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Gingin crash exercise to test emergency services

Lucy JarvisThe Advocate

EMERGENCY services will hold a crash exercise at the Gingin Recreational Centre oval next Wednesday.

The Shire of Gingin will facilitate the August 16 exercise in conjunction with the Department of Fire and Emergency services, WA Police and St John Ambulance.

The exercise will assess the various agencies’ response capabilities and command and control structure, as well as how the local emergency management arrangements work in a life-like simulation that incorporates emergency air service support.

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With the involvement of the Rescue 651 helicopter, strict safety protocols will be implemented, including a ban on all drone devices.

“Owing to the nature of the exercise and for the safety of the Rescue 651 helicopter crew, drones are not permitted in the area at all,” Shire President David Roe said.

“They pose a significant risk to the aircraft and will cause the event to be cancelled if they are deployed.”

The exercise area will be set up earlier in the day and will be off limits to the public.

Crew briefings will start from 4pm, with the actual crash exercise scheduled for 5pm and the helicopter scheduled to land on the oval about 5.45pm.

“This is an important exercise and while we understand it may generate considerable community interest on the day, we would ask that bystanders adhere to any instructions given by emergency service personnel,” Cr Roe said.

“The Rescue 651 helicopter requires a 75m exclusion zone so no one will be permitted on the oval while it is there. Members from the Wanneroo SES will be in attendance to ensure people stay off the oval.”

Access to the main car park at the oval will be restricted and all vehicles can park at the Bendigo Complex.

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