Regional Recovery Coordinator Report into NSW Inland Flooding
Independent review
In 2016, there was a significant weather occurrence on the east coast of Australia that consisted of a series of six cold fronts over the month of September and one in October. These fronts linked with tropical moisture in northern Australia resulted in a significant amount of rainfall which saw numerous inland New South Wales dams at capacity placing pressure on the subsequent river system, resulting in large scale flooding.
Being significantly experienced in emergency management and natural disaster response, Dave Owens from Risk-e Business Consultants was appointed by the NSW Government as the Recovery Coordinator for 45 Local Government Areas ensuring coordination of resources such as agriculture, health, small business, schools and transport (including repair of road systems).
Impact was widespread and critical to the region as the Newell Highway, a major arterial transport route was closed due to flooding between the 22 September to the 4 November 2016 (43 days). The agricultural industry was greatly impacted with a 100% crop loss across many Local Government Areas (estimated loss of $827m).
In developing a response and action plan, Risk-e Business Consultants greatly reduced the incidence of Ross River Virus and Barmah Forest Virus, through community and General Practitioner education and Bulletins.
Strategies were also developed and implemented to address mental health concerns resulting from property owners that were suffering partial or total losses to crops and relevant livelihoods. In addition the development of State Recovery Plans and Sub Committees as was legislatively required to assist in dealing with the incident.