Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, has welcomed the release of the report from the NSW Independent Flood Inquiry as well as the report from the Select Committee on the Response to Major Flooding Across NSW in 2022.
The Byron Shire was hard hit by the two floods in late February and March 2022, with estimates of more than 1000 homes damaged by flood water, and some 57 businesses impacted.
Mayor Michael Lyon said Councillors and staff are now digesting the reports and their recommendations.
“The recommendations from the NSW Independent Flood Inquiry reflect much of what Council provided in its submission, and it’s pleasing to see that our voice, and that of other councils in the Northern Rivers, has been heard,” Mayor Lyon said.
“The report from the NSW Independent Flood Inquiry covers a lot of areas from details on the actual weather events, to the operational response through to emergency and affordable housing and floodplain planning,” he said.
“It is a very comprehensive report and the most important thing for everyone, Council, the community, and Government agencies, is that we take the lessons learned from the floods, so we are better prepared for the next time,” he said.
“The trauma in our community is still very raw and I know that people are very nervous about the summer and what that might look like in terms of more rain and potential weather events.
“While there is a process to work through in relation to the implementation of some recommendations from the reports, residents and businesses are now looking to all levels of Government for action.
“Council will be doing all it can to support the implementation of the recommendations that are appropriate for the Byron Shire,” Mayor Lyon said.
