Council's Role in an Emergency

Depending on the severity of the emergency and the response required, Wellington Shire Council may be directed to open an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) due to residents unable to return to their homes for a period of time.

The function of an Emergency Relief Centre is to provide immediate support to people affected by the emergency, and may include food, shelter, financial hardship and personal care/psychosocial support. Emergency Relief Centres are opened in safe locations after all details of the specific emergency situation are known.

Council cannot assist directly with services including loss of power, water connection, phone or connectivity.

Council may coordinate the supply of drinking water to a community in an emergency if required.

Council also performs other roles in an emergency such as impact assessments, road/tree clearing, traffic management support, animal welfare services, and assist in distributing warnings and information to the public and media.

‍

Contacting Council

Council can assist with emergency relief to meet the essential needs of individuals, families and communities during and in the immediate aftermath of an emergency. Please contact our Emergency Management team on 1300 366 244 to see how we can help.