Barwon MP queries flood investigation for Western NSW

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler has questioned the state government if Western NSW would be part of an inquiry into recent and ongoing floods.

Mr Butler asked a question without notice of the NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke.

“With the flood inquiry announced and the terrible ongoing devastation on the North Coast of NSW, it is likely that the major focus of the flood inquiry will rightly be on coastal and Northern Rivers flooding,” Mr Butler said in NSW Parliament on Thursday last week.

“What assurance can be given that the inquiry will adequately examine emergency management arrangements in the west and Far West, including thin markets for volunteers and the intersection between Resilience NSW and other agencies?”

The Minister responded to Mr Butler’s query and said an inquiry will examine and report on the causes of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from the 2022 catastrophic flood event.

“While the inquiry is independent, the terms indicate that the inquiry will look at flood events for the whole of 2022, which could include the flooding in the west,” she said.

“I encourage anyone who has been impacted by flooding across the state, including in the Far West, to contribute to the inquiry.

“The review will ensure that New South Wales can quickly get on with improving its preparation for and response to flood risk, and the NSW government has committed to considering all the recommendations of the inquiry.

“As many members in this place will know, no two floods are the same and there is no formulaic response, but when it comes to natural disasters we can never be too prepared.”

Ms Cooke said the inquiry will examine and report on the causes of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from this catastrophic flood event, which is not just confined to the Northern Rivers region but has now impacted on 58 local government areas across the state.

“I clarify that Resilience NSW does not duplicate the role of emergency services such as the SES, RFS or any other combat agency,” she said.

“In a crisis, the emergency services agencies remain the operational leads to save lives and protect property.

“During the response phase, Resilience NSW plays a support role. It manages the welfare services functional area and provides personnel to run and oversee the State Emergency Operations Centre.”