⚠️ New Website Launched to Help Bega Prepare for Natural Disasters

A new website designed to assist South-East New South Wales communities in preparing for natural disasters has been launched. The initiative, backed by the NSW Government, aims to bolster resilience in the face of increasing climate challenges.

Developed by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO), the website is a component of the Blueprint for a Resilient South East NSW, which offers guidance for councils and communities in building resilience against natural disasters and climate change.

The website offers insights into local disaster risks and provides resources for preparedness, ranging from household emergency plans to resilient infrastructure and land management practices.

The Blueprint encompasses ten local government areas within the CRJO, including Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, and Yass Valley, along with associate members from the ACT Government, Wagga Wagga City Council, and Canberra Airport.

To further promote the Blueprint, CRJO will conduct workshops with council staff to integrate resilience planning into daily operations.

The project was supported by $2,780,632 from the Australian and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick, who is also the Canberra Region Joint Organisation Chair, stated that the Blueprint addresses climate risks, disaster history, and the increasing frequency of events like bushfires, floods, and storms. He noted that the plan uses local experiences and data to inform council planning, takes an all-hazards approach, clarifies roles in disaster preparedness, and supports investment in resilient infrastructure and services.