Should a major emergency incident occur, the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre (MECC) is activated by the Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator (MERC - a member of Victoria Police). 

Where is the MECC located? 

The Civic Centre in Wonthaggi is the primary MECC location.  A secondary MECC can be activated at Cowes Cultural Centre if required.     During the Australian Motor Cycle Grand Prix the Cowes Cultural Centre is activated as a MECC and is used as an operations centre.  The MECC is staffed by Council officers, emergency services and recovery organisation representatives and provides logistical support to all agencies responding to the emergency.     No members of the public are permitted to enter a MECC.  

Media Relations

During an emergency the MERC or the agency in control of the emergency (eg the CFA for a fire) will pass on relevant information regularly to the media.  Tune into local radio stations such as

• 3GG (531AM)
• 3MFM (88.1, 89.1, 89.5FM) or
• ABC Radio (774AM)

for up-to-date information on the emergency.   

• WIN TV will also air frequent information.    

You should not call Council directly as only very limited information will be available.   Council staff will be mostly involved in the operation of the MECC.  

Emergency Relief Centres 

In preparation for an emergency a number of buildings have been designated in the Municipal Emergency Management Plan as Municipal Emergency Relief Centres.    At the direction of the MERC, or the agency in control of the emergency, one or more of these buildings may be activated to assist in the management of affected communities of visitors as:  

• an evacuation centre 
• emergency accommodation 
• emergency relief; or 
• another use as deemed necessary under the circumstances. 

Where do I go?

You will be directed to the most appropriate centre(s) by the Police or emergency services agencies.   

Need to know more?

Please contact our Emergency Management Team on 1300 BCOAST (226 278).