NSW flood inquiry submissions open amid recovery

The NSW Government says the submissions period has opened for its six-month independent inquiry into the state’s flooding, with the review scheduled to deliver reports by the end of June and September.

The inquiry is being led by the state’s former chief scientist and engineer Mary O’Kane and former NSW police commissioner Michael Fuller.

Premier Dominic Perrottet says the inquiry will play a critical role in providing a forum for community voices to be heard and ensuring all the necessary steps are taken to prepare NSW for future disasters.

“I have every confidence in Professor O’Kane and Mr Fuller to conduct a comprehensive and vigorous independent review which will cover both the response and more detailed future-proofing considerations, which will take place in parallel to the vast flood recovery effort that is already well underway,” he said.

Submissions will close Friday 20 May, but the inquiry will accept and consider late submissions made by people directly impacted by the floods.

The reviewers will also be running a series of community sessions, face-to-face and online, which will be advertised in advance.

The terms of reference include causes and factors contributing to the frequency, intensity, timing and location of the floods, as well as a focus on responses and recovery.

It will consider preparation and planning, including the accuracy and timing of weather forecasts as well as current laws, emergency management plans, practices and mitigation strategies.

The inquiry has been asked to make recommendations in areas including land use planning and management and building standards, future adaptation and coordination and collaboration between various levels of government.

The reviewers will report to the Premier on causation, land use planning and management and related matters by June 30, and on all other matters by September 30.

More details are available here.