Key issues for emergency management
Canterbury is vulnerable to a wide range of hazards and, historically, there have been numerous emergencies, such as flooding and storms, somewhere within the region in most years. Climate change is expected to lead to more volatile weather, which may result in an increase in the frequency and severity of floods and storms. Effective response to emergencies requires agencies involved in hazard reduction, readiness, response and recovery to work together in a co-ordinated manner. Environment Canterbury contributes to planning for this through participation in the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, governed by a joint committee of all councils in Canterbury,1 including Environment Canterbury.
Emergency management responsibilities
Environment Canterbury has responsibilities for managing flood
emergencies, discharge of contaminants into the environment and in
the coastal marine area. Details of this work are included in activities in
the Hazards; Coastal Environment; Waste, Hazardous Substances and
Contaminated Sites; Land; and Water Quality, Quantity and Ecosystems
groups of activities. Environment Canterbury is also the administering
authority for the CDEM Group.
Contract services for the CDEM Group
The CDEM Group has contracted Environment Canterbury to provide the
Regional Emergency Management Office, including the Group Emergency
Co-ordination Centre.