The WA Government has allocated two additional community emergency services managers (CESM) to work alongside local governments on strategies to protect communities before, during and after emergency incidents.
The CESM program has been in place since 2003, with the managers playing a vital role in helping mitigate risks to the community, supporting local governments with compliance, emergency management requirements and developing volunteer bushfire brigade capability and capacity.
There are currently 35 CESMs assisting 57 local governments across the State.
The Cook Government has approved a new CESM coordinator position to manage the program and two additional CESM positions – one to help the Shire of Dardanup and the other to work with the shires of Northampton and Chapman Valley.
“Expansion of the CESM program means local governments and their communities are better supported across the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases of emergency management,” said Emergency Services Minister, Paul Papalia.
“It was important the State Government continued its support for a program that has achieved outstanding results in emergency management across three decades.
“The CESM Program helps to enhance a coordinated and collaborative approach to emergency services between State, local government, bushfire brigades and the community.
“Bushfire brigades in the three shires will have greater access to training and administrative support and the new CESMs will also boost the emergency management capacity, skills and knowledge within the local government areas.”
Funding of $3.5 million was allocated for more CESMs in the 2025-26 State Budget as part of the State Government’s $80.6 million package for emergency services.
The two CESMs appointed this financial year will be followed by another four in 2026-27.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will conduct risk reviews to prioritise the appointment of the four additional CESMs, the Government confirmed.
