We focussed on western Lake Macquarie and, in particular, on the wider Coal Point and Toronto areas, and considered flood and bushfire risk scenarios.
The main flood risk area is the low-lying land around Puntei Creek and wetland in Carey Bay bounded by Excelsior Parade. Further information is available at: https://shape.lakemac.com.au/lake-tributary-flood-studies
The scale and extent of bushfire risk, how far and how fast bushfires can travel, and why a plan is needed was clearly demonstrated, using the 2002 Killingworth fire as an example. Bushland and surrounds in the Coal Point area are only moderately at risk as there is not enough connectivity of bushland in our area for fires ’to run’. Major risk is for large bushland areas west of Fassifern.
Ember attack is likely to be the primary reason for spot fires developing in our area on severe and catastrophic fire days. The need for preparation plans to be in place were emphasized along with seasonal maintenance such as gutter cleaning and garden maintenance. (information available at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/resources/bush-fire-survival-plan).
A take home message from the session was that a response to a catastrophic fire event in our community would likely require a significant community response addressing and containing controllable spot fires in our area of fragmented vegetation and small reserves. To prepare yourself and your property for the worst case scenario completing your bush fire survival plan is the best first step.
Some smartphone apps were recommended to inform what was happening locally and when travelling.
Red Cross Get Prepared : helps you access information and tools to complete an emergency plan, as well as their RediPlan template.
Hazards Near Me: keeps you updated on current/live bush fire and flood threats across the state.
More online resources to assist with the bush fire season:
RFS website: for information about your bush fire risk, creating a bush fire survival plan
1233 ABC Radio and news channel 24 ABC: are the designated emergency channels.
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