TRANSPORT SERVICES FUNCTIONAL AREA SUPPORTING PLAN · Functional Areas while maintaining as far as practicable, the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Page 1 of 23

FUNCTIONAL AREA SUPPORTING PLAN

TRANSPORT SERVICES

TO THE NEW SOUTH WALES STATE DISASTER PLAN (DISPLAN)


Page 2 of 23

1. Authorisation

The New South Wales Transport Services Functional Area Supporting Plan has been prepared in support of the New South Wales State Disaster Plan (DISPLAN) and to coordinate transport resources in the event of emergencies.

The Plan is authorised in accordance with the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989.

The plan was produced by the Ministry of Transport following stakeholder consultation.

It was approved through consultation with the Transport Services Functional Area Committee from August 2007 to May 2008 and endorsed by the State Emergency Management Committee on 5 June 2008.

Proposals for amendment or addition to the contents of Transport Plan are to be forwarded to:

Executive Officer, State Emergency Management Committee level 11, 52 Phillip Street SYDNEY, NSW 2000

Emergency management plans are updated regularly. Printed plans may be out of date. Always check the version number against the web version before relying on a printed plan.

The authoritative, current plan is always available at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

1.1. Version modification history

Version Release date Comments

1 August 1999 First issued

2-1 December 2004 Review

2-2 January 2006 Review

3 August 2007 Rewrite

3-1 November 2007 Format revision by Secretariat staff for consultation

3-2 June 2008 Circulated and Approved Chair


Page 3 of 23

Table of contents

1. Authorisation............................................................................................................... 2

1.1. Version modification history .............................................................................. 2

Table of contents................................................................................................................. 3

2. Introduction................................................................................................................. 5

2.1. Authority ............................................................................................................. 5

2.2. Objective ............................................................................................................. 5

2.3. Structure.............................................................................................................. 5

2.4. Related Plans....................................................................................................... 6

2.5. Assumptions........................................................................................................ 6

2.6. Principles............................................................................................................. 7

2.7. Planning and Operation Structure....................................................................... 7

3. Concept of operations ................................................................................................. 7

3.1. Prevention. .......................................................................................................... 7

3.2. Preparation .......................................................................................................... 7

3.3. Response ............................................................................................................. 8

3.4. Recovery ............................................................................................................. 8

4. Roles and responsibilities ........................................................................................... 8

4.1. State Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (TSFAC) ...................... 8

4.2. District Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (DTSFAC) ............... 9

4.3. State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON)........................................ 10

4.4. Coordinating Agency........................................................................................ 10

4.4.1. Ministry of Transport ................................................................................ 10

4.5. Combat Agencies .............................................................................................. 10

4.6. Participating Organisations............................................................................... 10

4.7. Supporting Organisations.................................................................................. 11

4.8. Commonwealth ................................................................................................. 12

5. Coordination, control and communication ............................................................... 12

5.1. Control .............................................................................................................. 12

5.2. Coordination ..................................................................................................... 12

5.3. Transport Services Coordination Centre (TSCC)............................................. 13


Page 4 of 23

5.4. Communications - General ............................................................................... 13

5.5. Communications within the Transport Services Functional Area - Participating Organisations ................................................................................................................ 14

5.6. Communications - District Transport Services Functional Area Coordinators.14

5.7. Communications from SEOC to the TSCC ...................................................... 14

5.8. District and Local Transport Services Emergency Coordination Communication............................................................................................................. 14

6. Response ................................................................................................................... 15

6.1. Mobilisation ...................................................................................................... 15

6.2. Activation sequence .......................................................................................... 15

7. Administration and finance....................................................................................... 17

7.1. Transport Services Coordination Centre........................................................... 17

7.2. Expenditure and Recovery of Funds................................................................. 17

8. Maintenance.............................................................................................................. 18

8.1. Review .............................................................................................................. 18

8.2. Training and exercising..................................................................................... 18

Annex A, Definitions ........................................................................................................ 19

Annex B, Table of Abbreviations ..................................................................................... 22

Annex C, Communication links........................................................................................ 23

Annex B, Table of Abbreviations 22

Annex C, Communication links 23


Page 5 of 23

2. Introduction

2.1. Authority

This Plan is the Transport Services Functional Area Supporting Plan to the NSW State Disaster Plan (Displan) developed under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989. It sets out the arrangements made by the Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (TSFAC) to coordinate transport services support and resources as required by the Combat Agencies and other Functional Areas in the event of an emergency.

The Plan provides for both government and non-government organisations to cooperate in a controlled and coordinated manner during response to and recovery from an emergency, and sets out specific responsibilities and tasks.

2.2. Objective

The Transport Services Functional Area Supporting Plan identifies the arrangements needed at State level to coordinate the mobilisation and deployment of transport resources available within the State for emergency response and recovery operations.

2.3. Structure

Displan identifies the Transport Services Functional Area (TSFA) as having a primary role for coordinating the provision of land, sea and air transport support as required by a Combat Agency, emergency services organisation or other Functional Area. In providing this support it is important, as far as practicable, to maintain the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport services. Tasks for providing transport to other agencies might include:

• Movement of emergency equipment and personnel;

• Movement of emergency supplies and goods, including water, fuel and food;

• Evacuation of people and animals;

• Assistance for medical transport;

• Transportation of animals and infectious material/dangerous goods, and

• Maintaining and operating a transport route advisory service to the Combat Agency, emergency services organisations and other Functional Areas and members of the public. The Roads and Traffic Authority provide a road advisory service.

The TSFAC coordinates the provision of transport support and resources for emergency response and recovery operations. By agreement of Participating and Supporting Organisations within the Functional Area, the Coordinator has the authority to coordinate the resources of those organisations.

TSFAC is assisted by the Transport Services Functional Area Sub-Committee to:

• Maintain and review the Transport Services Functional Area Supporting Plan;


Page 6 of 23

• Review and technically endorse all District level Transport Services Functional Area Supporting Plans;

• Provide Transport Services Functional Area input and advice to State level Sub Plans;

• Establish and maintain the Transport Services Coordination Centre (TSCC); and

• Coordinate Transport Services support during emergency operations.

2.4. Related Plans The State level transport services arrangements as set out in this Plan are generally consistent with District and Local Transport Services Functional Area Supporting plans, which are supporting plans to District and Local Displans respectively. At local level, a detailed plan such as this may not be required.

The arrangements in the Transport Services Functional Area Supporting Plan are relevant to a number of other plans including:

• The Sydney CBD Emergency Sub Plan;

• Newcastle CBD Emergency Sub Plan;

• State Flood Plan;

• Hawkesbury Nepean Flood Emergency Sub Plan;

• State Storm Plan;

• State Bush Fire Plan

• NSW Tsunami Emergency Sub Plan;

• NSW Human Influenza Pandemic Plan;

• Animal Health Emergency Sub Plan;

• Food Industry Emergency Sub Plan;

• State Aviation Emergency Sub plan;

• Hazardous Materials/Chemical, Biological, Radiological Sub Plan;

• State Lucas Heights Emergency Sub Plan;

• NSW State Waters Marine Oil and Chemical Spill Contingency Plan;

• Goulburn Water Supply – Water Cartage Contingency Plan Options;

2.5. Assumptions

Arrangements detailed in this Plan are based on the assumption that the resources, which the Plan relies upon, would be made available when required.

This Plan is based on the assumption that all involved agencies have prepared, tested and maintain the appropriate internal instructions and/or standing operating procedures required to facilitate the arrangements detailed in this Plan.


Page 7 of 23

2.6. Principles The Plan is developed to facilitate the mobilisation of transport services and to provide support as required by the State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON), the Combat Agency, emergency services organisations and other Functional Areas whilst maintaining as far as practicable, the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport services.

2.7. Planning and Operation Structure

Subject to the availability of transport resources, the requirement may be met by:

- the Local Emergency Operations Controller requesting the TSFA support through the District Emergency Management Structure; or

- Sub-Plans involving coordination of transport services, where such sub-plans are developed by organisations in respect to specific hazards as required by Displan

Only transport actually controlled at local level can be included in local supporting plans. Resources, which are in location but are under external control, cannot be included unless specific arrangements are made.

3. Concept of operations

3.1. Prevention.

Prevention (mitigation) measures are designed to enable the TSFA to adequately respond to emergencies (as defined by the Act). This is achieved through legislation, codes, guidelines and standards developed at the National and State levels of Government and the transport industry to:

• Undertake appropriate emergency risk management;

• Identify prevention and/or mitigation options; and

• Develop and implement prevention and response plans.

3.2. Preparation

This phase addresses the preparation and planning arrangements with the focus being to establish a framework for the TSFA participating and support agencies and organisations to mobilise their structures and resources to support response to and recovery from an emergency. This will be achieved through:

• Establishing organisational and personnel networks between member organisations and agencies in the TSFA, the emergency services and other functional areas;

• Managing planning by reviewing and testing the TSFA arrangements; and

• Identifying and undertaking relevant emergency management training for transport personnel responsible for emergency response and recovery management.


Page 8 of 23

3.3. Response Response operations are those undertaken to save lives, protect property and render an affected area safe. This phase addresses the TSFA’s response to all emergencies to minimise the impacts to individuals, the community and property. The key actions in this phase include:

• Initial assessment of impact or potential impact of emergency upon public transport and transport networks;

• Appropriate and timely deployment of TSFA resources in responding to and recovery from emergencies;

• Deployment of adequate liaison staff to the relevant Emergency Operation Centre(s) (EOC);

• Assessment of the need to activate the TSCC.

3.4. Recovery The recovery operations in this Plan are developed to facilitate the mobilisation of transport services and to provide support as required by the State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON), the Combat Agency, emergency services organisations and other Functional Areas while maintaining as far as practicable, the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport services. It also includes maintaining and operating a transport (road and rail) route availability service to the Combat Agency, emergency services organisations and other Functional Areas.

This phase addresses the process of returning the area affected by the emergency to a normal level of functioning. This phase will usually commence concurrently with the Response phase. The essential TSFA tasks include:

• The deployment of transport resources as required; and

• Participating in debriefing with one objective being the application of this knowledge into future prevention, preparation, response and recovery operations.

4. Roles and responsibilities

The primary roles and responsibilities of the Transport Services Functional Areas and the Participating and Supporting Organisations are described in this section. These roles and responsibilities also based on the most efficient and effective for emergency preparedness, response and recovery operations and do not discount the element of flexibility to adjust the roles and responsibilities if circumstances arise.

4.1. State Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (TSFAC) This position is appointed by the Minister for Transport and represents all transport services within NSW on the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC).


Page 9 of 23

The role of the TSFAC is to coordinate the activities of Participating and Supporting agencies by carrying out the following functions:

• Activate the State TSCC to assist the TSFAC; • Establish and maintain communications with the State Emergency Operations

Centre (SEOC); • Deploy liaison officer(s) to the SEOC, as requested; • Establish communications and liaison with the combat agencies in the emergency

area and/or at the site control; • Establish and maintain communications with the relevant Transport Services

Functional Area Participating, Supporting and District Functional Area Coordinators;

• Coordinate all Transport Services support; and

• Conduct a post-emergency debrief of relevant transport agencies, once initial recovery operations have concluded; and when full recovery has concluded.

Other functions performed by the TSFAC include assessing details of transport services support requirements to determine:

• Needs;

• Resource availability;

• Equipment size, capability, location, and suitability for purpose;

• Deployment requirements and time, and

• Cost.

TSFAC will only deploy those resources as necessary to efficiently and effectively meet transport services support requirements for the response and recovery of the emergency operation

The TSFAC maintains the contact information for each participating and supporting organisation.

To meet the operational requirements of SEOCON, TSFAC determines the priorities for usage and deployment of transport resources/services during the response and recovery stage of an emergency.

4.2. District Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (DTSFAC)

Specific roles of the DTSFAC are detailed in District Transport Services Functional Area Plans.

The DTSFAC will coordinate transport services support for the District affected by the emergency, when required by the relevant DEOCON/LEOCON.

The DTSFAC will request assistance from the State TSFAC when the DTSFAC has committed transport services support as required by the relevant DEOCON/ LEOCON, and requires additional transport resources.


Page 10 of 23

4.3. State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON) The SEOCON may request assistance from the TSFAC through the SEOC when transport services are needed to support an emergency.

For a particular emergency response the SEOCON may activate the SEOC and/or TSCC.

4.4. Coordinating Agency

4.4.1. Ministry of Transport

The coordinating agency in this plan is the Ministry of Transport (MoT), and during emergencies affecting transport services, MoT is to:

• Maintain an overview of transport services activities within the emergency area and arrange the provision of assistance as required; and

• Support the functions of the TSFAC.

4.5. Combat Agencies Combat Agencies are those primarily responsible for controlling the response to a particular emergency (Source: SERM Act 1989), which may require assistance, from the Transport Services Functional Area.

4.6. Participating Organisations The TSFAC is supported by a number of Participating Organisations that have agreed to assist in emergency planning and response arrangements. Based on those arrangements each of these organisations respectively would provide transport support resources applicable to their business including:

• Roads and Traffic Authority;

• State Transit Authority – Sydney Buses;

• NSW Maritime Authority;

• RailCorp; and

• Sydney Ferries Corporation.

Up-to-date summary lists of transport resources that may be utilised in an emergency operation, by generic type only, are to be provided by each Participating Organisation for retention at the TSCC.

Participating Organisations are to develop and maintain their own Operating Procedures/Supporting Plans for their internal response requirements. A copy of each Participating Organisation's plan is to be provided to TSFAC for retention in the TSCC.

Participating Organisations will forward 24-hour contact lists to the TSCC and immediately alert the TSFA Duty Officer of any changes to the contact list.


Page 11 of 23

Where the services provided by a participating organisation are affected by an emergency, that organisation has an obvious responsibility to restore those services. In addition, each participating organisation commits its unaffected transport resources to assist in any emergency response and/or recovery operation when requested to do so by TSFAC.

When alerted to an emergency by the TSFAC, the Participating Organisation will:

• Deploy a Liaison Officer to the TSCC, if required;

• Deploy staff and equipment to the emergency operation as requested by the TSFAC;

• Provide assistance and commit resources to the Combat Agency and others functional areas as requested;

• Provide administrative and logistic support to its own personnel when responding to and recovering from an emergency;

• Debrief all its personnel who were involved in the emergency operation; and

• Participate in any post emergency debriefs conducted by the TSFAC.

4.7. Supporting Organisations

The following organisations have acknowledged to the TSFAC and confirmed their willingness to provide transport or resources and assist in the event of an emergency:

• Sydney Light Rail;

• Australian Rail Track Corporation;

• Bus And Coach Association (NSW);

• Pacific National;

• Charter Vessel Association;

• Shipping Australia; and

• Taxi Council of New South Wales;

• A number of private transport owners and operators.

Where applicable, Supporting Organisations should develop and maintain their own operating procedures/plans for their internal response procedures for when they are called upon to provide transport support resources in an emergency. A copy of these plans should be provided to the TSCC.

Supporting Organisations will forward 24-hour contact lists to the TSCC and immediately alert the TSFA Duty Officer of any changes to the contact list.

When alerted to an emergency by the TSFAC the Supporting Organisation will:

• Deploy a Liaison Officer to the TSCC, if required;


Page 12 of 23

• Deploy staff and equipment to the emergency operation as requested by the TSFAC;

• Provide assistance and commit resources to the Combat Agency and others functional areas as requested;

• Provide administrative and logistic support to its own personnel and equipment during responding to and recovering from an emergency;

• Debrief all its personnel who were involved in the emergency operation; and

• Participate in any post emergency debriefs conducted by the TSFAC.

4.8. Commonwealth

Access to Commonwealth support is to be arranged by the SEOC through the National Emergency Management Coordination Centre (NEMCC) of Emergency Management Australia (EMA).

5. Coordination, control and communication

5.1. Control

Control of an emergency, whether at Local, District or State level, is always vested with the Emergency Operations Controller/ Combat Agencies at the appropriate level.

The roles and responsibilities of the various organisations and personnel involved in the control of emergencies at the different levels are described in Displan. Displan also describes the interrelationships with the operational areas as well as other functional areas within the emergency management structure, i.e. combat agencies and other organisations.

5.2. Coordination

The coordination of transport resources may be managed by TSFAC or a nominee. In addition, TSFAC establishes and maintains communication links to DTSFAC and through them to Local Transport Services Functional Area Coordinators (LTSFAC) where these have been appointed. These links enable TSFAC to coordinate the appropriate transport resources at all levels in response and recovery operations.

As the effects of an event are assessed and emergency operations commence, action to supply and/or coordinate transport services support at State level would be initiated by the following:

a) DTSFAC in the case when resources at a District level become exhausted and State level assistance is needed

b) SEOCON in the case when transport services are requested by the Combat Agency or when the SEOCON is in control of an emergency


Page 13 of 23

5.3. Transport Services Coordination Centre (TSCC) Under the provision of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (as amended) [SERM Act], the Transport Services Coordination Centre (TSCC) may be activated by the Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (TSFAC) to co-ordinate State transport resources.

The location of the TSCC may be obtained from the TSFAC or the SEOC Duty Officer. The following diagram shows the structure and communication protocols within the TSCC and between the TSCC and the SEOC.

5.4. Communications - General

The main communication methods to and from the TSCC are by telephone, an electronic operations system, email and facsimile. In addition to the data capability provided in the TSCC, Liaison Officers may wish to use broadband wireless devices.

In addition, alternative communication systems are to be provided in the event that landline telephone systems are not available. These may include mobile phones, satellite phones and GRN.

Transport Services

Coordination Centre

(TSCC)

Transport Coordinator

State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC)

Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator (TSFAC)

Maritime Rail Road Aviation Other Transport Agencies as

required from both

Government and Private Sector


Page 14 of 23

5.5. Communications within the Transport Services Functional Area - Participating Organisations

Each Participating Organisation is to provide a contact directory to enable 24 hour access. The directory is to include by priority: order of contact; the names; phone numbers (work, after hours, mobile phone); facsimile numbers; and any other emergency contact numbers and should be sent to the TSCC. Any changes to this list should be sent to the TSFA Duty Officer immediately.

Deployment/response is to be in accordance with their organisation's supporting plans. When required, they will co-ordinate the provision of liaison officers from their organisation to the TSCC on a 24 hour per day basis.

5.6. Communications - District Transport Services Functional Area Coordinators.

Each DTSFAC provides the TSFAC with contact details to enable 24 hour contact. TSFAC retains the above information at the State TSCC. Any changes to the above contact details should be and should be sent to the TSFA Duty Officer immediately.

Once the State TSCC has been fully mobilised, communication between the TSFAC and the DTSFAC may include mobile phone, telephone, an electronic operations system, email, GRN and facsimile.

5.7. Communications from SEOC to the TSCC The principal communication links between SEOC and the TSCC are telephone, an electronic operations system, email and facsimile. The Liaison Officer, deployed to the SEOC on a 24 hour per day basis from the 'Stand by' stage through to the 'Stand-down' stage of an emergency, maintains direct communication links between these Centres.

The principal roles of this Liaison Officer are:

• Maintain and operate the communication links with the TSCC;

• Provide advice to SEOCON and the SEOC staff on the resource capabilities and characteristics of the Transport Services Functional Area;

• Keep SEOCON and the SEOC staff informed of the actions taken by and the requirements of the Transport Services Functional Area; and

• Convey SEOCON's directions and instructions to TSFAC.

5.8. District and Local Transport Services Emergency Coordination Communication

Where practicable, the State level communication system may be mirrored at District and Local levels. District and Local TSFAC's determine the appropriate communication arrangements to ensure communications can be maintained between Local, District and State Coordination Centres. Annex B shows the communication links at the state level.


Page 15 of 23

6. Response

6.1. Mobilisation

This part describes the sequence of actions undertaken in response to an emergency requiring activation of this plan.

When so directed by SEOCON, TSFAC activates this Plan when required to control and coordinate transport services support during emergencies.

6.2. Activation sequence The stages of mobilisation are:

a) Alert

b) Standby

c) Callout

d) Stand down and debrief

However, due to the nature of the event and the time constraints, the alert and/or standby stages may be bypassed.

Alert Stage

When 'Alerted' TSFAC:

Warns nominated contact personnel from those Participating and Supporting organisations that they may become involved, and advises on the effects of the impact and probable operational requirements;

Activates and staffs the TSCC to 'watch keeping' status (Dependant on scope of emergency);

Identifies Liaison Officer(s) for deployment to the SEOC;

Liaison Officer’s establishes and maintains the communication links SEOC/TSCC;

Establishes and maintains the communication links with the appropriate DTSFAC/s;

Collects processes and disseminates transport intelligence to and from the appropriate DTSFAC.

Standby Stage

When advised of 'Standby' TSFAC:

Warns nominated contact personnel from those Participating And Supporting Organisations that may be involved, of the changed situation and calls for liaison officers as required;

Orders the TSCC to be fully staffed and operational (dependant on scope of emergency);


Page 16 of 23

Deploys Liaison Officer(s) to the SEOC to establish and maintain the communication link between the TSCC and the SEOC, and provide specialised advice;

Based on available intelligence on the event, proposes a plan of operations, including listing a priority of tasks and allocating appropriate resources;

Advises the plan of operations to DTSFAC’s as appropriate and to the Liaison Officers from the participating/supporting organisations involved;

Maintains communication links with the appropriate DTSFAC’s.

Call Out Stage

When advised of 'Call Out' TSFAC:

Coordinates transport resources required for assigned tasks;

Calls on those Participating and Supporting Organisations that are involved to remain on 24 hour/day alert, and if necessary, to provide full-time Liaison Officers to the TSCC;

Ensures the Liaison Officer assigned to the SEOC is kept fully informed on the status of transport resource levels, and the assessed capability of transport resources to sustain operations;

Through the Liaison Officer, ensures that SEOCON is kept fully informed of progress and developments relating to transport in the course of the emergency;

Maintains direct and continuous communication links with the DTSFAC/s in:

• The District(s) in which the emergency is occurring and;

• The Districts adjoining the area of emergency but not directly affected by it.

Maintain and operate a transport route advisory service to the Combat Agency, emergency services organisations and other Functional Areas.

(Note: District Transport Services Coordinators, whilst maintaining the above communications links with the TSFAC, are under the direct control of their relevant District Emergency Operations Controller during emergency operations).


Page 17 of 23

Stand Down Stage

When advised of 'Stand Down' TSFAC:

Advises the Participating and Supporting Organisations that have been involved of the 'Stand Down' declaration and of any ongoing requirements for transport resources during recovery operations;

Determines the degree of ongoing mobilisation of the TSCC that is necessary and informs Liaison Officers from participating and supporting organisations accordingly;

Makes arrangements for a formal 'debrief' of all organisations involved in providing transport services;

Following the 'debrief', prepares a post operation report, highlighting lessons learnt, and amendments needed to policy and/or plans;

Performs additional tasks assigned, including State debriefing requirements.

7. Administration and finance

7.1. Transport Services Coordination Centre

The TSCC is administered and maintained by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). This includes the general upkeep and security of the Centre at all times and ensures all RTA communication links and facilities at the Centre are functional. Other Participating Agencies that have equipment pre deployed in the Centre are to ensure it maintained and functional

Participating Agencies are to ensure that sufficient adequately trained personnel are available to attend the Centre during an emergency operation. If adequate warning has been given to participating organisations during the 'Alert' and 'Standby' stages, the Liaison Officers deployed from those organisations to the TSCC at the 'Stand by' stage are to be self supporting i.e. each Participating Organisation is to have organised rostered relief, meals, transport, accommodation, etc.

TSFAC is to ensure that meals are provide to those personnel deemed to be key personnel whose presence is required continuously at the Centre.

7.2. Expenditure and Recovery of Funds For those Participating/Supporting Organisations which are Government Agencies, expenditure of funds during an emergency response or recovery operation is met in the first instance from within their normal operating budgets. This applies to the provision of LOs at the Co-ordination Centre as well as to actual transport resources.

For private sector organisations or personnel, the cost of providing transport resources during emergency response or recovery operations is met by the requesting agency.


Page 18 of 23

Through the DEOCON or authorised delegate, DTSFAC or authorised delegate arranges for any necessary requisitioning and any subsequent approval for negotiated reimbursement of costs incurred.

8. Maintenance

8.1. Review

This supporting plan is reviewed no less frequently that every five years.

Reviews of relevant aspects are to be carried out following emergencies or changes in legislation and may be reviewed more frequently at the direction of the Functional Area Coordinator.

8.2. Training and exercising The Transport Services Functional Area is to test its ability to respond effectively to emergencies in two ways:

a) As part of major exercises controlled by the District Emergency Management Structure at District and Local levels and;

b) In smaller self-contained exercises within the Transport Services Functional Area only.

Exercises carried out as per (a) above may be either desktop exercises or full simulations of an actual emergency. Such exercises may be organised and controlled by the DEOCON and Participating and Supporting Organisations should anticipate that testing exercises are to be held at least annually. These exercises test the ability of the various operational and functional areas, including the Transport Services Functional Area, to respond to an emergency.

Exercises carried out as per (b) above may be either desktop exercises or full simulations of an actual emergency. Such exercises are organised and controlled by the TSFAC or the DTSFAC. These exercises prepare personnel from participating and supporting organisations for real emergencies, and are used to test procedures and practices.

In addition to the above exercises each Participating and Supporting Organisation should train their own personnel in response requirements and conduct their own exercises to ensure effective response.


Page 19 of 23

Annex A, Definitions Note that definitions contained in DISPLAN are not repeated here unless of particular significance to this plan.

Control means the overall direction of the activities, agencies or individuals concerned. Co-ordination means the bringing together of agencies and individuals to ensure effective emergency management, but does not include the control of agencies or individuals by direction. Displan means the State Disaster Plan. The object of Displan is to ensure the coordinated response to emergencies by all agencies having responsibilities and functions in emergencies. Emergency means an emergency due to an actual or imminent occurrence (such as fire, flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, terrorist act, accident, epidemic or warlike action) which: (a) endangers, or threatens to endanger, the safety or health of persons or animals in the State; or (b) destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, any property in the State, being an emergency which requires a significant and co-ordinated response. For the purposes of the definition of emergency, property in the State includes any part of the environment of the State. Accordingly, a reference in the Act to: (a) threats or danger to property includes a reference to threats or danger to the environment, and (b) the protection of property includes a reference to the protection of the environment. (Source: SERM Act).

Liaison Officer (LO)

in this plan means a representative from an organisation who has the responsibility to ensure proper coordination and timely flow of information between the organisation they represent and another. In the context of this plan a Liaison Officer either;

a) Provides the communication link between the Transport Services Functional Area Co-ordinator (TSFAC) to the State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON) at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC),

b) Provides the communication link between TSFAC and a designated Combat Agency responsible for controlling an emergency, or

c) Provides the communication link to TSFAC from the participating or supporting organisation represented at the Transport Services Coordination Centre. Liaison


Page 20 of 23

Officers are to be capable of providing immediate advice on the capabilities and current status of the resources of the agency they represent and should have the authority to commit these resources.

Local Government Area

means a city, municipality or shire within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1993 or combined local government areas as referred to in section 27 of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989. (Source: SERM Act as amended).

Participating Organisation means a Government Department, statutory authority, volunteer organisation or other agency that has either given formal notice, or has acknowledged to TSFAC, that it is willing to participate in emergency management operations under the direction of TSFAC, and with levels of resources of support as appropriate to the emergency. Recovery means the process of returning an affected community to its normal level of functioning after an emergency. `Initial' recovery limits this process to that necessary to restore essential services to the level where the continuing process can be managed by local authorities. Response means the process of combating an emergency and of providing immediate relief for persons affected by an emergency. The aim of response operations is to save lives, protect property and render an effected area safe. Sub Plan means an action plan required for a specific hazard, critical task or special event. It is required when the arrangements necessary to deal with the hazard, critical task or special event differ from the general co-ordination arrangements set out in the main or supporting plans for the area. Supporting Organisation in this Plan, means an organisation with engineering resources, which has indicated its willingness to make available such resources during the response and recovery from an emergency, if called upon by TSFAC to do so.

Supporting Plan means a plan prepared by an organisation, or a group or agencies, which describes the support which is to be provided to a controlling or coordinating body during an


Page 21 of 23

emergency. It is an action plan which describes how a single service or function is to be coordinated in order to fulfill the roles and responsibilities allocated.

Transport Services in this plan means resources and services pertaining to all land, sea and air transport areas which may be required to assist response and recovery operations in an emergency.

Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator.

the nominated coordinator of the Functional Area tasked to coordinate the provision of transport support and resources for emergency response and recovery operations. By agreement of Participating and Supporting Organisations within the Functional Area, the Coordinator has the authority to commit the resources of those organisations.


Page 22 of 23

Annex B, Table of Abbreviations

DEOCON District Emergency Operations Controller

DISPLAN NSW State Disaster Plan

DTSFAC District Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator

EMA Emergency Management Australia

EOC Emergency Operations Centre

LEOCON Local Emergency Operations Controller

LO Liaison Officer

LTSFAC Local Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator

MoT Ministry of Transport

NEMCC National Emergency Management Coordination Centre

RTA Roads and Traffic Authority

SEOC State Emergency Operations Centre

SEOCON State Emergency Operations Controller

TSCC Transport Services Coordination Centre

TSFA Transport Services Functional Area

TSFAC (State) Transport Services Functional Area Coordinator


Page 23 of 23

Annex C, Communication links

Principal communication links are by mobile, satellite phones, GRN, radios telephone, e-mail and facsimile.

LO

STATE LEVEL

TSFAC or Deputy

SEOCON

DISTRICT LEVEL

LO

DSFAC or Alternate

DEOCON

LO

LOCAL

LEVEL

LTSFAC

LO

LEOCON

Documents

TRANSPORT SERVICES FUNCTIONAL AREA SUPPORTING PLAN · Functional Areas while maintaining as far as practicable, the normal operations and activities of public and commercial transport