Bacchus Marsh aerodrome emergency exercise

Published on 16 August 2024

A valuable and interesting emergency management training exercise is being planned at Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome to test the aerodrome’s Emergency Response Plan and allow local agencies to exercise their capabilities within a complex, multi-agency situation. 

The Moorabool Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) is conducting the exercise, coordinated by Shepherd Consulting and made possible through funding via the Victorian Government Risk and Resilience Grant Program.

The exercise will involve Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority (CFA), Victoria State Emergency Service (SES), Ambulance Victoria, St John’s Ambulance, the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Committee of Management, Moorabool Shire Council and other members of the planning committee.

“Agencies will be able to practice their response to a complex emergency situation involving aircraft and fire and will exercise the emergency arrangements at the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome,” Mayor Cr Ally Munari said.

“This will further enhance inter-agency coordination and strengthen the region’s capacity to respond effectively to complex emergencies.”

The exercise covers initial response and activation processes to an aircraft and fire emergency, coordination of agencies, and relief and recovery practices in accordance with emergency management plans.

It will take place on Sunday 25 August 2024 and the community will be made aware of the exercise in the lead up to the event via visual message boards, as smoke may be visible on the day due to simulated smoke being used in the exercise.

“As part of the MEMPC, I am excited that this funding has been made available to ensure our local and regional emergency service agencies can all participate and train in a safe environment in order to work together to enhance the local response to complex emergencies,” Cr Munari said.