Yass Valley Local Rescue Committee hosted a ‘Livestock transport–accident response workshop’ on June 15 for about 30 attendees from rescue units, emergency services and supporting agencies.
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The workshop helped participants review and strengthen arrangements around a multi-agency response to livestock-transport accidents. The topic was discussed at the previous rescue committee in May where the committee agreed the increase in livestock-transport accidents may be indirectly related to the opening of SELX in Yass.
SELX saleyard manager Rob Bourlet said it was always better to be prepared than not. “SELX is always happy to be a part of something proactive,” Mr Bourlet said.
The workshop included livestock awareness and knowledge. “We’re also looking at trucks and review issues like how we can open their gates if they’re tipped on their sides,” Mr Bourlet said.
Paul Lloyd, southeastern emergency management officer, said the goal was to “go back to basics”.
“The real value in doing this is to ensure these relationships [among emergency services and agencies] continue to develop.”
“If we are more efficient and effective responding to an incident, then when it does turn into an emergency-management response, we’ll only build on that success,” Mr Lloyd said.
Yass Police inspector Alison Breannan shared his sentiments.
“To have an exercise where we can engage with all other agencies is really valuable. Particularly in knowing their roles and them knowing our role and responsibilities in such situations. We’ll make situations run smoother and reduce the risks,” Ms Brennan said.
Earlier in the day at Council Chambers, the workshop involved a desktop discussion about livestock-transport accident with a review of policy framework.