The Liquid Fuel Emergency Simulation Exercise, Catalyst 2011, was undertaken by the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee (NOSEC) in June 2011. The NOSEC is the main executive channel through which Australian governments, in co-operation with industry, formulate the overall management response to a widespread fuel shortage.
Australia last undertook a national liquid fuel emergency simulation exercise, in June 2008. A key outcome of recommendations arising from Exercise Catalyst 2008 [
PDF, 38KB] was the development of the Communications Manuals to support the National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan (NLFERP). The aim of the NLFERP is to provide clear and robust guidance on the roles, responsibilities and processes of the key stakeholders and decision-makers.
Exercise Catalyst 2011 was designed to build on the outcomes of Catalyst 2008; in particular, it focused on the integration of the new Communications Manuals with the existing NLFERP in responding to a national liquid fuel emergency.
The aim of Catalyst 2011 was to ensure that the NLFERP architecture fulfils its role as an effective and robust plan in preparation and response to a liquid fuel emergency. Exercise objectives included building on NOSEC’s:
- Knowledge and understanding of the NLFERP;
- Understanding of roles, responsibilities and process to be followed in the event of an liquid fuel emergency; and
- Overall ability to effectively implement the NLFERP when required.