A multi-agency emergency management discussion exercise was held last Tuesday at Paynesville, where the objective of the exercise was to test and strengthen how emergency services work together when responding to emergencies on Raymond Island during periods where the primary ferry is out of service.
Key attendees were Victoria Police (Emergency Response Coordinators, general duties supervisors and Water Police members), Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service, Ambulance Victoria, Paynesville Coast Guard, East Gippsland Shire Council representatives (Emergency Management Team and Raymond Island Ferry operations) and Gippsland Lakes Barge Services.
The exercise scenario triggered a multi-agency response involving the activation of the Samson barge, arrival of various emergency services requiring transport across to Raymond Island and response activities, including road crash rescue operations, medical aid, establishment of command points and vehicle collision investigation.
The discussion focussed on response processes and priorities for each participating agency including command, control and coordination of emergency services, Samson barge operators and East Gippsland Shire ferry operations.
“This kind of training allows us to refine our processes and maintain a high level of preparedness in response to emergencies occurring on Raymond Island whilst strengthening relationships between stakeholders,” Victoria Police spokesperson, Senior Sergeant Wayne Rothwell said.
