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Latrobe City Council recognised by Local Government Professionals (LGPro) for disaster readiness and recovery

Latrobe City Council received an LGPro commendation for its Disaster Readiness and Recovery efforts. Their Emergency Management Response Manual, created after the 2021 storms, significantly improved disaster response and community safety.

By news@gippsland - 10th June 2025 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is proud to have been shortlisted as a finalist and receive a commendation from Local Government Professionals (LGPro) at their recent Awards Ceremony, in the Disaster Readiness and Recovery category.

Photo taken in 2022, Latrobe City Council awarded in the Community Assets & Infrastructure (over $2.5m) Initiative Category for the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre at the #LGPro22 Awards for Excellence

Emergency response innovation

Council's application highlights the City Presentation Emergency Management Response Manual (Manual), a key initiative implemented after the 2021 storm events, which has improved data collection, resource optimisation and digital solutions.

Latrobe City Council's Chief Executive Officer, Steven Piasente said the 2021 storm and flood event caused damage across Latrobe City and Council has since considered key learnings from the event. "Well done to council's City Presentation team for the huge amount of work they've put in with both the continual clean up from the 2021 storm and the Manual they have since created."

"It's a huge honour to be a finalist and receive a commendation in the LGPro awards, against other finalists from councils throughout Victoria. Teamwork, innovation and a community-first mindset can transform disaster response and recovery and deliver tangible benefits for both council and the broader community," said Mr Piasente.

Resilience through coordination

Some key achievements associated with the Manual's first implementation during the February 2024 storm event included full road network inspections and initial Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) data collection within 24 hours post event, full road network reopening within 36-hours post event and storm clean-up program and detailed DRFA data collection within 72 hours.

The Manual also helped to build a stronger connection between council and external agencies like State Emergency Service (SES) and Victoria Police, improving overall disaster recovery response in the region. The initiative significantly enhances disaster resilience for both our community and council by improving response times, communication and recovery processes.

For the community, quicker road inspections and re-openings, achieved within 24 and 36 hours respectively during the February and September 2024 storm events, restored safe travel and essential service access sooner.

Pictures from LGPro Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com