Question
(Risks to suburbs with only one access route)
What risks is the Government aware of that stem from, or are exacerbated by, only having one way in or out of a suburb.
Answer
The ACT Government considers a range of risks and principles when a suburb only has one way in or out, particularly during an emergency incident and if a subsequent evacuation plan is required.
In the context of emergency events, it is important to note that evacuation is only one option for helping to keep the community safe and is used as a last measure to protect nearby residents.
If and/or when an evacuation plan is required, planning and execution protocols including assembly points, depends on the type and nature of the emergency incident. For example, the Incident Controller (IC) and Incident Management Team (IMT) managing a bushfire incident take into account factors such as access by emergency vehicles and egress of residents, the direction the fire is travelling, known hazards, and weather conditions.
Due to the diverse and quick evolving nature of emergency incidents, providing residents or suburbs with set information on access and evacuation routes would not be of assistance. Instead, the ESA adopts public information strategies, alerts and warnings as well as community education campaigns that provide timely advice to the community on any actions they should be taking in preparation for, or during, an emergency.
As such, Canberra community members are also responsible for planning and preparing their families and homes by completing a personalised emergency survival plan via the ESA website at esa.act.gov.au. If residents are concerned about restricted access within their area or any other aspects of their safety during an emergency event, they are encouraged to make the decision to leave early.
To help make a timely and informed decision, Canberrans are encouraged to stay up to date by monitoring emergency alerts, updates or emergency warning information which are provided 24/7 through the ESA website, the ESA Twitter and Facebook accounts.