Apart from being legally bound to become involved, Local Governments who are proactive in emergency management in their communities will enjoy flow on benefits such as closer ties with their community and a greater understanding of the community and infrastructure by undertaking the risk assessment process.

According to EMA an ‘engaged community’ involved in the decision-making process associated with emergency management is more likely to be responsive and self-managing when emergencies arise.

Emergency planning is the key to meeting these outcomes.

Emergency planning may help protect organisations from litigation arising out of the “Due Care” provisions of common law. The general obligation of fulfilling a “Duty of Care”, and the specific requirements under most state/territory legislation, indicate clearly the need for communities to develop, test and review emergency plans.