subjective means of measuring damagecaused by earthquakes and are usually highest close to the epicentre of the earthquake. TheModified Mercalli or MM Scale, refined in 1965 for New Zealand conditions, is the Scale mostcommonly used in Australia. It is graduated in Roman Numerals from I to XII.

COMDISPLAN Phases for Earthquakes

7. The absence of earthquake warning will make it unlikely that the full sequence ofCOMDISPLAN activation can be followed. It is most likely that activation will begin withCOMDISPLAN YELLOW although immediate activation of COMDISPLAN RED is possible.

BACKGROUND NOTES - TSUNAMIS

8. Tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes but may also result from coastal orsubmarine landslips. In deep ocean tsunamis can travel at up to 1,000 km/h and each wave isusually less than 1 metre in height. As the waves approach the coast and water becomesshallower, they decelerate and increase in height. The greatest heights are often reached inbays and estuaries. In extreme cases waves can be 20-30 metres high when they cross thecoast and the momentum can take the water even higher up a slope before it recedes.

9. The first sign of the arrival of a tsunami may actually be a receding of water from thebeach.

Tsunami Warning System

10. Tsunami Watch and Warning messages are issued by the Pacific Tsunami WarningCentre (PTWC) Honolulu which monitors a number of seismographs and tidal monitoringstations around the Pacific. The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for passing warnings torelevant authorities if the Australian coast is likely to be affected. These procedures generallyonly apply to major tsunamis originating in the Pacific Ocean. On occasion, PTWC will issuemessages reporting earthquakes occurring in Indonesian areas but it will not issue TsunamiWarning messages for these events as there is no suitable tidal monitoring system in the IndianOcean. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warning messages are as follows:

a. Tsunami Watch - A Tsunami Watch Message, based on available seismicinformation, is issued to advise all participants in the Tsunami Warning System ofdetection of a major earthquake, that a tsunami may have been generated andadvise that a tsunami investigation has been initiated. An area within 6-hourstsunami travel time from the earthquake epicentre is placed on "Watch". Areaswithin a 3-hour tsunami travel-time of the epicentre will be designated for possible

COMDISPLAN


urgent action. A Regional Watch will be followed by hourly updates until it iseither upgraded to a Warning or cancelled.

b. Tsunami Warning - A bulletin issued to all participants on a Pacific-wide basisafter confirmation has been received from tide gauge monitoring that a tsunami hasbeen generated and poses a threat to the population in part or all of the Pacific. Awarning will be followed by hourly updates and a "Final Warning" or"Cancellation" when the Tsunami is no longer dangerous.

11. Advice of earthquakes which have potential to generate tsunamis that could affectAustralia's northern and/or western coasts may be received from the Pacific Tsunami WarningCentre or the Australian Seismological Centre (in Canberra) which is operated by theAustralian Geological Survey Organisation.

COMDISPLAN Phases for Tsunamis

12. While the Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for promulgating Tsunamiwarnings, on receipt of a Tsunami Watch Message, EMA will advise the contents of themessage to those states and territories likely to be affected. Due to the short warning timesprovided by Tsunami Warning and Watch messages, it is most likely that activation will beginwith COMDISPLAN YELLOW although immediate activation of COMDISPLAN RED ispossible.

Appendix

1. Main Earthquake Areas in Australia

COMDISPLAN



MAP OF MAIN EARTHQUAKE AREAS IN AUSTRALIA

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATION - INTERSTATEEVACUATION OF PERSONS

Introduction

1. Disaster victims will usually only be evacuated interstate when all other alternativeshave been examined and found to be unacceptable.

Minor Evacuations

2. After any disaster, the affected state may ask other states/territories to makereception arrangements for visitors and tourists being evacuated from the disaster area to theirhome locations. Such evacuations are normally conducted using regular public transport.Normal request procedures apply if Commonwealth transport is needed.

Major Evacuation

3. If it is decided that a major interstate evacuation of disaster affected persons isnecessary, the NEMCC is able on request, to assist the affected state/territory withcoordination.

Factors Affecting Evacuation

4. A summary of the factors to be considered in deciding on, and planning, anevacuation is contained in Appendix 1.

Advice from Commonwealth Government Departments and Authorities

5. Annex B to COMDISPLAN lists the sources and types of advice available fromCommonwealth Government agencies. These may be called upon during evacuation. If amajor evacuation is considered possible, EMA will convene an evacuation committee withmembers from relevant Commonwealth agencies. The committee will be responsible fordetailed planning of Commonwealth involvement.

Evacuation of Tourists

6. State/territory governments and the tourism industry have primary responsibilityfor promotion and development of tourism in Australia. A range of policy responsibilities areshared between the Commonwealth and the states and territories. After a disaster, the statesand territories accept the normal responsibilities for the safety of life and property of tourists inthe affected area but have no responsibility for returning them home. This responsibilityremains with the tourist industry. Arrangements for the return of overseas tourists to theirparent countries also remain with tourist industry but support is normally available from theconsular sections of their diplomatic missions.

COMDISPLAN


7. During an evacuation, the NEMCC, through the appropriate EMLO, is responsiblefor:

a. coordinating tourist evacuation with non-disaster affectedstates/territories; and

b. providing information to DFAT on the requirements of overseas tourists to assistliaison with diplomatic missions.

Return of Evacuated Persons to their Pre-Disaster Location

8. COMDISPLAN does not provide for, nor does the NEMCC have a responsibilityfor, the return of evacuated persons to their home location.

Appendix:

1. Factors to be considered in planning evacuations.

COMDISPLAN



FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN PLANNING EVACUATIONS

1. The following are factors should be considered when planning evacuations:

a. An inter-state evacuation that requires extensive use of resources of another state or territory may be subject to cost-recovery by the controller of those resources; and

b. Many evacuees will prefer to be accommodated with relatives and friends.

2. The following questions need to be answered in evacuation planning:

a. Where should remaining disaster-affected persons be relocated?

b. How will the evacuees be transported?

c. Will it be necessary to stage evacuees through a transit centre?

d. What Commonwealth assistance is required by non-disaster affected states/territories?

e. How long will it take non-disaster affected states/territories to activate reception/accommodation plans?

f. For how long will evacuees be required to live interstate?

g. What records need to be retained on evacuees?

h. What medical arrangements will be necessary if large concentrations of evacuees are located in another state/territory?

i. What special welfare arrangements are needed to cater for families separated from adult members remaining in the disaster area to assist in restoration work?

j. What arrangements are needed for overseas tourists and visitors?

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATIONRE-ENTRY OF SPACE DEBRIS

General

1. During recent years, space exploration and the launching of earth satellites forvarious purposes have placed thousands of individual items of hardware in orbit, varying in sizefrom a few cubic centimetres to complete space laboratories weighing many tonnes.

2. Orbital decay of this debris is a routine occurrence. It is closely monitored by theNorth American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and other similar facilitiesthroughout the world. Most of the debris disintegrates and burns up on re-entry into theearth's atmosphere, but there have been examples of large pieces of considerable size andweight surviving re-entry and impacting on the earth’s surface. Although there is a goodchance that the pieces will fall harmlessly into the ocean, the impact of space debris on a built-up area could be disastrous.

3. Information on large and potentially threatening items of space debris is usuallyavailable some days before re-entry and the initial warning is usually followed by increasinglyfrequent forecasts of time of re-entry. However, the complexity of re-entry forecasting is suchthat accurate forecasts are not presently possible. Moreover, launch failures may result in thesatellite never achieving its planned orbit but re-entering very shortly after launch. In theseincidents, there is little or no warning of the hazard.

Commonwealth Responsibilities

4. Commonwealth responsibilities relating to re-entry of space debris are to provide:

a. warning of the possibility of such an event;

b. assistance in location and recovery of the debris if requested; and

c. physical assistance with relief operations under COMDISPLAN.

Radioactive Space Debris

5. If the expected space debris is believed to be radioactive or to contain radioactivecomponents, the Australian Contingency Plan for Space Re-Entry Debris, AUSCONPLANSPRED, will be activated and all response will be handled under that plan unless the debris isfound to be inert. Detailed agency responsibilities which will be coordinated by EMA.are contained in AUSCONPLAN SPRED.

COMDISPLAN


Activation of COMDISPLAN for Space Debris Re-Entry

6. COMDISPLAN may be activated whenever there is a forecast that inert spacedebris may impact on Australia or its territories. As the behaviour of the debris is likely to beerratic, re-entry may not occur at the time and location forecast. As a result, the sequence ofCOMDISPLAN phases may not be followed, and time spent in a particular phase could beshort.

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATIONRADIOLOGICAL ACCIDENTS

Standing Arrangements

1. A number of standing arrangements are in place to cope with situations which havea potential for, or result in, a release of radioactive material. Where applicable, thesearrangements include provision of Commonwealth physical assistance to states/territories.Examples of these standing arrangements are as follows:

a. Safety Procedures for Nuclear Powered Warships. State/territory plans and theDepartment of Defence document “Visits By Nuclear Powered Warships toAustralian Ports - Procedures (known as OPSMAN 1)” contain standingarrangements for the Commonwealth to provide assistance with routine radiationmonitoring personnel and environmental sampling services to states/territorieshosting visits by nuclear powered warships. They include arrangements forproviding back-up personnel and other resources to assist with longer termradiation and contamination surveys and/or remedial activities. These back-upresources may be sought through the standard system for requestingCommonwealth physical assistance.

b. Accidents involving Radiopharmaceuticals. The responsibility for respondingto accidents involving radiopharmaceuticals in all states and territories exceptNSW rests with appropriate health authorities. The Environmental ProtectionAuthority is responsible in NSW. Special agreements exist for ANSTO staff fromLucas Heights to be called to assist if required.

c. ANSTO Lucas Heights Research Laboratories. The ANSTO Emergency Plan(DISPLAN), prepared under the aegis of the NSW State Emergency & RescueManagement Act and the ANSTO Act, contains procedures for response to an off-site accident. On-site accident response is covered in the Lucas HeightsEmergency Plan.

d. Radioactive Space Re-Entry Debris. The Australian Contingency Plan for SpaceRe-Entry Debris (AUSCONPLAN SPRED) details procedures for coordination ofCommonwealth and state/territory resources in this situation.

Other Circumstances

2. If Commonwealth assistance is required to deal with the release of radioactivematerial in circumstances not covered by the above standing arrangements, the provisions ofCOMDISPLAN apply.

COMDISPLAN


International Agreements

3. Australia is party to two International Conventions related to nuclear accidents.They are:

a. Convention on Early Notification of Nuclear Accidents (CENNA); and

b. Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or RadiologicalEmergency (CACNARE).

4. CENNA. The CENNA Convention details responsibilities for notification, to theInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other national parties to the Convention, ofdetails of nuclear accidents which result in, or could result in, release of radioactive materialwhich could cross an international boundary.

5. CACNARE. The CACNARE Convention details arrangements for requestingassistance with a radioactive material release through the IAEA or another State Party to theConvention and for overall direction, control, coordination and supervision of that assistancein-country. It also details responsibilities for provision of administrative support and othermatters.

Responsibilities and Procedures Arising from CENNA and CACNARE

6. ANSTO is the focal point for matters relating to CENNA. In the event of anyaccident from which a release of radioactive material occurs or is likely to occur which couldcross an international boundary, EMA and ANSTO are to be notified as soon as possible.ANSTO will pass details to the IAEA and other signatories as applicable. ANSTO will alsoreceive advice from the IAEA of situations in other signatory nations which may affectAustralia.

7. ANSTO is also the Commonwealth focal point for making and receiving requestsunder CACNARE. Accordingly, in the case of any accident resulting in, or with the potentialto result in, the release of radioactive material, requests to EMA for Commonwealth physicalassistance should be copied (for information) to ANSTO. In any case where EMA decides torequest international assistance, the request will be passed through ANSTO.

8. When Australia is requested to provide assistance to the IAEA or other Parties toCACNARE, the request will be received through ANSTO and passed to DFAT for initialaction and coordination of a response.

COMDISPLAN



ADDITIONAL PLANNING INFORMATIONCHEMICAL WARFARE AGENT HAZARDS

Hazard

1. The effects of chemical warfare agents are devastating to human and animal life.Chemical weapons contain liquid or gaseous chemical agents that cause toxic damage to livingtissue. There are four general types of chemical agents used as weapons that cause seriousinjury or death through inhalation or body surface contact:

a. Blister Agents - general body tissue irritants such as mustard gas that burn orblister the skin and the lung tissue if inhaled;

b. Blood Agents - agents that interfere with cell respiration after entering the lungsthrough inhalation;

c. Choking Agents - irritants such as phosgene that irritate and damage lung tissue;and

d. Nerve Agents - very toxic chemicals that interfere with the transmission of nerveimpulses and disrupt vital bodily functions such as breathing.

Incidents

2. The likelihood of chemical warfare agents being used is considered to be very low.Nevertheless incidents could occur with or without prior warning in a terrorist, extortion orhostage situation involving the threatened use of chemical warfare agents. Such incidents havethe potential to cause a significant number of casualties if the chemical is released in a crowdedconfined space. If incidents occur, the states and territories may request assistance from theCommonwealth with decontamination and monitoring.

3. Terrorist incidents that involve the threatened use of chemical warfare agents(prior warning) are the responsibility of state and Commonwealth law enforcement agenciesthrough the National Anti-Terrorist Plan.

4. A “no warning” incident involving the release of chemical warfare agents wouldrequire initial response by state and territory emergency personnel (police, fire, ambulance).Due to the special nature of the hazard, the states and territories may seek assistance from theCommonwealth. The Commonwealth maintains a limited chemical response capabilitythrough the Chemical Radiological Response Team (CRRT) maintained by the AustralianDefence Force.

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Chemical Radiological Response Team (CRRT)

5. The CRRT is based in the Specialist Training Wing of the School of MilitaryEngineering at Moorebank, NSW. The CRRT maintains a capability to deal with chemicalwarfare agents and radiological incidents. It maintains a limited capacity to deal withbiological warfare agents and is on 12 hours notice to move. The CRRT consists of sevenpersonnel including five explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians who are also qualifiedin improvised explosive device disposal. All CRRT personnel have completed nuclear,biological and chemical defence (NBCD) and chemical/biological ordnance disposal courses.

6. The CRRT is capable of leak, seal and package operations for chemical andradiological agents and isotopes. Personnel decontamination is conducted by the team which isalso capable of limited area decontamination. Using additional qualified personnel, thecapability can be increased for both personnel and area decontamination. The team can alsoundertake safe disposal operations on ordnance, and limited improvised explosive devicedisposal (IEDD). The CRRT is capable of conducting field sampling and analysis of all vapourand liquid chemical warfare agents. Further sampling is conducted by the Defence Science andTechnology Organisation.

7. The CRRT possesses filtered air or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)which can be operated from back pack modules or from a tethered air hose. Operations can beconducted in either totally encapsulated impermeable suits or splash suits. The radiologicaldetection equipment held by the CRRT is capable of detecting all gamma, beta, alpha and lowenergy x-ray isotopes. The CRRT is transportable by air in C-130 aircraft and by road in twotrucks and two light vehicles.

8. On receipt of a state or territory request for assistance with a possible chemicalwarfare agent release, the need for rapid action will probably require COMDISPLAN RED tobe declared immediately after Ministerial clearance to respond is received. EMA wouldcoordinate the response by the CRRT through Australian Defence Headquarters (ADHQ).

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