During an Emergency

As every situation is different, emergency events may require different levels of support.
Council can assist those in need at a single incident (a house fire or a car crashing into a house), and are also prepared to set up an Emergency Relief Centre if townships need evacuating due to bushfire, flood or storm. We have plans in place for most situations to ensure our community are well looked after in the event of an emergency.

Relief Centres 

If the emergency leads to a significant number of people having to unexpectedly leave their homes, then an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) may be set up. The location of the ERC will be determined at the time of the need, as it will need to be located away from the immediate threat. This is a place where affected community members can come for a range of support including:

• finding emergency information

• reconnecting with their community

• accessing relief support services to assist with their immediate needs

If an ERC is to be opened, it will be some time after the emergency has started. Notifications about the opening of an ERC is usually done through the VicEmergency app, emergency broadcasters or through Council via our website or Facebook page.

Emergency Relief Centres are not ideal for pets/livestock and as such, you may be separated from them if you bring them to an ERC. It is best that you include alternatives for your animals when planning for an emergency.

Road Closures

During an emergency Council and Reginal Roads Victoria may need to close roads to ensure public safety. Visit VicTraffic for information on traffic conditions or roadworks.

Virtual Emergency Relief Centre

In the event of an emergency that does not require large numbers of residents to leave their homes, a virtual relief centre will be set up to collect information on impacted individuals and provide immediate and basic services to affected people. This may include supporting access to accommodation, food, water, and material aid and linking them to other relief and health services including psychological first aid.