Following feedback from the community, Lismore City Council has launched a new flood preparedness campaign – Live Flood Ready – to raise awareness in households, on how to prepare for one of Lismore's most recognised natural hazards.
Council has partnered with the lead emergency service, the NSW SES, to bring together up-to-date information and tips on how to prepare for a flood in one easy-to-access location so households can make informed decisions about their flood risk.
Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said the approach of tropical Cyclone Alfred was a reminder that is important that we do not become complacent.
"Those who have lived in Lismore all their lives understand the reality is Lismore is built on a floodplain, and we will flood again," he said.
"It is up to each one of us to ensure that we are prepared, we have a plan, and we are ready to act if we need to. We all have a role to play and should not solely rely on SES volunteers in a severe weather event."
The four-week campaign, which will encourage the community to go to the updated flood information section of Council's website, will include jargon-free flood terminology, tips and tools to Live Flood Ready, available apps to download, and links to the NSW SES and other useful websites and social media pages to follow and stay informed.
Simply go to the 'natural hazards' section on Council's website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au and hit the Floods icon, or click here
In addition to this education campaign, Council will also work closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW SES on a regional program later this year to increase community flood-risk awareness. The Australian Government will fund this work through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).
Did you know Council's role during a local flood emergency is to:
- Serve as a conduit for key information on the emergency event from the State Emergency Service and police.
- Support the NSW SES, the lead agency in an emergency, with the resources, people and equipment they need to manage the emergency and any follow-up recovery actions.
- Continue our constant and close monitoring of Council-managed open spaces, reserves, facilities, telemetry, levee system and roads for any impacts
- Mobilise our own resources, people and equipment to respond to any identified impacts.
- Provide key information to the community and relevant stakeholders about how Council's services or facilities are impacted such as Water and Sewer Services, Waste Collection and availability of Council Services.
- Support community led approaches to coping with emergencies.
Council works closely with the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) to ensure that all aspects of Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery are well supported and resourced.
