The objective of the Mangrove Emergency Planning & Communications Committee Inc. (MEPCC) is to help prepare the community for all emergencies, including bushfires, storms, floods and disease outbreaks (such as Equine Influenza and Newcastle Disease).
The MEPCC was established following the 1994 bushfires and pursuant to the Royal Commission recommendation that our local community should accept responsibility for organizing and conducting its own contingency plans in conjunction with the Police, Fire Control Officers and local Bush Fire Brigades.
The MEPCC is an Incorporated Association in NSW (number Y2398401), a registered charity with the ACNC and has an ABN (57950364981).
After formation, the MEPCC worked to identify problems with communications in the district and established a telephone tree as the most simple and efficient means of quickly reaching the residents. A small scale radio based emergency communications system was established and proved that the concept could work. A mobile livestock loading ramp was acquired to assist with the emergency evacuation of livestock. A comprehensive disaster preparedness guide was published and distributed across the community.
In 2021 the MEPCC received a Commonwealth grant for $600,100 under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program. Under this program 524 projects were supported totalling $390,893,782.
The MEPCC grant was for the design and implementation of an Emergency Communications System.
The objective of the system is to provide a CB Radio network which allows isolated, ageing communities to better communicate with each other, with emergency services authorities and with disaster relief agencies during emergencies and disasters.
A project team was formed with representatives from different districts as well some radio and emergency communications experts.
Over a two year period approximately 300 CB base stations and portable radios were issued and several training and information sessions held.
Part of the project included the deployment of four community based Farm Fire Fighting Units that could use the CB network to co-ordinate activities.
The MEPCC is currently working on a Community Resilience and Emergency Plan for the Mountains District.
Get involved, come along to the next meeting, Friday, September 4, 6.30pm at the Union Church Hall, cnr Wisemans Ferry Rd & Bloodtree Rd MMtn. The meeting followed by an AGM.
Enquiries: mepccinc@gmail.com
Keith Aranjo
Secretary MEPCC
