UPDATE: A push for a parliamentary inquiry into disaster management in the Hawkesbury has intensified as business groups and concerned residents highlight alarming inadequacies in local preparedness. The Hawkesbury is regarded as one of the most disaster-prone areas in New South Wales, facing devastating fires and floods that significantly impact both local communities and the broader population of Western Sydney.
The urgency for action comes in the wake of devastating events, including the Gospers Mountain fire, which exemplified the dire consequences of inadequate disaster planning. A recent study from Monash University revealed a troubling 3.2% increase in all-cause mortality among individuals over 65 following exposure to smoke pollution from the fires. The Menzies Institute for Medical Research estimated that the health costs associated with premature deaths and hospital admissions during the 2019-20 bushfire season exceeded $2 billion.
“What happens in the Hawkesbury doesn’t stay in the Hawkesbury,” stated Phil Bamford, President of the Hawkesbury Business Group. “When our region floods or burns, Western Sydney feels the impact. That’s why the State can’t afford to ignore the failures in local disaster planning.”
Falling Behind Our Neighbors
Neighboring councils, particularly the Blue Mountains, have advanced their disaster preparedness through significant investments in mitigation measures. In response to the devastating Black Summer fires, the Blue Mountains Council has collaborated with the community to install more roadside water tanks and expand Neighbourhood Safer Places (NSPs) to 32 designated refuges for residents unable to evacuate.
In stark contrast, Hawkesbury Council has resisted similar initiatives, opposing the creation of additional NSPs and roadside water installations. Instead, they have relied on increased aerial firefighting strategies, which proved inadequate during the Gospers Mountain blaze. A local volunteer firefighter expressed frustration, stating, “Here in the Hawkesbury, Council has done almost nothing. It’s not just disappointing, it’s dangerous.”
Why an Inquiry is Essential
The lack of critical evaluation surrounding Hawkesbury Fire Control’s strategic backburning is particularly concerning. This strategy, which contributed to the mega-fire, raises the risk of future disasters. Hawkesbury Fire Control has indicated that they will continue using the same strategy as in the 2019-20 season, leaving residents to prepare for the possibility of being burnt out again.
The ramifications extend beyond local fears; the impact of fire and smoke events affects millions across Western Sydney. “Our rainforests are part of who we are,” emphasized Allen Hyde of the Rainforest Conservancy at Mt Urvine. “When fire threatens them, it threatens us too. We need to learn from the past and act wisely.”
A parliamentary inquiry could critically assess Hawkesbury’s preparedness compared to other local government areas, review outdated fire management strategies, and recommend essential reforms to protect residents. “The people of the Hawkesbury have been left to fend for themselves with inadequate infrastructure,” said Lionel Buckett, a foundation member of the NSW RFS. “We need roadside water, we need safer places, and we need them before the next bad fire season.”
The call for action is clear, and community leaders are urging immediate steps to enhance disaster preparedness. The fear of future catastrophes looms large, with residents advocating for the necessary infrastructure and safety measures to secure their homes and livelihoods.
As the situation develops, community members and leaders hope their calls for a parliamentary inquiry will be heard before it’s too late. The urgency for change in the Hawkesbury is now more critical than ever, with lives and properties hanging in the balance.
