#GreatNewsThursday Strathbogie Tablelands focus on LEAP

The Strathbogie Tablelands community has enthusiastically embraced emergency planning with the assistance of the LEAPing into Resilience project.

This initiative, funded by the Federal Government, aims to facilitate collaboration between rural communities and local emergency service providers. The Strathbogie Tablelands group is the fourth township within the shire to engage in this self-help project.

Fifteen people including community members and agency representatives attended the first meeting of the Strathbogie LEAP Steering group at the Strathbogie Memorial Hall.

The Steering Group were given an overview of the LEAPing into Resilience project and examples of recently completed Local Emergency Action Plans (LEAPs) for Violet Town, Avenel and Euroa to assist in planning for a community meeting to seek community input into their LEAP.

It is anticipated that the Strathbogie Tablelands LEAP will outline the actions and responsibilities which the community, agencies and Council can take to better prepare, respond and recover from emergency events.

Peter Stephenson, Administrator of Strathbogie Shire Council, emphasised the significance of local involvement in shaping the emergency plans.

“Locals possess valuable knowledge, such as escape routes and identifying vulnerable community members, which is essential in crafting effective emergency action plans tailored to each community’s needs,” he stated.

The plans will remain dynamic, subject to annual amendments, ensuring their relevance and efficacy.

Mr. Stephenson also called for volunteers to contribute to the Nagambie LEAP document, underscoring the ongoing commitment to community resilience.

The steering groups have received guidance from Danna Lezcano, the project’s Resilience Planning Officer, and Mark Leitinger, the Emergency Management Officer for Strathbogie Shire Council.

Collaboration among the municipalities of Strathbogie, Mansfield, and Murrindindi has been instrumental in supporting communities to prepare for emergencies, extreme weather events, and other disasters.

The LEAPing into Resilience project stands as a testament to this joint initiative, driven by the shared goal of enhancing community preparedness and resilience.

The LEAPing into Resilience project is a joint initiative between Mansfield, Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shire Councils, funded by the Australian Government.