Port Macquarie's North Shore will soon benefit from a specially-fitted out trailer for use under the NSW SES North Port Macquarie community action team.
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The newly-formed CAT was formed to facilitate a community-led approach to the emergency management of floods and storms on the North Shore.
Since March a number of residents have joined the action team under the auspice of the NSW SES Port Macquarie Unit.
The CAT has developed a flood plan to complement existing emergency management arrangements.
The plan outlines how residents and resources would be mobilised and coordinated to assist local communities during floods and other emergencies.
Some of the strategies in the plan include helping the NSW SES conduct community education programs, the use of a phone tree to distribute flood warning information, providing photos of local severe weather impacts directly back to the SES unit, assisting with evacuation doorknocks, moving of vehicles to higher ground, securing alternative back up electricity sources, sand bagging properties to divert flood water, and providing input into SES emergency planning and arrangements.
NSW SES Mid North Coast community engagement coordinator, Steve Lawrence said the trailer funding is well deserved recognition of the good work of SES volunteers and local residents.
"We have also had great cooperation and support from the Northside Progress Association and the NSW Rural Fire Service North Shore Brigade in establishing the community action team," Mr Lawrence said.
“The CAT is turning out to be a very effective way for SES to work with local communities to better prepare for, respond to and recover from severe weather events.
"We’d like to build its strength and effectiveness by inviting additional residents from North Shore, Riverside, Maria River Road and Corella Estate areas to join the team.”
The $10,000 funding grant is provided through the NSW government infrastructure grants program. The trailer will contain equipment such shovels, safety apparel and sand bags that can be used during flood and storm events to help minimise property damage.
For information about the North Port Macquarie Community Action Team contact the NSW SES Mid North Coast Region on 6592 5800 or email pmh.ops@ses.nsw.gov.au or visit the NSW SES website.
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