Community engagement

Thank you to everyone who helped review and update Banyule’s draft Emergency Management Plans.

From 5 June to 5 July 2026, we heard from 18 community members through an online survey and one-on-one conversations about the draft Municipal Emergency Management Plan and draft Municipal Recovery Plan.

Your feedback helped us understand what is working well and identify opportunities to strengthen how we prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. It will help improve the support and services provided to our community before, during and after an emergency.

What we asked

We asked for feedback on:

  • How you receive emergency information and updates
  • The support people may need during and after emergencies
  • How Council can help the community better prepare for emergencies

What we heard

From your feedback, some of the key themes highlighted include:

  • Support services

    The draft plans clearly explain the support services available during an emergency.

  • Communication methods

    People agreed it is important for Council to use a range of communication methods to share information during emergencies.

  • Help and support

    Many respondents felt somewhat confident they would know where to get help and support if an emergency happened.

  • Information and education

    The feedback shows there is an opportunity to help people feel even more prepared through ongoing community information and education.

  • Community services

    Many of the services and supports people identified as important during emergencies are already provided by Council and partner organisations. Suggestions for additional services have been noted and will be considered as part of future emergency planning and improvements.

What next?

We will now finalise the Municipal Emergency Management Plan and the Municipal Relief and Recovery Plan and submit them to the Regional Assurance Committee for review. Once approved, the plans will be published on our corporate website. We will continue to strengthen our emergency management capabilities through planning, training and participation in exercises and provide the best possible support to our community before, during and after emergencies.

What can you influence?

  • How you receive emergency information and updates
  • The support people may need during and after emergencies
  • How Council can help the community better prepare and recover from emergencies
  • How services can be easier to access and more inclusive
  • Whether the plan is clear and easy to understand.
  • Laws, legislation and required emergency protocols Council must follow
  • Roles of Council, emergency services and partner agencies
  • How emergency response is coordinated and managed
  • Council and emergency services roles and responsibilities
  • State and Federal recovery frameworks and funding rules
  • Emergency warning and information protocols
  • Privacy, safety and equity requirements
  • Budget and resource limits

Background

Banyule’s emergency management plans

Banyule can experience a range of emergencies, mostly linked to extreme weather. These include heatwaves, storms, floods and bushfires which are expected to become more frequent and intense. Our area has experienced events like major heatwaves, nearby bushfires and local flooding during storms. Some parts of Banyule, especially near bushland such as Plenty Gorge, have a higher bushfire risk. Flash flooding can also happen quickly during heavy rain, often with little warning. These events can disrupt services, damage infrastructure and affect people’s safety, which is why it’s important for our community to be informed, prepared and connected.

Banyule’s emergency management plans help guide how we prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. They outline the support available to our community before, during and after an emergency.

The Municipal Emergency Management Plan explains how Council and other agencies prepare for emergencies.

It also sets out who is responsible for what during each stage of an emergency.

The Municipal Relief and Recovery Plan explains how different organisations work together during and after an emergency.

It also helps guide how people can get support when they need it.

FAQ

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