National Gas Emergency Response Advisory Committee (NGERAC)
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism provides secretariat support and also is currently the Chair of the National Gas Emergency Response Advisory Committee (NGERAC).
In May 2005, the Ministerial Council on Energy (MCE) signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the National Gas Emergency Response Protocol for natural gas supply shortages affecting jurisdictions with interconnected gas supply networks. This Protocol applies to natural gas supply shortages affecting two or more jurisdictions and is designed to ensure that natural gas supply interruptions are managed in a nationally consistent manner.
NGERAC was established as part of the Memorandum of Understanding. Its membership comprises representatives of governments and all sectors of the gas industry and gas users. This Advisory Committee provides advice to the MCE and jurisdictions on efficient and effective responses to major natural gas supply shortages to maintain the integrity of the gas supply system and overall public health and safety.
Since its establishment in May 2005, NGERAC has developed a number of initiatives to assist it in undertaking its functions, including:
- expert analytical capacity to support the development of specific emergency response options
- a Communications Protocol which sets out more detailed instructions for government officials and industry members in the event of an incident
- a Procedures Manual that defines roles and responsibilities of NGERAC jurisdictional and industry members to ensure that all NGERAC members can participate in assisting with the management of a multi-jurisdictional gas supply incident.