Why is an LEMC needed?

The State Emergency and Rescue Management Act (SERM Act) recognises that the involvement of local government in all stages of an emergency is critical (ie. in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery)

Therefore, the emergency management structure and arrangements at a local level are based on the Local Government Authority areas (or combined Local Government Authority areas) and requires council to form an LEMC.

What is the structure of the LEMC?

The LEMC consists of:

• A senior representative of Council of the area, or combined local government area and is the chair of the LEMC (the Act requires that the person appointed by Council must have the authority of Council to co-ordinate the use of Council's resources for emergency management purposes).
• The senior local representative of each of the emergency services organisations operating in the local area.
• Representatives of such organisations providing support services in the relevant local government area as the councils of that area may from time to time determine.
• Allowance is made for others to attend to give technical and other relevant advice ie. Council Officers.
• The Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON). This is currently the Northern Beaches Area Commander of the NSW Police Force. The Commander attends as the LEOCON with separate representation from the NSW Police Force.

Does Pittwater have an LEMC?

Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Councils formed the Manly, Warringah, Pittwater LEMC.

What does the LEMC do?

The LEMC is responsible for the preparation of plans (MWP DISPLAN) in relation to the prevention of, reparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies in the local government area.

The committee has a planning function only.  It is specifically excluded from becoming involved in operations.  (This planning approach does not replace any one agency's internal responsibilities; rather it is designed to compliment them in the event of an emergency).

Councils are required to provide executive support facilities for the LEMC and the Local Emergency Operations Controller in the LEMC area.  The principal executive officer is known as the Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO).  In this area the chairperson of the LEMC also performs the functions of the LEMO and this is performed on a rotating basis with member councils.

In the exercise of its functions, the LEMC is responsible to the Sydney Northern District Emergency Management Committee.