Moree Plains Shire Emergency Services
Council's role in emergencies:
Moree Council works in collaboration with Emergency Service Organisations to ensure the safety of our community.
The roles and responsibilities of Local Government in Emergency Management are detailed in the State and Rescue Management Act.
Council is required to appoint a Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) who, in the event of an emergency, will act as a coordinator and will liaise with the other Emergency Services such as NSW Police, Fire and Rescue and State Emergency Services.
Council also reviews and updates the Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN) which details arrangements for the prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies within the Moree Plains Shire Council Area.
Emergency Preparation:
Emergencies can happen at any time, it is vital that you know the risks within your area. If an emergency occurs, there may be limited capacity of emergency services organisations to assist. It is important that you have a plan so you can be self-reliant.
Create a Household Emergency Plan:
Examples of household emergency plans can be found at:
- Australian Red Cross
- NSW Rural Fire Service
- NSW Fire and Rescue
- State Emergency Services
Plan to Evacuate:
It is important that you consider the different emergency situations that you may find yourself in and where you might evacuate to if a particular scenario occurs. It is essential that you remain flexible during an emergency situation. Ensure that you follow any directions given to you from Emergency Service Organisations.
Reduce the Risk to your Home:
There are simple steps that you can take to reduce hazards on your property and so limit the potential harm to your home and its occupants.
- Clean out gutters and downpipes.
- Trim overhead trees and branches.
- Secure or put away loose items.
- Check the roof is in good repair.
- Do a home safety audit and check your smoke alarms are working.
- Make sure your home and contents insurance is up to date.
Act on your Plan:
During an emergency, it is important to stay calm and follow directions given to you by the Emergency Services. The agencies listed below provide useful information to help you stay informed in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.
Service |
Use |
Phone |
| Emergency 000 | For life threatening emergencies | 000 |
| State Emergency Services (SES) |
For storms, storm damage, floods or flood rescue | 132 500 |
| NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) | For bush fire related incidents | 1800 679 737 (1800 NSW RFS) |
| NSW Police Force | For urgent Police emergencies For non-urgent Police assistance |
000 131 444 |
| Fire and Rescue NSW | For fire emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and community fire safety For non-urgent incidents |
000 |
Emergency Contacts
Local radio
Moree: 2VM (l530 am) NOW'FM (98.3 fm)
Mungindi: NOW FM (l00.7 fm)
Regional radio: ABC New England: (99.l fm) 6152 1155 or 1300 648 222
Traffic/road closures:
24-hour Traffic Enquiry Line: 132 101
Live Traffic www.livetraffic.com
Weather Conditions:
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) www.bom.gov.au
Disaster Information
The role of Council during a disaster
Moree Plains Shire Council is not a lead combat agency. In a disaster or emergency, as a member of the Local Emergency Management Committee, the role of the Moree Plains Shire Council is to:
• Advise of any interruptions to services provided, including the status of roads and bridges, water and waste services
• Restore any services which impact the welfare and safety of the community in a timely manner
• Support emergency lead agencies and/or combat agencies to assist the community.
Combat agencies
Combat agencies in NSW are responsible for coordinating the response to a specific emergency as listed below.
Live updates from emergency response agencies during a disaster can be accessed through the respective agency's channels.
Flood - NSW SES
Fire NSW - Rural Fire Service
Severe Storm - NSW SES
Pandemic - NSW Health
Department of Primary Industries - Animal, Plant Disease, Rodent or Insect Plague
Flood Safety
Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
Flood Safety Checklist
• Know your risk
• Know where to go
• Know who to call
• Know your plan
• Get your Grab and Go Bag together
• Check your insurance
• Listen to local radio stations, television broadcasts and social media updates
• Continually monitor radio, TV and social media channels and talk with family and friends to ensure that they understand what is going on as well
• Monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.
How To Prepare for Possible Evacuation
• Stack possessions, records, stock or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top
• Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage
• Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level
• Activate your home or business FloodSafe Plan
• Locate important papers, valuables and mementos. Place them in your Grab and Go Bag
• Listen to your local radio station and monitor social media channels for information, updates and advice
• Keep in contact with your neighbours
• Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services
• Act early, as roads may become congested or closed.
Evacuation
Who is responsible for issuing an evacuation order?
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) will issue an evacuation order when flooding is likely to cut evacuation routes or inundate property. Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.
What should I do once the order has been issued?
If instructed to evacuate:
• Take your Grab and Go Bag with your important documents in it
• Turn off the electricity as you leave, and turn off and secure gas bottles
• Take your pets with you. Put them on leads or in pet containers. Dogs should be muzzled
• You will be advised by emergency services which evacuation centre to go to and which roads to take.
Who should I call if I need help evacuating?
• For life threatening emergencies call: 000
• For emergency help in flood or storms, call the SES: 132 500
At the evacuation centre
Assistance will be available at an evacuation centre established by the Department of Community and Justice (DCJ).
Assistance at the evacuation centre will include:
• Temporary accommodation
• Financial help
• Personal support
• Refreshments and meals
• Clothing and personal needs
• Help in contacting family and friends.
Cleaning up after a flood
Safety first
Following a flooding event, if the property is badly damaged and looks unsafe, e.g. roof damage, cracks in walls etc., do not enter until it has been inspected by a building inspector or engineer.
Record the damage
Take pictures of the damage, inform your insurer and request an insurance assessment of the damage.
When cleaning up, what do I need to look out for?
Health and Safety Hazards: Asbestos Risk and Debris
Buildings and other structures damaged in a flood can leave health and safety hazards in the structure and debris. If a flood-damaged building was built before 1990,it is likely to contain asbestos. Debris m
Waste Management
After a natural disaster declaration, hazardous materials, such as chemicals from your garden shed or home workshop, gas bottles, and saturated carpets, must be separated and disposed of properly.
Hazardous waste and other items need to be set aside separately on Council kerbside for collection.
All residents across the Moree Plains Shire can take flood-affected household items to the Moree Waste Management Facility (WMF), Evergreen Road Moree.
Moree Plains Shire Council, in conjunction with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, can assist in the clean-up efforts after a natural disaster declaration.
Stay Informed
To keep up with the latest waste disposal information, landfill opening hours, hazardous waste disposal, and news updates, residents should use the MPSC Waste App. These platforms provide News and Alerts, and important details to help you dispose of waste safely.
What do I do with my sandbags that are contaminated with polluted water?
Sandbags are used to prevent floodwater from entering homes and other buildings. By blocking the water flow, both the bag and the sand can become contaminated with sewage, pathogens and chemicals. Flood affected sandbags should not be used in gardens, playground areas or places where people may come into contact with them. Sandbags that have come into contact with floodwaters are likely to be contaminated and should be disposed of in a landfill.
How do I deal with mould?
After a flood, the heat, humidity and water can all cause mould to grow. Breathing in, eating, drinking or touching mould can cause health problems, especially for people with asthma, sensitivities or allergies.
Further advice concerning the health risks of mould can be obtained from your local public health unit.
In NSW call: 1300 066 055
For details on how to clean mould, visit Health NSW: www.health.nsw.gov.au
What should I do about asbestos?
Material containing asbestos can be damaged during severe weather. Asbestos is dangerous when tiny fibres are inhaled. The fibres can lodge in your lungs and eventually cause disease.
Asbestos Safety NSW provides information about managing asbestos in emergencies and disasters.
For urgent enquires contact: 1800 272 378 or for more information visit: www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/asbestos-safety
More Information:
SES: Cleaning up after a flood: Recovery | https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/recovery
Red Cross: Cleaning up after a disaster | https://www.redcross.org.au/emergencies/coping-after-a-crisis/cleaning-up-wind-water/
NSW Government: Clean up assistance and advice Recovering from a natural disaster | https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery
Disaster Assistance
Where can I get financial assistance and advice regarding my situation?
Individuals who have been impacted by a significant disaster may be eligible for disaster relief grants. The grants have specific eligibility criteria.
Service NSW assists residents who have been impacted by a disaster or an emergency event with disaster relief grants:
• Call 13 77 88
• Visit the Moree Service Centre located at 80 Balo Street, Moree
• Go to a Recovery Centre (if operational).
Recovery centres
Disaster Recovery Centres may be established following some disasters. Recovery Centres may provide a range of welfare services, including financial assistance, personal support, organising temporary accommodation and providing information and referrals. To check whether a Recovery Centre is operating near you, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or check with the Moree Plains Shire Council via our website, social media or customer service.
Translating and interpreting services
For free help in your language, contact Translating and Interpreting Services: 13 14 50 and ask them to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
NSW Government Disaster Relief Grants
Disaster Relief Grants are administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. You may be eligible for financial support if the following apply:
• Your primary place of residence was damaged by a natural disaster
• You do not have insurance for the damage, or your insurance doesn't cover the damage caused during this natural disaster
• You are a low-income earner with limited financial resources after tax, mortgage, or rent have been deducted
• It has been less than 6 months since the disaster.
You may not be eligible if any of the following apply:
• Lack of maintenance has caused or impacted the damage, such as poor roof maintenance
• The damage is cosmetic and not essential to living in a safe and habitable home.
Categories Of Support
Disaster Relief Grants assist low-income residents who have no other means of restoring their homes to a safe and habitable condition following a disaster event.
Assistance falls into two categories:
1. Essential Household Contents Grants to assist with the cost of re re-establishing essential household items considered necessary to maintain a basic standard of living
2. Structural Grants as a contribution toward essential structural repairs to homes for households unable to meet the cost of repairs.
Temporary Dwelling
If the natural disaster event has caused damage to a temporary dwelling, assistance provided will depend on the type of temporary dwelling. There are several types of temporary dwelling supports available, including support for people living in caravans, houseboats, relocatable homes and rough sleepers.
Renting
When a property is affected by a natural disaster, tenants and landlords have certain rights and responsibilities.
Information for tenants and landlords whose rented property is affected by the current flood emergency is available through the Office of Fair Trading: 133 220 or visit NSW Fair Trading | NSW Fair Trading - https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
Insurance
Managing Your Insurance. Before returning home, it is vital that you check it is safe to do so and follow the advice of the emergency services. If your home or belongings have been damaged during a disaster, you should contact your insurance broker or company to assess your claim as soon as you can.
It is recommended that you:
• Contact your insurer before authorising major repairs
• Take photographs, videos and an inventory of damaged goods, including listing the product's brand, particularly those that you need to dispose of for health reasons.
If you have questions about your insurance policy or claim, speak to your insurer first.
How do I make a complaint?
If you're unhappy with the processing or outcome of your insurance claim, you should make a formal complaint to your insurer. If you're unhappy with the outcome of your complaint, you can lodge a dispute with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). AFCA will offer free dispute resolution services. If both parties can't come to an agreement through this process, they may then investigate the complaint and make a decision.
Insurance Assistance
The Insurance Council of Australia may also be able to assist with queries relating to insurance following a disaster. Call 1800 734 621 or visit Home - Insurance Council of Australia
Personalised Support For Your Business
The Service NSW Business Concierge service offers one-on-one guidance for businesses impacted by natural disasters.
Call the Service NSW Business Concierge: l3 77 88
Business Guide To Recovering From Disaster
'Get back to business' by the NSW Small Business Commissioner is a step-by-step guide for business owners dealing with a disaster. The guide provides information to help businesses from the moment disaster hits, to the days, weeks and months ahead.
Visit www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au to learn more or download copies.
Help From Your Financial Institution
Flood-affected residents of NSW may be granted loan deferrals or reduced payment arrangements by their bank or financial institution for some business loans, depending on their circumstances. This could include financial assistance packages, deferred loans, waived fees and grants. Contact your financial institution for further details.
Tax Relief
The Australian Taxation Office may offer assistance with meeting tax obligations for businesses impacted by floods.
Call the ATO Emergency support line: 1800 806 218
Visit: Support in difficult times | Australian Taxation Office
Legal Support
Legal Aid NSW has a Disaster Response Legal Service which provides free support and can assist with legal problems including: insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy, financial hardship, workplace rights, Centrelink, domestic and family violence, and government disaster grants.
Call: 1800 801 529 or visit: Disaster Response Legal Service NSW
Primary Producers/Rural Landowners
What support is available to primary producers and rural landowners?
The impact of natural disasters can affect primary producers beyond their own resilience levels, requiring assistance to recover personally and financially.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS) coordinate and provide recovery assistance and advice to landholders and primary producers, including commercial fishers, aquaculturists, foresters and other industries impacted by a natural disaster event. The DPI provides information, resources and support on emergency response and recovery for NSW primary producers.
Call: 0448 077 684
Natural Disaster Relief Loans For Primary Producers
Primary producers directly affected by a declared natural disaster may be eligible for a low-interest loan to support recovery.
Call: 1800 678 593 or visit: NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA)
Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy
Primary producers affected by a declared natural disaster can apply for a subsidy for transport at a rate of 503 of the total amount paid to the carrier or specified costs for an owner driver. Available to eligible farmers who are affected by a declared natural disaster event.
This subsidy pays for the cost of transporting:
• Fodder and/or water to an affected property
• Stock to sell or slaughter
• Stock to/from agistment.
Call: 1800 678 593 or visit: NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA)
Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy
The scheme will pay for the costs of donating and transporting donated fodder to affected properties or storage facilities in a central location up to a maximum of distance of 1,500 kilometres.
Call: 1800 678 593
Visit: Natural Disaster Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy | NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA)
Rural Aid
Rural Aid is an independent charity that operates to safeguard farming and rural communities before, during and after natural disasters. Rural Aid's assistance for primary producers includes:
• Free counselling
• Fodder assistance
• Domestic water tanks
• Domestic water assistance via local water carters
• Prepaid Visa card to disaster impacted farmers.
Call Rural Aid: 1300 327 624
Counselling Intake Line: 1300 175 594
For more information, visit - Home - Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities
Rural Financial Counsellor
The Rural Financial Counselling Service - Northern Region provides free, unbiased, independent, confidential and expert support to farmers, fishers, foresters and other rural businesses.
Contact: Rural Financial Counsellor, Moree M: 0439 807 712
E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Visit: Home - Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW (RFCS)
Managing Pets and Livestock
Prepare pets and livestock for an emergency
Floods, bushfires and extreme weather events pose a great risk to animals, so it's essential you plan in advance for their safety. For information about important steps to take when planning
Visit: How to prepare pets and livestock for an emergency | NSW Government
Assistance with livestock and animals
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services provide assistance to landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues. During significant emergency responses, the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline will be activated for:
• Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
• Stock euthanasia and burial
• Emergency fodder
• Emergency stock water
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Stock euthanasia and burial
• Care of animals in evacuation centres.
Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline: 1800 814 647
Local Land Services Moree: 6750 9000
Helping Wildlife During Floods
During an emergency such as a flood, some native animals may need short term help. Never enter floodwater to rescue wildlife. If you find an animal injured, in distress, disoriented, heavily waterlogged, or in an unexpected location, you should seek advice from a trained wildlife rescuer or vet.If it is safe to do so, contain it in a clean, covered box in a dark, quiet place while waiting for a rescuer or taking it to a wildlife carer or vet.
For advice about assisting injured wildlife call: 1300 094 737 or visit: https://www.wires.org.au/ or https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/prepare/pets-and-livestock
Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness
Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) supports disability inclusive disaster risk reduction by making sure that people with disability and their support needs are at the centre of emergency management.
There are things that everyone should do to plan for emergencies. People with disability may need additional support, resources or advocacy to prepare.
Know your level of preparedness and your disaster risk
There are four steps that bring emergency personnel together with people with disability and the services that support them to enable effective risk communication and preparedness actions.
1. Identify your strengths and support needs in everyday life
2. Know your level of emergency preparedness and learn about your disaster risk
3. Plan for how you will manage your support needs in an emergency
4. Communicate the plan with the people in your support network and address gaps through collaboration.
Some of the considerations to be made when planning for support needs may include:
Communication
Personal Support
Management of Health
Assistive Technology
Assistance Animals
Transportation
Further Support And Assistance
Hearing/Speech Impaired SMS relay: 0423 677 767
Voice Relay: 1300 555 727
TTY: 133 677
National Telephone Interpreter Service: 1800 131 450
For information regarding Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Resources, Visit: Collaborating 4 Inclusion | Collaborating for inclusion of people with disability in the community.
Mental Health Support
Telephone Counselling and Support
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
You can call the following free services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Transcultural Mental Health Line: 1800 648 911 for support in your language
• Mental Health Helpline: 1800 011 511 for specialist mental health services
• Kids Helpline:1800 55 1800 for young people aged 5 to 25
• Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978 for men with family and relationship concerns
• For sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling - 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Alcohol Drug Information Service NSW provides counselling, support and referrals for those affected by alcohol or other drugs: Phone: 1800 250 015
Support For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
If you need to talk to someone, you can:
• Speak to your doctor or Aboriginal Health Worker
• Visit Pius X Aboriginal Corporation. This is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in Moree. The organisation delivers culturally appropriate health and wellbeing services to members of the Aboriginal community. T: 1800 043 159
• Call 13YARN, run by Indigenous people: 13 92 76
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)
RAMHP provides assistance for regional, rural and remote people and communities. RAMHP Coordinators provide health promotion in their local communities and link individuals with appropriate services.
Call: 0477 343 628 (Moree) or visit: https://www.ramhp.com.au/
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
What does it mean if a flood warning is issued?
Flood warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and warn a community of flooding at a predicted height, time and location.
Once a Flood Warning has been issued, the SES will issue community specific warnings. There are three warning levels:
1. Advice
2. Watch and Act
3. Emergency Warning
If a flood warning has been issued, it is important to monitor the situation, maintain contact with other people in your local community and listen to your local radio stations and social media channels to receive and share updates on the flood situation.
What should I do if I become isolated by floodwater?
In life threatening situations, call 000. For emergency help in floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
You can contact the SES if you are trapped by floodwaters, require assistance when floodwater is threatening your property, or require resupply of essential supplies if your property is isolated.
How will I know when it's safe to return home?
The SES will issue Reduced Threat: Return with Caution - Advice when it is safe for residents and businesses to return to a flood affected area.
How do I know if my home is structurally safe?
If you are unsure about the extent of damage caused by a flood or natural disaster, a qualified building surveyor can assess the structural integrity of your home and declare it safe.
Before entering your home, make sure the electricity and gas are turned off. If any electrical equipment, appliances, or hot water systems have been exposed to water, have a qualified electrician inspect them. Gas appliances and gas bottles should also be inspected by a qualified professional.
Who is responsible for co-ordinating flood recovery?
The NSW Reconstruction Authority (NSWRA) is the lead agency for disaster recovery in NSW, including flood recovery. The NSWRA works with communities, councils, and government agencies to prioritise and enable recovery efforts.
Disaster Recovery Centres may be established by NSWRA following some disasters. Recovery centres provide a range of welfare services, including financial assistance, personal support, organising temporary accommodation and providing information and referrals. Check with the Moree Plains Shire Council or NSWRA whether a Recovery Centre is operating in your community following a disaster.
What is the role of the Moree Plains Shire Council when there is a natural disaster?
During disasters and emergencies, the Moree Plains Shire Council is responsible for disaster waste management, traffic and road management, damage assessment and repair or replacement of Council infrastructure, public health and safety and other issues.This is in addition to its regular business and continuity of essential services.
Who is responsible for coordinating the clean up?
The Moree Plains Shire Council works in conjunction with the NSWRA to co-ordinate the clean up efforts following a flood event.
l'm not in a position to clean up the damage to my property or business on my own. Who can I ask for assistance?
If your property has been severely damaged or is not suitable to live in because of a natural disaster, contact the NSWRA. They will let you know what clean-up support is available to you.
Call: 9212 9200 or visit: NSW Reconstruction Authority | NSW Government
What's the best way to dry out my home and belongings?
Drying out may take weeks, but there are many things you can do straight away. To avoid trapping moisture inside the home, everything that is wet and able to be moved should be taken outside to dry (weather permitting).
Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with water.
• On dry days, keep all doors and windows open
• On wet days, leave windows ajar - the inside will only dry when moisture can get out
• Turn heaters or fans on in as many rooms as possible, leaving the windows open (only use one heater per room - too much heat may warp and crack wood.)
What is safe to eat and drink after a flood?
Flood water can be contaminated with sewerage, agricultural and industrial waste and other substances that can cause illness. There is a danger that any food, water supplies, surfaces and cooking utensils that have come into contact with floodwater may be contaminated.
Food
If in doubt, throw it out. Throw out food that has come into contact with floodwater or has an unusual odour, colour or texture. Vegetable gardens can take a month to become suitable after flood or sewerage contamination. Discard all leafy green produce.
Water
Following a flood, tap water and private water supplies such as from tanks, wells and bores may not be safe to drink or use for cooking or cleaning. Use only bottled or treated water for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing utensils and surfaces, brushing teeth, hand washing, making ice and bathing.
Hygiene, Cleaning And Sanitising Surfaces And Utensils
Wash and dry hands thoroughly with soap using clean, drinking quality water or alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Wear suitable protective clothing, including boots, gloves and eye protection while cleaning up. Throw away damaged or cracked items made from porous material such as wood, plastic or rubber.
Recovery support in Moree
Moree Plains Shire Council
Phone: 6757 3222
Service NSW
Face-to-face, phone and online support with financial assistance for NSW residents affected by natural disasters.
Phone: 13 11 88
Salvation Army
Financial, material, emotional and spiritual support to assist with re-establishing lives after disaster.
Phone: 6752 1351
Anglicare
Provision of care and comfort, practical support and information sharing, referrals to other services and distribution of essential clothing and toiletry items.
Phone: 6701 8200
Local Land Services
Support and assistance with coordinating animals, including all livestock and companion animals, who have been impacted by natural disasters.
Phone: 6750 9000
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Disaster recovery support for primary producers and small related enterprises.
Phone: 0439 801 112
Visit: Home - Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW (RFCS) Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW (RFCS)/