From the Lord Mayor's Office
Participating in the national conversation about natural disasters
On Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the SBS series Insight and its episode Uninsurable.
The program looked at the growing issue of homes being too expensive to insure due to natural disasters like flood and bushfire.
Along with insurance industry and climate experts, the studio guests included people who had had first-hand experience with natural disasters and the aftermath of working through the insurance process, as well as myself.
It was heartbreaking to hear these individuals tell their stories. Not only their experience of flood and bushfire, but the ongoing impact the event had on their lives.
It was compelling to listen to – and no doubt watch – as they shared their stories.
I had been invited to participate in the program due to Wollongong City Council’s established voluntary purchase scheme which was set up after the 1998 floods.
The host, Kumi Taguchi, wanted to understand Council’s proactive approach to managing flood risk with properties in Wollongong.
It was important for Council to participate in this program, as it was another platform in which we could continue to advocate for ongoing federal and state government support to improve our city’s flood resilience.
Since 1998, the voluntary purchase scheme has seen 86 properties purchased and then demolished. We’ve a further 58 properties listed on a priority list for purchase, should the owners decide to do so.
When we take this step, we’re able to have more open space that supports the movement of stormwater during a heavy rainfall event.
While this is just one area where Council is working to improve flood resilience within the city, it’s an important one. By moving people away from high-risk flood areas, we’re able to keep people safer during a storm event. And we’re not just thinking about those living in the properties – but also those emergency services personnel who put themselves in danger to help others in times of crisis.
We’re committed to continuing our conversations with our community, and key stakeholders across all sectors and levels of government to highlight our determination for ongoing improvements to the city’s flood mitigation, as well as disaster management and recovery.
This program, which is available on to watch on SBS On Demand, is just one piece of that ongoing advocacy puzzle.
