Community Information and Warnings core capability

About the Community Information and Warnings core capability

Deliver public information and warnings that are authoritative, consistently constructed and relevant for all Victorians and visitors in all emergencies. Provide timely and tailored information that supports the community to make informed decisions before, during and after emergencies.

Critical Task Table 2: Agency roles mapped to the Victorian Preparedness Framework, by critical tasks within the Community Information and Warnings core capability

Critical Task 2.1: Provide information to people and communities on risks, risk mitigation actions, and incident/events that may affect them.

Agency	Activity	Additional alignment to critical tasks
ADF	DoD bases in Victoria, commanded by the Senior ADF Officer for that base, conduct regular community engagement with local services and leaders. The Senior ADF Officer can provide advice at local level, as well as coordinate and deliver small-scale, short duration assistance in a local emergency situation (DACC1 Support)	2.3, 3.2, 4.5
ATSB	Assist where required with transport safety data recording, analysis and research, as well as foster safety awareness, knowledge and action	4.4, 21.1, 21.2
	Issue public reports on investigations, safety issues and reports on remedial safety actions	4.5, 4.6, 6.5, 21.1, 21.3, 21.5
	Liaise with agencies as required when carrying out safety investigations to determine contributing and other safety factors to identify and reduce safety-related risk and foster safety awareness, knowledge and action	3.1, 3.2, 21.1, 21.2, 21.4, 21.5
AV	Provide information to the public relating to health emergencies, and how the risk or consequence of these can be reduced	1.5, 2.3
BoM	Contribute to community hazard mapping by leading analysis of relevant meteorological and hydrological information	1.4, 4.4, 4.6
BoM	Issue warnings on gales, storms, tsunami, solar storms and other weather conditions likely to endanger life or property, or that give rise to floods or bushfires	2.3
CFA	Protect life, property and the environment from the effects of fire, accidents and other hazards through providing advice to threatened and affected communities on actions to take during an emergency event	2.3, 3.5
CityLink	Utilise Variable Message Signs in conjunction with state partners during emergencies to display community messages on risks and emergencies	2.3, 2.5, 4.3
Coroners Court	Contribute to reducing preventable deaths and fires through the findings of coronial investigations of deaths and fires, and the make recommendations to promote public health and safety	1.4, 21.5
DELWP	Cetacean (whale and dolphin) stranding, entanglement or vessel strike - engage with stakeholders to reduce the incidence of cetacean stranding, entanglement and vessel strike	1.3
DELWP	Lead the coordination of public information on: electricity outages and potential or actual load shedding after consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government gas usage and potential or actual gas curtailment in consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government	2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5
DET	Provide an emergency notification and reporting service between government schools and emergency services through the department’s 24‑hour Security Services Unit	2.3, 3.5
DFFH	Promote awareness of safe practices and emergency procedures and implement safety and warning systems for clients and funded services of DFFH
DFFH	Support EMV to lead whole of government coordination of public information and communication in relation to relief	3.2
DH	Promote awareness of safe practices, emergency procedures and implementing safety and warning systems for health services, such as extreme heat and epidemic thunderstorm asthma	13.3, 13.5
DH	Support EMV to lead whole of government coordination of public information and communication in relation to emergency management for major emergencies	2.3, 3.2
EMV	In collaboration with the whole-of-government, lead the coordination of public information and communication in relation to emergency management for major emergencies	2.2
Emergency Broadcasters	Broadcast information that promotes community safety
	Broadcast weather forecast information from the BoM relevant to developing emergencies	2.3
	Broadcast emergency messages (warnings and information) in the form provided by an authorised emergency service representative, interrupting scheduled programming and repeating as required	2.3
	Broadcast the Standard Emergency Warning Signal as required, in accordance with the Standard Emergency Warning Signal Guidelines	2.3
	Provide continuous broadcast services in parts of Victoria affected by a significant emergency (abandoning scheduled programming)	2.3
EPA	As a technical support agency in cooperation with the control agency, provide advice to the community on the harmful effects of pollution and waste and recommend actions to protect public health	2.3, 13.2, 13.5
ESTA	Provide relevant information to people and communities via Triple Zero on immediate emergency risks, and potential actions they can take to alleviate some of those risks	2.3
ESV	Gas - Conduct community engagement and gas safety awareness campaigns and programs	2.2
	Electricity - Conduct community engagement and electricity safety awareness campaigns and programs	2.2
	Electricity - Provide information and guidance to local communities to expedite the safe restoration of supply to properties affected by bushfire	2.5
FRV and CFA	Reduce the number of fires and hazardous incidents through:
	changing community behaviour through public education and legislation	1.4
	increasing community involvement and awareness in hazard prevention	1.1
	broadening community awareness and preparedness to minimise the impact of an emergency on the community	6.3
LSV	Set safety standards for the development, operation and use of a range of waterways including beaches, public swimming pools, home pools and spas, and urban waterways	2.2
	Provide technical and reference manuals, texts, resources, and newsletters on water safety, lifesaving, life guarding, CPR and first aid	4.5
	Provide subject matter expertise on water safety campaigns and public awareness communication	2.2, 4.5
	Provide expert advice on aquatic risk management systems and water safety signage	4.5, 6.2
	Develop and provide education in water safety and associated messaging, first aid, CPR, swimming and lifesaving programs at swimming pools, open water locations, schools and lifesaving clubs including accredited training for Personal Water Craft and Inflatable Rescue Boats	6.1, 6.4
	Provide water safety first responder services for aquatic based events	3.2
	Provide timely, coordinated information and warnings around beach and water safety as well as bay water quality to communities	2.3
LSV and Volunteer Search and Rescue Organisations	Provide information and education displays at trade shows and community events	4.5
Municipal councils	Work with the Municipal and/or Regional Emergency Management Planning Committee to provide community awareness, information	1.2
NOPSEMA	Promote and advise on occupational health and safety, well integrity and environmental management in offshore petroleum operations and offshore greenhouse gas well operations and environmental management of greenhouse gas storage activities	1.1, 1.5, 4.5, 4.6
NOPSEMA	Provide advice and briefings to the responsible Commonwealth Minister and relevant Minister(s), the public and the media on emergencies at or involving offshore petroleum operations and greenhouse gas storage activities	4.5, 4.6
Ports Victoria	Communicate with port users through the Navigation Safety Committee about maritime risks and mitigation measures
Services Australia	Coordinate the response to emergencies through responding to media requests during an activation (jointly and in consultation with the Media Team)	2.3, 3.2
St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria)	Improve community readiness through marketing appropriate and cost effective first aid equipment and servicing	1.2, 1.4
St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria)	Promote and provide community first aid training through public education in schools, workplaces and to the public	4.5, 6.3
TSV	Provide information, guidance and education that promotes awareness and understanding of transport safety issues	1.1, 1.5, 4.5
VBA	Develop and distribute key messages for councils, local relief services, industry and community
VBA	Distribute practical information to local councils, other agencies and community on post event hazards, including clean-up, initial safety assessment and the re-establishment of building infrastructure and building essential services	2.3
VFA	Publish educational material on declared noxious aquatic species (website)
	Publish educational material on shark hazards (website)
	Publish information for the community on shark hazards	2.2
VicPol	Build social capital and resilience in communities to prepare for a sustained recovery from extreme emergencies and natural disasters through providing information and education in the media and other means	1.2, 2.3, 2.5, 6.1
	Responsible for provision of media coordination (where no other facility exists)	2.3, 3.1, 3.5
	Support other agencies in dissemination of public information	2.3, 3.1
VICSES	Increase individual capacity and capability of the community to prepare and respond by engaging with communities providing storm, flood, earthquake, tsunami and landslide risk information, community education and engagement	1.1
	Provide information to the community and government	2.3
	Support the multi-agency approach in the provision of advice, information, training and assistance to Municipal councils and agencies in relation to emergency management principles and practice	1.1, 1.2, 4.5, 4.6
VIFM	Provide medical death investigation, and reduce the number of preventable deaths and promote public health and safety and the administration of justice	1.3
VMIA	Provide services to the Victorian government on risk and insurance issues and trends	4.5, 17.3
Volunteer Search and Rescue Organisations	Engage with communities about volunteer agencies capabilities and capacity in an emergency	1.1, 1.2
Volunteer Search and Rescue Organisations	Provide advice, information, and assistance to volunteer agencies and the community in relation to emergency management principles and practice	1.1, 1.2, 4.5, 4.6
Worksafe Victoria	Provide people and communities with information about risks, risk mitigation actions, and incidents/events through the development and publishing of guidance notes and alerts on a wide range of occupational health and safety and dangerous goods matters	1.4
Worksafe Victoria	Deliver public safety awareness activities where Worksafe Victoria has jurisdiction under the Equipment (Public Safety) Act 1994 and associated regulations

Critical Task 2.2: Deliver a whole-of-Victorian-Government preparedness and awareness campaign.

Agency	Activity	Additional alignment to critical tasks
DELWP	Lead the coordination of public information on: electricity outages and potential or actual load shedding after consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government gas usage and potential or actual gas curtailment in consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government	2.1, 2.3, 2.5
EMV	In collaboration with the whole-of-government, lead the coordination of public information and communication in relation to emergency management for major emergencies	2.1
ESV	Electricity: Conduct community engagement and electricity safety awareness campaigns and programs	2.1
LSV	Provide subject matter expertise on water safety campaigns and public awareness communication	2.1, 4.5
VFA	Support DELWP in the delivery of programs to reduce the incidence of cetacean entanglement and vessel strike from fishing activities	1.5, 3.2

Critical Task 2.3: Deliver timely, coordinated, accessible, tailored and relevant information and warnings to communities.

Agency	Activity	Additional alignment to critical tasks
ADF	DoD bases in Victoria, commanded by the Senior ADF Officer for that base, conduct regular community engagement with local services and leaders. The Senior ADF Officer can provide advice at local level, as well as coordinate and deliver small-scale, short duration assistance in a local emergency situation (DACC1 Support)	2.1, 3.2, 4.5
AV	Provide information to the public relating to health emergencies, and how the risk or consequence of these can be reduced	1.5, 2.1
BoM	Issue warnings on gales, storms, tsunami, solar storms and other weather conditions likely to endanger life or property, or that give rise to floods or bushfires	2.1
BoM	In coordination with Victorian state agencies, provide weather-related information to media, including direct broadcast via radio and the internet	3.2, 4.5
CFA	Protect life, property and the environment from the effects of fire, accidents and other hazards through providing advice to threatened and affected communities on actions to take during an emergency event	2.1, 3.5
CityLink	Utilise Variable Message Signs in conjunction with state partners during emergencies to display community messages on risks and emergencies	2.1, 2.5, 4.3
DELWP	Lead the coordination of public information on: electricity outages and potential or actual load shedding after consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government gas usage and potential or actual gas curtailment in consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government	2.1, 2.2, 2.5
DELWP	Provide emergency advice to reduce gas consumption on a voluntary basis
DET	Provide an emergency notification and reporting service between government schools and emergency services through the department’s 24‑hour Security Services Unit	2.1, 3.5
DH	Provide public information to protect the community during health emergencies. Issue warnings for communicable and human disease, radiological and biological leaks and spills, major food and drinking water contamination.
	Provide public health and mental health information and advice and promote services available during and after major emergencies in coordination with other agencies	2.5
	Support EMV to lead whole of government coordination of public information and communication in relation to emergency management for major emergencies	2.1, 3.2
DoT	Provide transport closure and condition information to the media and public	4.5, 9.4
DoT	Maintain community safety and confidence through provision of warnings, facilitating network repairs and maintaining, identifying and mitigating transport related risks	4.4, 9.6
EMC	Ensure warnings are issued, and information is provided to the community in relation to fires in Victoria for the purposes of protecting life and property, with regard to any guidelines, procedures and operating protocols the EMC has issued in consultation with the fire services agencies
Emergency Broadcasters	Broadcast weather forecast information from the BoM relevant to developing emergencies	2.1
	Broadcast emergency messages (warnings and information) in the form provided by an authorised emergency service representative, interrupting scheduled programming and repeating as required	2.1
	Broadcast the Standard Emergency Warning Signal as required, in accordance with the Standard Emergency Warning Signal Guidelines	2.1
	Provide continuous broadcast services in parts of Victoria affected by a significant emergency (abandoning scheduled programming)	2.1
EPA	As a technical support agency in cooperation with the control agency, provide advice to the community on the harmful effects of pollution and waste and recommend actions to protect public health	2.1, 13.2, 13.5
EPA	Receive notifications for fish deaths, assess and triage reports, make interagency notifications, issue public information where required, and undertake a regional investigation with support of local agencies where practicable, to determine the cause of the fish death event before identification and transfer to the relevant agency for ongoing management	4.4, 4.5, 11.2, 18.2, 18.4
ERV	Lead the coordination of Victorian Government communications and public information relating to recovery	2.5
ESTA	Provide relevant information to people and communities via Triple Zero on immediate emergency risks, and potential actions they can take to alleviate some of those risks	2.1
ESV	Gas: Conduct community engagement and gas safety awareness campaigns and programs	2.1
LSV	Set safety standards for the development, operation and use of a range of waterways including beaches, public swimming pools, home pools and spas, and urban waterways	2.1
LSV	Provide timely, coordinated information and warnings around beach and water safety as well as bay water quality to communities	2.1
Municipal councils	Coordination of local level relief activities, and lead agency to provide local relief information to public and media
Parks Victoria	Assist in the response to blue-green algal blooms by erecting relevant signage and taking water samples. This is described in the Blue Green Algae Circular where PV is the designated waterway manager under the Marine Act 1988, (e.g. Albert Park Lake, lower reaches of the Barwon River system (including Lake Connewarre, Lysterfield Lake and Tower Hill) under the direction of the relevant CMAs	3.2, 16.3
Ports Victoria	Deliver marine notices and warnings to port users
Services Australia	Coordinate the response to emergencies through:
	activation of the National Security Hotline	3.5
	responding to media requests during an activation (jointly and in consultation with the Media Team)	2.1, 3.2
VBA	Distribute practical information to local councils, other agencies and community on post event hazards, including clean-up, initial safety assessment and the re-establishment of building infrastructure and building essential services	2.1
VicPol	Build social capital and resilience in communities to prepare for a sustained recovery from extreme emergencies and natural disasters through providing information and education in the media and other means	1.2, 2.1, 2.5, 6.1
	Responsible for provision of media coordination (where no other facility exists)	2.1, 3.1, 3.5
	Support other agencies in dissemination of public information	2.1, 3.1
VICSES	Provide information to the community and government	2.1
VRCA	Deliver marine notices and warnings to port users

Critical Task 2.4: Undertake evaluations and research to understand community information needs and effectiveness of warnings.

Agency	Activity	Additional alignment to critical tasks
Emergency Broadcasters	Participate in emergency debrief forums, particularly regarding public information and media issues	21.1
ESTA	Render communication and media response support for the control agency as appropriate	3.2

Critical Task 2.5: Plan for and deliver collaborative and proactive messaging to promote recovery in impacted communities.

Agency	Activity	Additional alignment to critical tasks
CityLink	Utilise Variable Message Signs in conjunction with state partners during emergencies to display community messages on risks and emergencies	2.1, 2.3, 4.3
DELWP	Lead the coordination of public information on: electricity outages and potential or actual load shedding after consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government gas usage and potential or actual gas curtailment in consultation with AEMO, ESV, industry and government	2.1, 2.2, 2.3
DH	Provide public health and mental health information and advice and promote services available during and after major emergencies in coordination with other agencies	2.3
DH	Support the lead recovery agency in its role to coordinate whole of government public information and communication following major emergencies
EMV	Recovery Support Agency (RecSA) to support ERV for community information
ERV	Lead the coordination of Victorian Government communications and public information relating to recovery	2.3
ESV	Electricity - Provide information and guidance to local communities to expedite the safe restoration of supply to properties affected by bushfire	2.1
VBA	Recovery Lead Agency (RecLA) to provide building advice and information to (displaced) residents on returning safely to their properties after an event (e.g. managing hazards), rebuilding post event, and temporary occupation of buildings affected areas
VicPol	Build social capital and resilience in communities to prepare for a sustained recovery from extreme emergencies and natural disasters through providing information and education in the media and other means	1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 6.1