Implementing IFMP in CFA

by Allan Rankin, CFA IFMP Communications and Consultation Manager

A major Integrated Fire Management Planning (IFMP) workshop hosted by Chief Officer Russell Rees and Director Community Safety Lisa Sturzenegger was conducted on Thursday 24 April.

The focus of the workshop was to prepare CFA for the journey ahead as a participant in IFMP and to discuss how we will prepare and engage our people.

Attendees included General Managers, Operations Managers, Managers Community Safety, HQ Community Safety and Operations Directorate personnel, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria representatives, personnel from CFA Strategic Planning and Area Coordination, members of the State Fire Management Planning Support Team and representation from the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner.

Three specific themes were identified and discussed by participants on the day.

1. Regional Strategic Fire Management Planning (Including RSFMP Committees)
2. Municipal Fire Management Plans (MFMPs)
3. CFA brigade input into Municipal Fire Management Planning

Key outcomes of the workshop include:

• Re-establishment of a cross functional, broad based internal CFA IFMP Implementation Team to provide advice and guidance on the Implementation of IFMP in CFA.
• Agreement to establish, as necessary, relevant Reference Groups to address specific issues/aspects of IFMP implementation within CFA. These teams will work in support of the CFA Implementation Team.
• Undertaking by CFA General Managers to identify a broad range of municipalities from across the state for Staged/Phased implementation trials.
• General agreement to conduct a follow-up workshop to review and discuss progress (timeframe to be established).
• Enhanced support and enthusiasm for the direction toward implementation articulated by the Chief Officer and Director Community Safety.
• Willingness of participants to work cooperatively toward achieving successful implementation of IFMP in CFA.
• Commitment to provide regular/relevant up-to-date communication and undertake appropriate consultation with key stakeholders as necessary to assist in developing CFA’s processes and direction toward successful internal implementation of IFMP.
• Clear intent expressed for CFA to demonstrate appropriate leadership and influence. We must remain conscious of the need and desire of other agencies and organisations who will wish to have input.

CFA has begun the process of addressing the outcomes from the workshop and, to that end, further information will be provided to staff, volunteers and other interested parties.

For further information contact CFA IFMP Communications and Consultation Manager – Allan Rankin on 0417 321186 or a.rankin@cfa.vic.gov.au