Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Autumn 2024

Flooding at Chittaway Point

Online Flood Risk Tool C entral Coast Council has developed online flood risk tools and updated flood and emergency planning information on centralcoast. nsw.gov.au, to help the local community understand their own flood risk and be adequately prepared to respond. Council Director Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said we’ve experienced various types of flooding on the Central Coast and know that flooding will continue to be part of our lives and can occur at any moment. “Whilst it’s not always possible to predict when, where, or how big the next flood will be - we can estimate the likelihood of different sizes of floods and their consequences by using computer flood modelling,” Dr Howe said. “Our new interactive online flood risk mapping tool for Tuggerah Lakes area, draws on current flood levels directly from the Bureau of Meteorology and converts it into a visual display, which shows the extent of current, minor, moderate or major flood levels for specific properties in the area. For residents in other areas, the region-wide online mapping tool provides a range of flood information on a visual map. “Both these flood risk tools help the community, especially residents living in low lying areas or within a floodplain, to visualise potential flood impacts to their properties and surrounding roads or access routes, and plan ahead to build resilience.” Council has a holistic approach to disaster management which encompasses prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. This approach is regularly reviewed and updated to incorporate new learnings from each disaster event, and shared knowledge from a range of key stakeholders including the community, lead emergency agencies and supporting organisations. In addition to the flood risk tools, Council has also developed a suite of updated online information to help the community understand the types of flooding that occurs on the Central Coast, Council’s role in emergency management, water level data, and triggers for flood intervention. The online information also includes simple steps to follow to plan and prepare for flooding, who to contact for help during a flood and how to stay informed. “Understanding flood risks and being prepared to respond is key for building community resilience. Council’s new flood risk tools, with localised information and resources will help residents understand their risk, think about what they need to do and how they can help protect their home, belongings, and family. “I encourage our community to tap into these online resources, see how floods may affect them and be adequately prepared.” To understand the types of flooding on the Central Coast, online flood risk tools and for information to help plan and prepare for floods search ‘flooding’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Lifesaving defibrillators at sporting facilities

G osford is one of several electorates that will share in $500,000 from the NSW Government through a program that installs life-saving defibrillators at sports facilities. The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program provides grants up to $3,000 to eligible sporting organisations towards the purchase of automated external defibrillators. The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in sport in the most disadvantaged areas have access to this life-saving equipment, so they are equipped to respond to life-threatening emergencies. The Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations, and organisations as well as councils and service clubs in Gosford. Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said: “With more and more people of all ages participating in sport and active recreation across Gosford it’s vital our local sporting organisations are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies. “Access to defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death in a medical emergency and it is so important that our local clubs have access to this technology. “The Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program supports sports to install this equipment at local sports facilities, enabling them to respond in the worst-case scenario.” Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Sport is a great leveller, and the NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in sport in all areas of the State have access to this life-saving equipment. “The first few minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical and access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death. “This program ensures clubs are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies.” Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said: “Sudden cardiac death is rare, but it can strike anyone at any time, and when it does every minute counts. “If you have a sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospital you only have a one in 10 chance of survival. “Defibrillators save lives; we need more across NSW and in as many sporting clubs as possible. “We also need to ensure that players across all sporting codes know how to use a defibrillator to give their teammates the best chance of survival.” For further information on the Local Sports Defibrillator Program, visit https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator grantprogram

24 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn 2024

Mapping tool (region wide)