Local Emergency Management Plan

Emergency Planning in the Cessnock Local Government Area

Cessnock City Council works closely with emergency services and other local organisations to make sure our community is prepared for emergencies. This is guided by the Cessnock Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN), a document that outlines how different agencies work together to respond to and recover from emergencies like bushfires, floods, storms and more.

The plan helps to:

  • Identify which agency is in charge during different types of emergencies
  • Set out what each organisation is responsible for
  • Make sure services and support agencies work together in a coordinated way
  • Assist local, regional and state emergency controllers during an emergency

Emergency management in New South Wales is governed by the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (SERM Act). This legislation recognises the important role that local councils play in planning for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies.

Under the SERM Act, every council area must have a Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC). In Cessnock, this committee includes representatives from emergency services, health and welfare agencies, utilities, infrastructure providers and non-government organisations.

The LEMC is chaired by Council’s General Manager (or their nominee) and is supported by a senior Council officer called the Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO). The LEMO helps coordinate local emergency planning and supports the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) during emergency events.

The Cessnock LEMC includes more than 25 local and regional organisations. It meets regularly and runs training exercises to help improve coordination and readiness.

While emergency services lead the response during a disaster, we all have a role to play. By planning ahead, understanding local risks, and working together, we make our community safer and more resilient.

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