Volunteers needed to for emergency exercise at airport
Published: 27 Aug 2019 12:06pm
A full-scale emergency exercise will be staged at Wagga Wagga Airport next month.
The emergency scenario is designed to evaluate the coordinated response of all agencies in the event of a real disaster.
About 60 volunteers of all ages are required to help act out the aircraft emergency scenario on Saturday 14 September to test Council’s Airport Emergency Plan.
“This will be a joint exercise between Council and the RAAF Base Wagga,” Wagga Wagga Airport Manager Leon Burger said.
“The scenario will be a crash between two aircraft and will involve all other local emergency response agencies including Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance Service, Volunteer Rescue Association and the State Emergency Service.
“Council as the Aerodrome Operator holds safety as its highest priority in all facets of airport operations. A great deal of planning goes into these exercises to ensure that the Airport Emergency Plan remains current, effective and well drilled.”
The field exercise is held at least every two years in line with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) legislative requirements. Community members of all ages are invited to volunteer and will be given various roles to play out.
“We will require 60 volunteers for the afternoon,” Mr Burger said. “Anyone who would like to help out can register online by midnight, Sunday 1 September.
“Not only will the Airport Emergency Plan be tested on the day, but all agencies involved and RAAF Base Wagga will also take the opportunity to test their own plans, staff training and equipment.
“This will help to ensure that in the event of a real life aviation emergency, the emergency response is both rapid and effective.”
The airport will be closed to all normal flight operations between 1.30pm and 4pm on 14 September except for passenger and emergency flight services. Anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers will be transported by bus from the CBD to and from the airport on the day. Volunteers can register online at https://waggawaggaairport.com.au/volunteer by midnight, Sunday 1 September.