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Moorabool Shire Heatwave Plan – October 2015 2

Acknowledgements

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave Plan was first developed in January 2010 following consultation with both Moorabool Shire staff and external agency staff. Since its initial implementation the plan has been reviewed and subsequently rewritten to include information from the Victorian State Government‘s Heatwave Plan 2009-2010 and updated localised information. The Plan was endorsed by the MEMPC in October 2013. The Plan has now been reviewed in September 2015 after undertaking Exercise Fusion.

Moorabool Shire would like to thank and acknowledge the valuable contribution from many stakeholders who have generously contributed their time and expertise in the development of this plan.

Moorabool Shire § Emergency Management

§ Aged and Disability

§ Environmental Health

§ Community Development

External Partners § Australian Red Cross

§ Ballan District Health Care and District Nursing

§ Browen Lea Supported Residential Service

§ Catholic Homes

§ Country Fire Authority (CFA)

§ Djerriwarrh Health Services and Community Nursing

§ Gisborne Road Independent Living

§ Grant Lodge

§ Victoria Police


Contents Executive Summary

1 Background .....................................................................................................................5

1.2 Aims ....................................................................................................................................5

1.3 Objectives ...........................................................................................................................5

1.4 Climate change ....................................................................................................................6

1.3 Health impacts of Heatwaves ..............................................................................................7

1.3.1 General Facts ...................................................................................................................... 7 1.3.2 Heatwaves in Australia ........................................................................................................ 8 1.3.3 Record-breaking temperatures across Australia in 2013 ....................................................... 8 1.3.4 Victorian Heatwave 2009 .................................................................................................... 9 1.3.5 Health impacts of Victorian Heatwave 2009 ........................................................................ 9

1.4 Heat alert system .............................................................................................................. 11

1.5 Moorabool Shire Community Profile .................................................................................. 13

2 Planning Frameworks ....................................................................................................16

2.1 Legislative context ............................................................................................................. 16

2.1.1 Emergency Management Act 1986 .................................................................................... 17 2.1.2 Local Government Act 1989 ............................................................................................... 17 2.1.3 The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 ........................................................................ 17

2.2 The role of local government in Heatwave response planning............................................ 18

2.3 Moorabool Shire’s Strategic Framework ............................................................................ 19

2.3.1 Integrating Heatwave into existing plans and strategies .................................................... 19

3 Communication .............................................................................................................21

3.1 Communication strategy.................................................................................................... 21

3.2 Key Messages .................................................................................................................... 22

4 Heatwave Strategies ......................................................................................................24

4.1 Prevention Phase ............................................................................................................... 25

4.2 Preparation Phase ............................................................................................................. 25

4.3 Response Phase ................................................................................................................. 26

4.3.1 Stand-by (Heat Alert) ......................................................................................................... 26 4.3.2 Activation Process (Heatwave Trigger) ............................................................................... 26 4.3.3 Cooling Centres ................................................................................................................. 27 4.3.4 Pets ................................................................................................................................... 27 4.3.5 Emergency assistance button to retrieve HACCPAC ............................................................ 28 4.3.6 Daily checks of at risk clients NOT being seen by community care/HACC/MCH on that day . 28 4.3.7 Maintain regular contact with community care/HACC/MCH staff in relation to clients ....... 28 4.3.8 Maintain regular contact with staff in relation to work support ......................................... 28

4.4 Recovery Phase .................................................................................................................. 29

5 Monitoring and Evaluation ............................................................................................29


Executive Summary

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave Plan was first developed in 2010 and provided a framework for strategic and operational Heatwave response to minimise the adverse effects of extreme heat on vulnerable individuals and communities. The Plan was reviewed and endorsed in October 2013 by the MEMPC. This version was completed in September 2015 after undertaking Exercise Fusion.

In January 2009, Victoria experienced a heatwave which was of unprecedented intensity and duration with maximum temperatures 12-15oC above normal seeing Melbourne endure three consecutive days above 43oC.

As a result of the substantial morbidity and mortality and associated demands on health services during the 2009 Heatwave, the Victorian Government provided funding to councils to develop a Heatwave Plan for the 2009 / 2010 summer season.

Since the initial development of the plan in 2010, it has been reviewed and updated to take in changing views and policies in relation to the preparedness and response to possible Heatwaves within the Moorabool Shire.

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave Plan has been developed in line with emergency management principles and forms a sub plan to the Municipal Emergency Management Plan. It outlines a range of strategies to assist Council build its capacity and minimise health and wellbeing risks to the residents of the Moorabool Shire.

For the purpose of heatwave planning the following population groups were identified:- § Individuals over the age of 65 § Infants and young children under the age of 5 § People with weight, chronic ailments or other health problems § Individuals living alone or in isolation § Individuals with a disability § Residents accessing home and community care services § People residing in a caravan, cabin or improvised home

In line with the four pillars of emergency management practice, the plan identifies a range of local actions to guide heatwave prevention, preparation, response and recovery.

Prevention: Eliminating or reducing the impacts of severe heatwaves by incorporating emergency management into core business of council; adopting a risk management approach to community safety and ensure emergency management is factored into council planning and strategies.

Preparedness: Finding ways to ensure the Moorabool Shire community is capable of coping with the effects of a heatwave. This includes community safety awareness programs.

Response: Taking measures to support Moorabool Shire and regional emergency services during and immediately following a heatwave event.

Recovery: Taking measures to support heatwave affected communities in the reconstruction of physical infrastructure and the restoration of emotional, economic and physical wellbeing.

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave ‘Workplan’ has five key areas which detail the procedures Council will undertake to provide systems through which key stakeholders in local government and health and community sectors can collaborate to ensure effective coordination of efforts. These areas are:

§ Building capacity to respond to a heatwave § Communication § Community and agency education § Events and Planning § Heatwave Response


1 Background

1.1 Introduction The state strategy acknowledges the inevitable impacts of climate change and recognises heat as one the most direct and immediate impacts to individuals and communities.

Heatwaves can impact on our population in numerous ways both directly and indirectly. The increased frequency and intensity of Heatwaves may cause deaths through heart attack, stroke and heat exhaustion. The most vulnerable are the elderly the young, people under intense physical stress and those with cardiovascular disease.

High temperatures may result in increased hospital admissions and deaths (particularly among the elderly) relating to heat stress, sunburn and dehydration. There may be an increase in outdoor work-related accidents and reduced productivity. Railway lines may buckle leading to a potential for accidents and delays in rail transport. A greater peak electricity demand for air conditioners can lead to power supply disruptions and the increased cost of running air conditioners may impact on peoples’ ability to cool themselves during heatwaves.

The Heatwave Plan has identified a suite of existing Council planning frameworks which play an important role in preventing and preparing for the impacts of heat on communities and infrastructure. These plans include:-

§ Municipal Emergency Management Plan

§ Community Emergency Risk Assessment Tool

§ Public Health Emergency Management Sub Plan

1.2 Aims

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave Plan aims to build the capacity of the Shire and the community to respond to the prospect of increased Heatwaves in the following ways:-

1. Identification of Moorabool Shire Council’s infrastructure and facilities that may be used as places of shelter, relief or protection for vulnerable people.

2. Identification and development of processes to improve monitoring of and support to clients in the Home and Community Care, Maternal & Child Health and other vulnerable community members during Heatwave conditions to ensure safety and well-being.

3. Development of communication strategies and educational resources to help inform the community of the Heatwave Response Plan.

4. Evaluate and update the plan (where required) prior to the summer season.

1.3 Objectives

§ Ensure health information and support is readily available to the community, particularly those identified as being vulnerable to the effects of Heatwave.

§ Develop and enhance partnerships and collaborative arrangements to better respond to Heatwaves.

§ Increase staff awareness of the effects of Heatwave and implement internal processes across council program areas to manage work activities during an event.

§ Develop long term and sustainable behavioral change to minimise the impacts of Heatwave on Health and Wellbeing.


A robust Heatwave warning and intervention system, combined with good community education programs for preparedness, can prevent most Heatwave deaths and provide a high level of care to the community. Effective planning and preparedness initiatives are critical to positive outcomes.

1.4 Climate change Climate change has the potential to adversely affect our environment, communities and economy unless action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move toward a low carbon economy.

Changing weather patterns has seen Australia experience hotter and drier summers, prolonged requirements for water restrictions and the increased risk of bushfire.

The Victorian State Government made climate change a key policy area and have introduced a New Climate Change Act to ensure Victoria continues to lead the way on climate change.

Longer and more severe periods of extreme heat in Victoria are expected to be the result of ongoing climate change. According to the Department of Human Services Heatwave Strategy, by 2030 Melbourne’s climate is likely to have warmed by 10C with an annual rainfall of 10-15% less, creating a climate similar to Adelaide’s present day climate. Forecasts into 2070 predict warming from 1-30C. The Department of Health and Human Services identifies that Melbourne currently has an annual average of nine days on which the temperature exceeds 350C.

This may increase to 11-13 days by 2030 and 12-26 days by 2070. Climate change models include a large range of uncertainty related to unknown factors such as future emissions, demographic changes and technological advances.

In the most recent report by the Bureau of Meteorology / CSIRO “An assessment of the impact of climate change on the nature and frequency of exceptional climate events” July 2008, examines the extent of drought in Australia has identified that Victoria soon could be hit by heatwaves in three out of every four years, as Australia becomes hotter, drier and increasingly drought ravaged.


1.3 Health impacts of Heatwaves

1.3.1 General Facts Heat stress is an acute condition of hyperthermia caused by prolonged exposure to excessive heat or heat and humidity. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably.

People most at risk are: very young children, the elderly, and people with excess weight, chronic ailments or other health problems; and those on medications or with alcohol / drug dependency.

Elderly people are most vulnerable to heat stress, as the body’s ability to regulate temperature usually decreases with age. The main contributing factor to this is reduced physical activity, leading to lower muscle strength, sweating capacity and cardiovascular reserve, and to lower cardiovascular stability.

A child’s body heats up five times faster than an adult’s body. Additionally, children have immature sweating systems that sweat less than adults’, so they don’t have a way to get rid of body heat as quickly. Drugs that affect body fluid balance, vasodilator activity and cardiac function are potentially harmful during extreme heat events. Common to all at-risk people is a reduced capacity to regulate the bodies own cooling system through perspiration. Very poor and homeless people are often affected as they cannot always seek the safety of a cooled home.

People in urban and suburban regions typically have far higher rates of mortality than those in rural regions. One reason for this is because urban areas frequently act as ‘heat islands’, and trap heat from escaping. Social isolation has also been lined to increased risk of death during heat waves.

Table Two: Heat related illnesses

Disorder Symptoms What to do

Heat cramps § Muscle pains § Spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs

§ Stop activity and sit quietly in a cool place

§ Increase fluid intake § Rest a few hours before returning to

activity § Seek medical help if cramps persist

Heat exhaustion § Pale complexion and sweating § Rapid heart rate § Muscle cramps, weakness § Dizziness, headache § Nausea, vomiting § Fainting

§ Get the person to a cool area and lie them down

§ Remove outer clothing § Wet skin with cool water or wet

clothes § Seek medical advice

Heat stroke (a life threatening emergency)

§ Same symptoms as heat exhaustion § Dry skin with no sweating § Mental condition worsens, confusion § Seizure § Appear to have a stroke or collapse § Unconsciousness

§ Call an ambulance § Get the person to a cool area and lie

them down § Remove clothing § Wet skin with water, fanning

continuously § Position an unconscious person on

their side and clear the airway


1.3.2 Heatwaves in Australia

Australia has a long history of Heatwaves. The longest recorded Heatwave is generally accepted to have been in 1923/1924 - During a period of 160 such days from 31 October 1923 to 7 April 1924, the Western Australian town of Marble Bar set a world record for the most consecutive days above (38 °C).

The 2013-14 summer saw record high temperatures with the Department of Health and Human Services issueing heat health alerts for 13 days due to heat health temperature thresholds being reached or exceeded across most of the state. Victoria experienced 4 consecutive days of increased temperatures from January 14, with a statewide heat health alert on Tuesday 14 January.

The worst recorded Heatwave was in 1939 when 438 people died. This Heatwave affected South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Heatwaves have accounted for more deaths in Australia than any other climatic event. Some of the worst Heatwaves on record are below:

1.3.3 Record-breaking temperatures across Australia in 2013

Australia Record highest daily-average temperature of 32.36°C set on 8 January 2013. Australia also experienced seven consecutive days with area-average maximum temperatures above 39°C, between 2–8 January 2013, breaking the previous record of four days in 1973.

New South Wales On 5 January 2013 Hay reached 47.7°C, breaking its previous temperature record by 1.7°C.

Northern Territory Curtin Springs broke its maximum temperature record on 4 January 2013, only for it to be broken again on 8 January when it reached 45.7°C.

South Australia Between 4 – 6 January 2013, maximum temperature records were broken at four weather stations.

Tasmania On 4 January 2013 maximum temperature records were broken at eight weather stations across Tasmania. Hobart reached 41.8°C, breaking the previous temperature record by 1°C.

Victoria On 4 January 2013 Portland broke its temperature record by reaching 42.1°C.

437

246

147 130

438

105

26 15 17 12

374

0

100

200

300

400

500

1896 1908 1921 1927 1939 1959 1973 1981 1993 2004 2009

Deaths


Western Australia On 3 January 2013 Eucla broke its temperature record reaching 48.2°C. On 8 January 2013 alone, maximum temperature records were broken at five weather stations across Western Australia.

Source: BOM, 2013b

1.3.4 Victorian Heatwave 2009

In Victoria during January and February 2009, Victoria experienced a heatwave with record breaking temperatures. The Chief Health Officer estimated that an additional 374 deaths occurred as a result of this heatwave.

In his April 2009 report, ‘January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts’, the Department of Health and Human Services Chief Health Officer noted that the January heatwave “was of unprecedented intensity and duration with maximum temperatures 12-15oC above normal for much of Victoria, whilst Melbourne endured three consecutive days of temperatures above 43oC”.

The Age noted that most people who died were “heat stricken elderly and chronically sick people who died prematurely, often alone in their homes or suddenly of heart failure”. It should be noted that the figures of excess mortality provide an indication of impact, but do not provide information specifically on the underlying cause of death (Department of Health 2009)

1.3.5 Health impacts of Victorian Heatwave 2009

Ambulance Victoria metropolitan emergency case load: § A 25% increase in total emergency cases and a 46% increase over the three hottest days § A 34 fold increase in cases with direct heat-related conditions (61% in those 75 years or older); § A 2.8 fold increase in cardiac arrest cases

Locum GP attendances MMDS: § An almost 4 fold increase in attendances for direct heat-related conditions (65% in those 75 years or

older); § An almost 2 fold increase in calls to attend a deceased person

Emergency department presentations: § A 12% overall increase in presentations, with a greater proportion of acutely ill patients and a 37%

increase in those 75 years or older; § An 8 fold increase in direct heat-related presentations (46% in those aged 75 years and over) § An almost 3 fold increase in patients dead on arrival (69% being 75 years or older)


Total all cause mortality: § There were 374 excess deaths over what would be expected; § A 62% increase in total all-cause mortality. The total number of deaths was 980, compared to a

mean of 606 for the previous five years. § The greatest number of deaths occurred in those 75 years or older, representing a 64% increase; § Included in these total deaths were 179 deaths reported to the State Coroner’s Office; a 77%

increase from 101 deaths reported for the same period in 2008. Reportable deaths in 65 years and older more than doubled.

Source: ME Loughnan, N Nicholls and N Tapper, A spatial vulnerability analysis of urban populations to extreme heat events in Melbourne, Report for the Victorian Department of Health, 2009.


1.4 Heat Health Alert System

The Department of Health’s Heat Health Alert System notifies councils department program areas, hospitals, and health and community service providers of forecast heatwave conditions which are likely to impact on human health.

A heat health alert is issued when mean temperatures are predicted to reach and exceed heat health thresholds. Heat health alert contacts are advised to monitor local conditions and take action in accordance with their own heatwave plans, service continuity plans and occupational health and safety (OH&S) plans. The Heat Health Alert System is based on the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecast districts and boundaries.

The Department of Health and Human Services has identified heat health temperature thresholds for Victoria, above which heat-related illness and mortality increases substantially.

These thresholds differ across the State to recognize the higher temperatures experienced in northern parts of Victoria. A heat health temperature threshold has been established for each of the nine weather forecasts districts of which Moorabool is part of the Central District.

The Department of Health and Human Services will monitor the Bureau of Meteorology forecast daily minimum and maximum temperatures and calculate the daily average temperature for each weather forecast district.

When forecast average temperatures are predicted to reach or exceed the heat health temperature threshold for a specific weather forecast district, the department will issue a heat health alert for that district. For Moorabool Shire, a response will be activated when a mean temperature threshold of 300C or above is forecast.

The department will issue heat health alerts to:

- Local government authorities

- Emergency services

- Health and aged care sector

- Government departments and agencies

- Departmental program areas.

- Statewide and major metropolitan service providers

- Peak or advocacy groups.

Once a heat health alert is issued, local councils, departmental program areas and health and community service providers should respond in accordance with their heatwave plans. At Moorabool Shire Council there is an Heat EM email group, which will be used to receive heat health alerts, the email group includes contacts for emergency management staff, Aged and Disability Services Staff, Child and Family Services, Community Development, Customer and Business Services, Operations and Environmental Health staff.

The department will also be considering other factors that may influence vulnerability, such as very high maximum or minimum temperatures and high temperatures over a prolonged consecutive period. High temperature alerts may be issued in these circumstances even if the average temperature threshold is not exceeded. Prolonged high temperatures below threshold levels can still impact on health services.

Where possible, heat health alerts will be issued 3-4 days prior to forecast heatwave conditions providing recipients early warning. It is also important that Councils continue to monitor their local conditions. It may be necessary for councils to activate heatwave plans in the absence of a heat health alert being issued. Conditions can be monitored using the Bureau of Meteorology at http://www.bom.gov.au/


Heat Health Alerts issued during 2013-14 Summer for Central District – Temperature threshold 30 degrees

Event Date Actual maximum and minimum temp reached (as provided by BoM

Actual Avg Temp

Forecast Avg Temp

Date and Time alert issued.

19 Dec Melbourne Max: 42.6 Min: 14.7

28.7 31.5 17 Dec 9.02am

14 Jan Melbourne Max: 42.7 Min: 25.2

34 31 9 Jan 10.03am


33.9 31.5 13 Jan 10.20am


32.9 34.5 13 Jan 10.20am


32.6 30 15 Jan 11.56am

1 Feb Melbourne Max: 41.7 Min: 18.7

30.2 30.5 based on Ballarat

28 Jan 5.24pm


30.3 30.5 29 Jan 10.20am


33.4 35 5 Feb 10.10am

Heat health alerts are available from the Department of Health and Human Services’ website at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/index.htm


Table 1: Heat health alert threshold

Image adapted from the Country Fire Authority’s ‘Know your total fire ban district”.

The heat health alert is only intended to notify recipients that mean temperatures are predicted to reach and exceed heat health thresholds. The alert is not intended to dictate when service providers take action; heat health alert contacts are advised to monitor local conditions and take action in accordance with their own heatwave plans, service continuity plans and occupational health and safety (OH&S) plans.

1.5 Moorabool Shire Community Profile Moorabool Shire is located in the Central Highlands region of Victoria between 45 and 95 kilometres west of Melbourne and between 5 and 55 kilometres east of Ballarat. The Shire encompasses a total land area of just over 2,110 square kilometres. It is bounded to the north by Hepburn and Macedon Ranges Shires, in the east by Melton Shire and the City of Wyndham, in the west by the City of Ballarat and in the south by Golden Plains Shire and the City of Greater Geelong.

The official population of Moorabool Shire in 2015 is 31,737. This is estimated to grow to 32,620 by the end of 2016. The population living in and around Bacchus Marsh is 18,247 (about 57% of the total shire population). The Shire’s second largest population can be found in and around Ballan (2985). The remaining population is distributed throughout the large number of small towns, hamlets and farming areas within the Shire. The majority of people who relocate to Moorabool Shire are young families seeking a semi-rural lifestyle. Moorabool’s demographic reflects this trend.


According to statistics (Nitschke, Tucker & Bi, 2007), by 2100, the number of people in the 65 plus age group across Australia is expected to increase two to five time above current numbers. Future predictions for Moorabool Shire show that the number of elderly residents will continue to increase to 5,521 (16.4%) by 2021.

Particular areas within Moorabool Shire are at high risk during heatwaves due to a higher than average concentration of aged residents, who may be more likely to experience socio economic disadvantage and be particularly vulnerable to extreme climatic conditions. These communities include Bacchus Marsh, Blackwood and Bungaree. Approximately 1000 clients are registered with HACC however only 740 of those clients are listed as active.

Statistics reported for 2011 show that 6.6% of Moorabool Shire’s total population is below the age of four years. There are 1,857 Moorabool residents in this age group. By 2026, the number of elderly residents [65 and over] will increase to 7,315 an 18% increase. The largest increase in persons between 2011 and 2026 is forecast to be in ages 70 to 74, which is expected to increase by 1,058 and account for 4.7% of the total persons.


2 Planning Frameworks

2.1 Legislative context

The role of local government in heatwave response planning is part of an integrated set of relationships between state government, local government and funded agencies.

The flowchart below outlines the integrated relationships between state government, local government and funded agencies.

State Government Role

Local Government Role

Funded agencies

VicSES

MFESB / DSE

MFESB / DSE

Victoria Police

Emergency Services

MFESB / DSE

DHS community support

Local Government

Strengthen building code requirements

Develop and execute the Victorian Heatwave Alert System

Develop and implement state-wide communication strategy

Design and prepare state-wide emergency management response protocols

Take a lead role in heatwave response, co-ordinating at regional level

Provide direct services and support to local communities during heatwaves via regional government offices and state-funded agencies

Minimise risks to loss of power supply

Lead the whole municipality in heatwave prevention, preparation, response and recovery

Coordinate delivery of local services during heatwave event

Coordinate heatwave response in accordance with MEMP

MEMP

Advocate to State government on issues requiring state response

MHWP

MSS

Sustainability

Local laws and building codes

Community Development

Infrastructure

Communications

Staff Training

Implement the Victorian Heatwave Strategy

Enhance state legislation and policy

Participate in MEMP

Lead Evaluation of municipal heatwave response to particular heatwaves,, and overall Heatwave strategy

Community Care


2.1.1 Emergency Management Act 1986 & Emergency Management Act 2013

Under S.20 of the Emergency Management Act 1986, municipal councils in Victoria have the responsibility of preparing and maintaining a Municipal Emergency Management Plan. This plan must contain provisions for identifying any resources within the municipality available for use in emergency prevention, response and recovery. It also must specify how such resources are to be used in the event of an emergency.

2.1.2 Local Government Act 1989

The Local Government Act 1989 is the principal empowering legislation for councils in Victoria. It outlines the general role of councils to ensure public safety. While the Act does not deal directly with the roles and responsibilities of councils in emergency situations, it does state, in Sections 6, 7 and 8, councils’ requirement to use their resources for emergency management.

Schedule 1 declares that the functions of councils include ‘general public services’ such as ‘fire prevention and protection’ and ‘local emergency and safety services’. The Act also sets out the purposes and objectives of councils which could be said to encompass activities which would be consistent with general public services. In addition, a council can make local laws for or with respect to any act, matter or thing in respect of which a council has a power or function.

2.1.3 The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008

Under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, local Councils must now prepare a renamed “Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan" (MHWP) in the first year after each general election of the Council (Section 26, sub-clause 1). The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 identifies that municipal health and wellbeing plans must:

a. Include an interpretation of data about local health status and health determinants;

b. Identify evidence-based goals and strategies for creating a local community in which people can achieve maximum health;

c. Provide for the involvement of people in the local community in the development, implementation and evaluation of the public health plan;

d. Specify how the Council will work in partnership with Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies undertaking public health initiatives, projects and programs to accomplish the goals and strategies identified in the public health plan;

e. Be consistent with: (i) The Council Plan prepared under section 125 of the Local Government Act 1989; and (ii) The Municipal Strategic Statement prepared under section 12A of the Planning and Environment

Act 1987.

A Council must review its municipal public health plan annually and, if appropriate, amend the plan.

It can be seen immediately that the Act creates a legislative imperative for Councils to integrate Council / community planning, health planning and urban planning. Before the revised Act, this was an aspirational target conveyed through Environments for Health. This new requirement provides an opportunity for local Councils to make a significant advance towards integrated planning.

The development of Health and Well-Being Plans and Heatwave Response Plans provides a unique opportunity for local councils to:

§ Ensure that corporate and strategic planning promotes a supportive physical environment and increased physical activity;

§ Contribute to whole-of-Council responses to community health and climate change; and

§ Plan relevant infrastructure, community and health services, and emergency management.


2.2 The role of local government in Heatwave response planning The Victorian Government’s municipal public health planning framework, Environments for Health, recognises that as the level of government closest to the people, local governments are strongly positioned to promote community development across their municipality. Drawing on the World Health Organisation’s ‘Healthy Cities’ approach, Environments for Health acknowledges that local governments play a leadership role in fostering urban governance by engaging citizens and local stakeholders in collaborative planning to enhance community health and social equity. The Victorian Heatwave Strategy reinforces this understanding that municipal councils are the closest level of government to communities and have access to local knowledge about the demographic, social and human service features of their districts. The strategy acknowledges that people naturally seek help from their local council during emergencies and the ensuing recovery process.

Potential local government roles relating to heatwaves may include:

Asset Management Community and Social Service Provision Planning & Coordination Civic Governance

Examples Examples Examples Examples

§ Provision of ‘heatwave-ready’ Council offices buildings, tenancies, accommodation or retail facilities

§ Provision of ‘heatwave-ready’ community buildings – such as neighbourhood houses, child care centres, libraries, leisure and recreation facilities

§ Ongoing service infrastructure-- such roads, footpaths, drainage

§ Recognition of heatwave impacts on parks, gardens and opens space, and associated risks

§ Coordinating or supporting provision of Meals on Wheels to vulnerable community members

§ Home and Community Care services

§ Leisure and recreation services

§ Telephone information, support and referral

§ Council Plan

§ Community Planning

§ Municipal Public Health Planning

§ Municipal Strategic Statement

§ Municipal Emergency Management Plan

§ Environmental Strategy

§ Participation in Community Health Planning via Primary Care Forum

§ Council elections

§ Councillors

§ Citizens’ advisory groups and boards

§ Needs assessments

§ Citizen feedback lines

§ Participatory planning

§ Community engagement strategies

§ Volunteer development

Communication


2.3 Moorabool Shire’s Strategic Framework

2.3.1 Integrating Heatwave into existing plans and strategies The Heatwave Response Plan presents an opportunity for a coordinated approach to policy development across existing Council areas and plans as listed below. These are discussed briefly below.

Moorabool Shire has a number of plans into which heatwave can be integrated. The Municipal Emergency Management Plan is the obvious document for the response and recovery phases of the Heatwave Response Plan. The Public Health Emergency Management Plan also provides an avenue for prevention and preparation stages of the Heatwave Response Plan.

The table below shows the plans and strategies into which the Heatwave Response Plan will be integrated, and which approach each plan takes to heatwave in terms of Prevention, Preparation, Response and Recovery.

Moorabool Shire Plans and Strategies Emergency Management Phase

Prevention Preparation Response Recovery

Moorabool Shire Council Plan 2013 - 2017 ü ü

Municipal Emergency Management Plan ü ü ü ü

Public Health Emergency Management Sub-Plan (2013) ü ü

Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan ü ü ü ü

Access and Inclusion Plan ü ü ü ü

HACCPAC Mobile Initiative ü ü ü

Aged and Disability Diversity Plan ü ü ü ü

Moorabool Shire Council Plan 2013 - 2017

Community Wellbeing

Moorabool Shire is committed to supporting volunteers, recognising and celebrating their vital role in community participation and service delivery. Council recognises the individuality, diversity and identity of each community. We will work together to strengthen each community’s capacity to plan, develop and implement projects that build the community they envisage.

Council will monitor and plan for the needs and aspirations of our changing communities and opportunities to contribute to community life through enhancing our social health and recreation planning.

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave Plan is supported by the Strategic Objectives and Strategies as listed in the Council Plan as follows:

Strategic Objective - Community Self-reliance and resilience:

§ Support and recognise the vital role and contribution of volunteers in our communities.

Strategic Objective - A safe Community:

§ Support the community in emergency management planning, response, recovering and in the prevention and mitigation of all hazards and works towards community resilience.

§ Respond to the Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations.

§ Deliver public and environmental health programs in accordance with relevant legislation.


§ Support police and other community safety programs and initiatives.

Strategic Objective – Inclusive, Responsive and Accessible Community Cervices:

§ Ensure Council’s services and facilities are accessible.

Aged and Disability Services Active Service Model and Diversity Action Plans

Municipal Emergency Management Plan

The Municipal Emergency Management Plan details general arrangements for the management of various emergency situations which may occur within the Moorabool Shire.

The deployment and co-ordination of emergency resources is an integral part of Council’s normal operations and may occur without any formal activation or declaration in relation to this or any other emergency plan. The flexible nature of Emergency Management Plans enables activation of only those elements required in any given situation.

In line with current best practice, it is anticipated that response and recovery activities commence simultaneously to better provide the full range of resources to affected communities.

The Moorabool Shire’s Municipal Emergency Management Plan should be read in conjunction with the Emergency Management Manual Victoria which can be accessed from www.oesc.vic.gov.au.

Public Health Emergency Management Sub-Plan

Public health emergency management planning is a key part of the municipality’s all agencies, ‘all hazards’ approach to municipal emergency management.

The Public Health Emergency Management sub-Plan is a component of the MEMP. It aims to protect the community and emergency management personnel from public health risks generated by an emergency.

The Heatwave Response Plan also promotes active community participation and encourages community members to support and collaborate in heatwave prevention, preparation, response and recovery. In the Heatwave Response Plan, this support and collaboration will be in the form of promoting ‘know your neighbour’ strategies, building capacity of volunteers to prevent isolation during a heatwave event and allow appropriate responses to heatwaves.

HACC Vulnerable People Agencies funded to provide personal care, support and case management services to people living in the community have a key role in relation to the safety and welfare of clients.

Vulnerable Persons Registers (VPRs) have been developed to store local information about consenting, identified vulnerable people, which will be directly entered by funded agencies and locally overseen by municipal councils. The VPRs are cloud-based and directly accessible to authorised representative from Victoria Police (without having to contact the council or funded agency) to aid emergency planning and response, including potential evacuation.

Local administration of Vulnerable Persons Registers involves:

• Screening for Vulnerable Persons Registers - to identify vulnerable persons (receiving and not receiving services) who additionally cannot identify personal or community support networks to help them in an emergency to be included on a Vulnerable Persons Register.


• Entering and maintaining information in Vulnerable Persons Registers for consenting, identified people, which is available to those with responsibility for emergency response and evacuations.

Emergency Planning; Living at Home Assessment staff will complete Moorabool Shire Council’s Vulnerable Persons All Hazards Register Assessment Form, as per agreement with Department of Health and Human Services. Once registered a Living at Home Assessment Officer will assist, refer to Red Cross or complete the Emergency plan, copies will be held in client’s support plan and copies sent to emergency contacts.

3 Communication

3.1 Communication strategy

People living through a summer in Moorabool Shire need to be informed adequately about Heatwaves. This includes information about risk characteristics, preventative measures and appropriate behaviors’ during a Heatwave and an understanding of their own responsibility to be prepared.

Moorabool Shire’s communications strategy will focus on preparing the general public, vulnerable groups in the community and key service providers to vulnerable populations for Heatwave conditions. It will also ensure community members are advised through the media of a Heatwave event and appropriate actions to take and notified when a Heatwave event has passed and options and actions to take in the recovery phase.

Any Heatwave material prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services will be used for the dissemination of key messages. A localised initiative will see Community Support staff wear polo shirts with five key messages on them to assist spreading awareness. These messages include

Ways to Beat the Heat 1. Look after yourself and keep in touch with others 2. Drink plenty of water, (If fluids are limited please check with your doctor) 3. Keep cool, draw blinds and turn on air conditioners 4. Cool yourself by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers. 5. Stay out of the sun during hottest part of the day. If you must go out, take plenty of water with you,

wear a hat and light-coloured, loose fitting clothing 6. Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads. Make sure food that needs refrigeration is

stored properly 7. Don’t leave children, adults or animals in parked vehicles 8. Watch or listen to news reports for latest information

Prepare for the Hot Weather. • Test fans, airconditioners are working prior to the arrival of any hot weather. • Stock up on food, fluids and medicines, to reduce amount of trips to shops required during the hot

weather.

• Store medicines safely at recommended temperature.

• Prepare your home: install awnings, use shade cloths or external blinds, and appropriate internal curtains, to block out the sun.

The objectives of the strategy will be to: § Generate preparedness and improve community resilience to Heatwave conditions; and, § Educate all stakeholders about roles, responsibilities and procedures to be followed in the event of a

heat alert.


3.2 Key Messages

Key messages for the general community will include:

Cool your home down § Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the

day, and opened at night when the temperature has cooled § Turn off non essential lights and electrical equipment

§ Move to the coolest room in the house to sleep

Stay out of the heat § Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm § Avoid extreme physical exercise § Wear light, loose fitting clothes § Reschedule appointments to early in the morning

Keep yourself cool and hydrated § Drink plenty of water but avoid caffeine and alcohol § Take a cool shower § Spray water over your skin or clothing § Keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck

Know your neighbors and § Phone or visit elderly or sick neighbours everyday during a

heatwave

Key messages for vulnerable groups will also include § Medications and heat related illness § Child and car safety and, § Keeping babies and breast feeding mothers hydrated.

Moorabool Shire will use material developed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Core components of the Heatwave awareness campaign are to: § Engage with local media outlets to disseminate relevant information

§ Distribute the general public information leaflet through a mail out

§ Fact sheets developed by the Department of Health and Human Services will be distributed through Aged Services (HACC workers and Meals on Wheels), Senior Citizens’ Association, Maternal and Child Health nurses, GPs, pharmacies, community centres, visitor information centres and facilities, child-care centres, preschools and other key services or facilities

§ Disseminate heatwave messages at events e.g. Festivals, Senior’s Week

§ Produce articles / information sheets for community newsletters, magazines or websites.


Examples of available information


4 Heatwave Strategies

The Moorabool Shire Heatwave Strategies detail the procedures Council will undertake to provide systems through which key stakeholders in local government and health and community sectors can collaborate to ensure effective coordination of efforts.

The strategy has been developed in line with Victorian emergency management components as shown in the flowchart below.

Heatwave alert issued

State Emergency Services response

State wide Communication

Council long term planning & awareness

Preparation phase (Pre-summer and Mid-summer)

Prevention phase

Response phase

Recovery phase

Heatwave & “alert” awareness

program

Vic Heatwave alert system

State communications ,

data and protocols.

Distribute & promote info vulnerable communities

Heatwave alert system (BoM)

Council to Support state or regional communications plan

“On hold” messagesDirect client contact

Information at facilities

Heat refuges

Collect vulnerable communities data

Stakeholder mapping

Facility Audit

Building design

Community resilience

Example of Council activities

See report for more detail

“Heatwave” in MEMP

Communication Strategy

Stakeholder readiness

Lead role:CommonwealthState LocalExternal partners (eg childcare, aged, health, transport)

Example of Council focus / objective

See report for more detail

VicSES

CFA

DSE

Victoria Police

Emergency Services

??

Municipal Recovery Officer

Municipal Fire Prevention Officer

MERO

State communications

material Communication Strategy

Staff training

Staff trainingPreparing staff and partners for action

Council execute MEMP

DoH community support

Community Care

Council to coordinate local response via MEMP

Emergency transport

Heatwave alert revised

State wide Communication

Council to Support state or regional communications plan

Know your neighbour

Follow up messages

Direct client contact

Feedback to DHS

Workforce debrief

Council review and evaluate response

Stakeholder response

Stakeholder review

Data update

External partners

Stakeholder awareness

Feedback to DHHS


4.1 Prevention Phase The Heatwave plan will be reviewed every two to three years, with the Emergency Management department being the lead department at Moorabool Shire conducting the review. Environmental Health and the Manager Aged and Disability along with the Aged & Disability Quality Team will be responsible for:

§ Ensuring agencies understand their role and the role of others.

§ Pre-prepared media statements for each stage of the heatwave are accessible.

§ Launching of the Communication Strategy to ensure any information released to the public on behalf of Moorabool Shire Council will be able to educate and assist the community to prepare for heatwave emergencies.

§ Identify and evaluate cooling centres.

§ Briefings for Council staff on heatwave plan, procedures and movements.

§ Manager Aged and Disability Services to update vulnerability list in Crisis Works

4.2 Preparation Phase Summer preparation will be effective from December till April each year. This stage will have a strong focus on disseminating information to Council staff and the public on heatwave prevention measures and ensuring health information and support, is readily available to the community, target groups and their carers. Information will be distributed through the means of Moorabool Shire Council’s communication strategy via local newspapers, radio, Council’s website, Councillors report, Chief Executive Officer Briefings, and posters. Prevention messages will also be distributed during home care visits, meals on wheels deliveries and Home and Community Care coordinated activities.

The Aged & Disability, Environmental Health Unit and Public Relations Units will work together in the following areas:

§ Ensuring Health Information and support including prevention messages are readily available to the community, target groups and their carers.

§ Advise key stakeholders of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a heatwave.

§ Distribute and collect consent forms to target groups and their carers, enabling Aged & Disability Services to contact clients during extreme weather conditions.

§ Check Bureau of Meteorology for weekly forecasts.


4.3 Response Phase

Heatwave response will be triggered when Department of Health and Human Services confirms that threshold temperatures have been reached and informs Council.

Actions identified 1. Contact service providers to initiate required response to Heatwave 2. Activate media messages for ‘safety during the Heatwave’ 3. Provide current information and educational resources for consumers on the

Council’s website

4. Monitor Bureau of Meteorology during Response Stage

Communication will increase in frequency during the Heatwave response and include more specific advice. Radio, television and national newspaper warnings would be issued by Department of Health and Human Services. Council may employ additional dissemination methods such as local radio advertisements and distributing information through local community ‘hubs’.

Community organisations respond to increasing heat stress incidence amongst vulnerable population groups. The community will be encouraged to check on their neighbors or activate a buddy system.

Council may be required to activate other measures such as the Municipal Emergency Management Plan if a Heatwave is exacerbated by severity, length, blackouts or other emergencies such as bushfire.

4.3.1 Stand-by (Heat Alert) § Notify all relevant agencies that a heatwave warning has been provided by the Department of

Health and Human Services, and Council will enter standby phase.

§ Promote prevention messages through the media, and Councils website.

§ Aged and Disability to visit clients on a regular basis to incorporate prevention messages.

§ HACCPAC button readily available and easy to access

§ Environmental Health and Aged & Disability Coordinator to check Bureau of Meteorology four times a day.

4.3.2 Activation Process (Heatwave Trigger) § The Bureau of Meteorology advises Department of Health and Human Services of impending

heatwave across Victoria

§ Department of Health and Human Services then will advise Moorabool Shire Council’s heatwave contacts (Emergency Manager, Manager Aged & Disability Services & Environmental Health Coordinator)

§ If the alert trigger is specific to Moorabool Shire’s geographical area, the heatwave plan will become activated.

§ Relevant stakeholders will be notified about the heatwave trigger.

§ Contact stakeholders, who have agreed to provide support and services both within and outside of the cooling centre.

§ Distribute vulnerability list to Aged and Disability to begin making check-up phone calls to target clients who are not being seen by Home and Community Care on the day of the heatwave.

§ Aged & Disability will contact vulnerable clients via phone calls for daily check-ups & to incorporate prevention messages.

§ Activate HACCPAC button and coordinate Home and Community Care services


§ Set up visitor’s book for those entering the cooling centre as a mean of record keeping and security.

§ Open and coordinate cooling centres, in the event of an extreme heatwave.

4.3.3 Cooling Centres A cooling centre is a temporary air-conditioned public space set up to deal with the health effects of a heatwave.

The cooling centre will be open when the region meets its heatwave threshold of 30 degrees. Moorabool Shire Council has identified two venues (Bacchus Marsh Quamby Centre and the Ballan Senior Citizens) to cater in a heatwave. The venues can hold 200 people with facilities including toilets, showers, kitchen & air conditioning. Centres will have signage erected at the front of each building that indicates they are operating as a Cooling Centre.

The cooling centre will be open from 10am till 6pm on the day of a heatwave. A cooling centre will be open at the discretion of the Council and its location and opening hours will be advertised on the day of a heatwave via signage and through Home and Community Care to client communication.

Those attending the cooling centre will need to have personal transport organised to and from the centre. Only at Council’s discretion will a pick-up bus be organised for those who are living in isolation and have no social support.

The Aged & Disability Manager will coordinate the centres. A list of internal and external volunteers will be generated on the day. The volunteers will assist in administration and set up duties.

The cooling centres will be open to those who are identified in the target group. Those attending the centre will need to sign in and out of the visitor book to ensure Council has a database of those who were present on the day. Upon registration, clients will be asked about information in relation to their health and whether they have packed all medical requirements.

Activities will need to be organised for those who will be at the cooling centres. Activities for adults may include bingo and cards. Maternal and Child Health may need to organise activities to keep the parents and children occupied during their stay at the cooling centre, this may include games, toys or other activities. All HACC clients identified as at risk will have staffed programs made available at both centres.

Those who receive meals on wheels and are attending the centre on the day will have their meals transported to them. The Aged and Disability Manager has developed a Memorandum of Understanding with the local hospitals to ensure that these clients will continue to receive catering away from the house of residence. Meals on Wheels delivery has been documented in contracts.

Simple catering such as tea, coffee, water and biscuits will be provided for all other attendees at the centre.

If Australian Red Cross has available staff, they will provide cooling centre attendees personal support and health related information. A First Aid officer will be present at the centre to ensure all minor heat related injuries and symptoms are rectified. All major incidents will be referred onto the local hospitals.

In some cases, those vulnerable/ at risk will not wish to leave their home due to having pets. Home and Community Support staff and volunteers will need to ensure that both clients and their pets are well catered for during a Heatwave.

Moorabool Shire has also developed an internal activation procedure for the establishment of cooling centres during Heatwave events. This procedure will be used by Emergency Management and HACC staff.

4.3.4 Pets

Currently Moorabool Shire Council provides 14 cages at the pound, and 4 cat and 4 dog baskets for residents to use. In the event of a Heatwave, RSPCA in Ballarat will be under the same pressure and may not be able to cater for the shires needs.


4.3.5 Emergency assistance button to retrieve HACCPAC HACCPAC is a computer system which identifies all at risk/vulnerable clients within the shire. All staff have laptops and in case of power failure are able to ascertain information through HACCpac Emergency Assistance Retrieval. A hard copy of HACCPAC information will be available and can be found with the Manager Aged and Disability.

4.3.6 Daily checks of at risk clients NOT being seen by community care/HACC/MCH on that day The volunteers designated to providing assistance to Home and Community Care and Maternal & Child Health clients during a heatwave will require consent from at risk clients who are not being seen by community care on that day. Those at risk clients who provide consent will receive a phone call during moderate heat days followed by A.M and P.M phone checks as the heat increases. If required, the clients will be visited. Decisions on the operation and provision of services in these conditions of services will be determined on a daily basis by the Manager Aged & Disability Services and the Aged & Disability Services Management Team through meetings at 8.30am and 4.30pm.

4.3.7 Maintain regular contact with community care/HACC/MCH staff in relation to clients All Community Support staff are provided with a mobile phone. Information Systems have set up a system through BIGPOND which allows the Home and Community Care Coordinator to text instructions to staff on client procedures during a heatwave. HACCpac mobile has been introduced in Moorabool Shire and is a smartphone system that allows rostering of staff and logging of tasks by staff. The system will not open to any task until all messages are heard; office staff are able to leave a message that will alert staff to any conditions or emergencies. Decisions on messages are made by senior office management, after being discussed at Office Management meetings 8.30am and 4.30pm.

The messages include:

§ Ensure heating is off

§ Pull down blinds

§ Fill jugs (Jugs in sight)

§ Ensure clients dress appropriately

§ Make sure clients are drinking

§ If client is reluctant to drink make jelly’s and encourage to eat

§ HACC staff to take bottled water to the clients

§ Upon request from Care Coordinators, check on case managed clients and feed back to packaged care programs

4.3.8 Maintain regular contact with staff in relation to work support All Community Support staff have been provided with a mobile phone.

The messages include:

§ Hydration

§ Discussing the workload – AM shifts vs. PM shifts

§ Light cleaning

§ Moderate cleaning

§ No cleaning

§ Personal care only. [Personal care is hygiene and assistance with medication]

§ Remember to check water levels in your car at night

§ Do not jump into your car until it is cooled down

§ Dress appropriately


4.4 Recovery Phase § Maintain a community response to clients who continue to be at risk as the heatwave abates.

§ Provide continuing appropriate media releases. § Continue phone checks after heatwave has ceased to ensure health and safety of clients.

For more information please refer to Moorabool Shire Council’s Recovery Plan

5 Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure Moorabool Council is delivering on its strategies it must be adaptable and responsive. Monitoring and evaluation not only helps to audit performance, it provides an opportunity to learn. By continuously reviewing and monitoring the performance of this plan and its strategies it is possible to strengthen relationships, build awareness, promote accountability and deliver a more efficient output. Consideration should be given to the following questions in developing the evaluation plan;

§ How has the community responded to the campaign?

§ Has the campaign received negative or positive media feedback?

§ What issues and risks have emerged and how have they been responded to?

§ Have new priorities emerged?

§ Are community members still engaging with the program? If not why and how can this be addressed?

§ How can the campaign deliver better outcomes next time?

With any engagement campaign of this type, the focus is on the community, which will ultimately guide Council in its decision making processes. Listen to them, consider their views, celebrate successes and adapt accordingly.

Council will undertake an annual review to assess the success and / or areas for improvement for this plan.


References 1. A spatial vulnerability analysis of urban populations to extreme heat events in Melbourne, Report for

the Victorian Department of Health, 2009.

2. Adapted from the Great Shepparton Heatwave Plan 2009

3. Adapted from the Wodonga Heatwave Strategy 2008

4. Adapted from the Surf Coast Shire Plan 2010

5. Australian Red Cross www.redcross.org.au/files/20091113Coping_with_hot_weather_fact_sheet.pdf

6. Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) www.bom.gov.au

7. Commonwealth Heatwave Plan

8. Department of Health Victoria www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/climate/heatwave.htm

9. World Health Organisation (WHO)

10. World Health Organisation Europe

Resources A range of community resources are available from the Department of Health and Human Services home page as well as that available through the Better Health Channel. These include but are not limited to:

Heat stress and related illness www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Heat_stress_and_heat-related_illness

Heat stress and the elderly www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Heat_stress_and_the_elderly

Staying Healthy in the Heat http://www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/heatwaves-healthy-heat-brochure.htm Child Safety – hot weather www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Child_safety_hot_weather

Heat stress and sport www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Heat_stress_and_sport_reducing_the_risks

Heat stress – preventing heat stroke www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Heat_stress_preventing_heat_stroke

Climate change and health www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Climate_change_and_health

Victoria Police Guidelines for the Operational Response to Heatwaves – 11 August 2015

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