A large-scale maritime emergency drill will take place on the Bellarine Peninsula next week.
The Victorian Department of Transport (DoT) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will put their emergency response capabilities to the test from October 4 to 6, with an increase in on-water, shorefront and aerial activity as part of the maritime emergency simulation.
Codenamed Exercise Kunawarra, it will involve vessels, aircraft and first responders from a range of local, state and federal agencies.
Details of the operation will remain confidential to ensure the simulation plays out like a genuine emergency although officials revealed they will take place between 8am and 5pm.
Department of Transport Head of Network Operations Brett Langley said the exercise will help to ensure that DoT and its emergency response partners have the correct emergency response processes and capabilities in place.
“Working alongside AMSA, we’re making sure that our people and processes are equipped to respond to a large-scale maritime emergency,” Mr Langley said.
“This ensures that in the unlikely event of an emergency of this kind, Victorians can be assured that we’re able to deliver a quick and capable response.”
AMSA Executive Director Response Mark Morrow said it was vital for federal and state authorities to work closely together to practice and test arrangements to ensure an efficient and effective response.
“Because these types of major incidents are uncommon in Australia, joint operations like Exercise Kunawarra provide an important opportunity to practice the response needed and to work collaboratively with all relevant agencies,” Mr Morrow said.
“Overall, there will be about 190 personnel involved in the three-day exercise from government and volunteer organisations Australia-wide, including about 12 people from AMSA.”
Organisers said the controlled exercise poses no risk to the community, responders, wildlife or the environment.
An on-water exclusion zone will be in place approximately 1.5km offshore from St Leonards between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday 5 October. The exercise will be scaled down if there is extreme weather.
