Friday, March 04, 2016

Have your say on Emergency Management

The Manawatu-Wanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group is reviewing its current Group Plan and has released the proposed plan for public consultation.

The Group Plan is the strategic document that outlines the vision, goals, actions and measures of performance for Emergency Management in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region for the period 2016-2021.

The proposed Plan has been developed in accordance with the CDEM Act 2002 through a rigorous process by the Group and their partner agencies.

Horizons emergency manager Ian Lowe says it’s important that the community provide feedback on the proposed Plan.

“We would encourage anyone thinking of making a submission to get in contact with the Group to clarify any questions they may have before submitting,” says Mr Lowe.

The plan seeks to: further strengthen the relationships between agencies involved in CDEM, encourage cooperative planning and action between the various emergency management agencies and the community, demonstrate commitment to deliver more effective CDEM through an agreed work programme detailed in the CDEM Group Business Plan, provide information on the hazards and risks in the CDEM Group, and document the principles of operation within which agencies involved in CDEM agree to cooperate.

Lowe says that the Group continues to develop the way it operates in the best interests of the community. The principles of consistency, accountability, best practice and support, have been, and will continue to be the foundation of the Group.

“The CDEM group members have a strong focus on learning from each event and we’re committed to working towards a resilient regional community that is aware and prepared for hazards that they may face.

“The Group has a strong focus on risk reduction and aligning and preparing those agencies that the community will look towards in times of readiness, response and recovery.”

Copies of the Plan can be requested from Horizons offices or online at www.horizons.govt.nz with submissions closing Friday 1 April 2016.

For more information around the submission process:

• call toll free 0508 800 800;

• visit the Emergency Management section of Horizons’ website www.horizons.govt.nz;

• or email groupplan@horizons.govt.nz

The Act requires that Groups review their Plans at least 5 yearly. The current Group Plan will remain in effect throughout the review process with the target date for the 2016-2021 Plan becoming operative being 8 June 2016. This Plan will then remain in effect until the next review period which must begin no later than 9 June 2021.

For the latest on emergency management for the Horizons Region visit the Civil Defence Manawatu Wanganui Facebook page.

ENDS.

© Scoop Media