Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) operations director for the Gippsland Region, Grange Jephcott, in conjunction with Snowy district manager, Craig Chapman, conducted the official handover of a generator to Mallacoota CFA captain, Stuart Johnston, on May 22.      

Mallacoota CFA applied to DELWP to have the disused asset Kubota 30 kVa generator transferred it to strengthen the community's resilience in the remote location.

The town's emergency service and recovery agencies were well represented with the police, ambulance, SES, Parks Victoria, Red Cross, Surf Life Saving, Coast Guard, Radio 3MGB, East Gippsland Shire Council and East Gippsland Water among those in attendance.

Captain Johnston outlined some of the benefits to the Mallacoota community and all agencies as they undertake an all-hazards, all-agencies approach.   

He spoke of the unity of command and how all the agencies are involved in events that impact the isolated community of Mallacoota, especially when access roads are cut for days at a time.

The group heard how the asset transfer to CFA Mallacoota would assist the agencies perform their functional duties, regardless of the power supply status.   

“Ultimately, this will reduce the impact and severity on our community during any protracted emergency event," captain Johnston said.

"We should still expect uncomfortable moments, but it will assist in lessening the impact of such an event.   

"For instance, the disabled shower will be available with electric hot water for those in need of wheelchair access; the community will be able to be briefed with up to date information at public meetings and keep their smartphones and other IT devices charged ensuring the 'one source, one message' is able to be received by a wider audience as events unfold.  

"It will also ensure all emergency service agencies in Mallacoota can conduct their training, ensuring vital skills are learned and maintained regardless of the main grid’s status,” he said.

Mr Chapman agreed.  

“This makes good sense, to pass on an asset that is no longer of primary use to DELWP, but can add markedly to the outcomes of emergency events for others," Mr Chapman said.

"This area has a very strong connection with DELWP; we have worked closely with all agencies and will continue to do so in the future.   

"It is a pleasure for DELWP to be in a position to help.  

"It also creates a precedent for us to consider how we deal with our asset base as we move to upgrade our facilities.”   

Mr Jephcott said this was a great example of how partnerships that were strong could be strengthened even further for the benefit of all agencies, but more importantly, the wider community.