BALRANALD FLOOD EMERGENCY SUB PLAN

(1)

12 December 2012

To be reviewed no later than December 2017

BALRANALD FLOOD EMERGENCY SUB PLAN

A Sub-Plan of the Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN)

Volume 1 of the Balranald Local Flood Plan

(2)

AUTHORISATION

The Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan is a sub plan of the Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN). It has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency Service Act 1989 (NSW) and is authorised by the Local Emergency Management Committee in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (NSW).

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page i

(3)

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Dam Failure Alert Levels ... 24

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page iii

(5)

DISTRIBUTION LIST

Recipient Number of copies

NSW SES Balranald Local Controller 1

NSW SES Balranald Unit 1

NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters 1

NSW SES State Headquarters 1

Balranald Shire Council, Local Emergency Operations Controller 1 NSW Police Force, Deniliquin Local Area Command 1 Balranald Shire Council, Local Emergency Management Committee

Members 4

Balranald Shire Council, Local Emergency Management Officer 1 Balranald Shire Council, Local Emergency Operations Centre 1

Balranald Shire Council, Mayor 1

Balranald Shire Council, General Manager 1

Balranald Shire Council, Technical Services Department 1

Fire and Rescue NSW, Balranald 1

Rural Fire Service, Balranald 1

Ambulance Service of NSW, Balranald 1

Volunteer Rescue Association, Balranald Rescue Squad 1

Office of Environment and Heritage 1

Evacuation Centres 1 each

Hospitals 1 each

Schools 1 each

Caravan Parks 1 each

Council Libraries 1 each

State Water Corporation, Hume and Wyangala Dams 1 each

Total

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page iv

(6)

VERSION HISTORY

The following table lists all previously endorsed versions of this plan.

Description Date

Balranald Local Flood Plan endorsed Mar 1992

AMENDMENT LIST

Suggestions for amendments to this plan should be forwarded to:

The Balranald Local Controller NSW State Emergency Service

84 Ballandella Street, BALRANALD NSW 2715

Amendments promulgated in the amendments list below have been entered in this plan.

Amendment

Number Description Updated by Date

Document Issue: V28112012

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page v

(7)

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations have been used in this plan:

AEP Annual Exceedance Probability AHD Australian Height Datum

AIIMS Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System ARI Average Recurrence Interval (Years)

ALERT Automated Local Evaluation in Real Time AWRC Australian Water Resources Council

BUREAU Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology CBR Chemical, Biological or Radiation

DCF Dam Crest Flood

DSC Dams Safety Committee DSEP Dam Safety Emergency Plan DVR Disaster Victim Registration EMPLAN Emergency Management Plan FRNSW Fire and Rescue NSW

NOW NSW Office of Water

GIS Geographic Information System GRN Government Radio Network IAP Incident Action Plan

IFF Imminent Failure Flood

LEMC Local Emergency Management Committee LEOCON Local Emergency Management Controller LGA Local Government Area

OEH Office of Environment and Heritage (previously DECCW)

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page vi

(8)

MHL Manly Hydraulics Laboratory PMF Probable Maximum Flood PMR Private Mobile Radio

PMP Probable Maximum Precipitation RFS Rural Fire Service

RMS Roads and Maritime Services

SEOCON State Emergency Operations Controller SERCON State Emergency Recovery Controller NSW SES NSW State Emergency Service

SEWS Standard Emergency Warning Signal VRA Volunteer Rescue Association

WICEN Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page vii

(9)

GLOSSARY

Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). The chance of a flood of a given or larger size occurring in any one year, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, if a peak flood level (height) has an AEP of 5%, there is a 5% chance (that is, a one-in-20 chance) of such a level or higher occurring in any one year (see also Average

Recurrence Interval).

Assistance Animal. A guide dog, a hearing assistance dog or any other animal trained to assist a person to alleviate the effect of a disability (Refer to Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992).

Australian Height Datum (AHD). A common national surface level datum approximately corresponding to mean sea level.

Average Recurrence Interval (ARI). The long-term average number of years between the occurrence of a flood as big as, or larger than, the selected event. For example, floods reaching a height as great as, or greater than, the 20 year ARI flood event will occur on average once every 20 years.

Catchment (river basin). The land area draining through the main stream, as well as tributary streams, to a particular site. It always relates to an area above a specific location.

Coastal Erosion. The loss of land along the shoreline predominantly by the offshore movement of sand during storms.

Dambreak Study. A Dambreak Study is undertaken to determine the likely downstream inundation areas in case of a dam failure. Modelling is undertaken for a range of dam breach possibilities and design floods. The dambreak study includes

information such as the extent of flooding, flood travel times and flood water velocities. The study can assist dam owners, regulators, and emergency agencies in the preparations of evacuation plans, dam break and other flood warning systems, and hazard classification of affected areas.

Dam Failure. The uncontrolled release of a water storage. The failure may consist of the collapse of the dam or some part of it, or excessive seepage or discharges. The most likely causes of dam failure are:

• Flood Induced Dam Failure: Dam failure caused by flood, either due to overtopping erosion or by subsequent structural failure.

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page viii

(10)

• Sunny Day Dam Failure: Dam Failure as a result of factors other than flood ie other than flood flow into the reservoir. Causes of "Sunny Day" dam failure can include internal erosion, landslide, piping, earthquake or sabotage.

Dam Safety Emergency Plan (DSEP). A DSEP outlines the required actions of owners and their personnel at dams in response to a range of possible emergency situations.

The NSW Dam Safety Committee requires a quality controlled DSEP, with associated dambreak warning procedures to be prepared for prescribed dams where persons may be at risk downstream, if the dam failed.

Design flood (or flood standard). A flood of specified magnitude that is adopted for planning purposes. Selections should be based on an understanding of flood behaviour and the associated flood risk, and take account of social, economic and environmental considerations. There may be several design floods for an individual area.

Emergency Alert. A national telephony based alerting system available for use by

emergency service agencies to send SMS and voice messages to landlines and/or mobile telephones (by billing address) in times of emergency.

EMPLAN (Emergency Management Plan). The object of a EMPLAN is to ensure the coordinated response by all agencies having responsibilities and functions in emergencies.

Essential services. Those services, often provided by local government authorities, that are considered essential to the life of organised communities. Such services include power, lighting, water, gas, sewerage and sanitation clearance.

Evacuation. The temporary movement of people from a dangerous or potentially dangerous place to a safe location, and their eventual return. It is a safety strategy which uses distance to separate people from the danger created by the hazard.

Evacuation Order. Notification to the community, authorised by the NSW SES, when the intent of an Incident Controller is to instruct a community to immediately evacuate in response to an imminent threat.

Evacuation Warning. Notification to the community, authorised by the NSW SES, when the intent of an Incident Controller is to warn a community of the need to prepare for a possible evacuation

Flash flooding. Flooding which is sudden and often unexpected because it is caused by sudden local or nearby heavy rainfall. It is sometimes defined as flooding which occurs within six hours of the rain that causes it.

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page ix

(11)

Flood. Relatively high water level which overtops the natural or artificial banks in any part of a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam, and/or local overland flooding associated with drainage before entering a watercourse, and/or coastal inundation resulting from super-elevated sea levels and/or waves overtopping coastline defences, including Tsunami.

Flood classifications. Locally defined flood levels used in flood warnings to give an

indication of the severity of flooding (minor, moderate or major) expected. These levels are used by the State Emergency Service and the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology in flood bulletins and flood warnings.

Flood intelligence. The product of collecting, collating, analysing and interpreting flood- related data to produce meaningful information (intelligence) to allow for the timely preparation, planning and warning for and response to a flood.

Flood fringe. The remaining area of flood prone land after floodway and flood storage have been defined

Flood liable land (also referred to as flood prone land). Land susceptible to flooding by the Probable Maximum Flood. (PMF) event. This term also describes the maximum extent of a floodplain which is an area of a river valley, adjacent to the river channel, which is subject to inundation in floods up to this event.

Flood of record. Maximum observed historical flood.

Floodplain Management Plan. A plan developed in accordance with the principles and guidelines in the New South Wales Floodplain Development Manual. Such a plan usually includes both written and diagrammatic information describing how particular areas of flood prone land can be used and managed to achieve defined objectives.

Flood Plan. A response strategy plan that deals specifically with flooding and is a sub-plan of a Emergency Management Plan. Flood plans describe agreed roles,

responsibilities, functions, strategies and management arrangements for the conduct of flood operations and for preparing for them. A flood plan contains information and arrangements for all floods whereas an IAP is for a specific flood/event.

Flood Rescue. The rescue or retrieval of persons trapped by floodwaters.

Flood storage areas. Those parts of the floodplain that are important for the temporary storage of floodwaters during the passage of a flood. The extent and behaviour of flood storage areas may change with flood severity, and loss of flood storage can increase the severity of flood impacts by reducing natural flood attenuation.

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page x

(12)

Floodway. An area where a significant volume of water flows during floods. Such areas are often aligned with obvious naturally-defined channels and are areas that, if partially blocked, would cause a significant redistribution of flood flow which may in turn adversely affect other areas. They are often, but not necessarily, the areas of deeper flow or the areas where higher velocities occur.

Flood Watch. A Flood Watch is a notification of the potential for a flood to occur as a result of a developing weather situation and consists of short generalised statements about the developing weather including forecast rainfall totals, description of catchment conditions and indicates streams at risk. The Bureau will also attempt to estimate the magnitude of likely flooding in terms of the adopted flood

classifications. Flood Watches are normally issued 24 to 36 hours in advance of likely flooding. Flood watches are issued on a catchment wide basis.

Flood Warning. A Flood Warning is a gauge specific forecast of actual or imminent flooding.

Flood Warnings specify the river valley, the locations expected to be flooded, the likely severity of flooding and when it will occur.

Functional Area. A category of services involved in the preparations for an emergency, including the following:

• Agriculture and Animal Services;

• Energy and Utility Services;

• Engineering Services;

• Environmental Services;

• Health Services;

• Public Information Services;

• Telecommunication Services;

• Transport Services; and

• Welfare Services.

Geographic Information System (GIS). A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analysing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

Incident Action Plan (IAP). An action plan for managing a specific event. Information from the Local Flood Plan is used to develop the flood IAP.

Indirect Effect. Indirect effects are generally a consequence of infrastructure damage or interruption of services and can affect communities distant from the actual flood

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page xi

(13)

footprint i.e. floodplain. Indirect effects can also refer to indirect losses due to disruption of economic activity, both in areas which are inundated or isolated.

Indirect effects are one of the three primary sources of risk in the context of flooding (the other two are inundation and isolation).

Inundation. See definition for Flood.

Isolation. Properties and/or communities where flooding cuts access to essential services or means of supply. Isolation is one of the three primary sources of risk in the context of flooding (the other two are inundation and indirect effects).

Local overland flooding. Inundation by local runoff rather than overbank discharge from a stream, river, estuary, lake or dam.

Major flooding. Flooding which causes inundation of extensive rural areas, with properties, villages and towns isolated and/or appreciable urban areas flooded.

Minor flooding. Flooding which causes inconvenience such as closing of minor roads and the submergence of low-level bridges. The lower limit of this class of flooding, on the reference gauge, is the initial flood level at which landholders and/or

townspeople begin to be affected in a significant manner that necessitates the issuing of a public flood warning by the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology.

Moderate flooding. Flooding which inundates low-lying areas, requiring removal of stock and/or evacuation of some houses. Main traffic routes may be covered.

Peak height. The highest level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during a particular flood event.

Prescribed Dam. "Prescribed" dams are those listed in Schedule 1 of the Dams Safety Act 1978. The NSW Dam Safety Committee will prescribe those dams with the potential for a failure which could have a significant adverse effect on community interests.

Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The largest flood that could conceivably be expected to occur at a particular location, usually estimated from probable maximum

precipitation. The PMF defines the maximum extent of flood prone land, that is, the floodplain. It is difficult to define a meaningful Annual Exceedance Probability for the PMF, but it is commonly assumed to be of the order of 10⁴to 10⁷ (once in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years).

Runoff. The amount of rainfall which ends up as stream flow, also known as ‘rainfall excess’

since it is the amount remaining after accounting for other processes such as evaporation and infiltration.

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page xii

(14)

Stage height. A level reached, at a nominated gauging station, during the development of a particular flood event.

Stream gauging station. A place on a river or stream at which the stage height is routinely measured, either daily or continuously, and where the discharge is measured from time to time so as to develop a relationship between stage and discharge or rating curve.

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page xiii

(15)

PART 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

1.1.1 This plan covers preparedness measures, the conduct of response operations and the coordination of immediate recovery measures from flooding within the Balranald Shire Council area. It covers operations for all levels of flooding within the council area.

1.2 AUTHORITY

1.2.1 This plan is issued under the authority of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 and the State Emergency Service Act 1989. It has been approved by the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller and the NSW SES Murray Region Controller as a NSW SES plan and endorsed by the Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Management Committee as a sub plan of the Local EMPLAN.

1.3 AREA COVERED BY THE PLAN

1.3.1 The area covered by the plan is the Balranald Shire Council area which

includes: the townships of Balranald, Euston, Kyalite and Oxley plus a number of rural properties.

1.3.2 The council area and its principal rivers and creeks are shown in Attachment 3.

1.3.3 The council area is in the NSW SES Murray Region and for emergency management purposes is part of the South West Emergency Management Region

1.4 DESCRIPTION OF FLOODING AND ITS EFFECTS

1.4.1 The NSW SES maintains information on the nature of flooding and effects of flooding on the community in the Balranald Shire Council area.

1.5 RESPONSIBILITIES

1.5.1 The general responsibilities of emergency service organisations and supporting services (functional areas) are listed in the Local and State

Emergency Management Plans (EMPLAN). Some specific responsibilities are expanded upon in the following paragraphs. The extent of their

implementation will depend on the severity of the flooding.

1.5.2 NSW SES Balranald Local Controller. The NSW SES Balranald Local Controller is responsible for dealing with floods as detailed in the State Flood Plan, and will:

December 2012 Vol 1: Balranald Flood Emergency Sub Plan Page 1

(16)

Preparedness

a. Maintain a Local Headquarters at Balranald Shire Depot, O'Connor Street, Balranald in accordance with the NSW SES Controllers’ Guide and the NSW SES Operations Manual.

b. Ensure that NSW SES members are trained to undertake operations in accordance with current policy as laid down in the NSW SES Controllers’

Guide and the NSW SES Operations Manual.

c. Coordinate the development and operation of a flood warning service for the community.

d. Participate in floodplain risk management initiatives organised by the Balranald Shire Council.

e. Coordinate a public education program.

f. Identify and monitor people and/or communities at risk of flooding.

g. Ensure that the currency of this plan is maintained.

Response

h. Appoint an appropriate Local Incident Controller to undertake response roles. The Incident Controller will:

i. Control flood and storm response operations. This includes:

• Directing the activities of the NSW SES units operating within the council area.

• Coordinating the activities of supporting agencies and organisations and ensuring that liaison is established with them.

• Contribute to preparation of Region IAP.

j. Provide an information service in relation to:

• Flood heights and flood behaviour.

• Road conditions and closures.

• Advice on methods of limiting property damage.

• Confirmation of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.

k. Direct the conduct of flood rescue operations.

l. Direct the evacuation of people and/or communities.

m. Provide immediate welfare support for evacuated people.

n. Coordinate the provision of emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people and/or communities.

o. Coordinate operations to protect property, for example by:

• Arranging resources for sandbagging operations.

(17)

• Lifting or moving household furniture.

• Lifting or moving commercial stock and equipment.

p. Assist the Balranald Shire Council to organise temporary repairs or improvements to levees.

q. Arrange for support (for example, accommodation and meals) for

emergency service organisation members and volunteers assisting them.

r. Ensure that the managers of caravan parks are advised of flood warnings and the details of any evacuation order.

s. If NSW SES resources are available, assist with emergency fodder supply operations conducted by Agriculture and Animal Services.

t. If NSW SES resources are available, assist the NSW Police Force, RMS and Council with road closure and traffic control operations.

u. Exercise financial delegations relating to the use of emergency orders as laid down in the NSW SES Controllers’ Guide.

v. Coordinate the collection of flood information for development of intelligence.

w. Submit Situation Reports to the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters and agencies assisting within the council area. These will contain information on:

• Road conditions and closures.

• Current flood behaviour.

• Current operational activities.

• Likely future flood behaviour.

• Likely future operational activities.

• Probable resource needs.

x. Keep the Local Emergency Operations Controller advised of the flood situation and the operational response.

y. Issue the ‘All Clear’ when flood operations have been completed.

Recovery

z. Ensure that appropriate After Action Reviews are held after floods.

aa. Provide appropriate representation to the recovery committee for the duration of the response phase of an event and as agreed during the recovery phase.

1.5.3 NSW SES Balranald Unit Members:

a. Carry out flood response tasks. These may include:

(18)

• The management of the NSW SES Balranald Local and Unit Headquarters Operations Centres.

• Assist in the collection of flood information for the development of intelligence.

• Flood rescue.

• Evacuation.

• Providing immediate welfare for evacuated people.

• Delivery of warnings and information.

• Resupply.

• Levee monitoring.

• Sandbagging.

• Lifting and/or moving household furniture and commercial stock.

• Animal rescue.

• Assisting in repairing or improving levees.

• Assisting with road closure and traffic control operations.

• Assisting with emergency fodder supply operations.

b. Assist with preparedness activities.

c. Undertake training in flood and storm response operations.

1.5.4 Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area a. When requested by NSW SES:

• Activate the Agriculture and Animal Services Supporting Plan as required and coordinate the provision of required services which may include:

 Supply and delivery of emergency fodder.

 Coordinate the management of livestock and farm animals.

 Advice on dealing with dead and injured farm animals.

 Financial, welfare and damage assessment assistance to flood affected farmers.

 Operation of animal shelter compound facilities for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

b. Forests NSW

• Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds in Forests NSW managed areas.

(19)

1.5.5 The Ambulance Service of NSW:

a. Assist with the evacuation of at risk communities (in particular elderly and/or infirm people).

b. Deploy ambulance resources to appropriate locations if access is expected to be lost.

c. Assist the NSW SES with flood rescue operations.

1.5.6 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (The Bureau):

a. Provide Flood Watches for the Murray, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee River Basins.

b. Provide Flood Warnings, incorporating height-time predictions, for Balranald (410003), Booligal Weir (412005), Carrathool (410078), Euabalong (412903), Euston Weir (414203), Hay (410002), Hillston Weir (412039), Wakool River at Coonamit Bridge (409061), Wakool at Stoney Crossing (409013) and Wakool Junction (414200) gauges.

c. Provide severe weather warnings when flash flooding is likely to occur.

1.5.7 Caravan Park Proprietor(s):

a. Prepare a Flood Management Plan for the Caravan Park.

b. Install flood depth indicators and road alignment markers within their caravan parks.

c. Ensure that owners and occupiers of caravans are aware that the caravan park is flood liable by:

• Handing a printed notice to occupiers taking up residence. The notice will indicate that the caravan park is liable to flooding and outline the evacuation and van relocation arrangements.

• Displaying this notice prominently in each van.

d. Ensure that owners and occupiers of caravans are aware that if they are expecting to be absent from their vans for extended periods, they must:

• Provide the manager with a key; in a sealed envelope; to the van.

• Provide a contact address and telephone number.

• Inform the manager if a vehicle will be required to relocate the van during flood time.

• Leave any mobile van in a condition allowing it to be towed in an emergency (ie: tyres inflated, jacks wound up, personal effects secured and annexes and lines for water, sewer, electricity and gas readily detachable).

e. Ensure that occupiers are informed of Flood Warnings and Flood Watches. At this time, occupiers should be advised to:

• Ensure that they have spare batteries for their radios.

(20)

• Listen to a local radio station for updated flood information.

• Prepare for evacuation and van relocation.

f. Ensure that owners and occupiers of caravans are aware of what they must do to facilitate evacuation and van relocation when flooding occurs. Owners of vans which are incapable of being relocated, should ensure they are securely anchored to their site to avoid being swept away.

g. Coordinate the evacuation of people and the relocation of moveable vans when floods are rising and their return when flood waters have subsided. Vans will be towed back to the caravan park(s) by van owners or by vehicles and drivers arranged by the park managers.

h. Inform the NSW SES of the progress of evacuation and/or van relocation operations and of any need for assistance in the conduct of these tasks.

1.5.8 Child Care Centres and Preschools:

a. Childcare Centres are to be contacted by the NSW SES in the event of possible flooding or isolation.

b. When notified the child care centres and preschools should:

• Liaise with the NSW SES and arrange for the early release of children whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures.

• Assist with coordinating the evacuation of preschools and child care centres.

1.5.9 Office of Environment and Heritage:

a. Provide specialist policy, engineering and scientific advice to councils and the NSW SES on flood related matters including assistance with:

• The identification of flood problems.

• The preparation of Floodplain Risk Management Plans and associated studies.

• The implementation of Floodplain Risk Management Plans. This involves floodplain management projects which include flood mitigation works, flood warning, strategic land use planning and upgrade of evacuation routes.

• The exercising of Local Flood Plans.

b. Provide specialist advice flood related matters as follows:

• Provide the NSW SES with access to relevant studies regarding flooding, including Flood Studies and Floodplain Risk Management Studies.

(21)

• Coordinate the collection of post event flood data, in consultation with the NSW SES.

• Provide data to the Bureau of Meteorology and NSW SES real-time or near real-time access to river height gauges and height data for the development of official flood warnings (through a contract with MHL as described in the Response section of this plan).

c. National Parks and Wildlife Service

• Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds in National Parks managed areas.

1.5.10 Energy and Utility Services Functional Area:

a. When requested by NSW SES:

• Implement the Energy and Utilities Services Functional Area Supporting Plan.

• Where required, coordinate energy and utility services emergency management planning, preparation, response and recovery, including the restoration of services following a flood event.

• Coordinate advice to the NSW SES of any need to disconnect electricity, gas, water or wastewater services.

• Assist the NSW SES to identify infrastructure at risk of flooding for incorporation into planning and intelligence.

• Identify interdependencies between flooding and utility services due to secondary impacts of flooding and advise the NSW SES.

• Assist the NSW SES with advisory notices relating to hazards from utility services during flooding.

• Coordinate with utilities on restoration of services, including advisory notices relating to estimated time for restoration and mandatory safety checks prior to reconnection. Advise the NSW SES and the relevant recovery committee and coordinator of the timetable for restoration.

b. Local Providers (electricity, gas, water, waste water) Essential Energy (electricity). Balranald Shire (water and waste water). Balranald has no natural gas. Supply is bottled gas only, various suppliers:

• Provide advice to the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller of any need to disconnect power/gas/water/waste water supplies or of any timetable for reconnection.

• Advise the NSW SES of any hazards from utility services during flooding.

• Advise the public with regard to electrical hazards during flooding and to the availability or otherwise of the electricity supply.

(22)

• Clear or make safe any hazard caused by power lines or electrical reticulation equipment.

• Inspect, test and reconnect customers’ electrical/ gas/ water/waste water installations as conditions allow.

1.5.11 Engineering Services Functional Area:

• Provide engineering advice regarding the integrity of damaged structures.

• Assist the NSW SES with damage assessment.

• Acquire and/or provide specialist technical engineering expertise.

• Assist the NSW SES and councils with the assessment and operation of flood protection levees when requested.

• Assist with property protection, including the construction or repair of levees.

• Coordinate the restoration of critical public facilities.

• Establish recovery centre facilities.

1.5.12 Environmental Services Functional Area:

• Implement the Environmental Services Functional Area (Enviroplan) Supporting Plan if required.

• Activate the Hazmat/CBR Emergency Sub Plan if required.

1.5.13 Health Services Functional Area:

• Activate Healthplan if required.

• Ensure that appropriate business continuity plans are developed for essential health infrastructure and are activated during floods.

• Provide medical support to the NSW SES.

• Establish health surveillance in affected areas.

• Assess potential public health risks that either acutely endanger the health of human populations or are thought to have longer term consequences.

• Provide environmental health advice.

• Provide public health warnings and advice to affected communities.

(23)

• Assist the NSW SES with the warning and evacuation of hospitals.

1.5.14 Fire and Rescue NSW, Balranald

a. Assist the NSW SES with the delivery of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.

b. Assist the NSW SES with the conduct of evacuations.

c. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

d. Assist with clean-up operations, including the hosing out of flood affected properties.

e. Deploy fire resources to appropriate locations if access is expected to be lost.

1.5.15 NSW Office of Water

a. Collect and maintain flood data including data relating to flood heights, velocities and discharges.

b. Provide the Bureau of Meteorology and NSW SES real-time or near real- time access to river height gauges and height data for the development of official flood warnings.

c. Provide flow rating charts for river height gauges.

d. Manage (with technical support from OEH) the approval process under the Water Act 1912 and Water Management Act 2000 for flood control works (earthworks, embankments and levees which can affect the distribution of floodwaters) including:

• Assessment and approval of flood control works (including flood mitigation works) in rural areas designated under the Acts.

• Use of floodplain management plans prepared by OEH in rural areas designated under the Acts to assess flood control work approvals.

• Giving the NSW SES access to relevant studies regarding flooding and studies supporting floodplain management plans prepared by OEH including flood studies, floodplain risk management studies and flood behaviour investigations.

(24)

1.5.16 NSW Police Force, Deniliquin Local Area Command (LAC):

a. Assist the NSW SES with the delivery of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.

b. Assist the NSW SES with the conduct of evacuation operations.

c. Conduct road and traffic control operations in conjunction with council and/or RMS.

d. Coordinate the registration of evacuees.

e. Secure evacuated areas.

1.5.17 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS Balranald):

a. Provide personnel in rural areas and villages to:

• inform the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller about flood conditions and response needs in their own communities, and

• disseminate flood information.

b. Provide personnel and high-clearance vehicles for flood related activities.

c. Assist the NSW SES with the delivery of evacuation warnings and evacuation orders.

d. Assist the NSW SES with the conduct of evacuations.

e. Provide equipment for pumping flood water out of buildings and from low-lying areas.

f. Assist with the removal of caravans.

g. Provide back-up radio communications.

h. Assist with clean-up operations, including the hosing of flood affected properties.

i. Deploy fire resources to appropriate locations if access is expected to be lost.

1.5.18 Moores Buslines:

a. Assist with the provision of:

• Bus transport and drivers for evacuation, resupply or commuting purposes.

1.5.19 Public Information Services Functional Area:

• Assist the NSW SES in the establishment and operation of a Joint Media Information Centre.

(25)

1.5.20 School Administration Offices (including Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, Department of Education & Communities Riverina and Private Schools):

a. Liaise with the NSW SES and arrange for the early release of students whose travel arrangements are likely to be disrupted by flooding and/or road closures (or where required, for students to be moved to a suitable location until normal school closing time).

b. Pass information to school bus drivers/companies and/or other schools on expected or actual impacts of flooding.

c. Assist with coordinating the evacuation of schools when flooding or isolation is expected to occur

d. Provide space in schools for evacuation centres where necessary.

1.5.21 Service and Sporting Clubs, Balranald Lions Club:

a. Assist with:

• Conduct of evacuations.

• Sandbagging.

• Monitoring of levees.

1.5.22 Telecommunication Services Functional Area:

• Coordinate the restoration of telephone facilities damaged by flooding.

• Coordinate additional telecommunications support for the NSW SES Headquarters as required.

1.5.23 Transport Services Functional Area:

• Assist with the coordination of transport for evacuation purposes.

• Assist with the resupply of isolated communities and/or properties 1.5.24 Roads and Maritime Services will:

• Close and reopen RMS managed roads affected by flood waters and advise the NSW SES of their status.

• Facilitate the safe reliable access of emergency resources on RMS managed roads.

• Assist the NSW SES with identification of road infrastructure at risk of flooding.

(26)

• Manage traffic.

• Assist the NSW SES with the communication of warnings and information provision to the public through variable message signs.

1.5.25 Rail Corporation New South Wales and the Australian Rail Track Corporation will close and reopen railway lines affected by flood waters and advise the NSW SES.

1.5.26 Welfare Services Functional Area:

• Establish and manage evacuation centres, and provide disaster welfare services from recovery centres.

• Administer the Personal Hardship and Distress component of the NSW Disaster Relief Scheme established to provide financial assistance to people affected by emergencies.

1.5.27 Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), Balranald:

a. Assist the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller with flood operations, where equipment and training are suitable.

1.5.28 Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON):

a. Monitor flood operations.

b. Coordinate support to the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller if requested to do so.

1.5.29 Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer:

a. Provide executive support to the LEMC and LEOCON in accordance with the Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Management Plan.

b. At the request of the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller, advise appropriate agencies and officers of the start of response operations.

1.5.30 Balranald Shire Council:

Preparedness

a. Establish and maintain floodplain risk management committees and ensure that key agencies are represented on such committees.

b. Provide levee studies, flood studies, and floodplain management studies to the NSW SES.

c. Maintain a plant and equipment resource list for the council area.

d. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program.

Response

e. At the request of the NSW SES Local Controller, deploy personnel and resources for flood related activities.

(27)

f. Close and reopen council roads (and other roads nominated by agreement with the RMS) and advise the NSW SES Balranald Local Controller and the NSW Police Force.

g. Provide information on the status of roads.

h. Provide filled sandbags to urban and village areas in which flooding is expected.

i. Assist with the removal of caravans from caravan parks.

j. Provide back-up radio communications.

k. In the event of evacuations, assist with making facilities available for the domestic pets and companion animals of evacuees.

Recovery

l. Provide for the management of health hazards associated with flooding.

This includes removing debris and waste.

m. Ensure premises are fit and safe for reoccupation and assess any need for demolition.

n. Arrange for storage of evacuees' furniture as required.

1.5.31 Hume Dam (State Water Corporation):

a. Maintain and operate the Dam Failure Warning System for Hume Dam.

b. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program on flooding within the council area.

c. Consult with SES on the determination of dam failure alert levels and notification arrangements when developing Dam Safety Emergency Plans.

d. Maintain a Dam Safety Emergency Plan and provide copies to the NSW SES.

e. Provide information on the consequences of dam failure to the SES for incorporation into planning and flood intelligence.

f. Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds/recreational areas in Hume Dam managed areas.

1.5.32 Wyangala Dam (State Water Corporation):

a. Maintain and operate the Dam Failure Warning System for Wyangala Dam.

b. Contribute to the development and implementation of a public education program on flooding within the council area.

c. Consult with SES on the determination of dam failure alert levels and notification arrangements when developing Dam Safety Emergency Plans.

(28)

d. Maintain a Dam Safety Emergency Plan and provide copies to the NSW SES.

e. Provide information on the consequences of dam failure to the SES for incorporation into planning and flood intelligence.

f. Close and evacuate at risk camping grounds/recreational areas in Wyangala Dam managed areas.

(29)

1.6 CROSS-BORDER ASSISTANCE ARRANGEMENTS

1.6.1 A local cross-border mutual assistance arrangement exists in which the NSW SES Balranald and the Robinvale (VIC) SES will deploy resources to support each other with operations in the Euston area. This includes assistance with patrolling and sandbagging of levees.

1.6.2 Euston (NSW) is covered operationally by the Victorian Ambulance based at Robinvale (Vic) due to proximity and flood free access.

(30)

PART 2 - PREPAREDNESS

2.1 MAINTENANCE OF THIS PLAN

2.1.1 The NSW SES Balranald Local Controller will maintain the currency of this plan by:

a. Ensuring that all agencies, organisations and officers mentioned in it are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

b. Conducting exercises to test arrangements.

c. Reviewing the contents of the plan:

• After each flood operation.

• When significant changes in land-use or community characteristics occur.

• When new information from flood studies become available.

• When flood control or mitigation works are implemented or altered.

• When there are changes that alter agreed plan arrangements.

2.1.2 The plan is to be reviewed no less frequently than every five years.

2.2 FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT

2.2.1 The NSW SES Balranald Local Controller will ensure that:

a. NSW SES participates in local floodplain risk management committee activities when those committees are formed, in accordance with the protocols outlined in the NSW SES Controllers' Guide.

b. The NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters is informed of involvement in floodplain risk management activities.

2.3 DEVELOPMENT OF FLOOD INTELLIGENCE

2.3.1 Flood intelligence describes flood behaviour and its effects on the community.

2.3.2 The NSW SES maintains a centralised flood intelligence system.

2.4 DEVELOPMENT OF WARNING SYSTEMS

2.4.1 The NSW SES may establish a total flood warning system for areas affected by flooding. This requires:

a. An identification of the potential clients of flood warning information at different levels of flooding (ie. who would be affected in floods of differing severities).

(31)

b. Available information about the estimated impacts of flooding at different heights.

c. Identification of required actions and the amounts of time needed to carry them out.

d. Appropriate means of disseminating warnings to different clients and at different flood levels .

2.5 PUBLIC EDUCATION

a. The NSW SES Balranald Local Controller, with the assistance of the Balranald Shire Council, the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters and NSW SES State Headquarters, is responsible for ensuring that the residents of the council area are aware of the flood threat in their vicinity and how to protect themselves from it.

2.5.2 Specific strategies to be employed include:

a. Dissemination of flood-related brochures and booklets in flood liable areas.

b. Talks and displays orientated to community organisations, businesses and schools.

c. Publicity given to this plan and to flood-orientated NSW SES activities through local media outlets, including articles in local newspapers about the flood threat and appropriate responses.

2.6 TRAINING

2.6.1 Throughout this document there are references to functions that must be carried out by the members of the NSW SES Balranald Unit. The NSW SES Balranald Local Controller is responsible for ensuring that the members are:

a. Familiar with the contents of this plan.

b. Trained in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks allocated to the NSW SES.

2.7 RESOURCES

2.7.1 The NSW SES Balranald Local Controller is responsible for maintaining the condition and state of readiness of NSW SES equipment and the NSW SES Balranald Local Headquarters.

(32)

PART 3 - RESPONSE

CONTROL

3.1 CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

3.1.1 The NSW SES is the legislated Combat Agency for floods and is responsible for the control of flood operations. This includes the coordination of other

agencies and organisations for flood management tasks.

3.1.2 The Local EMPLAN will operate to provide support as requested by the NSW SES Local Incident Controller.

3.2 OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

3.2.1 NSW SES utilises the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS), which is based on three principles:

a. functional management;

b. management by objectives; and c. span of control.

3.2.2 AIIMS provides for different incident levels based on the complexity of management.

3.2.3 The Local Government Area may be divided into sectors and divisions to manage the flood event (divisions are usually a group of sectors).

3.2.4 Sectors and divisions may be based on floodplain classifications, geographical, physical or functional boundaries. A town, city or suburb may be one sector or split into several sectors and divisions.

3.3 START OF RESPONSE OPERATIONS

3.3.1 This plan is always active to ensure that preparedness actions detailed in this plan are completed.

3.3.2 Response operations will begin:

a. On receipt of a Bureau of Meteorology Preliminary Flood Warning, Flood Warning, Flood Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Warning or a Severe

Weather Warning for flash flooding.

b. On receipt of a dam failure alert.

c. When other evidence leads to an expectation of flooding within the council area.

(33)

3.3.3 Contact with the Bureau of Meteorology to discuss the development of flood warnings will normally be through the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters and/or State Headquarters.

3.3.4 The following persons and organisations will be advised of the start of response operations regardless of the location and severity of the flooding anticipated:

a. NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters.

b. NSW SES Balranald Unit Controller.

c. NSW SES Balranald Unit.

d. Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Operations Controller (for transmission to the NSW Police Force Local Area Command

Headquarters).

e. Balranald Shire Council Local Emergency Management Officer (for transmission to appropriate council officers and departments).

f. Balranald Shire Council Mayor.

g. Other agencies listed in this plan will be advised by the Local Emergency Management officer on the request of the NSW SES Balranald Local Incident Controller and as appropriate to the location and nature of the threat.

3.4 RESPONSE STRATEGIES

3.4.1 The main response strategies for NSW SES flood operations include:

a. Information Provision and Warning

• Provision of warnings, information and advice to communities.

• Inform the community regarding the potential impacts of a flood and what actions to undertake in preparation for flooding.

• Provide timely and accurate information to the community.

b. Property protection

• Protect the property of residents and businesses at risk of flood damage.

• Assistance with property protection by way of sandbagging and the lifting or transporting of furniture, personal effects, commercial stock and caravans.

• Assistance with the protection of essential infrastructure.

c. Evacuation

• The temporary movement of people from a dangerous or potentially dangerous place to a safe location, and their eventual return. It is a

(34)

safety strategy which uses distance to separate people from the danger created by the hazard.

d. Rescue

• The rescue or retrieval of persons trapped by floodwaters.

e. Resupply

• Minimise disruption upon the community by resupplying towns and villages which have become isolated as a consequence of flooding.

• Ensure supplies are maintained to property owners by coordinating the resupply of properties which have become isolated as a

consequence of flooding.

3.4.2 The NSW SES Local Incident Controller will select the appropriate response strategy to deal with the expected impact of the flood in each sector and/or community. The impact may vary so a number of different strategies may need to be selected and implemented across the whole operational area. The available strategies for each sector and/or community are maintained by the NSW SES.

3.4.3 Supporting strategies may include:

a. Protect the community from incidents involving fire and hazardous materials

b. Maintain the welfare of communities and individuals affected by the impact of a flood.

c. Minimise disruption to the community by ensuring supply of essential energy and utility services.

d. Ensure coordinated health services are available to and accessible by the flood affected communities.

e. Maintain the welfare of animals affected by the impact of a flood.

3.5 OPERATIONS CENTRES

3.5.1 The NSW SES Balranald Operations Centre is located at Balranald Shire Depot, O'Connor Street, Balranald.

3.5.2 Supporting EOCs are located at:

a. The Balranald Shire Council Emergency Operations Centre is located at Balranald Shire Depot, O'Connor St, Balranald.

b. A second Balranald Emergency Operations Centre is located at Balranald Shire Council Chambers, Market Street, Balranald.

(35)

3.6 LIAISON

3.6.1 Any agency with responsibilities identified in this plan may be requested by the NSW SES to provide liaison (including a liaison officer where necessary) to the NSW SES Balranald Operations Centre.

3.6.2 Liaison officers are to:

a. have the authority to deploy the resources of their parent organisations at the request of the NSW SES Balranald Local Incident Controller, b. advise the NSW SES Balranald Local Incident Controller on resource

availability for their service, and

c. be able to provide communications to their own organisations.

3.7 END OF RESPONSE OPERATIONS

3.7.1 When the immediate danger to life and property has passed the NSW SES Region Incident Controller or the NSW SES Local Incident Controller will issue an 'All Clear' message signifying that response operations have been

completed. The message will be distributed through the same media outlets as earlier evacuation messages. The relevant Controller will also advise details of recovery coordination arrangements, arrangements made for clean-up operations prior to evacuees being allowed to return to their homes, and stand-down instructions for agencies not required for recovery operations.

PLANNING

3.8 COLLATING SITUATIONAL INFORMATION

Strategy

3.8.1 The NSW SES maintains and records situational awareness of current impacts and response activities.

Actions

3.8.2 The NSW SES Balranald Local Headquarters collates information on the current situation in the Balranald Shire Council LGA and incorporates in Situation Reports.

3.8.3 The NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters collates Region-wide information for inclusion in Region NSW SES Situation Reports.

3.8.4 Sources of situational information during times of flooding are:

a. Agency Situation Reports. Agencies and functional areas provide regular situation reports (SITREPs) to the NSW SES.

b. Active Reconnaissance. The NSW SES Balranald Local Incident Controller is responsible for coordinating the reconnaissance of impact areas,

(36)

recording and communicating observations. Reconnaissance can be performed on the ground and using remote sensing (more commonly aerial).

c. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Flood Warning Centre provides river height and rainfall information, data is available on the website http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/

d. NSW Office of Water Office. This office advises flow rates and rates of rise for the Lachlan, Wakool, Murrumbidgee, Edward, and Murray Rivers. Daily river reports containing information on gauge heights and river flows are available from the website: http://waterinfo.nsw.gov.au/

e. NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters. The Region Headquarters provides information on flooding and its consequences, including those in nearby council areas (this information is documented in Bulletins and Situation Reports).

3.8.5 During flood operations sources of information on roads closed by flooding include:

a. Balranald Shire Council (website and telephone service) b. Deniliquin Police Local Area Command

c. Roads and Maritime Services (website and telephone service) d. NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters

e. NSW SES Balranald Local Headquarters.

3.8.6 Situational information relating to consequences of flooding should be used to verify and validate NSW SES Flood Intelligence records.

3.9 PROVISION OF FLOOD INFORMATION AND WARNINGS

Strategy

3.9.1 The NSW SES Balranald Local Headquarters provides advice to the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters on current and expected impacts of flooding in the Balranald Shire Council LGA.

3.9.2 The NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters issues NSW SES Flood Bulletins, NSW SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings, Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders to media outlets and agencies on behalf of all NSW SES units in the Region.

Actions

3.9.3 The NSW SES Balranald Local Incident Controller will ensure that the NSW SES Murray Region Incident Controller is regularly briefed on the progress of operations.

(37)

3.9.4 NSW SES Balranald Local Headquarters operations staff will be briefed regularly so that they can provide information in response to inquiries received in person or by other means such as phone or fax.

3.9.5 Bureau of Meteorology Severe Thunderstorm Warning. These are issued direct to the media by the Bureau when severe thunderstorms are expected to produce dangerous or damaging conditions, including flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms are usually smaller in scale than events covered by Flood Watches and Severe Weather Warnings.

3.9.6 Bureau of Meteorology Severe Weather Warnings for Flash Flooding. These are issued direct to the media by the Bureau and provide a warning of the possibility for flash flooding as a result of intense rainfall. These warnings are issued when severe weather is expected to affect land based communities with 6 to 24 hours. Severe Weather Warnings may also include other conditions such as Damaging Winds.

3.9.7 Bureau of Meteorology Flood Watches. Flood Watches are issued by the Bureau to advise people of the potential for flooding in a catchment area based on predicted or actual rainfall. Flood Watches will be included in NSW SES Flood Bulletins issued by the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters.

3.9.8 Bureau of Meteorology Flood Warnings. The NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters will send a copy of Bureau Flood Warnings to the NSW SES Balranald Unit. On receipt the NSW SES Local Incident Controller will provide the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters with information on the estimated impacts of flooding at the predicted heights for inclusion in NSW SES Region Flood Bulletins.

3.9.9 NSW SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings. Following heavy rain or when there are indications of significant creek or river rises (even to levels below Minor Flood heights), the NSW SES Balranald Local Incident Controller will advise the NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters which will issue NSW SES Livestock and Equipment Warnings.

3.9.10 NSW SES Local Flood Advices. The NSW SES Local Incident Controller may issue Local Flood Advices for locations not covered by Bureau Flood Warnings.

They may be provided verbally in response to phone inquiries but will normally be incorporated into NSW SES Region Flood Bulletins.

3.9.11 NSW SES Flood Bulletins. The NSW SES Murray Region Headquarters will regularly issue NSW SES Flood Bulletins which describe information on the estimated impacts of flooding at the predicted heights (using information from Bureau Flood Warnings and NSW SES Local Flood Advices) to NSW SES units, media outlets and agencies on behalf of all NSW SES units in the Region.

3.9.12 NSW SES Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders. These are usually issued to the media by the NSW SES Region Incident Controller on behalf of the NSW SES Local Incident Controller.