Grassroots mobilisation and clear communication were named as frontline defences against natural disasters as residents, emergency services, and community leaders gathered for the Woronora flood preparedness roundtable on Monday. 

Following the devastating July 2022 floods – where residents faced delayed warnings, confusion over evacuation routes, and soaring home insurance premiums—the session brought together frontline services, utilities, local council, and community groups to chart a safer path forward.

Attendees included representatives from the NSW State Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Ausgrid, Water NSW, Sutherland Shire Council, NSW Police, the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and key local groups, including the Woronora River Community Association and Woronora Valley Emergency Preparedness Group.

Together, agencies outlined critical improvements already underway, including new flood gauges, upgraded rescue capabilities, streamlined school evacuation planning, and improved inter-agency coordination.

All agencies encouraged local community members to undertake their own preparedness activities including knowing the risks in the local area, knowing how to get access to the latest information, preparing an emergency kit, and making a plan with their families and neighbours about what actions they will take in the event of a fire or flood. 

Preparedness materials can be downloaded at https://nsw.gov.au/emergency/get-ready, and everyone is encouraged to download the Hazards Near Me app at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/prepare/apps, and set up a watch zone to receive notifications on changing conditions within the local area.

Next steps include a coordinated follow up between agencies, improved public messaging on flood preparedness, and continued work with the community to ensure Woronora is better protected ahead of future flood events.

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP said:

“The roundtable discussion demonstrated the strength of the Woronora community and the need for continued collaboration. When communication breaks down, communities are left vulnerable. But when communication is strong, communities become resilient.

“Monday’s Roundtable brought together local residents’ knowledge, the experience of our Minister for Recovery and local combat agencies to identify strategies to support our community to be better prepared for fires and floods.

“Our next step is to host community workshops to assist local residents to assess their risks locally and get prepared in the event of a disaster.”

Minister for Recovery, The Hon. Janelle Saffin MP said:

“Communities are at their strongest when local agencies, emergency services, councils, and residents work together before disasters occur.

“I welcomed the opportunity to share my lived experience as Minister, but perhaps more importantly as a disaster impacted community member from Lismore.

“Thank you to the Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart MP, for her local advocacy and proactive engagement bringing together local community representatives and frontline services to get better prepared and reduce the risk of disasters.” 

MEDIA: 

Lachlan Wilkinson | Maryanne Stuart MP | 9548 0144