Western Australia is subject to a wide variety of hazards that have the potential to cause loss of life and/or damage and destruction.  These hazards result from extremes in nature, exotic diseases, insect infestations, human action or technological failures.

The Emergency Management Act 2005 was proclaimed 'to provide for prompt and coordinated organisation of emergency management in the State, and for related purposes'.

Local Government is recognised as the closest level of government to their communities and have access to specialised knowledge about environment and demographic features of their communities.  It is therefore the function of Local Government under the act to establish a Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), in consultation with the LEMC to prepare and maintain effective emergency management arrangements for its district and to manage recovery following an emergency affecting the community in its district.

As part of these arrangements, the Local Government is identified as the Hazard Management Agency for Bushfire and therefore administers the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and responsibilities for Local Government outlined in the Bush Fires Act 1954. (See Fire Information Page for further details)

It is the City of Albany's aim to:

• have an active and prepared community that is resilient to disasters;  
• collaboratively liaise with the LEMC to develop local emergency management plans;
• provide effective recovery services to our community if affected by disaster

The City of Albany Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) is a committee established under the Emergency Management Act that advises and assists the City in ensuring that local emergency management arrangements are established for its district.

The LEMC membership draws on the City of Albany, WA Police Service, Albany Regional Hospital, Fire and Emergency Services Authority, St John Ambulance (Albany and Wellstead branches), Department of Environment and Conservation, State Emergency Service, City of Albany volunteer bush fire brigades, Department of Planning and Infrastructure, FESA Fire and Rescue Service, Main Roads WA, Western Power, Department for Community Development, Water Corporation, Telstra, Department of Agriculture and Food WA, Westnet Rail, Albany Volunteer Marine Rescue, Alinta Gas, Department of Education, Albany Port Authority, ABC Radio, Bureau of Meteorology, Department of Health and Albany Surf Life Saving Club.

At quarterly meetings, the committee takes a strategic approach to reducing the impact of emergencies on the community and to being prepared in the event that they do occur. Part of the preparation is holding mock exercises to test the efficiency of the procedures of agencies responding to or recovering from an emergency and to make improvements where necessary.

Emergency Management Australia has also outlined some practical steps to help you to be better prepared for an emergency situation, whether bushfires, floods or acts of terrorism.

During Restricted Burning Periods open fires are not permitted. This includes campfires but enclosed barbecues are exempt. In the North-East sector restricted burning applies from October 3 to November 14 and from March 16 to April 30. In the South-West sector restricted burning applies from November 9 to December 21 and from March 16 to April 30.

The City of Albany covers an area of 4315 square kilometres. The City of Albany volunteer bush fire brigades provide a fire prevention and suppression service for the municipality with the exception of areas under the care and control of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and gazetted fire districts controlled by FESA’s Fire and Rescue Service. The City of Albany volunteer bush fire brigades and staff, FESA , DEC and private plantation companies cooperate to ensure maximum fire protection across the whole of the City.

Volunteer bush fire brigades carry out a vital service in the City of Albany on behalf of the community and these brigades are always in need of new members. They welcome people who are prepared to join, carry out training and assist in fire prevention, firefighting or incident support. It is a great way to make friends, get to know your community and make an important contribution. To join, contact the City of Albany or your local fire control officer.