Front-line field officers with the Local Land Services are now better equipped to deal with biosecuity and natural disaster emergencies after honing their skills at a training workshop.
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Run by NSW Department of Primary Industries for NSW LLS staff, participants having been running through emergency management procedures at the Dubbo Charles Sturt University campus.
LLS participants came from North West, Central West, Western, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and the Riverina to take part in the three day exercise which commenced July 24.
They have gone through field tasks which included managing biosecurity emergencies such as supporting people affected by fire, floods and other natural disasters, plus evacuating, rescuing and rehousing livestock and animals in emergency situations; surveillance and tracing, decontamination and movement management.
Participant Craig Ridley who is a senior biosecurity officer with the Central West LLS at Condobolin said the training helps to enhance officers capabilities to respond in emergencies.
"And make sure we're up-to-date with all of the latest procedures and it's a great avenue to mix experiences and network," he added.
Mr Ridley has responded to equine, influenza, avian influenza , locusts, bushfires, floods and livestock truck rollovers.
He said these training exercises make you better prepared and gives you more confidence to be able to do the job and to do it safely.
"First and foremost it's all about safety; safety for us is paramount and then knowing your role, what's expected of you, the resources you need to do that role and how to go about it in a safe manner to achieve the result that's required," he said.
"Emergency management is always evolving... so personally it's a chance for me to catch up and make sure I'm up-to-date with the latest requirements, but it's also an opportunity to network with some of the staff across the region."
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DPI emergency management officer Jamie Maddocks said the training allows both the LLS and DPI to better support landholders and communities during emergency events and also allows officers to support those affected to recover quicker.
Sixteen participants from across the LLS region are taking part in the training.
"This field operations training is for our field staff, who are out front line ground troops," Mr Maddocks said.
"DPI is the lead agency in biosecurity outbreaks and we're a support agency for natural disasters and we're a support agency for the RFS in a bushfire or SES in a flood."
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
