Following the finalisation of the LEMA Review in August 2023, the LEMA reform journey has reached a significant milestone, with the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) approving the LEMA Improvement Program and implementation approach.
To deliver on the commitment of a sector-led LEMA improvement process, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) is partnering with SEMC. WALGA will work on behalf of local government, making sure that the sector is consulted, and their feedback guides the reform of local emergency management.
During the LEMA Improvement Program, consideration will be given to the SEMC strategic project, Review into District and Local Emergency Management Committees (DEMC and LEMC Review). The initial outcomes from the DEMC and LEMC Review have close links with the LEMA Improvement Program. Given the relationship between the two projects, the outcomes from the DEMC and LEMC Review will be taken into account when planning the LEMA Improvement Program activities.
It is important to note that if your local government's LEMA is scheduled for review, we advise that you proceed as planned to maintain your obligations under the EM Act.
Background
Show moreThe review of Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA) was driven by a recognised need for Western Australia to implement changes to support a more contemporary approach to local emergency management.
In 2019, the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) requested an exploration of other approaches that may better build, support, and communicate emergency management capability. In response, SEMC approved a review of LEMA to be undertaken using a sector-led approach.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on behalf of SEMC worked in partnership with WALGA to consult with key stakeholders, to identify issues, and investigate and develop options to:
- develop more fit-for-purpose LEMA
- streamline LEMA processes
- encourage currency
- support Local Governments who lack emergency management resources.
After extensive consultation and testing, a LEMA Improvement Plan was presented to SEMC and subsequently endorsed in August 2023.
To maintain the LEMA reform momentum, the project team is putting plans in place to guide this important project into 2024 and beyond.
Next steps
Show moreIt is recognised there is an increase in complexity, scale, and frequency of natural and other disasters, with cascading and compounding effects. This is driving rapid change in the Western Australian emergency management sector, as it grapples with managing this risk and meeting community expectations.
The findings of the LEMA Review provide a timely opportunity to review historic emergency management structures, operational models, and business practices, to proactively manage changes in the emergency management landscape.
To address the challenges and changes facing the local emergency management sector, the next step in the LEMA reform journey – the LEMA Improvement Program - was presented to SEMC and subsequently endorsed in December 2023.
The projects that make up the LEMA Improvement Program will be fulfilled in phases. The first projects of the multi-year schedule have commenced.
LEMA Improvement Program January 2025 update
Show moreBuilding a more resilient Western Australia
The LEMA Improvement Program is a reform that will support a more contemporary approach to local emergency management, and result in a more capable and resilient community.
It will help the Western Australian emergency management sector address the challenges, risks, and community expectations brought about by the increased complexity, scale, and frequency of natural and other disasters.
Setting the scene
Since the June 2024 update, the LEMA Improvement Program teams have made much headway. Using the LEMA Review Project as the foundation, the team is expanding on the previous work and moving it to the next stage, while making sure the process is sector-led and lived experience guides this important reform.
The LEMA Improvement Program is delivered in partnership with the WA Local Government Association and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), on behalf of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC).
Key activities
- LEMA Improvement Program Board
The LEMA Improvement Program Board held its inaugural meeting in September 2024 and continues to meet regularly. The Board, comprising representatives from DFES, WALGA, the SEMC, the Department of Communities, and the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, will provide oversight and governance for the LEMA Improvement Program and the current projects underway.
- Local Government LEMA Working Group
WALGA is leading a Local Government LEMA Working Group with representatives from 10 diverse local governments. Together, they are co-designing more fit-for-purpose LEMA templates and supporting resources. These products will be tested in a pilot program in 2025, aiming to enhance local government prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR) capabilities.
- Development of new LEMA tools
The project teams have been working collaboratively to design and develop new LEMA tools to streamline and enhance the efficiency of preparing LEMA, ensuring they are more suitable for local governments. The new tools will include a ‘Statement of Policy’ that provides a single reference for local governments to understand all their obligations and requirements, and new templates for developing the LEMA.
The Local Government LEMA Working Group has provided advice and recommendations to shape the design of the LEMA tools.
- Accessible updates to the LEMA Guideline
The Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA) Guideline was recently updated to comply with State guidelines for publishing accessible digital documents.
Please note that local governments are not required to take action due to the update, and any current LEMA do not have to be amended. The updated and accessible LEMA Guideline can assist when a LEMA is due for review.
When the outcomes of the LEMA Improvement Program and local government pilot are known at the end of 2025, a comprehensive review of the LEMA Guideline will be undertaken.
Next steps
Planning is underway to pilot newly proposed LEMA tools and templates in 2025.
WALGA will seek expressions of interest from local governments interested in participating in the pilot in early 2025. Insights and recommendations from the pilot will help to refine the tools and templates and identify additional required guidance material.
Work has also commenced to develop a LEMA maturity assessment model. This model will provide local governments with a pathway to develop and improve their emergency management capability and maturity.
The maturity assessment model, along with the new tools and templates will work in tandem to enable local governments to understand their obligations and their capability and capacity to fulfill those obligations.
It is anticipated that the new resources will be available for local governments to use in the first half of 2026.
What if my local government’s LEMA is due for review now or in 2025?
Local governments are essential players in WA’s emergency preparedness, providing expert knowledge about their communities and environments. Capturing this local knowledge through contemporary LEMA is a key part of the SEMC’s oversight of emergency management arrangements and capability in Western Australia, contributing to a better-prepared, safer, and more resilient State.
Until the reform of LEMA, if your local government’s LEMA is scheduled for review, you should proceed as planned to maintain your obligations under the Emergency Management Act 2005.
Consult your local District Emergency Management Advisor for help and information about reviewing your LEMA.
Keep up to date
Read about the latest developments and activities of the LEMA Improvement Program by visiting the SEMC website or the WALGA website.
Previous Program updates
Show moreLEMA Improvement Program June 2024 update
Building a more resilient Western Australia
A lot has happened since the end of 2023, and the team has made significant strides to progress the Local Emergency Management Arrangements (LEMA) Improvement Program. Read on to hear about the key activities and the next steps.
Setting the scene
Building on the previous work of the LEMA Review, the LEMA Improvement Program will continue working toward a more capable and resilient community, through a local approach to emergency management.
To deliver on the commitment to a sector-led LEMA improvement process, the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) is partnering with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) on behalf of the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC).
WALGA will collaborate with local government, making sure the sector is consulted, and their feedback guides the reform of local emergency management.
Natural and other disasters are increasing in complexity, scale, and frequency, with cascading and compounding effects. This is driving rapid change in the Western Australian emergency management sector, as it grapples with managing this risk and meeting community expectations. The LEMA Improvement Program will implement changes to address these challenges and support a more contemporary approach, delivering:
- more fit-for-purpose LEMA
- streamlined LEMA processes and new practices that will encourage currency
- increased stakeholder knowledge of LEMA to enhance community resilience
- help for local governments who lack emergency management resources
- improved effectiveness of LEMA as a communication tool.
Key activities
The SEMC’s endorsement of the Program Management Plan for the LEMA Improvement Program in December 2023 enabled the Program to get underway.
Multiple projects form the Program, which will be undertaken in phases. Phase 1 – comprising two projects – has commenced, with the following activities completed or in progress:
- Memorandum of Understanding signed between WALGA and DFES
- Pilot program development initiated
- New local government emergency management policy lead recruited
- Governance structures established (Program Board, Advisory Group, Working Group).
LEMA Requirements for Local Governments
Local governments are essential players in WA’s emergency preparedness, providing expert knowledge about their communities and environments. Capturing this local knowledge through contemporary LEMA is a key part of the SEMC’s oversight of emergency management arrangements and capability in Western Australia, contributing to a better-prepared, safer, and more resilient Western Australia.
Until the reform of LEMA, if your local government's LEMA is scheduled for review, you should proceed as planned to maintain your obligations under the Emergency Management Act 2005.
Consult your local District Emergency Management Advisor for help and information about reviewing your LEMA.
Next steps
In the coming months, the Program boards and groups will meet regularly to review LEMA Improvement Program proposals and outputs and provide advice and guidance to the Program team.
The project leads for DFES and WALGA Phase 1, will work closely to ensure that:
- consultation is coordinated
- the updated LEMA process is tested appropriately with local governments
- the new LEMA processes align with existing State emergency management policy documents.
Another update will be provided later in 2024.
Keep up to date
Read about the latest developments and activities of the LEMA Improvement Program by visiting the SEMC website or the WALGA website.
