STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AFAC has released its Strategic Directions for Fire and Emergency Services 2022–2026, reflecting a shared vision and joint commitment to safe and secure communities. ALANA BEITZ AFAC
AFAC Strategic Directions clarify the Foundation’s intent, set priorities for its collaboration at the national level and identify actions required across agencies over the next five years. The Strategic Directions for Fire and Emergency Services 2022–2026 provides an opportunity to address changing environmental factors and community and business settings as the sector transitions from traditional fire and emergency services officers to emergency management professionals integrated with, and working for, communities. Five integral themes provide the foundation and link each of the six Strategic Directions of the strategic vision: partnership and collaboration; climate change adaption and mitigation; intelligence-based decision-making; leadership and management; and Traditional Owners and knowledge. The Strategic Directions also align with the national principles that are fundamental to the work of fire and emergency services: primacy of life trust and confidence interoperability through partnerships accountability. When the Strategic Directions wind up in 2026, AFAC and its Members expect to see enhanced community resilience and safer communities.
Strategic Direction 1: Supporting resilient communities through risk reduction Climate change is influencing the frequency, scale and intensity of natural hazards, and driving the creation of new hazards and disaster risks that compromise the stability of the natural, social, built and economic environments. Under this Strategic Direction, fire and emergency services will improve community resilience by: 1. supporting exposed and vulnerable communities 2. integrating a systemic approach to climate and disaster risk 3. partnering and collaborating across sectors 4. enhancing the effectiveness of community education and engagement programs 5. supporting disaster resilience education and collaborative approaches 6. advocating for and promoting effective risk mitigation measures 7. influencing effective land use planning decisions 8. supporting community-centred recovery 9. improving the resilience of Australia and New Zealand’s landscapes.
Strategic Direction 2: Providing a trusted response Rapid-onset, large-scale incidents can have life-altering consequences, causing a potentially high number of fatalities and widespread destruction. Readiness is critical to ensure that response and recovery missions are appropriately executed and successful. AFAC Members will provide a trusted response by: 1. providing effective, reliable operational response 2. embedding the integration of recovery activities 3. allocating ground and air resources based on risk 4. adopting an evidence-based approach 5. embedding the concept of national capability 6. providing cohesive emergency management and operational support 7. enhancing national response and interoperability 8. supporting capability and leadership development 9. cultivating and enhancing relationships.
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FIRE AUSTRALIA
ISSUE ONE 2022
