Our animals. Our responsibility.
A community engagement project to
help animals survive natural disasters.
Volume 3 Project Report
w w w.dpi.nsw.gov.au
The total cost to New South Wales of livestock, pets and native
animals killed or injured during natural disasters can be hundreds
of millions of dollars annually.
The emotional impact on individual farmers, animal carers and pet
owners can be devastating.
The suffering endured by animals caught in a natural disaster
is heartbreaking.
Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries
Our animals. Our responsibility. A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
Volume 3 – Project report
First published July 2014
ISBN 978 1 74256 649 8
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Acknowledgments
Funded under the joint State and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Resilience Program
JTN 12847_3
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services, 2014. You may
copy, distribute and otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose, provided that you attribute the NSW Department of
Primary Industries as the owner.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (July 2014).
However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up
to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of the Department of Primary Industries or the user’s
independent adviser.
Every year, emergency
services personnel,
volunteers, animal owners
and carers risk their own
lives to save animals from
natural disasters.
For individual farmers, pet owners and people involved in raising
and caring for animals or providing feed, veterinary medicines,
supplies and infrastructure, recovery after a natural disaster can
take years.
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries aims to help
communities become more resilient to natural disasters. In particular,
we want to ensure that the care of animals during natural disasters is
planned well before a disaster occurs.
This involves taking better prevention and preparedness precautions
so that animal rescue and recovery operations during and after a
natural disaster can be minimised or, wherever possible, eliminated.
NSW DPI should be the trusted and primary source of animal care
information for natural disaster prevention, preparedness, response
and recovery.
However, it is vital that all animal owners and carers understand that
it is their responsibility to care for their animals before, during and
after a natural disaster.
For communities to ensure that they and their animals are resilient
in times of natural disaster, they need to become more engaged –
with each other, with emergency services personnel and volunteers,
animal welfare organisations, and the participating and supporting
organisations (PSOs) of the NSW Agriculture and Animal Services
Functional Area (AASFA).
This report outlines the development of a community engagement
strategy to support building resilience.
A community engagement strategy to improve animal care for natural disasters.
Contents
1 Project purpose
1
Scope1
Objectives 1
Strategy2
Goals2
2 The challenge
3
Financial costs
4
Indirect costs
5
Challenging misconceptions
5
Animal groups
6
3 What are natural disasters?
7
Definitions7
Emergency7
Disaster7
Emergency Planning
7
Participating Organisations
8
Supporting Organisations
8
PPRR8
4NSW DPI responsibilities in
natural disasters
Responsibilities of ESOs in natural disasters
9
11
5 What is community resilience?
12
6 What is community engagement?
13
The nature of communities
13
The community engagement process
13
7 Project research
15
Methodology15
Regional workshops
16
Online surveys
17
8Profiling report:
Kempsey and Bookham/Yass
18
Scope18
Methodology18
Insights19
9 Findings and recommendations
24
Background24
Strategy24
The AASFA Committees
25
Community engagement planning levels
26
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
Capturing the community’s attention
27
Using printed information
27
Emerging technologies
28
The safety message
29
Data29
Recommendations29
10Appendices
31
Appendix 1
Regional workshops summary findings 31
Appendix 2
Regional workshop tools ratings 40
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
1 Project purpose
1
All communities must be resilient so they can survive emergencies such as natural disasters in practical,
sustainable and cost-effective ways. Resilience enables communities not just to survive natural disasters but also
to recover quickly, remain viable and thrive over the long-term. Implicit in this is the capacity of a community to
maintain its social fabric, the wellbeing of its residents, infrastructure and business continuity.
For those who own, manage or care for animals, natural disaster prevention and preparedness measures must
include the protection of animals. For the wider community, this also means the safety and preservation of one
of our most priceless and irreplaceable resources: native animals.
Scope
This project, which was funded under the joint State and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Resilience
Program, focuses on building resilience in regional, rural, and peri-urban communities, through a community
engagement strategy that promotes resilience in animal care in the context of natural disaster emergency
prevention and preparedness. The project involves a state-wide community engagement strategy under the
New South Wales emergency management arrangements1 for the Agriculture and Animals Services Functional
Area.
The project’s community engagement model recognises the structure of NSW DPI, its arrangements with the
participating and supporting organisations of the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA),
emergency services and other groups. The model recognises that NSW DPI does some direct community
engagement, however most engagement with animal owners and carers must be achieved through a ‘network
of influencers’ or partners with existing links to communities, e.g.:
• AASFA participating and supporting organisations (such as Local Land Services [LLS], WIRES or RSPCA)
• emergency service organisations
• local government
• industry bodies (including producer organisations such as the Cattle Council of Australia and professional
organisations such as the Australian Veterinary Association)
• education providers
• non-government organisations supporting animal welfare and other community organisations (such as
kennel or pony clubs).
This project does not address hazards to animals from animal disease emergencies or drought, nor does
it directly address communication to communities during emergency responses, which are primarily the
responsibility of the relevant combat agencies under the NSW emergency management arrangements. The
partnerships and networks established as a result of this strategy will improve combat agency awareness of
animal care issues, which will help ensure those issues are considered during emergency responses.
Objectives
The key objectives of this project are:
• increasing the capacity of DPI’s AASFA to help communities take preventative measures that will reduce
impacts of natural disasters on animals and more effectively plan for and manage the care of animals before,
during and after a natural disaster
• partner with other agencies to ensure that the care of animals in a natural disaster has a high priority in
training, communication and implementation of prevention and preparedness initiatives
• enhance engagement opportunities for communities to participate in decision making, such as determining
safer places for animals in an emergency, increasing preparedness for natural disasters to reduce the loss of
1 State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
2
livestock, companion and assistance animals and native animals, and reduce the cost of replacement animals
and related infrastructure, and lost production
• ensure that communities and individuals understand that they are responsible for animals in their care before,
during and after natural disasters.
Objectives are focussed on ensuring that communities:
• take action to prevent the consequences of a natural disaster on animals
• have prepared for a natural disaster by documenting their action plans
• have improved their capability by rehearsing or applying their action plans
• have strategies or plans to recover from a natural disaster should one occur.
A key principle that must be aligned with the community engagement strategy, is that the DPI has an
emergency management focus of ‘doing things with the community’ as opposed to ‘doing things to the
community’.
Strategy
From research, detailed later in this report, NSW DPI has developed a community engagement strategy that has
four overall priorities2:
Priority 1Empowering individuals and communities to exercise choice and take
responsibility
Priority 2
Partnering with those who effect changes
Priority 3Building capability for owners to better plan for the care for their
animals during natural disasters
Priority 4Communicating with and educating people about their animal care roles and responsibilities
before, during and after natural disasters.
Goals
Essential goals that underpin the project strategy’s objectives are:
• Building collaborative networks and embedding a community engagement culture throughout the AAFSA
• Providing trusted information on prevention and natural disaster preparedness
• Increasing the number of well trained and resourced people to build community engagement capabilities of
the AAFSA
The strategy will:
• increase the capacity of DPI’s AASFA to effectively plan and manage natural disasters
• ensure DPI’s services align with other agencies, participating and supporting organisations and the
community
• enhance opportunities for communities to participate in decision making, such as determining safer places
for animals in natural disasters
• improving and increasing preparedness for natural disasters which will reduce the loss of pets and livestock
and reduce the cost of livestock replacement and lost production
• build community confidence and engagement with the services delivered by DPI and, in turn, the NSW
Government.
2 Adapted from COAG’s National Strategy for Disaster Resilience, 2011 Commonwealth of Australia
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
2 The challenge
3
Natural disasters are an unfortunate reality in Australia. They occur often in
New South Wales and are not always ‘seasonal’. Even using the latest
meteorological techniques, the severity and extent of natural disasters cannot
always be predicted with precision.
When natural disasters occur they usually happen quickly and can escalate
rapidly. Generally, there is little time to safely prepare for action immediately
before or during a natural disaster.
The cost to the community and individuals of natural disasters and their
impact on animals is assessed in terms of:
• lost production
A focus on prevention
and preparedness
reduces the financial
burden of caring for
animals in natural
disasters.
• replacement of livestock
• lost feed supplies (including crops)
• disruption to the state’s food supply and business continuity
• loss of long-term capital investments (e.g. infrastructure to contain, transport and support animals)
• inability of producers to fulfil trade contracts
• imposts on charity funds and services
• increased insurance premiums
• reduced or disrupted exports
• the cost of veterinary treatment for injured animals
• the cost of medical, emotional and psychological support for humans whose animals have been killed or
injured
• increased domestic food prices
• increased tax burdens due to additional government expenditure,
compensation, subsidies, and emergencies services costs.
Just as devastating are:
• the suffering endured by animals
• destruction of threatened species of native animals and their habitats
• emotional impacts on a damaged community
• the broken bond between humans and their animals. ‘The human-animal
bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and
animals that is influenced by behaviours that are essential to the health and
wellbeing of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological,
and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment.’3
• the personal risks to animal owners and carers, emergency services
personnel and volunteers who attempt to rescue animals caught in a natural
disaster.
Communities can take years to recover from just one natural disaster. The loss
of or injury to animals compounds the impact on a community and can further
3 Quote: American Vetinary Medical Association
More than 8% of fatalities
from Australian floods
resulted from people’s
attempts to save
livestock, property or
pets. ‘According to several
studies, animal owners will
risk danger to themselves
and may not evacuate
disaster areas unless they
are assured of their animals’
wellbeing1.’
1 Source: Hall (et al) Psychological impact of the
animal-human bond in disaster preparedness
and response, Journal of Psychiatric Practice Vol
10, No. 6
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
4
delay recovery through economic disruption (loss of production due to animal death, pasture degradation,
increased disease), disruption to social structures (often linked to a sense of ‘winners and losers’ from the
impact), and emotional trauma (from the loss of production or companion animals)4.
For all these reasons, communities need to become more resilient so they and their animals can survive natural
disasters, recover quickly and thrive. Only a community-wide effort – an engaged community, working together
in partnership with NSW DPI and the participating and supporting organisations of the AASFA – can minimise
the impact of natural disasters on animals.
This vital project has been developed to build community capacity, strengthen partnerships and activate
stronger participation of diverse groups and individuals in order to better care for all types of animals in natural
disasters.
Financial costs
Animal industries form a major part of the Australian economy and generate wealth and employment across
rural, regional, peri-urban and urban Australia. Animal fatalities and lost production from natural disasters
is significant, however much of this loss is preventable. One of the priority outcomes of implementing this
community engagement project is to reduce financial losses caused by natural disasters.
The gross value of livestock production in New South Wales in 2009-10 was approximately $4.2 billion5. More
than $2 billion is spent annually on the state’s pet animals; the horse sector contributes an estimated $6 billion
to the national accounts; and opportunities to view and interact with our unique native animals are high on the
wish-lists for visitors, contributing to the $22 billion NSW tourism industry (domestic and international visitors)6.
It is difficult to quantify the total financial cost to New South Wales (direct and indirect; medium to long-term) of
animal losses due to natural disasters.
It is reasonable to multiply the number of livestock losses by the annual output value of individual animals. The
following chart provides an estimate of gross output per animal for a selection of animal types (in 2011 dollars):7
Livestock
Cattle (non-dairy)
Dairy cattle
Gross output per animal ($)
973
1,530
Sheep, lambs and wool
137
Pigs
193
Poultry (meat)
Poultry (egg laying)
4
44
All communities have a much broader mix of animal types than the small sample listed above.
It is estimated that the 2009 bushfires in Victoria caused $18.6 million dollars in lost livestock output. However,
that figure only provides an insight into the lost output of production animals in one year. Added to the cost of
lost output are the costs of livestock and infrastructure replacement, feed replacement/regrowth, the flow-on
effect impacting other industries and consumers, emergency grants, insurance payouts, charitable donations,
etc. Nor does this figure include the considerable financial and emotional losses to the community due to the
impact of natural disasters on their companion and assistance animals, display animals and native animals.
4 See Federal Emergency Management Agency Animals in Disasters and National Advisory Committee for Animals in Emergencies
National Planning Principles for Animals in Disasters
5 Source: ABS, 2012
6 Source: Destination NSW, December 2013 and March 2014
7 Source: WSPA The case for preparedness: Quantification of production losses due to livestock deaths from disasters in Australia 2013
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
5
‘The grief experienced over losing a beloved pet or herds maintained for generations is often unrecognized
or minimized in our society. Acknowledging the intricate relationship between humans and animals is an
important component of a comprehensive public health approach to disaster response and a critical element
in promoting the resilience of individuals and communities. As with companion and assistance animals, the
relationship between farmers and their livestock is neither simple nor static. Herds of sheep and cattle are not
only a source of income but an ongoing part of the lives of farmers and their families.’8
Indirect costs
All costs relating to the impact of a natural disaster on animal care have to be added to the other direct and
indirect costs of the disaster on a community: rebuilding of homes, schools and other private and community
infrastructure, losses caused to other types of agriculture (i.e. crops), small businesses and diverse industries.
Any measures taken to reduce the impact of natural disasters on animals should reduce the overall burden
imposed on a community. An attitude of prevention preparedness in one area (in the context of this
project, animal care) should have a spill-over effect and influence on general natural disaster prevention and
preparedness measures, e.g. the development of fully rounded bushfire plans that are practised and updated
whenever necessary.
Balanced against losses are costs associated with taking preventative action before natural disasters occur.
These costs, which may be relatively small compared with the cost of recovery after a natural disaster, are usually
amortised over individual animal owners and carers, regional and local communities, and state and federal
governments. As well, costs relating to improvements in the care of animals may also benefit natural disaster
prevention and preparedness measures that are designed to safeguard homes, general infrastructure and, of
course, human life.
Challenging misconceptions
Unfortunately, there is an attitude among some animal owners and carers (and, perhaps, a few agencies and
organisations) that natural disasters are inevitable and there is little that communities can do to save their
animals from the effects of natural disasters.
The WSPA’s 2013 paper, The case for preparedness: Quantification of production losses due to livestock deaths from
disasters in Australia, reported that ‘In a study of rural landowners in southeast Australia, Erikson and Gill (2010),
found little direct correlation between fire awareness and formal preparation and planning. While two-thirds of
those interviewed perceived there to be a high to extreme bushfire threat in their local area, only 43 per cent
had prepared a personalised bushfire action plan. Further, it became clear during their interviews that many of
those who had a bushfire action plan had not written it down, or discussed it with family members.’
Planning for animal care in natural disasters can, and ought to be a part of sound property management for
production animals and an integral part of personal and family preparedness. Written plans ought to be living
documents; regularly practised and updated.
This project has been developed to try to overcome any apathy or entrenched feelings of powerlessness in
animal owners and carers. The reality is that emergency resources are stretched to (and sometimes beyond)
their capacity during natural disasters and cannot help everyone. Individuals and communities need to build
self-reliance. All animal owners and carers should have access to the information they need to take more
effective, practical prevention and preparedness measures, to share information and ideas, and, ultimately, to
protect their animals from the effects of natural disasters.
8Source: Psychological impact of the animal-human bond in disaster preparedness and response, Journal of Psychiatric Practice Vol
10, No. 6
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
6
Animal groups
The NSW DPI’s project strategy aims to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the following animal groups:
• Production animals, including intensive and extensive animal production animals ranging from traditional to
more exotic species, as well as working animals that support farms
• Companion animals, including all varieties of animals, reptiles, insects and fish that are kept as pets, farm pets
and animals in small holdings that do not qualify as production animals
• Assistance animals, e.g. seeing eye dogs
• Horses, including racing, campdrafting, show jumping, working, recreational and breeding
• Wildlife (terrestrial and aquatic), including native and introduced species found throughout NSW (including
NSW waters): natural environments, bushland, national and marine parks and unincorporated areas
• Zoos, including exotic and native zoos, licensed wildlife parks and reserves, areas for show animals and
petting zoos
• Aquaculture, including finfish, oyster and other shellfish farms – both land and water based
• Animal holding establishments, including production animal feedlots, animal boarding kennels, pet shops
and veterinary practices.
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
3 What are natural disasters?
7
Definitions
Natural disasters that have and could impact on communities in New South
Wales include, but are not limited to:
• floods
• bushfires
• severe storms (wind, rain, hail, cyclones, tornadoes)
• extreme weather (hot or cold)
• earthquakes
No single agency
or individual has
all the solutions or
capabilities to deal
with the impact of
natural disasters.
• tsunamis.
The Australian Emergency Management Institute defines disasters in the National Strategy for Disaster Resilience
(2011) as:
‘A serious disruption to community life which threatens or causes death or injury in that community and/
or damage to property which is beyond the day-to-day capacity of the prescribed statutory authorities and
which requires special mobilisation and organisation of resources other than those normally available to
those authorities.’
This community engagement project has been developed to comply with the directions and definitions
pertaining to natural disasters (as opposed to other types of emergencies such as terrorist acts, epidemics and
war) contained in the NSW State Emergency Plan (December 2012). Definitions in the plan include:
Emergency
An actual or imminent occurrence (such as fire, flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, terrorist act, accident,
epidemic or warlike action) which:
a. endangers, or threatens to endanger, the safety or health of persons or animals in the state; or
b. destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, any property in the state, being an emergency
which requires a significant and co-ordinated response.
For the purposes of the definition of emergency, property in the state includes any part of the environment of
the state. Accordingly:
c. threats or danger to property include a reference to threats or danger to the environment, and
d. the protection of property includes a reference to the protection of the environment.9
Disaster
An occurrence, whether or not due to natural causes, that causes loss of life, injury, distress or danger to persons,
or loss of, or damage to, property.10
Emergency Planning
The collective and collaborative efforts by which agreements are reached and documented between people
and organisations to meet their community’s emergency management needs.
9Source: State Emergency and Rescue Management (SERM) Act, 1989
10Source: Community Welfare Act, 1987
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
8
Participating Organisations
The government departments, statutory authorities, volunteer organisations and other agencies who have
either given formal notice to agency controllers or functional area coordinators, or have acknowledged to the
State Emergency Management Committee, that they are willing to participate in emergency management
response and recovery operations under the direction of the controller of a combat agency, or coordinator of a
functional area, with the levels of resources or support as appropriate to the emergency operation.9
Supporting Organisations
The government departments, statutory authorities, volunteer organisations and other specialist agencies
who have indicated a willingness to participate and provide specialist support resources to a combat agency
controller or functional area coordinator during emergency operations.9
PPRR
Prevention
in relation to an emergency includes the identification of hazards, the assessment of threats to life and
property and the taking of measures to reduce potential loss to life or property.9
Preparedness
in relation to an emergency includes arrangements or plans to deal with an emergency or the effects of an
emergency.9
Response
in relation to an emergency includes the process of combating an emergency and of providing immediate
relief for persons affected by an emergency.9
Recovery
in relation to an emergency includes the process of returning an affected community to its proper level of
functioning after an emergency.11
11Source: SERM Act
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
4NSW DPI responsibilities in
natural disasters
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has a range of responsibilities to prevent, prepare, respond to and
help recover from various natural disaster emergencies through the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional
Area (AASFA). In times of natural disaster, DPI generally provides support for animal care to the Rural Fire Service
(RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES).
The role of NSW DPI in the management of emergencies such as natural disasters is defined in the NSW
Emergency Plan (EMPLAN), December 2012. EMPLAN states that NSW DPI AASFA’s responsibilities in relation to
natural disasters are:
9
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
10
Agency
Roles and responsibilities
NSW Department of Primary
Industries – Agriculture &
Animal Services Functional
Area (AASFA)
Functional area support to combat agencies for natural disasters when
agriculture and animal impacts occur.
[SEMC Representative: State
AASFA Coordinator]
Supporting agency providing:
Emergency incident management of all hazards (agriculture and animal impacts)
including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery before, during and
after events, including:
Prevention
Build awareness for emergency prevention and preparedness by primary
producers, animal holding establishments and the community.
Preparedness
Provide state and national representation on various emergency management
committees.
Ensure all plans, policies and procedures for AASFA are regularly reviewed.
Engage in and provide emergency management training and exercises.
Training and exercising
Maintain the AASFA Supporting Plan, policies and procedures. Contribute to
animal care issues in other emergency plans, including Bushfire, Flood, Major
Evacuation Centre and Welfare Services plans.
Response
Identify at-risk animals and agricultural and support warning and preparedness
measures.
Coordinate support to primary producers, animal holding establishments and
the community, including rescue, evacuation, emergency care of animals and the
assessment, humane destruction and disposal of affected animals.
The supply of emergency fodder, water and aerial support as required.
Recovery
Agricultural damage impact assessments.
Agricultural natural disaster applications.
Provide recovery information and workshops.
Attend recovery centres and recovery committees when activated.
Administer transport subsidies to primary producers.
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
11
Responsibilities of ESOs in natural disasters
Emergency services organisations (ESOs) such as Police, Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service (RFS) and the State
Emergency Service (SES) all have responsibilities in natural disasters. These are defined in the NSW Emergency
Plan.
The responsibilities of ESOs are also focussed on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
In developing this community engagement strategy, NSW DPI aims to strengthen working relationships with
these agencies, with an emphasis on prevention and preparedness measures.
Greater collaboration is necessary in forming partnerships with ESOs to develop profiles of communities and
their needs, assess current planning for the care of animals in natural disasters and determine effective methods
to improve prevention and preparedness measures.
A more integrated approach will include better information about animal care issues and practices in the natural
disaster plans and community education materials produced by ESOs. To achieve this, NSW DPI recognises that
AASFA personnel should develop strong partnerships between the participating and supporting organisations
and ESOs at state, regional and local levels. The aim is for NSW DPI to be the trusted primary source of animal
care information for natural disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Currently, the NSW SES 16 page Home Emergency Plan includes only one reference to animals: Take your animals
with you. The SES provides more extensive information on its website, usually in the form of news items, e.g.
Caring for animals in emergencies month (2013) and Information for residents in flood affected areas. Both are very
much response-focussed, with only basic information about prevention and preparedness.
In its otherwise excellent Bushfire Survival Plan booklet, the RFS includes this single, brief reference about animals:
PREPARE YOUR PETS AND ANIMALS
A bushfire will be a traumatic and stressful experience for your pets and livestock. During a bushfire your animals will
need water, shade and a safe place. You should always contain your animals in a well cleared fenced-in area. Never
turn animals out on the road to run free. This is dangerous not only for them but also for firefighters and other people
on the road.
On the cover of the RFS booklet, there is a call-to-action catchphrase:
Prepare your home, prepare your family.
Ideally, that catchphrase should be expanded to:
Prepare your home, prepare your family, prepare your animals.
NSW DPI includes information about animal care in emergencies on its website, however much of the
information focuses on actions to take during emergencies, i.e. responses.
Through this project, NSW DPI recognises the need for agencies to collaborate in their efforts to assist
communities take responsibly for their animals and take more effective measures to protect their animals from
natural disasters.
For example, it is important that web-based and print information be better coordinated, more consistent and
structurally linked on a multi-agency basis so that communities can quickly and easily access all the information
they need to minimise the effects of natural disasters on their animals and employ more effective plans and
preparedness measures.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
5 What is community resilience?
12
Community resilience is a community’s capacity to bounce back from adversity and traumatic events such as
natural disasters. A feature of a resilient community is the cohesiveness of the individuals and groups that make
up the community; a consensus of attitude and approach that enables the community to plan for and adapt to
all kinds of changes and incidents.
An empowered
community
is a resilient
community.
A resilient community doesn’t just survive natural dissters. It recovers quickly because it
has proactively worked to prevent the physical effects of natural disasters. It has planned
and prepared for the care and safety of its people, animals and infrastructure, and it has
learned from previous experiences.
Resilient communities understand the need for open communication, strong
partnerships and regular practising of, and updates to, emergency plans. There is also
an awareness that the cost of prevention and preparedness is an investment in the
community’s future and growth. A resilient community knows that natural disasters can
occur at any time and cannot be prevented, however they also know there are actions
they can take to withstand the effects of natural disasters. This includes making provision
to be self-sufficient for a period during and after a natural disaster and have a reduced
dependency on ‘outside’ assistance.
Natural disaster resilience is the collective responsibility of any community. It involves individuals and groups
understanding the risks that may affect them, then working together to anticipate the nature of potential
disasters, plan for them, take steps to prevent or reduce their consequences and ensure that services can be
quickly restored after a disaster.
A natural disaster resilient community is one where:
• people understand the risks that may affect them and others in their community
• people have taken steps to anticipate disasters and to protect themselves, their assets and their livelihoods
• people work together with local leaders using their knowledge and resources to prepare for and deal with
disasters
• people work in partnership with emergency services, their local authorities and other relevant organisations
before, during and after emergencies
• emergency management plans are resilience-based, to build disaster resilience within communities over time
• the emergency management volunteer sector is strong
• businesses and other service providers undertake wide-reaching business continuity planning that links with
their security and emergency management arrangements
• land use planning systems and building control arrangements reduce, as far as is practicable, community
exposure to unreasonable risks from known hazards
• following a disaster, a satisfactory range of functioning is restored quickly
• people understand that help could be at least 3 days away, that it is prioritised to support the most
vulnerable and that they need to be self-reliant as much as possible.
An empowered community has the resources, information and partnerships needed to make effective
plans before natural disasters occur and become resilient. In relation to this community engagement project,
partnerships will involve multiple agencies and organisations working together and understanding each other’s
roles: NSW DPI AASFA, emergency services, animal care organisations, local government, industry, educators and
other specialists.
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
6 What is community engagement?
13
Community engagement is the process of people and groups working together to build resilience through
collaborative action, shared capacity building and developing strong relationships based on mutual trust and
respect.12
Community engagement can also include state-wide promotional and educational campaigns designed to
create a climate of awareness of new regional and local community engagement initiatives.
The nature of communities
Communities in New South Wales are very diverse and exist in a variety of climatic, demographic and social
environments. Each community, whether it is rural, peri-urban or a town, has its own level of vulnerability and
resilience.
Communities can be divided into three broad types:
Communities of place
Groups of people whose commonality is defined by the location they live in, e.g. region, town, peri-urban
area, flood plain, bushfire prone area, etc.
As location determines the types of hazards people and their property are exposed to, communities of place
play an important part in developing people’s resilience during natural disasters.
Communities of interest
These can form around groups and individuals that share common occupations, pastimes, goals, needs and/
or pursuits:
• w
orkplaces that have similar functions (e.g. production animal feedlots, poultry farms, horse studs, zoos,
native animal shelters, aquaculturists, pet breeding businesses)
• professional and animal care groups (e.g. veterinarians, animal researchers, RSPCA, WIRES)
• hobbyists (hobby farmers, pony clubs)
• pet and assistance animal owners
• local SES and RFS volunteers
• community associations such as sporting clubs, CWA, Rotary, Scouts
• online networks (including social media).
Communities of interest can also be created when various groups and/or individuals identify that they are at
the same risk from a natural hazard (e.g. flood, storm, bushfire, etc).
Communities of culture
Communities of culture can include indigenous Australians, people of diverse religious faiths and/or from
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The community engagement process
Community engagement in the context of managing the care of animals in a natural disaster is a long-term
process. To be most effective, it must take place well before a natural disaster occurs and continue long after
it is over. Because natural disasters are often seasonal, risk awareness, prevention and preparedness strategies,
and the need for people to review natural disaster plans should be promoted widely and regularly within
communities.
12 Adapted from: Attorney General’s Department, 2013: Community Engagement Framework,
Handbook 6, Australian Emergency Management Handbook Series
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
14
The desired outcome of engaging with the community is for animal owners and carers to take responsibility
for decisions and actions that reduce the impact of natural disasters on their animals. Community engagement
involves:
• Informing decisions providing opportunities for the community, organisations and agencies to:
• Share information with each other
• Understand hazards and risks
• Develop a mutual understanding of natural disaster issues relating to animals.
• Strengthening relationships by:
• B
uilding networks and relationships through a participative involvement with organisations, agencies and
animal owners and carers
• Sharing knowledge, questions and opinions to obtain ideas and feedback
• Developing an understanding of the objectives and expectations of all parties.
• Building capacity by:
• P
artnering with communities to identify risks and issues, develop a range of methods to create awareness
of issues and problems, and develop solutions where needed
• E ncouraging individuals and communities to accept responsibility and implement initiatives to more
effectively care for their animals during natural disasters.
It is important that engagement activities match the community’s needs and resources. Naturally, these will
vary from community to community. As well, the outcomes of engagement activities should refer to specific
measurable results.
The NSW DPI community engagement project’s strategy has been developed to:
• ensure individuals and communities have access to knowledge, tools and skills to enable them to plan and
act to lessen the impact of natural disasters on their animals
• build an understanding of agency and individual responsibility during a natural disaster
• encourage hazard identification, elimination or reduction on properties as part of a farm/property planning
process that can be integrated with existing plan formats such as RFS bushfire plans and SES flood plans
• encourage families to prepare for the impact of natural disasters on companion and assistance animals as an
integral part of overall family preparedness, e.g. using plans developed by other agencies such as the RSPCA
and Red Cross (e.g. Redisplay).
The strategy and its accompanying guide provide guidelines for how NSW DPI AASFA and the community will
engage before and after a natural disaster, and establish:
• the priorities that guide the planning and conduct of community engagement activities
• how and why the AASFA collaborates and engages with animal owners and carers, peak bodies and other
organisations.
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
7 Project research
15
Methodology
In 2009, COAG published a National Strategy for Disaster Resilience (NSDR). Building on that strategy, Emergency
Management Australia (EMA) published the Community Engagement Framework as part of implementing the
National Strategy. These strategies have informed the development of NSW DPI’s community engagement
project.
The COAG strategy and EMA framework recognise that empowered communities, working in partnership with
industry, government agencies and non-government organisations, can develop more effective, timely and cost
efficient ways to prepare for natural disasters and minimise their impact.
Contemporary Australian natural disaster, animal care and community engagement literature and reports were
reviewed to determine best practices and their application to various regions in New South Wales. Existing
community engagement programs in similar contexts and other jurisdictions were examined. The use of various
types of communication media were studied and evaluated, both in terms of how information is currently
disseminated by organisations and how consumers prefer to receive information. State-wide stakeholders were
identified and workshops and surveys were conducted. Finally, a strategy document, guide and tools were
prepared for use by AASFA personnel to develop and implement community engagement plans (CEPs).
Emphasis was given to:
• what is working in communities
• what is constraining engagement
• what would enhance engagement
• the extent to which engagement activities across the range of emergency management agencies (e.g. RFS
and SES) is consistent with AASFA guidance
• the extent to which other emergency service engagement activities include AASFA content.
Key sections of the development and final drafting of the community engagement strategy included
evaluations and explanations of:
• Purpose, scope and development a CEP
• Risks and opportunities
• Approach and objectives
• Stakeholder analysis and key interfaces
• Organisations and responsibilities
• Community engagement – who, why, when, how
• Community consultation (e.g. workshops, advisory group, community consultative committee, liaison groups,
meetings, presentations)
• Community information (flyers, brochures, newsletters, websites, advertisements, media releases, information
phone line, fact sheets, displays, presentations, social media, etc)
• Protocols and procedures (e.g. media communications, approval procedures, etc)
• Training resources and information
• Evaluation, monitoring and reporting of results
• Community action plans:
• purpose of activities
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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• community involvement in activities
• proposed date(s)
• targeted community and organisations
• community needs
• resources
• responsibilities
• outcomes / results
• monitoring and evaluation
• reporting
Development of the strategy took into account:
• Building on existing AASFA/DPI strategies
• The range of target audiences and how they prefer to receive information
• The incorporation of new media opportunities, where relevant and appropriate, based on target audience
needs and preferences
• Developing a gap analysis of existing resource material and staff capability in the following contexts:
• for specific AASFA engagement activities
• for inclusion in existing ESO engagement activities
Communication network profiles drew on knowledge from existing organisations, agencies and the local
community. Information was obtained through workshop meetings with stakeholders, including government
and non-government organisations, and local community organisations and groups. The purpose of this
profiling was to understand and document the formal and informal communication networks within various
communities, particularly in regard to animal care in natural disasters.
Drafts of the communications engagement strategy, guide and tools were evaluated by AASFA and ESO
stakeholders and refined where appropriate.
Regional workshops
Regional ‘Building Resilience’ workshops were conducted in November 2013 to learn from people in a diverse
range of communities how they currently care for animals before, during and after a natural disaster.
The aim was to identify stakeholders, draw on their knowledge, learn about their needs, examine the roles of
emergency services and other agencies in animal welfare, and determine what works and what doesn’t. These
workshops helped determine ways NSW DPI AASFA can assist communities and their animals with practical,
timely strategies and tools.
Workshops were conducted in Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Dubbo.
Attendees included AASFA personnel, Local and Regional Emergency Management Officers, and representatives
of industry bodies, LLSs, local government and emergency services organisations such as the SES and RFS.
Summary findings from those workshops are included at Appendix 1. A ratings summary of the kinds of
community engagement tools participants use or would consider using is included at Appendix 2.
Chapter 8 provides details of a pilot community profile study that was conducted in two regions, Kempsey and
Bookham/Yass.
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Online surveys
Two online surveys were prepared to gather information for this project. One was directed at organisations, the
other at individuals.
The surveys asked respondents to identify their community type, the kinds of animals in their care, the natural
disasters they have had to deal with or are vulnerable to, the standard of their preparedness for the care of
animals during natural disasters and the methods they use or would prefer to use to disseminate or receive
information about planning for better care for animals in natural disasters.
Unfortunately, the response to these surveys was very poor. This could be indicative of a degree of apathy or
lack of awareness of the seriousness of the issues involved or, more likely, a lack of awareness of the existence
of the surveys. In any case, this highlights the need for more effective state-wide community engagement
to improve communication about prevention measures and preparedness for the care of animals in natural
disasters.
We believe the online surveys should continue as a measurement of target stakeholders’ collective ‘pulse’. A
strategy to promote the surveys in conjunction with a state-wide community education campaign is described
later in this report.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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8Profiling report:
Kempsey and Bookham/Yass
A pilot community profile study was conducted in two regions, Kempsey and Bookham/Yass during April 2014
to investigate in-depth their preparations for the care of animals in natural disasters and their actual experiences
of natural disasters.
Scope
The purpose of these profiling studies was to map the communities in the Kempsey and Yass areas, and
understand their responses to flooding (Kempsey) and bushfires (Yass/Bookham). Existing information was
obtained from NSW DPI AASFA internal groups and the Rural Support Program, which provided a solid
foundation for enhancing and developing the profiling. The project team prepared a stakeholder analysis with
input from NSW DPI and other relevant sources.
In the studies, profiling identified:
• key stakeholders,
• key formal networks (animal types, animal interest/sport associations, clubs, community service organisations,
etc)
• informal networks (personal relationships, social media use, shared knowledge)
• levels of flood and bushfire prevention measures, planning and preparedness
• issues associated with flood management for livestock, pets and community animals in Kempsey.13
Methodology
Data gathering included identification of emergency plans, previous reports, after action reviews and survey
results to ascertain the current level of on-farm flood plans and impact mitigation (flood mounds, fodder
storage on farm, etc) and new opportunities to build resilience.
Initially, key stakeholders and significant individuals were identified through formal meetings with NSW DPI
AASFA regional staff, Regional Emergency Management Committees, and members of the Local Emergency
Management Committees (including local council officers, SES and RFS personnel, and animal specialists in
Local Land Services. Interviewees were identified by agencies, landholders or by cold-canvas (especially in the
case of peri-urban dwellers and businesses).
From these interviews, ‘leads’ to other local people were identified and followed up via face-to-face interviews
or telephone interviews. Identification of resources and projects conducted by other sections of NSW DPI and
other agencies was also undertaken.
Information regarding the level of planning and prevention measures in rural and peri-urban areas was
ascertained, along with key organisational structures, personnel, aspirations and motivations.
Interviewees were identified by agencies, landholders or by cold-canvas (especially in the case of peri-urban
dwellers and businesses).
An open format of qualitative interview was used, enabling the identification of informal networks, issues
affecting flood and bushfire preparedness and post-flood/bushfire animal care, social and demographic issues,
communications of flood heights and bushfire outbreaks, and the capacity for informed decision making. Key
interviews were conducted with:
• Dairy farmers affected by flood
• Animal owners and carers affected by bushfires
13 Native animals and aquaculture were not included due to time constraints.
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• Stock and station agents
• Local media (print)
• Gen Y and younger rural farmers and pet owners
• Emergency Services Organisation personnel (RFS, SES)
• Rural government support departments, e.g. DPI, LLS (fodder drop coordination) and emergency manager
• Clubs and special interest groups, including alpaca, equine, dog showing/working/sports
• Educators (TAFE, indigenous studies, agricultural high school teachers)
• Hobby farmers and peri-urban animal owners
• Private veterinary practitioners
Insights
In this study, the effects of bushfires in an extensive sheep and wool grazing district at Bookham in the Yass
Valley Shire were compared with flooding in and around Kempsey, which affected a very diverse peri-urban
fringe (cattle, horses, goats, sheep and companion animals) and a mix of intensive dairy farms and semiextensive beef cattle properties.
Fire and flood events in both communities varied in their speed of impact, duration of effects and impact on
animals.
The insights outlined here reflect a consensus of opinions among those interviewed for the study. They are not
necessarily the views of NSW DPI and not all are reflected in the recommendations advocated in this report
and its supporting strategy document. However, the conclusions do reflect the attitudes and opinions of some
major stakeholders and should be considered when NSW AASFA personnel tailor community engagement
plans to suit the needs of different communities.
Networks
Community networks, both formal and informal, are significantly different in Bookham and Kempsey. The formal
networks associated with specific communities of animal types are distinctive qualitative indicators of industry
organisation support for peers, and their specific capacity for community resilience.
Examples in Bookham focus around the Bookham Agricultural Bureau, while Kempsey focuses on the dairy
industry, some horse groups and a few groups concerned with alpacas and working and show dogs.
Networks are usually stronger where there is long-term livestock production involvement (e.g.
multi-generational ownership of livestock enterprises).
Factors decreasing resilience
Multi-generational ownership provides first-hand experience in a district with common natural disasters, and
is a major factor in the level of disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR) by producers.
However, reduced financial profitability and ability to invest in capital infrastructure (e.g. flood mounds and
fodder conservation in Kempsey) severely impairs the ability of traditionally resilient livestock industries to
continue to improve or develop natural disaster mitigation resources.
Increasing government pressure for prevention of personal injury and death, e.g. WH&S, road closures, advice
such as the SES If it’s flooded, forget it message, the increased need for accuracy in warnings and emergency
alerts, and minimising environmental impacts of work that might benefit livestock owners (such as road grader
waste used for flood mound building vs. risks of weed spread) can impact on ‘traditional’ natural disaster
mitigation measures in a community.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
20
Negative responses to some legitimate safety messages need to be addressed by community
engagement plans so that the idea of safer, more enduring techniques and practices can be ‘sold’
to communities. Occasionally, traditional methods could be built on, using more contemporary and
safer practices.
Speed of response
The speed and ability of government agencies to respond to a natural disaster event was an issue in both
Bookham and Kempsey. A major factor in the success of Bookham’s response to bushfires in 2013 was the fact
that a few local graziers ‘stood-up’ to manage the recovery after the fires.
In promoting the message that animal owners and carers must take responsibility for their animals
it should be emphasised that the safety of humans must be paramount. Messages need to be
skewed to the (safer) PP phases of PPRR.
Local Networks
Local experience and effective formal local networks (e.g. Bookham Agricultural Bureau established as part
of a state-wide initiative by the then Department of Agriculture in the 1960s) has partly resulted in long-term
community resilience in Bookham.
It should be noted that the outcomes realised in Bookham may not have been so successful if the fires had
avoided Bookham and impacted on the urban community of Yass or peri-urban areas where local and strong
networks are not as well established.
Can-do attitude of agencies
Government agencies (including councils, DPI staff and the then Livestock Health and Pest Authorities [now
LLS]) with a ‘can do’ attitude and extensive local knowledge, rapport with clients and ESOs, and established
professional and social connections, were significant motivators for success in disaster response in the natural
disasters studied.
This kind of attitude, working in harmony with modified, safer, traditional approaches, can expect
to have positive impacts on the care of animals in natural disasters.
Champions
‘Champions’ that ‘step up to the plate’ and lead responses by direct assistance to animals and their owners
and carers affected by natural disasters can be critical to the success of response and recovery. Sometimes,
these champions rise to significant influence, due to their perceived discontent with emergency responses by
agencies. During and immediately after a natural disaster, key relationships are formed.
Capitalising on these relationships, the issues identified during natural disaster responses and in
after action reviews is critical to enhancing the PP phases of PPRR.
Resourcing natural disaster community engagement
Adequate resourcing (staff dedicated to the community engagement aspect of animal care before natural
disasters, and budgets for creating an awareness of the need for PPRR) is essential.
Often, normal duties of personnel in government preclude more active PPRR engagement activities. Likewise,
local government needs adequate resourcing to enhance already stretched budgets associated with
maintenance of, and improvements to, community infrastructure. These issues are critical to the success of
future community engagement activities.
Ideally, templates and standard operating procedures for use by communities of interest (e.g.
livestock industries, animal clubs and associations) should be standardised. The opportunity to
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21
utilise these resources across different agencies, industries and animal groups would increase
resilience within communities of interest. The most obvious would be a standardised Natural
Disaster Plan, with different versions for households, farms and peri-urban holdings.
Policy and regulatory impositions
Major policy and regulatory impositions on livestock owners (contributing to reduced resilience) were major
findings from discussions in Kempsey:
• Heavy vehicle access on flooded roads (e.g. livestock transport, fodder, milk tankers)
• Speed of communication of river heights and flood impacts (especially automatic river gauge function and
maintenance) is critical to allow trigger point identification and actioning of flood plans
• Lack of funding for maintenance of river flood gauges severely impacts on livestock owners’ ability to
implement animal care emergency plans and practise self-responsibility. An individual’s capacity to make
sound decisions about the welfare of their families, animals and enterprise can be severely compromised.
Again, some of these relate to the RR phases of PPRR, and need to be addressed in better
planning before natural disasters. However, in some cases, the failure of critical equipment
and infrastructure will compromise effective prevention and preparedness measures. Those
responsible for the care of animals need to be able to trust prevention and preparedness measures
(including equipment and infrastructure) in order to be able to safely implement their natural
disaster plans.
Divides
Significant social, interest and economic differences and priorities can all affect successful responses to, and
recovery from, natural disasters. These include:
• Geographical divide
• Urban vs. rural vs. peri-urban
• Sole income from animals vs. >50% income from off-farm employment
• Cultural and family attitudes to responsible animal care.
These divides were more evident in the Kempsey flood events than the Bookham bushfire. However, as referred
to earlier, the situation in the Yass region may have been very different if the fire had engulfed the urban area of
Yass or peri-urban areas such as Murrumbateman.
Dividing factors can severely hinder community engagement activities aimed at natural disaster
PPRR. State, regional and local community engagement planning must take these divides into
consideration. Local planning must be tailored to individual communities.
Agency attitude to risk and adherence to emergency plans
Perceptions of attitude and risk avoidance by government officials may be a key factor differentiating the
Bookham and Kempsey natural disaster events. Yass Valley Council’s local networking between executive,
operations managers, the Local Emergency Management Officer the then Livestock Health and Pest Authority
and ESOs was cited as a critical success factor. However, this came at some risk which would be of major concern
if human life or property were lost and reviews identified issues relating to non-adherence to formal emergency
plans and protocols.
Compounding the Kempsey flood event experience, were changes in government policy that may have
impacted on damage and loss assessment, and changes to staffing within NSW DPI in Kempsey (causing
perceptions of a loss of local and corporate knowledge). Reliance on government extension staff (livestock
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
22
officers) in the past for damage assessment and local ‘ground-truthing’ of data that validates reports to the
Ministry of Police and Emergency Services (in its role supporting recovery operations) was a key factor that
caused issues with the speed of recovery efforts.
However, new initiatives (such as the Dairy Industry Resilience Project and SES and RFS community engagement
activities) have highlighted the desirability of including industry peak bodies, associations and community
clubs in PPRR community engagement activities. This could help communities as a whole assume greater
responsibility for PPRR, with reduced dependence on government agency involvement, however it would
require the allocation of more resources by peak bodies, associations and community clubs. Also, it could deflect
from the important formal network and protocols for community engagement. Training and support, delivered
by NSW DPI AASFA personnel, would be needed.
Communication and social media
Significant differences were apparent within the two communities in their use of, and reliance on, social media.
This was partly due to:
• the speed of movement of fire and flood modelling by forecasters (e.g. RFS and Bureau of Meteorology
[BoM])
• the differences between fire and flood (fire could have affected any location in the Yass region, but floods
could not impact on animal owners/residents in high flood-proof areas in Kempsey)
• the frequency of recent flooding events in Kempsey, possibly causing apathy or ‘disaster overload’, which
in themselves may have been extremely dangerous given that many animal owners on small land holdings
were new to the district and had never experienced 1 in 100 year (or 1% annual exceedence probability)
flood events
• ESOs (in Yass) struggling with the speed of information delivery through their official channels, while local
community updates (without any level of checking and validation) were posted immediately on nonmoderated social media sites.
The use of social media in the two profiled communities differed partly due to the initiative of the Yass Tribune
editor’s active involvement in using Facebook as a conduit between formal information sources (e.g. ESOs) and
on-the-ground intelligence from local landholders in the vicinity of the fires. The local newspaper in Kempsey
was not a primary or influential source of information and local intelligence.
Kempsey flood event predictions relied heavily on rainfall in various areas of the catchment, previous rainfall
(affecting runoff), river height upstream and BoM predictions of flood heights supported by SES descriptions
of flood impacts. This information guides various levels of alert and warnings to the community through mass
media (especially the ABC), and SES and BoM websites, Facebook and smartphone app alerts.
Due to issues around the ownership and maintenance of river height gauges and faulty (or unreliable) readings,
advanced telephone systems are critical for animal owners in flood plains.
One-on-one calls to locals upstream (or to local government, where relationships forged allowed access to
private phone numbers) were very important in enabling animal owners (especially dairy and commercial beef
cattle owners) to activate emergency flood plans and commence moving livestock to higher ground, flood
mounds or refuges.
Information gathered from local contacts was also augmented by Telephone Tree subscriptions to SES alerts.
These facilities are aimed at communicating flood information to animal owners (and other community
members). This can be faster than information uploads to official websites and the Facebook sites of the SES,
BoM, or local council.
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It is important to understand that, just before and during natural disasters, animal owners cannot necessarily
obtain emergency updates on a home or office computer. They need to be moving stock on motorbike, 4WD,
horseback, tractors or the family car, or implementing other preparations in their natural disaster plan.
SMS text is more immediate and easy to read on any type of mobile phone. There is no guarantee,
however, that an SMS message will be transmitted immediately. Mobile apps, web and Facebook
alerts all require smartphones with internet access.
New Smart Apps for Animal Care
The purchase of new animal veterinary care apps by one local private veterinary practitioner in Kempsey to
help clients manage animal vaccinations, worming and other procedures, has enormous implications for
targeting companion animal owners outside of an immediate emergency response (e.g. adding an emergency
preparedness message with a vaccination reminder).
Community engagement activities, using smartphone and tablet PC apps, targeting private
practitioners, kennel clubs, indigenous community support groups and organisations such as the
RSPCA could be key elements of natural disaster PPRR.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
9 Findings and recommendations
24
Background
The DPI is a division within NSW Trade and Investment that works to develop and sustain diverse, profitable
food and fibre industries, and ensures best practice management of our natural resources. The Department’s
responsibilities include developing profitable, sustainable and biosecure agriculture and fisheries; ensuring best
management of catchments, natural resources and water; and regulating the state’s food sector.
Biosecurity NSW, a branch of DPI, manages the risks posed by pests, weeds, diseases and chemicals to the
economy, community and environment, responds to emergencies and disasters, and manages animal welfare.
The DPI has a range of responsibilities to prevent, prepare, respond to and help recover from various natural
disaster emergencies through the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), which is overseen
by Biosecurity NSW. During a natural disaster response, the AASFA provides support to the Rural Fire Service
(RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) for animal care and broader agriculture issues.
Strategy
In tandem with this report, NSW DPI has developed a strategy (as a separate volume) to guide the
implementation of state-wide, regional and local community engagement activities that are aimed at
preparing for the improved care of animals in natural disasters. A supporting guide has also been produced as a
reference for AASFA personnel who will be designing and implementing community engagement plans (CEPs)
throughout New South Wales. The guide includes a variety of activities that can be modified to suit different
types of communities.
The existing AASFA networks will be central to the strategy, supported by the network of Local Land Services as
a key participating organisation.
There are a number of methods and goals that have been considered in developing NSW DPI’s engagement
strategy:
Information
Opportunities need to be provided for the community, organisations and agencies to trust and share accurate
and up-to-date information with each other, understand hazards and risks, and develop a mutual understanding
of the different ways natural disasters can adversely affect their animals. Animal owners and carers must
understand that they are responsible for the care of their animals before, during and after natural disasters – Our
animals. Our responsibility.
Strengthening relationships and partnerships
Networks and relationships should be built or strengthened through involvement with organisations,
agencies and animal owners and carers. Information, questions and opinions should be shared to obtain
ideas, tips, methods and feedback. The objectives and expectations of all parties need to be understood by
everyone involved. The strategy is predicated on working with partner agencies, such as the RFS and SES, and
participating and supporting organisations to implement community engagement activities, with the NSW DPI
acting as the trusted primary source of animal care information for natural disaster PPRR.
Building capacity
By partnering with communities, agencies and organisations, improved practices and preferred solutions can
be developed. Individuals and communities need to be encouraged to accept responsibility for their animals,
implement PPRR initiatives and strengthen their own disaster resilience and capacity to recover quickly from
natural disasters.
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Removing silos
Many organisations tend to develop ‘silos’ over time, where people focus on their own organisation,
responsibilities or community. Regular reviews are needed to ensure that all people within an organisation, and
the communities they serve, understand the roles of the different areas of the organisation’s operations, and
share knowledge, insights and information.
This also includes understanding what other agencies do and how they do it. Communities can become
confused when they receive inconsistent messages from multiple agencies and organisations.
In researching this report, it became apparent that most agency personnel involved in the care of animals
during natural disasters tended to receive important information about animal care PPRR primarily from within
their own agencies.
NSW DPI’s community engagement strategy aims to ensure that information about animal care PPRR in natural
disasters must be consistent and, ideally, integrated into the communications and community engagement
strategies of ESOs and participating and supporting organisations.
The AASFA Committees
The AASFA committee structure at State, Regional and Local level provides a unique and mandated mechanism
for promoting the resilience message. In addition, AASFA members invariably sit (or ought to) on emergency
management committees at state, regional and local level, where they can advocate to increase the attention
being paid to animal safety issues.
At all levels, the AASFA representative needs to be assertive regarding their functional area, drawing attention to
resourcing needs for animal care prevention and preparedness issues.
AASFA committees bring together a range of agencies, NGOs and stakeholders that can reach into different
parts of the community. The critical importance of these committees cannot be underestimated. Wherever
possible, organisations that want to contribute to animal care during natural disasters should be encouraged
to become a participating or supporting organisation of the AASFA, which will bring them into the NSW
emergency management arrangements.
Based on the project’s research, the committees should be supported, enhanced or developed as follows:
State AASFA committee
• Meetings should continue to be held on a regular basis
• The committee, as a peak body, needs to be adequately resourced, with a solid secretariat
• Meeting agendas should include a standing item on community engagement, including activities focussed
on prevention and preparedness measures, monitoring effectiveness of programs, and the development of
sound and consistent practices across a range of different industries
• The State AASFA committee needs to work much more closely with emergency management agencies,
particularly the RFS and SES. Representation could also be expanded to include industry, educators, animal
care agencies and community organisations.
Regional committees
• Issues and recommendations are similar to those for the state committee (listed above)
• DPI regional directors should also be regional AASFA coordinators and committee chairs
• Regional committees should share the same broad structure as the State AASFA
• Ideally, regional AASFA committees should meet one month before REMC, in time to contribute findings,
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
26
issues and recommendations to the REMC
• Regional AASFA coordinators should actively encourage combat agencies to include animal safety issues in
the regional emergency management exercise program
• Regional community engagement ‘ambassadors’ could be appointed to help local AASFA personnel and
partner agencies plan, target and implement community engagement activities – building up capacity and
capabilities in local areas.
Local committees
• Local committees work at the ‘coal face’. Their knowledge, networks and current engagement activities
need to be supported by state and regional initiatives (such as the strategy, guide and tools that support this
report), state-wide education campaigns, web support and printed collateral
• Local DPI staff and LLS personnel will be integral to the success of community engagement planning and
activities, and some (or all) of them will need training in better ways to engage their communities
• AASFA personnel must be confident in their ability to promote prevention and preparedness measures with
stakeholders and engage with appropriate community organisations and individuals who own, care for or
work with different types of animals.
Community engagement planning levels
NSW DPI’s community engagement strategy will be delivered state-wide, regionally and locally.
State and regional
Community engagement planning at these levels is a collaborative approach across multiple levels of
government, industry and animal care organisations. This type of engagement can result in:
• Development of state-wide and regional promotional and educational campaigns to reinforce the message
that animal owners and carers must take responsibility (and plan) for the care of their animals in natural
disasters
• Collection of more timely and thorough data and statistics to determine cost benefit analyses, i.e. ensuring
that PP phases of PPRR are cost effective when balanced against RR phases and the long-term resilience of
communities
• Cohesive cross-organisation / government policy being developed and implemented
• Increased efficiency of resources
• Consistency in policy and terminology
• Complementary and/or joint planning, programs and services at state, regional and local levels
• Interconnection between communities, e.g. shared experiences, resources, ideas and techniques
• Development of agencies as learning organisations
• Holistic approach to issues management
• Broader community input
• Joint outcomes, indicators and budgets
• Establishment of working groups to tackle specific tasks
• Establishment of better working relationships before, during and after natural disasters.
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
27
Local
Planning at the local level involves operational personnel working with local animal care organisations,
community interest groups, organisations in local communities and local government.
Using local knowledge and expertise as valuable resources helps foster partnerships and increase levels of
awareness of animal owners and carers’ responsibilities.
Engagement at the local level aims to help communities:
• Develop capabilities to assume greater responsibility for assessing their issues, risks, problems and needs in
relation to animal care and management during natural disasters
• Assess why issues exist, and what is needed to change behaviour and increase adoption of desired outcomes,
then act to implement solutions
• Work with existing government agencies and organisations and, if necessary, create new networks to support
these efforts
• Evaluate baseline data and outcomes, and make any necessary adjustments to goals and activities.
Capturing the community’s attention
Disaster’s, and preparing for them, is low on most communities’ priority list. An engagement campaign is
necessary to capture the attention of the wider community, local ESOs, industry organisations, local government
and participating and supporting organisations. The campaign would ‘prepare the ground’ for regional and
local AASFA-initiated partnerships and community engagement activities. Such a campaign would ‘warm-up’ a
community (and/or communities) so that planned engagement activities wouldn’t be implemented ‘cold’. The
campaign would use several of the following information tools:
• State-wide, regional and local print advertising and community service announcements, coordinated
through the State AASFA committee
• Facebook, Twitter and YouTube links to content developed for the purpose
• Web banner ads for the DPI website and AASFA organisation websites
• Advertising in online and print publications of animal care organisations and clubs.
There is potential for such a campaign to be sponsored by a major corporation or co-funded by multi-agencies
or NGOs, such as an AASFA participating or supporting organisation. Regardless, the campaign would be a costeffective resource that could precede and complement tailored community engagement activities organised by
local AASFA personnel. It would prevent unnecessary repetition of general promotional efforts.
Such.
Using printed information
Printed information kits have been produced for a number of communities. These kits contain generic
prevention and preparation content, supplemented with local risk information and tailored preparedness advice.
Continuing to provide these kits, and expanding the areas they cover is an important element of community
education and engagement.
The existing kits can be enhanced by including the key information contained in the DPI website and share the
same graphic style of a community education campaign. It would be helpful if the kits could be coproduced
and disseminated by partner agencies such as ESOs. They would contain templates for natural disaster plans or
property plans and accompanying guides targeted at:
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
28
Households
Covering companion (pets), assistance, peri-urban and native animals
Primary industry
Covering major production animal holdings, aquaculture, equine industry, show/display animals and other
businesses that work with large numbers (or a diversity) of animals, including native animals.
Local AASFA personnel could use these kits as the basis for the dissemination of tailored, community-specific
information.
Ideally, templates and guidelines for use by communities of interest (e.g. livestock industries, animal clubs and
associations) should be standardised. The opportunity to utilise these resources across different agencies,
industries and animal groups would increase resilience within communities of interest. The most obvious would
be a standardised Natural Disaster Plan, with different versions for households, farms and peri-urban holdings.
Printed kits should contain links to the website and online surveys.
Emerging technologies
New technology based largely around the internet creates a number of opportunities for increasing community
engagement, from websites to blogs, text messages to videos, social interaction to gaming. Taking advantage of
these emerging technologies requires continuing research and an investment in the development and upkeep
of any initiatives.
While potentially resource-intensive to create, emerging technologies offer the advantage of being able to
disseminate a consistent message quickly, reliably and cheaply to a huge audience.
Because NSW DPI aims to be the recognised ‘go to’ trusted source of animal care information for natural
disaster PPRR the agency needs a web presence that integrates and/or links with important animal care PPRR
information in the websites of other agencies, particularly ESOs, peak industry bodies, community service
organisations such as the Red Cross, and animal care organisations such as the RSPCA and WIRES.
Such a website could be engineered more as a social system platform (akin to an intranet, with secure
social media capability). People using the site would need to be registered to gain full access to all the site’s
capabilities. Registered site users could also contribute information, experiences and tips, however these would
need to be moderated.
Ideally, the site would be established and curated by NSW DPI perhaps in concert with partner agencies. It
would be a trusted, one-stop, coordinated repository for the latest information, consistent planning guidelines,
news, ‘knowledge sharing’, case studies and other material directly related to prevention measures and
preparedness for the care of animals during natural disasters.
The site would contain links to the online surveys outlined earlier in this report.
There is potential for the site to be sponsored by a major corporation (possibly in the animal care/products
industry). Such a site would become an important resource for AASFA CEP working groups across NSW and be
the ‘landing connector’ for any state-wide community education campaign.
Apps and online communications are only effective if stakeholders have the equipment and knowledge to
quickly access information (e.g. tablet PCs, smartphones, etc). Also, sophisticated communications infrastructure
can be unreliable, especially in natural disasters. Simple, easily understood printed brochures and flyers are still
important means of communicating key messages and templates for disaster plans.
However, new smartphone app technology, such as vaccination reminders used by many veterinary clients,
could be adapted for owners of animals of all types. They could be used to help prepare individual natural
disaster plans and include guidance for adequate provision for food, veterinary medications, cages, etc,
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
29
Apps will not be a panacea for animal care in a community in natural disasters, as only those who are ‘into’
smartphone technology and/or have a special regard for their animals, particularly companion and assistance
animals, will be enthusiastic about their use. However, younger generations, educators and tech-savvy adults
who are familiar with apps could easily use this technology to assist them in the care of their animals.
Children can be excellent proponents to adults of information about animals and their care. App technology
could be built into existing natural disaster education programs and coordinate with initiatives developed by the
SES, RFS, RSPCA and other organisations.
The safety message
Too many people are hurt or killed attempting to save animals in natural disasters. The key to minimising this toll
is well thought-out prevention and preparedness measures.
Negative responses from communities to some current safety messages need to be addressed by community
engagement plans so that the idea of safer, more enduring techniques and practices can be ‘sold’ to
communities.Traditional methods can be built on, using more contemporary and safer practices.
In promoting the message that animal owners and carers must take responsibility for their animals, it has to
be emphasised that the safety of humans must be paramount. Messages need to be skewed to the (safer) PP
phases of PPRR.
Those responsible for the care of animals need to be able to trust and rely on prevention and preparedness
measures (including equipment and infrastructure) to safely implement their natural disaster plans.
Communities must ensure that monitoring, alert and safety equipment, signs and infrastructure (including
evacuation sites), will function correctly and safely during natural disasters.
Data
Precise, relevant information on the financial implications of deaths and injuries to animals, and estimates of
lost production caused by natural disasters is difficult to obtain. It is therefore hard to create meaningful cost
benefit analyses to influence communities and government that there is an urgent need to improve prevention
and preparedness measures for animal care in natural disasters. Added to that is the difficulty in quantifying the
emotional impacts on animal owners and carers, and the suffering endured by animals.
Improvement is needed in gathering quality data about animal losses immediately after natural disasters so they
can be used as more effective and trusted baseline measurements.
It is important to track the losses sustained by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters and the
recovery costs for a community to regain its sustainability and, more importantly, its growth and resilience
potential. Current work by the Ministry of Police and Emergency Services in this respect is important and needs
to include animal safety issues.
Advice and cooperation are needed from the Australian Bureau of Statistics,, industry peak bodies, Insurance
Council of Australia, charities, primary industry support industries (e.g. feed suppliers), veterinarians and other
specialists.
Recommendations
Several of the following recommendations are adapted from insights detailed in Chapter 8. Others have been
developed as a result of the project’s consultation program.
Each recommendation includes an indication of its priority.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
30
1 A community engagement strategy
High priority, on-going
Adopt and implement the NSW DPI’s A community engagement strategy to improve animal care for natural
disasters, and the supporting Community engagement guide; including resourcing that implementation with a
dedicated and appropriately qualified program manager
2 State-wide community education campaign
Medium priority, once-off
Design and implement a community announcement and promotional campaign(s) to convey key messages and
create a ‘climate’ for change, e.g. Our animals. Our responsibility. Help them survive natural disasters.
3 An engaging, contemporary web presence
High priority; ongoing
• Create a website (or major and immediately visible link from the DPI’s existing website) that integrates with
and/or links animal care preparedness messages across ESOs and AASFA organisations.
• Explore options to engineer interactivity and social engagement in the website; particularly for the ‘animal
care in emergencies’ survey data.
4 Printed information kits
Medium priority; ongoing
Build on existing printed information kits, tailored to local areas, and expand the project to high-risk
communities as resources allow.
5Safety
Medium priority; ongoing
Reinforce the message that preparing animals for natural disaster increased their safety and that of their carers
and emergency responders.
6 AASFA committees
High priority; ongoing
• Adequately resource support for, and encourage strengthening the effectiveness of, AASFA committees at all
levels.
• Validate the membership of the AASFA to ensure it is comprehensive and inclusive at all levels.
7 Information and data gathering
High priority; ongoing
• Develop base-line data on preparedness
Medium priority; ongoing
• Develop measures of economic loss and a database to allow trend measurements over time
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
10Appendices
31
Appendix 1 Regional workshops summary findings
This is a summary of the regional workshop attendees’ responses to questions about improving community
engagement in the context of developing of strategies and tools that will improve the care of animals in natural
disasters. Details of the workshops are outlined in Chapter 7, Project research.
Q: What would you like to do more of?
Information sharing
• Especially between key agencies, supporting and participating organisations
• Meet regularly with individuals and organisations who will be part of the preparedness and response
• Share excellent resources and information with the community
• Coordinate, share and co-author information with key agencies, especially ESOs.
Preparedness
• Help communicate the right messages about being prepared
• Help people prepare for all risks to their animals
• Communicate preparedness messages well in advance of a natural disaster
• Help prepare people for emergency responses and the safe custody and care of their animals during a natural
disaster
• Access better reference websites and preparation information kits
• Increase livestock owners’ awareness of the risks of natural disasters to themselves and their livestock. This
information must be made available to new and absent landholders.
Use of existing networks
• Build community awareness capabilities, including social media
• Liaise with and use the knowledge of rural support workers, LEMCs and relevant agencies (e.g. Red Cross,
Salvation Army, RSPCA) before natural disasters
• Identify and define local emergency management committees, personnel and areas of responsibility
• Compile contact list of all key agency and community leaders – include name, address, phone and email
address, and list resources that are available in any given location
• Build on cohesive networks in own region – some have large distances to cover
• Identify key community people or landholders and leaders from each district – find ‘champions’ and work
with them
• Increase liaison opportunities and improve communications with ESOs, especially RFS brigades, SES units and
VRA squads
• Focus on the local level to build relationships and trust.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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Planning
• Adopt constructive, collaborative, multiagency planning processes
• Define ‘go to’ people for each defined action
• Use recent event statistics to create factual information on what worked and didn’t work. Build this
information into fact sheets to be disseminated at field days and similar events
• More time needed to plan improved property management ahead of natural disasters
• Identify all safe keeping locations for stock
• Establish at least two types of evacuation centres – one for companion and assistance animals, the other for
livestock
• Include planned evacuation centre locations on DPI website so locals can identify and plan
• Ensure that communities and ESOs understand the different needs and functions of assistance and
companion animals, and livestock.
One on one contacts
• With owners of livestock and companion and assistance animals to ensure that they are better prepared for
natural disasters
• Talk with communities more often about the PP phases of PPRR
Stakeholder and community engagement
• Engage and consult with stakeholders more effectively and strategically (communities, landholders, industry
groups, supporting organisations, veterinarians)
• More engagement with the community in general to manage natural resources (including native animal
habitats) to help prevent natural disasters – before, during and after an event
• Include multi agency approach (DPI, RFS, SES) so each agency can gauge what the others are doing and need
to do
• Identify targets from preparedness literature, who do we need to inform?
• Engagement with supporting organisations
• Engage more regularly and collaboratively with response agencies (i.e. ESOs)
• Design and promulgate community education programs to encourage empowerment
• Communicate ‘headline messages’ more widely via media campaigns, community meetings, websites, social
media and educators
Education on Roles
• Ensure animal owners are aware of their roles in emergencies – connect animal owners with their
responsibilities, actions and safety protocols
• Decide and document who does what and how
• Ensure ESOs understand what LLS roles will be – where do LLSs fit in the emergency management structure?
• Clarify what information LLS needs to receive from NSW DPI
• More familiarity needed of the work of support groups (WIRES, RSPCA, animal carers) in local areas
• Know more about each other and how everyone works with respect to PPRR, better community
understanding of each agency’s capabilities and responsibilities
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33
Training and workshops
• Structured training and workshops on specific aspects of disaster management, including basic skills
• Training for networks of volunteers (e.g. WIRES, SES), so that they understand when they can gain safe access
to fire grounds (or flood areas) during natural disasters (under supervision) or after a disaster area is declared
safe
• Provide training in native animal rescue and care to RFS and SES
• Training, more information to groups, closer communication between groups, face to face meetings
• Public education program – more presentations to landholders on emergency management responsibilities
• Simulations/scenario training
• University, tech courses
• Training of staff within areas and organisations responsible for responses to animals caught up in natural
disasters
• Training in the use of social media
Native animals
• Incorporate more information about native animals and natural area protection into emergency PPRR – a lot
of the focus is on production and companion and assistance animal care
• Consider native animals and their habitats that are impacted as a result of changed and intensified fire
regimes (e.g. back-burning, hazard reduction)
• Promote the work involved to rescue and rehabilitate native animals and, if necessary, temporarily relocate
them before natural disasters
• Promote the extent of native animal suffering in disasters
Use opportunities
• Arrange tours of affected and unaffected properties as soon as practicable after a natural disaster to try to
determine what succeeded and what didn’t. Take before, during and after photographs where possible. Use
these experiences to revise natural disaster plans and enhance prevention and preparedness measures
• Distribute fridge magnets with essential information
What do you need to do prepare and disseminate information?
Training
Provide training and information e.g. bushfire preparedness that includes animal care
• Training in how to manage animals in an emergency, e.g. animal handling skills, rescue methods (native
animals, companion and assistance animals and livestock), and skills in appropriate responses to stressed
animals and owners
• Training in carrying out various roles (as prescribed by NSW DPI)
• Training in assistance to communities to be better prepared to respond to natural disasters – personnel also
need the capacity to communicate with people from non-English speaking backgrounds who are living in
low-lying areas, bushfire prone areas or regional lands
• Skills needed to work with indigenous communities
• Provide reward and/or recognition for attending training and community engagement activities e.g.
certificate, dinner.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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Resources
• Develop materials to raise awareness of the effects of natural disasters on native animals
• Make information easily accessible and understood
• Consider ‘new’ media, e.g. tablet PCs, iPhone, apps, laptops with remote access, smartphones, etc
• Develop education packages
• Work with local media to run community based media stories about the care of animals in natural disasters
and PPRR
• Provide or identify financial assistance for equipment, fuel, veterinary medical supplies, food, transport, rescue
tools, etc
• Promote brochures, workshops and messages on local government rate notices
• More personnel, time and better resources (e.g. mapping, databases, training)
• Support from LEMC
Planning
• Coordinated, state-based planning within NSW DPI AASFA – all parties need to share the same vision and
goals
• Policy making should stress strategic hazard reduction
• Collaborative action needed from RR teams to build into new PP information: fact sheets, videos, e.g. Hunter
Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority Flood Awareness Program
• Format roles of groups so they are consistent across NSW
• Elevate the importance of emergency planning within AASFA.
Funding
• Increased funding needed to respond to, conserve and recover native animals and their habitats from
bushfires and floods
• Funding for training, events, activities from Ministry for Police and Emergency Services
• To organise meetings to engage with supporting organisations
• Ongoing funding to build capability over time
Information availability
• Use local knowledge – use existing agency information
• Map of communication pathways (across all phases of PPRR, to keep them up to date)
• Information on who the support groups are, their contact details, what resources they have, what they need
• Information regarding response to local native animals caught in or threatened by natural disasters.
• Need to integrate information and take a more holistic view of property management – include all hazards
(e.g. bushfire, flood, storms, etc) rather than the single agency-focussed and individual hazard-based material
currently available (from NSW DPI, RFS, SES, etc)
• Preparedness – prepare information in an audit/checklist style
• Property plans – need to do ratings on properties to asses risks
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35
• Simple companion and assistance animal, livestock and native animal emergency plans should be made
widely available to the public and stakeholders to share and distribute
• Central agency to compile and update information. Use a computerised data capture system. Use
questionnaires to get resource information
• Most of these exist within NSW DPI Tocal College Profarm short courses. Funding for landholders to attend
free training would be a main need.
Who or where do you think you could get information?
DPI
• Expert to talk at workshops, resources that are already published by DPI
• DPI to take leadership role
ESOs
• Rescue services
• RFS/SES
Local government
• Councils and community groups
Government
• State and Federal Governments and local councils
Other
• Intranet
• Media
• Coordinated information from relevant ‘trusted’ sources e.g. bushfire plan from RFS; equivalent animal care
information should be more prominent and with a clearer line to the NSW DPI
• Universities, CMAs, WIRES
• Legislation/Acts, empowered to do things which matter
• Written submissions for funding
• RE agents.
How might you use social media to receive information about animal care in natural
disasters?
Key sharing tool
• To report on activities, provide basic information and safety warnings, promote the need for PPRR
• Use case studies of success stories to get the message out there, set up a discussion board to generate new
ideas and concepts or to outline existing programs and resources
• Produce an online forum to generate discussion, information sharing and expanding networks
• Must ensure all organisations are giving consistent messages, viz: NSW DPI, RSPCA, councils, SES, RFS, etc
• Update social media with information on how to treat injured native animals, where to send them, etc. How
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
36
to help natural areas recover from fire, flood and other natural disasters
• Share correct and consistent information so it is accessible to the public in a timely manner
• Advertise and generate general community awareness
• Opportunity to promote training, co-operation, networks and partnerships in the community
Information sources
• Animal pictures are popular on Facebook and YouTube, could use appropriate photos and captions to
improve peoples’ preparedness for disasters
• Community networking
• Web-based training, public education – needs to be moderated to ensure appropriate use and legitimate
updates
• Information dissemination – linked with trusted organisations
• Have a Facebook page about asset protection and managing native bushland to help with habitat – needs to
be secure
• RDA and media unit to update social media, e.g. on Facebook page include step by step PPRR
• Once the overall community engagement plan is in place, distribute it via appropriate social media
• Needs to be at all levels, LinkedIn groups for specialists, discussion forums for online communities of practice;
Twitter, Facebook for notices and updates
• Promote real solutions – explain how current policy is not protecting out natural resources, assets or
volunteers
• Broadcast events and updates of general information, new methods, systems and technology.
Use of apps
• App should be developed to assist event preparation, what and how to do? Well before, just before and
during.
Not useable
• NSW DPI media people are involved in emergency situations – the suitability of social media should be
decided by those personnel
• Don’t exclusively use social media – some people don’t use it
• Capability accessed mainly only in office, i.e. need outside office network facilities or public Wi-Fi
• Don’t use Facebook – stories can be modified and there is the potential for disseminating incorrect
information and abusing personnel and volunteers.
What would you like to see from NSW DPI that would help improve awareness of natural
disaster preventative and preparedness actions by famers and other animal owners and
carers?
Roles and responsibilities
• Change current reactive thinking of those who are being impacted to proactive thinking that reduces
impacts on animals
• Reframe ‘the Business’ to focus on sustainability – role of NSW DPI to promote production necessarily
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37
includes reducing impact of disasters, an extension of good business planning practice
• Increased interaction with community networks (leverage of existing structures wherever possible)
• Support the interagency committees at the regional level
• Strengthen industry engagement and liaison
• Be more proactive on social media and do not just rely on website to engage with community
• Greater acceptance needed from combat agencies that AASFA are partners and not seen as another combat
agency for animal welfare issues
• Understand the large distances in the western region and the problems these raise
• Develop mechanism to help people understand their individual roles and responsibilities
• At Emergency Evacuation Centre (Animals) use chaplains and counsellors to help cope with stressed people;
NSW DPI personnel are not trained to cope (based on experience at Hawkesbury Showground evacuation
centre)
• Make preparedness and recovery information available during the response phase or soon after
• Important for everyone to understand that native animals and natural areas are a priority and the
responsibility of all
• Define local emergency management areas with LLS and DPI personnel and clarify who should be involved
in various phases of PPRR
• Property planning to include emergency response planning personnel on the ground or delegate
emergency response property planning services
• Define responsibilities, roles and provisions of local government with DA conditions pertaining to animals,
e.g. farming, peri-urban areas, etc.
Engagement activities
• Facilitate more workshops to engage with the community
• Regular meetings for AASFA
• Desktop exercises that deal with or focus on bushfires and floods in peri-urban areas
• Practical workshops – on farm, preparedness template, tools to plan, record (for animal clubs, e.g. horse
group)
• Greater interaction with producers at a grass roots level to make the wider community aware of hazards and
risks that face stakeholders in each area
• Media blitz (electronic/print), promotional material, field days, shows etc
• Involve Aboriginal Affairs in LEMC meetings, to assist in dealing with town dog issues
• Work more closely with RFS media on combined messages and delivery strategies – for a fire perspective
• Use media (local paper, etc) to let people know what resources are available to prepare and respond in a
natural disaster
• Help each other with fire zones, coordinate action on boundary lines with a AASFA presence to assist the
community to work in groups
• Make people accountable for their animals, develop fact sheets and information, and network groups so that
communities are more prepared
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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• Emergency management unit to coordinate with farm groups and animal care groups. Provide contact
details to LEMC personnel
• Act as leader in the establishment and formation of planning for the care of animals in natural disasters
• Present regularly at LEMC meetings
• Regular meetings and workshops with NSW DPI and agencies – determine what is required and what is
needed
• Better co-ordination from within NSW DPI with other stakeholders
• More local meetings with local groups – each property to have a natural disaster plan that incorporates the
care of animals
• Closer communication with local officers and personnel – local NSW DPI meetings at least four times per year
and before summer – provide training on fire ground for group teams
• Be proactive immediately following natural disasters, thereby ensuring landholder engagement while issues
are current.
Resources
• Full-time person dedicated to emergency management needed within each region
• Current emergency management training for personnel is excellent
• More newsletters, information and publications
• More staff out west – the cost of a few extra personnel to effect prevention and preparedness will save
considerable sums in the response and recovery phases
• Proactively plan for animal safe places, similar to neighbourhood safe places, that are activated during a
natural disaster
• Increase the ability of the community to be prepared for emergency, identify or clarify roles. Community
groups may require tools (radios, tablet PCs, smartphones) to aid in communication
• Training needed on animal handling for Catchment Management Authority (CMA) personnel who have a
biodiversity background NOT a production background
• DPI needs to develop an app/website that will direct links to various stakeholders’ interest areas – can be
used for general preparedness information and for updates during emergencies
• Distribution of information to farmers and animal owners about how volunteer agencies can help and how
they can access that help
• Funding for buying disaster gear for teams – incident controller training needed (to understand NSW DPI
plans).
Guides and tools
• Single source of information needed, including a guide on planning – there are so many emergency planning
tools out there, which one should I use?
• Managing the media:
• system to manage the media is needed
• skills and training for dealing with the media
• approaches – holding statements and guides for media spokespersons
Our animals. Our responsibility. - A community engagement project to help animals survive natural disasters.
39
• Single Source of Truth (refers to the NSW DPI having this role)
• Need to provide this for all communications methods
• NSW DPI should maintain this for consistency of messages
• Case studies – short stories that can be used by the media
• Assistance with preparing plans and risk management
• Checklists and media
• Farmers and other animal owners and carers in peri-urban areas need to be targeted with preparedness
messages.
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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Appendix 2 Regional workshop tools ratings
Following, is a summary of regional workshop attendees’ average ratings of community engagement tools they
currently use or may consider using. Ratings are calculated as a score from 0 (unhelpful) to five (very useful). The
development of new tools or refinement of existing tools could reasonably be assumed to increase tool usage
and ratings.
Average
rating
Method/tool
Used by
Apps – smart phones
RFS
3.75
Community meetings & workshops
Partner agencies
Council officer
4.01
Murray CMA
RFS
Council agencies
Interested groups
Support organisation
Various community groups
Compliance enforcement
DPI
3.5
LHPA
Create self-sustaining groups – if motivated to
continue
BFMC, LEMC
3
Email/ E-news
Interested groups
Council officers & agencies
General public
Partner NGOs and agencies,
Murray CMA, KKTC
DPI
3.47
Emergency management meetings
LEMC
3.3
REMC
Education programs - schools
RFS
SES
DPI
Police
3.3
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Method/tool
Used by
Face to face, site visits, door-knocking
General public
Average
rating
3.66
Council officer
Murray CMA
Field staff
Landholders
RSPCA, LHPA vets & rangers
Police
Field days
LHPA
3
Flood maps
SES website
4
Introductory (general community members) &
ongoing (club members) classes
3
Mail-out, letterbox drop
Partner agencies
2.78
NGOs and person of interest
Local councils
Community
Media
Murray CMA,
Community Management
WIRES, Govt Departments
Senior staff
Memberships
Taronga Zoo
3
Monthly seasonal condition reports
DPI
3
Newsletters
DPI
3.16
Printed Material
SES, RFS
3.11
Checklists
Office of Water
DPI
Council agencies
EM plans
Codes of practice
Fact sheets
Fridge magnets
Posters
3.02
NSW Department of Primary Industries – July 2014
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Method/tool
Used by
Radio/TV Announcements
General public
Transport
SES, RFS
ABC
Interviews
Average
rating
3.08
Warnings (flood/fire)
SharePoint
Partner NGOs and agencies
Signs – Educational/Safety
Council agencies,
2
2.5
General public
Social Media
Facebook
Senior management, LHPA
Council
RFS, SES, Fire, Police
Murray CMA
3.3
Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Street Stalls
Council Agencies
4
Survey (Online or In Person)
Council
4
Telephone
Direct to person of interest
Council officer, Murray CMA, field staff
RFS, SES
3.43
Telephone/SMS Messages
SES/RFS, Police
On ground impact area
Welfare Services Functional Area
3.45
Website
DPI, LHPA
3.08
BOM, RFS, SES, EMA, LEOC
Council Agencies & Organisations
General Public
Community Agencies
Universal
Kyeamba Kennel and Training Club
Word of mouth
Community
Workshops with industry groups
DPI
Council agencies
RFS
2
3.38