Port Phillip SEMP (Part 1) - Parks Victoria

S A F E T Y A N D E N V I R O N M E N T M A N A G E M E N T P L A N
F O R T H E L O C
port
A L P O R T O F
phillip
J U N E 2 0 0 5
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 1

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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

FOREWORD
Parks Victoria is the local port manager for the designated ports of Port Phillip and Western Port. The management of boating and recreational use of
the Bays is a complex undertaking, with responsibilities including recreational navigational aids, dredging, moorings and management of port
infrastructure catering for recreational and commercial activities including tour operators, ferry services, fishing fleets and aquaculture operations.
During 2004/05 alone, the piers and jetties managed by Parks Victoria received an estimated 31 million visits with on-water use of the two bays
accounting for a further 15 million visits.
Public facilities on the bays managed by Parks Victoria include 44 piers and jetties and their associated harbours, approximately 2,500 moorings,
1,000 navigation aids, 13 dredged channels, and a multitude of boat ramps, wharves, breakwaters, sea walls and other structures. Parks Victoria also
contributes to determining the future direction of the bays through strategic planning exercises such as the ‘Bays for Life’ program and active
involvement in the Central Coastal Board and Association of Bayside Municipalities.
Given the scale and diversity of this role, it is vital that Parks Victoria has an integrated system for managing and improving the safety and
environmental management performance of these local ports. This Safety and Environment Management Plan has been prepared under Part 6A of
the Port Services Act 1995. It provides the basis and direction for Safety and Environmental Management within the local ports.
The Management Plan is intended to promote best practice safety and environmental performance across all aspects of local port activities and to
encourage active management of the safety and environmental issues arising from port activities and operations for the benefit of employees, port
users, neighbours and the wider Victorian community.
In preparing this plan, Parks Victoria has consulted a wide range of agencies, stakeholders, community groups and individuals. It is our goal to
continue to strengthen these relationships and to further encourage all interested parties to actively participate in safety and environmental
management.
I endorse this plan and look forward to the improvements that will flow from its implementation.
Mark Stone
Chief Executive
Parks Victoria
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 3

CONTENTS
1 SUMMARY 5
1.1 Purpose of plan 5
1.2 Port management structure 5
1.3 Statement of port safety and environmental values 5
1.4 Description of port 6
1.5 Description of key activities 6
1.6 Major tenants, licensees and service providers 6
1.7 Overview of the plan development, implementation
and review process 6
1.8 Summary of significant hazards/risks and prevention/reduction
measures and strategies – in place and proposed 7
1.9 Summary of process for consultation with those affected by the plans 7
1.10 Plan endorsement by port management 7
1.11 Contact person 7
2 INTRODUCTION 8
2.1 Local port functions 9
2.2 Port safety and environment policies 9
2.3 Port safety and environmental goals and objectives 10
2.4 Role of the plans in port safety and environmental management 10
3 PORT DESCRIPTION 11
3.1 Areas of management and boundaries 11
3.2 Port tenants, licensees and service providers 12
3.3 Dangerous goods or hazardous materials storage facilities 12
4 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 13
4.1 Port organisation 13
5 PORT ACTIVITY MAPPING 14
6 RISK ASSESSMENT 15
6.1 Risk assessment framework 15
6.2 Risk assessment process 15
7 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION 16
7.1 Likelihood descriptors, impact descriptors and risk assessment matrix 26
8 CONTROL MEASURES FOR ACTIVITIES 19
9 RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 20
9.1 Interaction with emergency management 27
10 IMPLEMENTATION, REVIEW AND REVISION 28
10.1 Implementation procedures for management plan 28
10.2 Process for involvement of tenants, licensees and service providers 28
10.3 Internal review and update of management plans 28
11 CONSULTATION PROCESS SUMMARY 29
12 PUBLICATION AND AVAILABILITY OF MANAGEMENT PLANS 30
13 PLAN ENDORSEMENT AND CONTACT DETAILS 30
13.1 Contact person 30
14 APPENDICES 31
15 REFERENCES 32
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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

SUMMARY
1
1.1 Purpose of plan
Parks Victoria intends to use this plan as a management tool to systematically
examine the full scope of activities in the local port of Port Phillip and to ensure that
the significant risks to safety and environmental management are identified and
control measures are integrated into Parks Victoria’s management and operating
systems. Any identified gaps in controls will be addressed to minimise or eliminate
risks.
1.2 Port management structure
Parks Victoria is the Local Port manager for the designated ports of Port Phillip and
Western Port and is required to undertake the statutory functions as Local Port
Manager under section 44 of the Port Services Act 1995. Responsibilities include
managing facilities for navigational safety and port infrastructure for commercial
activities including tour operators, ferry services, fishing fleets and aquaculture
operations and recreational activities such as sightseeing, boat moorings and fishing.
Parks Victoria is divided into five management regions. The two local ports are
managed within the City and Bays region. The local Port of Port Phillip is managed by
the City and Waterways and Port Phillip districts. Within each district are local
management areas which manage particular areas of the local port.
1.3 Statement of port safety and environmental values
The role of the plans is to act as over-arching guidance to direct Parks Victoria and
the community to achieving outcomes for effective and efficient safety and
environmental management within the local ports of Port Phillip and Western Port.
Vision
An outstanding park and waterway system,
protected and enhanced, for people, forever.
Purpose
Parks Victoria exists to:
• Conserve, protect and enhance environmental
and cultural assets
• Responsibly meet the needs of our customers for
quality information, services, and experiences
• Provide excellence and innovation in park (and
waterways) management
• Contribute to the social and economic well being
of Victorians
The “Bays for Life” Strategy, developed by Parks
Victoria in 2003, outlines Parks Victoria’s vision for
investment and management to improve safe
navigation, access, enjoyment and protection of the
bays and coastal areas.
These Plans will complement current management and bring a whole of port
perspective to safety and environmental management in the local ports.
It is State Government Policy that there be one manager of recreational and
associated commercial activity on Port Phillip Bay and Western Port and this role has
been assigned to Parks Victoria.
Parks Victoria has a clear vision and purpose that guides all its operations.
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 5

SUMMARY cont’d
1.4 Description of port
Under the Port Services Act 1995, SEMPs are required to cover the designated port
waters and port lands that make up the local port of Port Phillip.
These include
• All the waters of Port Phillip Bay including Corio Bay and Swan Bay, as described in
the Government Gazette of November 29, 2001.
• The waters of the navigable rivers and creeks flowing into Port Phillip Bay, in the
case of the Yarra River, waters downstream of the Bolte Bridge and the
Maribyrnong River downstream of Footscray Road.
• Port Lands include various Crown Allotments described in the Government
Gazettes of 29 February 1996 and 26 June 1997 for which Parks Victoria is the
designated Committee of Management.
1.5 Description of key activities
In summary there are 8 groups of activities, that Parks Victoria manages or partially
manages, occurring in the local port of Port Phillip. They are:
• Group 1 Recreational boating – includes yachting and power boating (7 activities)
• Group 2 Other recreational activities including swimming, diving, parasailing and
walking along piers (18 activities)
• Group 3 Commercial boating – includes commercial fishing, tour operators,
charter boats and ferries (7 activities)
• Group 4 Other commercial activities including retail sales, filming and selling
of fish (5 activities)
• Group 5 Provision of access (4 activities)
• Group 6 Provision and maintenance of infrastructure (6 activities)
• Group 7 Berthing and mooring (5 activities)
• Group 8 Boat maintenance (6 activities).
In addition there are 41 activities identified as occurring in the local ports that Parks
Victoria does not manage.
1.6 Major tenants, licensees and service providers
Williamstown and Queenscliff are the two key Committee of Management areas with
20 and 4 tenants respectively. There are also 4 tenants located in the East Port Phillip
management area.
1.7 Overview of the plan development, implementation and review process
Information about the activities that occur around Port Phillip was supplied by Parks
Victoria staff based at the workcentres around the ports and other Parks Victoria staff
involved in the management of bay infrastructure and moorings as well from
consultation with stakeholder groups.
Parks Victoria undertook a two step hazard identification process. A risk assessment
workshop was held with key staff and key external organisations to gain an
understanding of the risk assessment process and then identify hazards and
undertake risk assessments for the main activities occurring in both the local ports. A
second workshop was held with Parks Victoria staff to complete the identification of
hazards and undertake risk assessments for those hazards for all activities managed
by Parks Victoria in both the local ports, except those undertaken by tenants. Hazards
relating to both safety and environmental management were identified for each
activity.
The development of the risk assessment framework is based on Parks Victoria’s
Corporate Risk Management Strategy which is based on the Australian / New Zealand
Standard, (AS/NZS 4360: 2004) for Risk Management.
In addition for those activities that Parks Victoria fully or partially manages an
assessment of the adequacy of controls was undertaken. This assessment process has
been taken from the Parks Victoria Corporate Risk Management Strategy. The
assessment was undertaken by Parks Victoria staff with input from some key
stakeholders.
An Implementation Plan has been developed to prevent, reduce or eliminate the
identified risks based on the analysis of;
a gaps in controls to manage activities and minimise hazards,
b gaps in controls to manage the hazards associated with activities, and
c risks with a Level of Risk rating of 12 or more,
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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

SUMMARY cont’d
The management plans will be implemented by working through the Implementation
Plan.
Parks Victoria will undertake an internal review of the Safety and Environment
Management Plans on an annual basis using its Corporate Internal Audit and Risk
Committee.
Parks Victoria will undertake an external third party review of the Safety and
Environment Management Plan every three years as required by the Port Services Act
(1995).
1.8 Summary of significant hazards/risks and prevention/reduction measures
and strategies – in place and proposed
Parks Victoria has identified 245 hazards in the local port of Port Phillip. A total of 85
of the hazards present risks to the environment and 155 present risks to safety. There
were 5 areas identified as having gaps in information and thus risk assessments could
not be undertaken. Of the 245 identified hazards 32 are rated at 12 or above in the
risk ratings giving them a ranking of significant or high risks. Of these hazards, 15
present risks to the environment and 17 present risks to safety. These impacts stem
from public recreational activities and associated commercial activities and Parks
Victoria management activities.
The majority of environmental hazards relate to wastes or contaminants entering the
immediate environment, damage to the sea bed and vegetation, marine pests,
wildlife disturbance and noise. The measures to control or reduce these impacts
include reviewing mooring zones and tackle types, improving enforcement of
regulations, improving co-ordination between agencies in enforcement and
education and considering environmental issues when planning for future
developments.
The majority of safety hazards relate to the use of recreational craft, use of craft by
commercial operators, activities involving people in the water, interactions between
the three, interactions between recreational craft and commercial shipping, moorings
and berthings, pedestrian activities and Parks Victoria’s management activities. The
measures to control or reduce these impacts include updating signage on piers and
jetties to educate the community and allow enforcement of regulations, introduce an
Event Management Framework, continue to maintain infrastructure and seek
additional funds and improve governance arrangements between the local and
commercial ports using the same waters. This range of measures is in addition to
existing controls.
1.9 Summary of process for consultation with those affected by the plans
A comprehensive communications plan was developed to identify all the internal and
external stakeholders that needed to be consulted for this process.
A risk assessment workshop was held in December 2004 with Parks Victoria staff and
representatives of key stakeholder groups.
Letters were sent to key segments of the community to inform them of, and
encourage them to, contribute to the development of the Safety and Environment
Management Plans in January 2005.
In May 2005 a public notice was placed in local papers within the areas immediately
adjacent to Port Phillip inviting comments on the draft plan. Key stakeholders were
sent a copy of the draft plan for comment.
Information was placed on Parks Victoria’s website and an email address provided for
feedback for both public comment periods.
Meetings were held with overlapping and adjacent ports and other key stakeholder
groups.
1.10 Plan endorsement by port management
This Safety and Environment Management Plan for the local port of Port Phillip has
been endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Victoria.
1.11 Contact person
The accountable contact person within Parks Victoria who is responsible for
managing queries relating to the Plan is:
Regional Manager
City and Bays Regional Office
Albert Park Rd Drive South
Albert Park, 3025.
Ph 13 1963
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 7

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INTRODUCTION
In early 2001, the Minister for Ports initiated a review of the impact of
major Victorian port reforms carried out in the mid -1990s. The review
resulted in a report to Government which made a series of
recommendations aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of
Victorian ports.
In response, the Government made a commitment to a range of significant
reforms to the Victorian port system, including actions to improve safety
and environment management in the ports. The central undertaking was
the revision of port legislation to require all ports to have in place a Safety
Management Plan and an Environment Management Plan appropriate to
the scale and nature of port operations. The requirement for Management
Plans was intended to address concerns raised about a fragmented
approach to land and marine based safety and environment management
and accountability. This was particularly an issue at the interface between
land and water in the ports. In addition to requiring a comprehensive, risk
based approach to safety and environment management by Port
Managers, the Management Plans are intended to facilitate integration of
the different safety and environmental regimes that already apply, and to
address any overlaps or gaps.
The Port Services Act 1995 (PSA) was amended in 2003 to include a new
broad legislative scheme requiring port managers to develop and
implement safety and environment management plans (SEMPs) for their
ports.
The development of Management Plans requires Port Managers to
systematically examine the full scope of activities in their ports to ensure
that hazards and risks are identified and controlled. The roles and
responsibilities of the various parties involved will be clearly identified and
will assist Port Managers to identify, assess and respond to hazards and
risks in a coordinated, effective and practical way.
Parks Victoria is the Local Port manager for the designated ports of Port
Phillip and Western Port. Responsibilities include managing facilities for
navigation safety and port infrastructure for commercial activities including
tour operators, ferry services, fishing fleets and aquaculture operations and
recreational activities such as sightseeing, boat moorings and fishing. Piers
and jetties receive an estimated 31 million visits each year and on-water
use of the two bays accounts for a further 15 million visits annually.
Facilities managed on the bays include 44 piers and jetties and their
associated harbours, approximately 2,500 moorings, 1,000 navigation aids,
13 dredged channels, harbours, a major slipway, wharves, breakwaters,
sea walls and other structures.
This Plan covers the Local Port of Port Phillip. Port Phillip Bay covers 1,950
square kilometres and is relatively shallow with an average depth of 13
metres. The Local Port waters overlap Marine National Parks and
Sanctuaries. The commercial shipping channels managed by the Port of
Melbourne Corporation and Victorian Regional Channels Authority overlap
the local port waters in Port Phillip Bay. The beach foreshore is managed
mainly by the local councils and in some cases Committees of
Management. There are two Ramsar wetland sites In Port Phillip – Western
Shoreline and Bellarine Peninsula. Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves are found
in the local port.
This plan has been developed and based on the Ministerial Guidelines
(February 2005) provided by the Department of Infrastructure (DoI, 2005).
It covers activities occurring in the local port, hazards associated with
activities managed by Parks Victoria, risk assessments of those hazards, an
analysis of controls, their effectiveness and degree of use and identifies
gaps within those controls. An Implementation Plan has been developed to
resolve the issues identified.
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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

INTRODUCTIONcont’d
2.1 Local Port functions
Parks Victoria is required to undertake the statutory functions as Local Port Manager
for Port Phillip under section 44 of the Port Services Act 1995:
• to manage the operations of the port, particularly with respect to shipping and
boating activities in the port, with a view to ensuring that those operations are
carried out safely, efficiently and effectively
• to provide, develop and maintain port facilities, including wharves, jetties, slipways,
breakwaters, moorings, buildings and vehicle parks
• to provide, develop and maintain, in accordance with any relevant standards
developed by the Director Marine Safety Victoria, navigation aids in the port
• to provide, develop and maintain, in accordance with any relevant standards
developed by the Director Marine Safety Victoria, navigation channels in the port;
• to manage the operations of the port, and the construction and operation of port
facilities and navigational channels in a manner that minimises the risk of
environmental damage;
• to participate in the control of marine and land pollution in the port as a relevant
statutory authority under the Victorian component of the National Plan to Combat
Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances;
• to allocate and manage moorings and berths in the port;
• to do anything else in relation to the port that is specified by the Minister in a
declaration in an Order published in the Government Gazette.
General powers under further sections of the Port Services Act include:
• Section 44B – power to enter into contracts, agreements and employ staff
• Section 44C – delegation to employees
• Section 44D – imposing charges
• Section 44E – dredging
• Section 44F – other works
• Section 44G – act as harbour master if there is no harbour master.
The Port Services (Local Ports) Regulations 2004 allows Parks Victoria the power to
authorise:
• areas to be ‘set aside’ for certain purposes (eg casual berthing, parking of vehicles),
identification of the times and classes of person / vehicle or vessel involved, and
signage requirements,
• areas to be set aside where certain activities are prohibited (eg fishing, landing or
launching or vessels),
• setting aside areas where entry or access is prohibited, and times and classes of
person/vehicle or vessel involved and signage requirements,
• setting aside berthing and mooring areas, authorising certain activities.
The Marine Act allows the Director of Marine Safety Victoria to appoint Harbour
Masters for specific ports. Where there is no harbour master for a local port the port
manager can act as Harbour Master (both through the Marine Act and the Port
Services Act), and the Board of Parks Victoria has delegated these powers to the
Regional Manager, City and Bays.
Parks Victoria is Committee of Management under section 14(2) of the Crown Land
Reserves Act 1978 for various areas of reserved Crown land, including piers, jetties,
land and sea bed. For areas of land and seabed which have been reserved, Parks
Victoria in its capacity as a Committee of Management, can only grant permits for
moorings under the provisions of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. For areas of
seabed which have not been reserved, Parks Victoria in its capacity as a port manager
of a local port can allocate moorings under the provisions of the Port Services Act
1995 and the associated Port Services (Local Ports) Regulations 2004 where they are
not inconsistent with the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
2.2 Port safety and environment policies
Parks Victoria is guided by its Corporate Plan, Policy Manual and Legislative
obligations to provide services to the State and its agencies for the management of
parks, reserves, bays, waterways and other land under the control of the State. The
key initiatives and actions established by the Corporate Plan, along with its Policies
and legal obligations, form the foundation of Parks Victoria’s service delivery
responsibilities, and are the first point for the application of safety and environment
policies.
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 9

INTRODUCTIONcont’d
2.3 Port safety and environmental goals and objectives
It is State Government Policy that there be one manager of recreational and
associated commercial activity on Port Phillip Bay and this role has been assigned to
Parks Victoria.
Parks Victoria has a clear vision and purpose that guides all its operations.
Vision
An outstanding park and waterway system, protected and enhanced, for
people, forever.
Purpose
Parks Victoria exists to:
• Conserve, protect and enhance environmental and cultural assets
2.4 Role of the plans in port safety and environmental management
The role of this plan is to act as over-arching guidance to direct Parks Victoria,
tenants, service providers, agencies and community members to achieving outcomes
for effective and efficient safety and environmental management within the local
ports of Port Phillip.
This Plan is not intended to displace or supersede past or proposed operational
activities and plans such as audits, assessments, management plans and partnerships.
It instead will complement current management and bring a whole of port
perspective to safety and environmental management in the local port.
This plans have been developed and based on the Ministerial Guidelines (February,
2005) provided by the Department of Infrastructure.
One plan has been produced to cover both safety and environmental management
issues in the local port of Port Phillip. It has been identified through the plan whether
issues relate to safety or environmental management.
• Responsibly meet the needs of our customers for quality information,
services, and experiences
• Provide excellence and innovation in park (and waterways) management
• Contribute to the social and economic well being of Victorians
The “Bays for Life” Strategy (Parks Victoria, 2003a), developed by Parks
Victoria in 2003, outlines Parks Victoria’s vision for investment and
management to improve safe navigation, access and enjoyment of the
bays and coastal areas.
This Strategy has five key initiatives:
• Provide for safe navigation and equitable access,
• Enhance diverse precincts,
• Develop and support a strong bay tourism industry,
• Undertake environmental management and protection,
• Ensure co-ordinated management across both bays.
These key areas have been used in Section 9 of this plan as a means of
organising risk management actions.
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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

PORT DESCRIPTION 3
3.1 Areas of management and boundaries
Under the Port Services Act 1995, SEMPs are required to cover the designated port
waters and port lands that make up the local port of Port Phillip.
These include
• All the waters of Port Phillip Bay including Corio Bay and Swan Bay, as described in
the Government Gazette of November 29, 2001.
• The waters of the navigable rivers and creeks flowing into the two Bays, in the case
of the Yarra River, waters downstream of the Bolte Bridge and the Maribyrnong
River downstream of Footscray Road.
• Port Lands include various Crown Allotments described in the Government
Gazettes of 29 February 1996 and 26 June 1997 for which Parks Victoria is the
designated Committee of Management as listed below.
The Committee of Management areas for the Point Lonsdale Jetty and the Swan Bay
Jetty have altered with the declaration of the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park
under the National Parks Act 1975. The status of Marine National Park supersedes
the Committee of Management designation. The area excised from the Marine
National Park around Point Lonsdale Jetty is still covered by a Committee of
Management designation. The channel excised from the Marine National Park around
Swan Bay Jetty is only partially covered by the designated Committee of
Management. The status given to the rest of the channel needs to be resolved.
Maps of the local port area, including detail of the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong
Rivers and the Committee of Management areas are in Figure 1.
The area covered by the Committee of Management at Queenscliff Harbour will
change in the near future with the leasing of a substantial part of the area.
The local port overlaps with the management areas of the Port of Melbourne
Corporation, the Port of Geelong and the Victorian Regional Channels Authority in
the local port of Port Phillip. The areas of overlap are shown in Figure 2.
Parks Victoria management area
• Bellarine Peninsula
• Point Cook
• North Port Phillip
• East Port Phillip
Committee of Management area
• Point Lonsdale Jetty (area excluded from Port
Phillip Heads Marine National Park)
• Queenscliff Harbour
• Swan Bay Jetty (area excluded from Port Phillip
Heads Marine National Park)
• Portarlington Pier
• St Leonard’s Jetty and Breakwater
• Altona Pier
• Werribee South Jetty
• St Kilda’s Brooks Jetty
• St Kilda Pier and Breakwater
• Lagoon Pier
• Kerferd Road Pier
• Williamstown Workshop
• Stoney Creek Backwash
• Black Rock Jetty
• Dromana Pier
• Frankston Pier
• Hampton Jetty and Sandringham Breakwater
• Middle Brighton Pier and Breakwater
• Mordialloc Pier
• Mornington Pier and Jetty
• Patterson River Rock Walls
• Portsea Pier
• Rosebud Pier
• Rye Pier
• Seaford Pier
• Sorrento Pier
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 11

PORT DESCRIPTIONcont’d
3.2 Port tenants, licensees and service providers
There are 28 tenants across the local port. There are 4 tenants located in the East Port
Phillip management area. Williamstown, in the North Port Phillip management area
and Queenscliff, in the Bellarine management area are the two key Committee of
Management areas with 20 and 4 tenants respectively. The location of tenants in the
Queenscliff Harbour Committee of Management area will change substantially in the
near future with the leasing of part of the area. The requirement for Safety and
Environment Management Plans for this lease and any sub-leases has been
incorporated into the contract.
In addition to tenants at Williamstown there are six other businesses that have
licenses or permits to occupy parts of the local port
Maps of tenants lease areas are in Figure 3. The tenants, their localities and activities
are listed in Appendix 1 as are the license and permit holders.
In addition there are 38 commercial operators with tenancies located on the Yarra or
Maribyrnong Rivers upstream of the local port that are licensed with Trading Vessel
Permits and regularly use the local port of Port Phillip for their activities.
Parks Victoria manages berthing and mooring permits in the local port. Designated
mooring areas are managed by Parks Victoria workcentres around the local ports or
are managed on Parks Victoria’s behalf by yacht clubs. Set-asides to designate
mooring areas as required by the Port Services (Local Port) Regulations 2004,
Regulation 205 were completed in 2004. There are 37 mooring areas in Port Phillip.
Service providers (eg maintenance contractors) are invited to submit expressions of
interest and are then placed on a preferred suppliers list for use by local work centres.
3.3 Dangerous goods or hazardous materials storage facilities
There are no dangerous goods or hazardous materials storage facilities in Parks
Victoria managed areas of the local port.
There may be some facilities in tenants areas but this information is not available.
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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 4
4.1 Port organisation
Parks Victoria is divided into five management regions. The local port is managed
within the City and Bays region. The local Port of Port Phillip is managed by the City
and Waterways and Port Phillip districts. Whilst each of the two local ports are
managed by different districts within the region their management is co-ordinated
and complementary.
Parks Victoria offices overseeing local management areas of the local port of Port
Phillip are located at Queenscliff, Point Cook, Williamstown, Burnley, Patterson River
and Rosebud within the City and Waterways and Port Phillip Districts of the City and
Bays Region. Asset management covering pier and jetty works, dredging and
navigation aid maintenance is managed by the City and Bays Regional Asset group,
Visitor and Asset Programs and the Major Works sections of Parks Victoria.
The leases for tenants and licensees are managed by the Commercial Business
Division of Parks Victoria. Day to day interaction with tenants is managed by local
staff. Mooring and berthing permits are administered centrally by the City and Bays
Region whilst local management area staff oversee compliance with permit
conditions and the safe and efficient operation of the mooring grounds.
Where there is no harbour master for a local port the port manager can act through
both the Marine Act and the Port Services Act. The Board of Parks Victoria has
delegated these powers to the Regional Manager, City and Bays and, in consultation
with the Regional Manager, to the relevant District Chief Rangers for the Port Phillip
and City and Waterways districts.
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 13

5
PORT ACTIVITY MAPPING
There are numerous activities occurring in the local port of Port Phillip. Many safety
and environmental hazards and risks are associated with these activities.
Information about the activities that occur around Port Phillip was supplied by Parks
Victoria staff based at the 6 workcentres around the port and other Parks Victoria
staff involved in the management of bay infrastructure and moorings as well from
consultation with stakeholder groups.
A summary of the activities for Port Phillip is shown in Appendix 2. Activities are listed
as to where within the port they occur so that all aspects of each activity are
captured. “In CoM waters” refers to activity on the water within Committee of
Management areas. “Port waters” means the waters of the ports outside the
Committee of Management areas.
A comprehensive activity map has been prepared that includes all the activities for
Port Phillip (Appendix 3). The map lists the activities around each of the Committee of
Management areas comprising the piers and jetties. This is further divided into “on
port land”, “on pier or jetty” including activities associated with berthed boats and
“within CoM waters” and also the activities occurring further out in the “port
waters” of the local port. The “port waters” are divided into local management areas
managed by each of the 6 Parks Victoria workcentres around the local port. This
activity map also summarises at how many localities each activity occurs.
For each activity in the local port, it has been identified whether Parks Victoria has a
lead role in management, partially manages or does not manage that activity.
In summary there are 8 groups of activities, that Parks Victoria manages or partially
manages, occurring in the local port of Port Phillip. They are:
• Group 1 Recreational boating – includes yachting and power boating (7 activities)
• Group 2 Other recreational activities including swimming, diving, parasailing
and walking along piers (18 activities)
• Group 3 Commercial boating – includes commercial fishing, tour operators,
charter boats and ferries (7 activities)
• Group 4 Other commercial activities including retail sales, filming and selling
of fish (5 activities)
• Group 5 Provision of access (4 activities)
• Group 6 Provision and maintenance of infrastructure (6 activities)
• Group 7 Berthing and mooring (5 activities)
• Group 8 Boat maintenance (6 activities).
These groupings were also informed by a visitor segmentation study using data
gathered during visitor satisfaction surveys on piers around Port Phillip Bay between
2000 and 2004. (Parks Victoria, 2004).
In addition there are 41 activities identified as occurring in the local port that Parks
Victoria does not manage. These are listed in Appendix 5.
The activities that Parks Victoria manages or partially manages are listed in
Appendix 4.
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Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

RISK ASSESSMENT 6
Effective management of hazards and their associated risks involves a structured and
systematic approach to analysing and assessing risk, which enables controls to be
targeted to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions, which achieve the desired safety
and environmental outcomes.
Each activity in the local port, for which Parks Victoria has a lead role in management
or a partial role in management, was taken forward and examined in the risk
assessment process followed by an assessment of the adequacy of controls for
managing the activity.
Risk assessments and an analysis of the adequacy of controls were not undertaken
for activities not managed by Parks Victoria. Risk assessments were not undertaken
for tenants activities.
6.2 Risk assessment process
Parks Victoria’s risk management process involves the systematic application of the
following six steps of:
1 Establishing the context
2 Identifying the risks
3 Analysing the risks
4 Evaluating the risks
5 Treating the risks
6 Monitoring and Review
6.1 Risk assessment framework
The development of the risk assessment framework for the SEMPs is based on Parks
Victoria’s Corporate Risk Management Strategy (Parks Victoria, 2003b).
Parks Victoria’s Risk Management Strategy and Risk Management process is based on
the application of the Australian / New Zealand Standard, (AS/NZS 4360: 2004) Risk
Management (Standards Australia, 2004), and the Guidelines For Managing Risk In
The Australian Public Service.
Definitions used within the framework are outlined in Appendix 6.
This is consistent with the requirements in the Ministerial Guidelines.
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 15

7
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Hazard identification is a key step in the risk management process. If hazards are not
identified and recognised as having potential to impact on port safety and
environment performance, it is probable that that they will not be adequately
managed. There is a wide range of hazards across the port operations and often
multiple hazards in individual locations. These hazards may also arise at varying times
or interact to produce a number of unwanted outcomes.
Parks Victoria undertook a two step hazard identification process. A risk assessment
workshop was held with key staff and key external organisations to gain an
understanding of the risk assessment process and then identify hazards and
undertake risk assessments for the main activities occurring in the local ports. A
second workshop was held with Parks Victoria staff to complete the identification of
hazards and undertake risk assessments for those hazards for all activities managed
by Parks Victoria in the local ports, except those undertaken by tenants. Hazards
relating to both safety and environmental management were identified for each
activity.
The list of activities and associated hazards is in Appendix 7.
For each hazard associated with an activity, the agency, organisation or person that is
responsible for managing that hazard has been identified along with the appropriate
control measure. Any lack of clarity in assigning responsibility has been documented
as has been any gaps in controls for managing hazards. This assessment is
documented in Appendix 7.
The identified gaps in controls or responsibilities for managing hazards have been
taken forward and addressed in the Implementation Plan in Section 10.
In summary 245 hazards have been identified. A total of 85 of the hazards present
risks to the environment and 155 present risks to safety. There were 5 areas identified
as having gaps in information and thus risk assessments could not be undertaken. Of
the 245 identified hazards 32 are rated at 12 or above in the risk ratings giving them
a ranking of significant or high risks. Of these hazards, 15 present risks to the
environment and 17 present risks to safety.
7.1 Likelihood descriptors, impact descriptors and risk assessment matrix
Descriptors for the definitions used to determine likelihood of the hazard occurring
and the impact of its consequence were developed using the Parks Victoria Corporate
Risk Management Strategy and the Parks Victoria Park Management Planning
Operational Policy (Parks Victoria, 1998) for developing park management plans.
The Likelihood and Impact descriptors were presented to DSE and the EPA for
comment and appraisal. Suggested changes were incorporated into the descriptors.
The Likelihood descriptors are shown in Figure 4 and the Impact descriptors are
shown in Figure 5.
The Risk Assessment matrix used to determine the level of risk for each hazard is
taken from the Australian / New Zealand Standard, (AS/NZS 4360: 2004). The matrix
is in Figure 6. The likelihood rating and the consequence rating are multiplied to give
a Level of Risk rating. The designated level of risk of low, moderate, significant and
high indicates the level of management response required for any particular risk. The
level of risk rating can be used to compare different risks and assist in determining
priority for response and action.
The hazards associated with each activity were assessed for likelihood and impact and
given a Level of Risk rating. The assessments and Level of Risk rating for each hazard
is listed in Appendix 7. This will form the Risk Register for the local port.
Figure 4 Likelihood of impact occurring
Likelihood descriptors
Description
5 (Almost certain) Expected to occur in most circumstances
(e.g. > 1 per week)
4 (Likely) Likely to occur in most circumstances
(e.g. ~1 per month)
3 (Moderate) Could occur (e.g. 1 every 3 - 6 months)
2 (Unlikely) Unlikely to occur in most circumstances
(e.g. 1 every 12 months or greater)
1 (Rare) Unlikely to occur except in specific and uncommon
circumstances (e.g. 1 every 5 years or more)
16
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

HAZARD IDENTIFICATIONcont’d
Score Descriptor Personal Injury Financial Loss Reputation / Image Business
Interruption
5 Catastrophic Multiple deaths Loss greater than
$10,000,000
4 Major Paraplegia,
quadriplegia, brain
damage or death
3 Moderate Serious and / or
extensive injuries
requiring medical
treatment with
hospital admission
2 Minor Moderate injuries
requiring medical
treatment but without
hospital admission
1 Insignificant Minor injuries
immediately treated
on-site with First aid
treatment.
Loss up to
$10,000,000
Loss up to
$1,000,000
Loss up to
$100,000
Loss less than
$10,000
Significant issue
requiring Government
response and involving
international media
coverage
Major issue leading to
Government
involvement and
national media
coverage
Issue requiring CEO
and Ministerial
involvement and
attracting State media
Issue involving local
media and resolved in
the Region
Local complaint
resolved at the work
centre
Program delivery
disrupted for greater
than 1 month
Program delivery
disrupted for up to 1
month
Program delivery
disrupted for up to 1
week
Program delivery
disrupted for less than
1 day
Program delivery
disrupted for less than
4 hrs.
Environmental
• Extreme and long-term impact to viability of a
population / species / ecological community
within the study area.
• Major / possibly irreparable damage to ecological
processes.
• Extremely slow recovery of ecological processes
with significant intervention required.
• Major medium-term impact to viability of a
population / species / ecological community
within the study area.
• Major impact to distribution and abundance of
key species / ecological processes.
• Slow recovery of ecological processes with
substantial management intervention required.
• Considerable and short to medium-term impact
to viability of population / species / marine
ecological community within the study area.
• Population, species or community unlikely to be
lost without intervention but distribution and
abundance may be reduced.
• Recovery of ecological processes will be slow with
minor management intervention.
• Minor short-term impact to viability of a
population / species / ecological community
within the study area.
• Minor impact on the distribution or abundance
without management intervention.
• Relatively quick recovery of ecological processes
with no (or little) direct intervention required.
• Minimal impact to viability of a population /
species / ecological community within the study
area.
• Small impact on the distribution or abundance
possible without intervention.
• Rapid recovery of ecological processes with no (or
minute) direct intervention required.
Legal
Significant prosecution
and fines.
Major breach of
regulation.
Major litigation
Litigation action
initiated.
Serious breach of
regulations.
Aggrieved person
lodging complaint
directly.
Minor legal issues,
non-compliances.
No legal action
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 17

HAZARD IDENTIFICATIONcont’d
Figure 6 Risk Assessment matrix
Likelihood
of impact
occurring
5 (Almost
certain)
Insignificant
1
Minor
2
Severity of consequence
Moderate
3
Major
4
Catastrophic
5
S (5) S(10) H(15) H(20) H(25)
4 (Likely) M(4) S(8) S(12) H(16) H(20)
3 (Moderate) L(3) M(6) S(9) H(12) H(15)
2 (Unlikely) L(2) L(4) M(6) S(8) H(10)
1 (Rare) L(1) L(2) M(3) S(4) S(5)
Legend:
H High Risk: Detailed research and management planning required at senior levels
S Significant Risk: Senior management attention needed
M Moderate Risk: Management responsibility must be specified
L Low Risk: Manage by routine procedures
18
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

CONTROL MEASURES FOR ACTIVITIES 8
The numerous activities that occur in the local port have a range of control measures
used to manage them. These may include legislation, management plans, operating
rules, zoned areas, policies and international laws.
For those activities that Parks Victoria fully or partially manages an assessment of the
adequacy of controls was undertaken. This assessment has been taken from the Parks
Victoria Corporate Risk Management Strategy. The assessment was undertaken by
Parks Victoria staff with input from some key stakeholders.
Controls were assessed against 3 criteria –
The activities, the controls and the control effectiveness rankings are listed in
Appendix 4
For activities which have all of the criteria fully satisfied a score of 3 was recorded. For
each activity that had controls for which any of the three criteria was assessed as
partially or not satisfied a score of more than three was recorded. For any activity
which recorded a score of more than three the gap in the controls was documented.
These identified gaps were taken forward and addressed in the Implementation Plan
in Section 9.
• Identified & documented – are the controls known about and written down
• Adequate – are the controls adequate to manage the activity
• Applied – does Parks Victoria or the associated management agency apply these
controls in managing the activity
The 3 criteria were then assessed against whether they were:
• Fully satisfied
• Partially satisfied or
• Not satisfied
The 3 ratings are then totalled and used to rank control effectiveness.
The table used to assess the criteria is in Figure 7.
Figure 7 Control Effectiveness Ranking
CRITERIA
Criteria fully
satisfied
Criteria partially
satisfied
Criteria not
satisfied
Control
Identified &
Documented +
Control
Adequate +
Control
Applied
1 1 1
3 2 2
6 3 3
= Score
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 19

9
RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
An Implementation Plan has been developed to prevent, reduce or eliminate the
identified risks based on the analysis of;
a gaps in controls to manage activities and minimise hazards (Appendix 4),
b gaps in controls to manage the hazards associated with activities (Appendix 7), and
c risks with a Level of Risk rating of 12 or more.
The structure of the Implementation Plan is based on the themes from The Bays for
Life Strategy. For each action the gap in the control measure for the activity and/or
hazard that is intended to be addressed is listed. Responsibilities and timelines have
been assigned. An assessment of resourcing has been undertaken but not included in
this document.
Access
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
20
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 21

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
Diverse precincts
22
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
Environmental protection
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 23

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
Tourism
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
24
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 25

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
Co-ordination across bays
26
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

RISK TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT – IMPLEMENTATION PLANcont’d
ISSUE ACTION WHO IS
RESPONSIBLE
TIMELINE
Activity group
& number
(Appendix 4)
Hazard
number
(Appendix 7)
9.1 Interaction with Emergency Management
Parks Victoria recognises that the development of this plan will not completely
eliminate risks associated with port activities. To counteract this Parks Victoria has in
place an Emergency Management Framework and incident response procedures and
processes to manage incidents.
Under the Emergency Management Act (1986) Parks Victoria is responsible for
responding to certain emergencies as a support agency. As part of Parks Victoria’s
duty of care as outlined in the Emergency Management Manual Victoria (Department
of Justice), Emergency Management Plans have been prepared for each of the Parks
Victoria management areas within the local port of Port Phillip (Parks Victoria c-h,
2003)).
In addition Parks Victoria has in place an Incident Response procedure in which staff
are required to document and report incidents that occur on Parks Victoria estate.
This outlines the process to undertake action and then to communicate the details of
the incident within Parks Victoria.
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 27

10
IMPLEMENTATION, REVIEW AND REVISION
10.1 Implementation procedures for Management Plan
The management plan will be implemented by working through the Implementation
Plan. As actions are completed any changes to policy, procedures and required action
will be incorporated into Parks Victoria’s management and operating systems.
10.2 Process for involvement of tenants, licensees and service providers
One of the key actions within the Implementation Plan is to establish forums and
opportunities to encourage and enable tenants and licensees to work with Parks
Victoria in a whole of port approach to safety and environmental management.
Specifically working groups will be established for the local ports to provide a forum
for information sharing and consulting and encouraging tenants to be involved in the
implementation of these plans. More than one group may be required in Port Phillip
given the geographic spread of tenants.
10.3 Internal review and update of management plans
Parks Victoria will undertake an internal review of the Safety and Environment
Management Plans on an annual basis as part of its audit program. A clear procedure
will be developed and will outline the program and methodology for the review to
ensure that planned arrangements are being implemented and participating staff are
appropriately trained. Any altered or additional actions will be incorporated into the
Regional Action Plan for the City and Bays Region.
Both of these processes will address the following:
• Currency
• Progress in implementing risk reduction measures
• Adequacy of current controls
• The need to update any or all sections of the plan.
Additional reviews will be considered whenever any of the following occur:
• Incidents and near miss incidents
• Changes to key legislation and regulations
• Changes in the nature, scale or extent of port activities.
Parks Victoria will undertake an external third party review of the Safety and
Environment Management Plan every three years as required by the Port Services Act
(1995).
Port activities will be included into the Corporate Risk Profile which is reviewed on an
annual basis by the Parks Victoria Board’s Internal Audit and Risk Committee.
Current systems and processes within Parks Victoria will be examined for their
adequacy to implement the SEMPs and maintain the controls identified in the SEMPs.
Any gaps will require the modification of systems.
28
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

CONSULTATION PROCESS SUMMARY 11
A comprehensive communications plan was developed to identify all the internal and
external stakeholders that needed to be consulted for this process.
Public consultation. – January 2005
A database of key groups, organisations, businesses, port users and tenants was
compiled from information provided by Parks Victoria staff.
Letters were sent to the following segments of the community to inform them of,
and encourage them to, contribute to the development of the Safety and
Environment Management Plans for both local ports.
Parks Victoria tenants on port land 85
Peak groups including agencies 54
User groups 143
Community groups 47
Mooring/berthing permit holders 1625
(a cross section)
Information was placed on Parks Victoria’s website and an email address provided for
feedback.
Tenants were provided with additional information on controls for activities that may
occur on their site.
A summary of the feedback from public consultation concerning both local ports is in
Appendix 8 Feedback was received from 14 individuals, 5 community groups, 7 port
user groups or clubs, 4 tenants and 5 peak groups. All information gathered was
analysed and incorporated into the SEMP. Any issue not covered by the SEMP or not
managed by Parks Victoria was forwarded to the appropriate agency or organisation
for action.
Risk assessment workshop – December 2004
Parks Victoria staff from around the bays and those working in relevant areas were
invited to the workshop.
Key peak groups were invited to attend. Invitees were:
Victorian Yachting Council
VR Fish
Marine and Coastal Community Network
Tourism Alliance
Dive Industry Victoria
EPA
Surf Lifesaving Victoria
Australian Power Boat Association
Scuba Divers Federation Victoria
This workshop was used to familiarise the attendees with the risk assessment process
and to involve them in group discussions on identifying hazards and assessing risks
for both local ports.
Risk assessments - February 2005
A second small workshop with Parks Victoria staff was held to complete the risk
assessments for all the activities, fully or partially managed by Parks Victoria,
occurring in both local ports.
Other adjacent or overlapping ports
Meetings were held with Port of Melbourne, Port of Geelong and the Victorian
Regional Channels Authority.
Draft SEMP public comment period – April/May 2005
A public notice was placed in local papers within the areas immediately adjacent to
Port Phillip Bay inviting comments on the draft report with a focus on key activities,
hazards and suggested action.
Key stakeholders were sent a copy for comment.
The submission period was for four weeks. All comments were assessed against the
Ministerial Guidelines for relevance, inclusion or omission.
Feedback was received from 5 peak groups, 1 local council and 4 port users or clubs.
The comments received are summarised in Appendix 8.
Marine Safety Victoria
Gippsland Ports
DSE – Alps and Coasts Unit and Marine Unit
Boating Industry Association
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 29

12
PUBLICATION AND AVAILABILITY OF MANAGEMENT PLANS
A copy of the Safety and Environment Management Plan will be held at Parks Victoria
workcentres that manage a section of each local port.
The Safety and Environment Management Plan will be available on Parks Victoria’s
website parkweb.vic.gov.au
13
PLAN ENDORSEMENT AND CONTACT DETAILS
This Safety and Environment Management Plan for the local port of Port Phillip has
been endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Victoria.
13.1 Contact person
The accountable contact person within Parks Victoria who is responsible for
managing queries relating to the Plan is:
Regional Manager
City and Bays Regional Office
Albert Park Rd Drive South
Albert Park, 3025.
Ph 13 1963
30
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip

APPENDICES 14
Figure 1 1a Map of Local Port area
1b
Map of detail of local port boundary on Lower Yarra
and Maribyrnong Rivers
1c
Locality map of Committee of Management areas
1d – zb Maps of each Committee of Management area
Figure 2 2a Map of overlap of management areas between Parks
Victoria and Port of Melbourne Corporation, Port of
Geelong and Victorian Regional Channels Authority.
2b
Map of detail of overlap between local and commercial
ports on Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers
Figure 3 3a-f Map of tenant’s areas
Appendix 1 Tenants, localities and activities
Appendix 2 Port Phillip Activity map summary
Appendix 3 Port Phillip comprehensive activity map
Appendix 4 Activities, management responsibilities, controls and control
effectiveness rankings
Appendix 5 Activities that Parks Victoria does not manage
Appendix 6 Risk management definitions
Appendix 7 Activities and hazards and level of risk ratings
Appendix 8 Summary of public feedback
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip 31

15
REFERENCES
Department of Infrastructure (2005). Ministerial Guidelines: Port Safety and
Environment Management Plans.
Parks Victoria (2003a). Bays for Life. Strategic directions for the Bays.
Parks Victoria (2004). Piers Visitor Market Segmentation (Visitor Satisfaction Monitor
2000/01 to 2003/04).
Parks Victoria (2003b). Corporate Risk Management Strategy.
Standards Australia (2004) Australian Standard Risk Management AS/NZS 4360
Parks Victoria (1998) Park Management Planning Operational Policy 1.2P.
Department of Justice. Emergency Management Manual Victoria
Parks Victoria (2003c) Emergency Management Plan for East Port Phillip.
Parks Victoria (2003d) Emergency Management Plan for North Port Phillip.
Parks Victoria (2003e) Emergency Management Plan for Bellarine Peninsula.
Parks Victoria (2003f) Emergency Management Plan for East Port Phillip.
Parks Victoria (2003g) Emergency Management Plan for Point Cook Coastal Park.
Parks Victoria (2002h) Emergency Management Plan for City and Waterways District.
32
Safety and environment management plan for the local port of Port Phillip