Emergency planning workshop in Salt Ash a success Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 20, 2024 The combined workshop with emergency planning experts and local livestock owners. VOLUNTEERS from an array of services and volunteer organisations gathered at Salt Ash Community Hall on Monday 9 December for an emergency planning workshop. The evening was aimed at assisting horse and large animal owners to plan and prepare for an emergency event such as a fire or flood. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Emceed by Heidi Chappelow, Emergency Management Project Officer with Animal Plan Hunter, the workshop included several speakers such as veterinarians and emergency planners from Local Land Services, NSW Police, Port Stephens Council, and volunteers from Port Stephens State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Red Cross, NSW Farmers and Hunter Horse Haven. Attendees were given presentations on disaster planning, management and recovery, biohazard awareness and communication and emergency contact details and phone apps. A workbook was filled in by the participants, assisting local landowners with managing their properties with regards to protecting their land and animals ahead of and during disastrous events. Williamtown/Salt Ash RFS volunteer and local horse owner Amy responded to a question from concerned residents about emergency exit routes in landlocked rural areas by offering her services. “We can help you design a safe escape plan depending on the size and outlay of your property, the number and type of animals you have and the likely direction of a threat such as a bushfire,” she said. Dr Kristi Arnot from Local Land Services said, “Also think about the type of feed and fluid you are storing for your animals in high temperatures, and how you are storing those items. “Plastic water troughs will not survive a bushfire, so consider using concrete or more robust containers for disaster recovery situations.” A generous spread of food and drink was provided by volunteers from Anna Bay’s Hunter Horse Haven (HHH), who are entirely funded by donations. Stephanie Dale, President of Hunter Horse Haven said, “It was fantastic to see so many local expert organisations getting together for this workshop. “A lot has been learned and we hope to hold more of these events in the future.” For more information on the Emergency Planning Workshop or volunteering for HHH visit hunterhorsehaven.com.au. By Simon EKINS Phil Hudson from Port Stephens SES and Heidi Chappelow from Animal Plan Hunter. Heidi Chappelow addresses workshop attendees.
