Media release

Residents from across the Tweed packed out Tumbulgum Community Hall today to share their views and experiences following the devastating flood of February and March 2022.

Led by Professor Mary O’Kane and Michael Fuller APM, the independent 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry convened at the riverside village of Tumbulgum to provide an opportunity for Tweed residents to share their feedback in person.

The meeting followed a similar event in Lismore overnight.

Residents from areas across the Shire – spanning Piggabeen in the north to Bogangar in the south, east to Kingscliff and west to Byrrill Creek – shared their experiences and raised their concerns on issues from flood warnings, to flood response and recovery.

Mayor of Tweed Councillor Chris Cherry said she was grateful to the Inquiry for providing an opportunity for local residents to have their say in person.

“It is crucial residents are given the opportunity to air their concerns and share their stories and knowledge with the Flood Inquiry co-chairs,” Cr Cherry said.

“We know another flood is inevitable – so we need to make sure we listen to the experiences of residents and learn from them, both as a community and as government agencies.

“Resilience is built on experience and understanding. We hope this Inquiry will provide residents and government agencies with the assurances they need to build back better and cope with future natural disasters.”

Residents who were not able to attend the meeting are urged to make their submissions to the Inquiry via the online portal at www.nsw.gov.au/nsw-government/projects-and-initiatives/floodinquiry.

The Inquiry will report on:

• The causes and factors contributing to the frequency, intensity, timing and location of floods.

• Preparation and planning by agencies and the community for floods in NSW.

• Responses to floods, particularly measures to protect life, property and the environment.

• The transition from incident response to recovery.

• Recovery, including housing, clean-up, financial support, community engagement and longer-term community rebuilding.

The inquiry is required to report to the Premier by 30 September 2022.