The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has announced that the country's state and federal governments have endorsed an updated National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies. Oiled wildlife response is included in this plan.
Relevant industries, such shipping and petroleum companies, were involved in developing the plan, which emphasises cooperation between industry and the government in responding to maritime emergencies. The original plan was developed in 2001 and the new plan reflects the importance of integrating responses to pollution and shipping casualty incidents. A risk assessment, conducted as part of the planning process for the update, has resulted in increased equipment stockpiles and emergency towing capabilities have been added to two new regions.
Wildlife response is also addressed in the plan, requiring each jurisdiction to ensure that there are effective wildlife response arrangements within their jurisdiction and that they are detailed within the appropriate contingency plans. The document also states that: “…the National Plan also provides support to state and Northern Territory wildlife response arrangements.”
A full copy of the National Plan for Environmental Emergencies is available on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority website.