Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG)
The Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG) role is to coordinate communication and mobilisation of the local government sector and its resources, to effectively support control agencies and communities during emergencies.
Emergency management arrangements in South Australia are governed by the Emergency Management Act 2004 (Act) and State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP).
The SEMP designates a range of Control Agencies (i.e. lead agencies such at the Country Fire Service for bushfire emergencies), Support Agencies and Functional Support Groups.
Following adoption of a revised SEMP in 2016, the LGFSG was created, with the Local Government Association (LGA) designated as the lead. The South Australia’s 68 councils, and six regional Local Government Associations also have a key support role in the LGFSG.
When a significant emergency event occurs, the LGFSG establishes a headquarters or “State Command Centre” (SCC), located in Adelaide CBD to enable timely access to other State Agency Command Centres and the State Emergency Centre.
The LGFSG delivers support during incidents through various tasks including:
- facilitating efficient communication with and between councils
- mobilising staff and equipment to perform operational roles
- traffic and tree management, clearing of roads and emergency road closures
- construction of fire control lines and transport of non-potable water
- provision of local knowledge and advice
- providing local government liaison with emergency services and control agencies.
In recent years, the LGFSG has provided valuable support to Control Agencies and Supporting Agencies through emergency events including the 2019-20 bushfire season, COVID-19 pandemic and River Murray flooding.