ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 - LONG TERM COMMUNITY RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN
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ACTIVATE
WOLLONDILLY
2021
LONG TERM COMMUNITY
RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN
ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 1
Acknowledgement *
Wollondilly Shire Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land in
Wollondilly, the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples.
We acknowledge the living culture and spiritual connections to the land for the
Dharawal and Gundungurra people and that Wollondilly is remarkably placed as
the intersection of these two tribal lands.
We recognise the traditional Custodians have occupied and cared for this Country
over countless generations and celebrate their continuing contribution to the
Shire.
We also acknowledge and remember the Dharawal and Gundungurra peoples who
were killed in the Appin Massacre on 17 April 1816.
*We acknowledge our collaboration with the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council
2 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 3
CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
3
7
BACKGROUND TO ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 9
INTRODUCTION 14
NATIONAL DISASTER PRINCIPALS 18
RECOVERY CONTEXT 20
COUNCIL’S ROLE IN RECOVERY 22
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 24
LONG TERM ACTION PLAN FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE 29
SOCIAL RECOVERY 30
ECONOMIC RECOVERY 40
BUILT RECOVERY 44
NATURAL RECOVERY 48
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT WORKING GROUP 53
MONITORING AND EVALUATION 56
4 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL Illuminate Festival, Picton ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 5
MESSAGE
from the Mayor
Wollondilly’s response to a series of devastating events over the last few years has
revealed the amazing resilience and strength of the local community.
In 2016 a major storm and flood event impacted many of our residents and businesses.
Since then we have experienced: an extended period of drought; the destruction
of the 2019/20 Green Wattle Creek Bushfire; further damage to businesses and
road infrastructure caused by the 2020 and 2021 storm events; and the far-reaching
effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Throughout this series of events, community members, local organisations and
Council have stepped up to support each other during each emergency and
throughout the period of recovery that has followed. The efforts of our individuals,
community groups and first responders, has been inspiring.
Recovery from these events will take time. Council is committed to working alongside
the community throughout the recovery period and supporting people to access the
resources and information that they need at each stage of the journey to build a
responsive and resilient community.
The Activate Wollondilly 2021 Long-Term Community Recovery and Resilience Plan
builds upon the framework developed following the 2016 flood/storm event. The
Plan identifies actions that support community led recovery from the Green Wattle
Creek Bushfire, storm events and the Covid-19 pandemic, helps build on our existing
resilience and empowers us to prepare for future disaster events.
This Plan puts us in a great place to lobby for funding for events that bring the
community together and resources that better prepare us for potential future
disasters. It gives us a map of where to go from here, as we continue to draw on
that community spirit for whatever the future brings.
Robert Khan
Mayor, Wollondilly Shire
6 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 7
BACKGROUND TO
ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY
In 2016 the Wollondilly local government area experienced a significant storm event. The event caused
widespread damage across the Shire, particularly in the Picton CBD where it had a devastating impact
on residents, businesses, community facilities and infrastructure.
After the storm event of June 2016 Council set out to improve the preparedness of the community for
future natural disasters. Council implemented a series of deliberative engagement strategies to assess
Council and community responses to the disaster and to plan for long-term recovery. Information
collected was used to develop the ‘Activate Wollondilly’ Framework.
FOREWORD The Activate Wollondilly Framework is a Council led, strengths based approach to disaster management
and preparedness aimed at building resilient, informed and educated communities able to respond
and recover from natural and man-made disasters impacting the Wollondilly LGA. The framework
The following document is a Recovery Action Plan which was initiated largely in
enables a review of how Council engages with the community, builds community awareness of disaster
response to the Green Wattle Creek bushfire which impacted Wollondilly Shire in
management, preparedness and resilience, enhances cooperative responses between agencies
2019/ 2020. The Recovery Action Plan contains a number of short-term actions which
that improves functionality, service delivery and achievement of outcomes. The framework ensures
council will be undertaking to support the long-term recovery of the shire and build
emergency management plans are community lead living documents that are updated as lessons
greater resilience towards future disasters. The document highlights the transition
are learnt, mitigation strategies are identified and implemented and control measures are put in place
from the floods of 2016, subsequent bushfires, drought and Covid-19 pandemic.
ready for future events. The Activate Wollondilly framework will be reflected in mitigation strategies such
as the Flood Strategy, Bushfire Risk Management Plan and future mitigation plans as required.
The Recovery Action plan details the objectives and actions of the Local Recovery
and Resilience Committee in the short, medium and longer term. The Recovery Action
The framework strategically aligns with priority action areas of the National Strategy for Disaster
Plan enables planning and resource allocation to deliver disaster recovery initiatives
Resilience. It aligns by providing a framework for coordinating effort, understanding and reducing risks,
and facilitates communication and engagement with people and communities to
a communication framework through both online channels and paper based resources that builds
engage and support them in their recovery journey.
capacity in a partnership approach and provides reflective processes to evaluate recovery efforts and
capabilities.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMEFRAME
Immediate Term 0- 6 months The Activate Wollondilly Framework will continue to evolve as we experience future disasters and as
our community changes. Following the flood and fires of 2016 and 2020 the Wollondilly Local Recovery
Medium Term 6-12 months
Plan was reviewed by the Local Recovery and Resilience Committee. The 2020 review ensures that
Longer Term 12+ months Activate Wollondilly 2021 plan aligns with the NSW State Recovery Plan, Greater Sydney Recovery Plan
and the Local Emergency Management Plan.
Lake Burragorang, Nattai
8 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 9
OVERVIEW OF
THE COMPONENTS OF THE
ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY
FRAMEWORK
COMMUNITY
ACTIVATE
RECOVERY
RECOVERY COMMUNITY WOLLONDILLY
COMMENCES
INFORMATION PREPAREDNESS LONG TERM
WHEN
CENTRE (CRIC) / TOOLKIT LOCAL RECOVERY
RESPONSE
COMMUNITY LED AND RESILIENCE
COMMENCES
RECOVERY HUBS PLAN
DELIBERATIVE
LOCAL DIALOGUE
MAYORAL
RESILIENCE DEBRIEFING SESSIONS
RELIEF AND RECOVERY & RECOMMENDATIONS
FUND COMMITTEE PAPER FOR
IMPROVEMENT
10 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 11
THE COMPONENTS OF THE
ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY
FRAMEWORK
1. RECOVERY COMMENCES WHEN RESPONSE COMMENCES 6. DELIBERATIVE DIALOGUE DEBRIEFING SESSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS PAPER FOR IMPROVEMENT
2. MAYORAL RELIEF FUND These sessions are with local residents and a variety of local cohorts and stakeholder groups. As
Emergency financial support is enabled through the activation of the Mayoral Relief Fund. This fund is a result of the workshops a recommendations paper is produced that informs strategic planning
immediate and addresses a gap in getting emergency relief out to victims on the ground quickly. documents and identifies strategies and actions, resources and new policies. These outcomes are
incorporated into the review of the Wollondilly Community Strategic Plan, Wollondilly Local Disaster
Recovery Plan and the events and initiatives relevant for short, medium and long term recovery into the
3. COMMUNITY RECOVERY INFORMATION CENTRE (CRIC)
Activate Wollondilly Long Term Local Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Establishment of an immediate Community Recovery Information Centre (CRIC) with the view of
establishing Community-led and driven Community Hubs located in the midst of the affected area.
7. ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY LONG TERM LOCAL RECOVERY AND
4. LOCAL RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY COMMITTEE RESILIENCE PLAN
Supported by a Local Resilience and Recovery Committee who disseminate information, represent A Long Term Local Recovery and Resilience Plan is developed after each disaster event and is informed
community views, identifies needs, and promotes community well-being. The Local Community by the deliberative dialogue debriefing sessions, recommendations paper and other feedback received
Recovery & Resilience Committee has representation from community members, service providers after an event. The Plan guides a strategic and action focused approach to programs, activities
and government agencies who work with Council on representing the needs of community and reports and initiatives regarding community led recovery and resilience in Wollondilly. The Long Term Local
to the Local Emergency Management Committee. Recovery and Resilience Plan assists in the pace and speed of recovery and the strategic approach
to help community, community groups and business continuity as a result of an event. It is an evolving
and living document that is community focused, led, driven and implemented. This plan also links to
5. COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS TOOLKIT other Regional and State Recovery Plans.
The toolkit includes information, resources and strategies that will equip residents, stakeholders and
council with information to guide them through steps or sequences that may save their lives, protect The Activate Wollondilly framework has been utilised to develop Activate Wollondilly 2021: Long-Term
their property and develop cohesiveness in recovery after a natural disaster. Recovery and Resilience Plan. This plan will guide the recovery work following the Green Wattle Creek
bushfire, 2020 and 2021 storm events and Covid-19 as well as the work Wollondilly Shire Council will
This includes resources such as:
undertake to build community resilience for future disasters.
• Mayor’s Relief Fund
• Local Disaster Recovery Plan Toolkit
• How to prepare your family to ensure your safety during a bushfire with links to Local Emergency Agencies
• Wollondilly Emergency Management Guide
• Get Ready Wollondilly
• Get prepared App
• Home Emergency Kit Checklist and
• Emergency information in regards to Fires, Floods, Storm & Tempest, Drought, Key Response
Support Agencies; and
• Council Hardship Policy
12 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 13
INTRODUCTION
Significant Impacts
OF THE GREEN WATTLE CREEK BUSHFIRE
19 8 3
During 2019 Wollondilly Shire was in the midst of the worst drought on record. NSW had been declared
a state of drought in August, 2018. The low moisture levels created by the prolonged period of drought facilities facilities
combined with higher than average temperatures throughout spring and summer in 2019/ 2020 resulted destroyed damaged
homes
in intense weather conditions and the worst bushfire season recorded in NSW.
destroyed
On the 27th November, 2019 a lightning strike ignited the Green Wattle Creek Fire which continued to
18
burn in and around the Wollondilly Shire until the 10th February, 2020. The Green Wattle Creek bushfire
caused major devastation; 270, 700 hectares of land was burned in Wollondilly, resulting in a burn scar
of 63.9% - the fourth highest in Australia for the Black Summer period.
homes
The impact of the Green Wattle Creek bushfire in Wollondilly Shire was devastating. On the 19th
damaged
270
December, 2019 NSW two RFS volunteers from Horsley Park; Deputy Captain Geoffrey Keaton and
rural landholders
66
Firefighter Andrew O’Dwyer were killed when their truck rolled over while fighting the Green Wattle
Creek bushfire in Buxton. A further eighteen people were injured and seventeen people were rescued
impacted
in Wollondilly.
outbuildings
destroyed
45
Shortly after the Green Wattle Creek Bushfire was declared to be officially extinguished the Wollondilly
Shire was affected by flooding. Flooding impacted businesses, residents and public assets, placing
further strain on many people across Wollondilly Shire.
outbuildings
damaged
This was further exacerbated by the Covid-19 Global Pandemic which started in March, 2020. Many
services and businesses including the Recovery and Resilience Hub set-up in Buxton to support
residents impacted by the bushfire were forced to close due to NSW Health restrictions. Closures
and lock-downs were a further economic set-back for businesses already impacted by the drought,
bushfires and floods. For residents the opportunity to connect with other people for support were lost
due to lock-downs and fear of contracting Covid-19, community events were postponed and vital
1,276.7km 238,849
repair and rebuild work was delayed for many. hectares of
National Park
Wollondilly Shire Council has developed Activate Wollondilly 2021: Long-Term Recovery and Resilience burnt
Plan to guide recovery work taking place across the shire following a series of disasters including
the Green Wattle Creek bushfire, flooding and Covid-19. This plan not only takes into account the
devastating impacts of the Green Wattle Creek bushfire, but the cumulative effects of the prolonged
of fencing lost 984 hectares of
State Forest burnt
drought, flooding and the global pandemic Covid-19.
33,933 4,433
hectares of
hectares of
private land burnt ‘Other’ land burnt
14 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 15
Mid-Coast
Upper Hunter
Dungog
Muswellbrook
Mid-Western
Singleton
Cessnock
Lake
Macquarie
Lithgow
Hawkesbury
Central Coast
Map highlighting burn scar following the Green Wattle Creek bushfire in Wollondilly LGA
taken from: National Bushfire Recovery Agency ‘NSW LGA Profiles’ 28.02.2021
2019 - 20 Bushfires & March 2021 Flood DRFA Activated LGAs
Blue
Mountains Ku-ring-gai
Penrith
Oberon
Wollondilly Sutherland
2019-20 BUSHFIRES AND MARCH 2021 FLOOD DRFA ACTIVATED LGAs
Sources:
Burnscar - DAWE National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent
Upper 2019-20
Lachlan
Dataset version May 2020
Gold
Burnscar (May 2020)
Wingecarribee
Scenic Rim Coast
Southern
DRFA 2019-20 bushfire activated LGA Downs
NSW flood footprint - NSW Aggregated Flood Footprints (EMS
Tweed
2021 NSW flood footprint (22 March 2021 web service)
Kyogle
Byron
Copernicus and Geoscience Australia)
DRFA March 2021 flood activated LGA within bushfire Lismore
declared LGAs
Ballina
© Commonwealth of Australia 23 March 2021 Tenterfield
Richmond
Valley
Inverell Oakdale, Wollondilly Shire
16 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL Gwydir
ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 17
Glen Innes
Severn Clarence
Valley
NATIONAL DISASTER PRINCIPLE HOW WILL WOLLONDILLY SHIRE
COUNCIL IMPLEMENT THE PRINCIPLE
RECOVERY PRINCIPLES Wollondilly Shire has established relationships with a
variety of stakeholders to partnerships with:
The Activate Wollondilly Framework and the Long Term Recovery and Resilience Plan aligns with the • Recovery Support Service
PRINCIPLE 4: COORDINATE ALL ACTIVITIES
National Principles of Disaster Recovery. An explanation of these principles and how Wollondilly Shire • Resilience NSW
Successful recovery requires a planned, coordinated • South-West Sydney Local Health District
Council will meet them is outlined below.
and adaptive approach, between community and
• Local community groups and organisations
partner agencies, based on continuing assessment
PRINCIPLE HOW WILL WOLLONDILLY SHIRE • Tharawal Aboriginal Land Council.
COUNCIL IMPLEMENT THE PRINCIPLE of impacts and need.
• Red Cross
• Greater Sydney Health and Wellbeing Sub-Committee
Wollondilly Shire Council has undertaken a number of
community engagement activities in the period following • Bushfire Mental Health Steering Committee
PRINCIPLE 1: UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT
the Green Wattle Creek bushfire. Learnings from this (Wollondilly and Wingecarribee)
Successful recovery is based on an understanding • Wollondilly Health Alliance
engagement will inform Activate Wollondilly 2021 Long-
of the community context, with each community
Term Recovery and Resilience Plan.
having its own history, values and dynamics.
Learnings from previous disaster events in the Wollondilly Wollondilly Shire Council utilises a number of
LGA will also be taken into account. communication methods to ensure that we are
communicating effectively in the recovery space. These
Wollondilly Shire Council will ensure that we are include:
responsive to the dynamic nature of emergencies and • Community Recovery officer who can act as a key point of
the community by: contact between residents and various teams within council.
• Utilising the Resilience NSW funded CRO position. • Resource library in the library foyer.
PRINCIPLE 2: RECOGNISE COMPLEXITY
Successful recovery is responsive to the complex • Ongoing meetings of the Local Recovery and Resilience • Social media including Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
Committee.
and dynamic nature of both emergencies and the PRINCIPLE 5: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY • Communications team who manage many tasks
community. • Maintaining Council Recovery team representation associated with provision of information, promotion and
through the Local Emergency Management Committee Successful recovery is built on effective
community engagement.
through the Local Recovery Coordinator role. communication between the affected community
and other partners. • Dedicated Web Pages on our website including
• Ongoing community engagement activities.
‘Emergencies’ and ‘Have You Been Affected by Fire’.
• Facilitating interagency meetings.
• Hosting a variety of meetings including a Bushfire
• Provision of information and resources. Awareness Working Group, Local Recovery and Resilience
Committee
Community members have been involved in the • Emergency Management Toolkit.
development of Activate Wollondilly 2021 through • Bushfire Mental Health Steering Committee
our Local Recovery and Resilience Committee and the
• Community Outreach including the Dilly Wanderer and
PRINCIPLE 3: Working Group.
Mobile Libraries. In 2021 Council will be developing a
USE COMMUNITY LEAD APPROACHES
Council will continue to deliver recovery projects to Mobile Recovery and Resilience Hub vehicle to enhance
Successful recovery is responsive to the complex our outreach work.
empower community members and build community
and dynamic nature of both emergencies and the capacity.
community.
Asset mapping including the identification of community Wollondilly Shire Council utilises an Asset Based
leaders. Community Development model that seeks to identify
existing assets and community leaders and provide capacity
Providing opportunities for volunteer training. PRINCIPLE 6:
building opportunities where possible.
Developing a Community Led Recovery Hub Toolkit. RECOGNISE AND BUILD CAPACITY
Successful recovery recognises, supports and Council recognises the importance of community leading
builds on individual, community and organisational their own recovery and will seek to provide opportunities
PRINCIPLE 4: COORDINATE ALL ACTIVITIES Wollondilly Shire Council hosts a monthly Recovery and for feedback, leadership, education and valued project
Resilience committee which involves a broad range of capacity and resilience.
Successful recovery requires a planned, coordinated roles wherever possible.
stakeholders and aims to ensure a coordinated approach
and adaptive approach, between community and to recovery activities. We also attend a variety of external An Asset Mapping and Community profile project being
partner agencies, based on continuing assessment recovery meetings for this purpose. implemented in 2021 utilising BCRRF Stream 1 Grant
of impacts and need. funding will support this principle.
18 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 19RECOVERY IN THE WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL’S ROLE IN RECOVERY
BROADER CONTEXT
Council’s, in partnership with State and Federal government, are responsible for contributing to the
safety and wellbeing of their communities by participating in local emergency management and
recovery efforts.
Wollondilly Shire Council is part of a broader state and regional recovery structure. In addition to the NSW
State Recovery Committee, Wollondilly Shire Council is part of the Greater Sydney Regional Recovery Council’s principal roles and responsibilities include:
Committee. The structure of these internal and external recovery committees is depicted below. • Building and promoting disaster resilience
• Systematically taking proper account of risk assessment in land-use planning to reduce
NSW STATE hazard risk
RECOVERY COMMITTEE
• Representing community interests in emergency management to other spheres of government
and contributing to decision-making processes
STATE RECOVERY STATE RECOVERY • Ensuring all requisite local emergency planning and preparedness measures are undertaken
SUB-COMMITTEES WORKING GROUPS
• Ensuring an adequate local council emergency response capability is in place, including
resources for the local volunteers
REGIONAL RECOVERY • Undertaking public education and awareness to support community-preparedness measures
COMMITTEES
• Participation in recovery operations including leading and participating in recovery committees
and coordination,
GREATER SYDNEY REGIONAL RECOVERY COMMITTEE: BLUE MOUNTAINS, • Ensuring appropriate local resources and arrangements are in place to provide and support
HAWKSBURY, LITHGOW, MID-WESTERN, OBERON, WOLLONDILLY, emergency relief and recovery services to communities
CENTRAL COAST, CESSNOCK, SINGLETON
• Participating in post-emergency assessment and analysis.
• Delivering services or activities to help restore the community, and
RECOVERY WORKING
SUB-COMMITTEES GROUPS • Engaging with the community and stakeholders to support community-led recovery.
WOLLONDILLY LOCAL RECOVERY EXTERNAL RECOVERY STAKEHOLDERS
AND RESILIENCE COMMITTEE
In addition to Wollondilly Shire Council there are a number of external government and non-
government organisations that play an essential role in community recovery these stakeholders
SOCIAL RECOVERY BUILT RECOVERY ECONOMIC RECOVERY NATURAL RECOVERY include:
SUB-COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE SUB-COMMITTEE • Non-Government Organisations.
• Community Groups.
• The South-West Sydney Local Health District.
ROADS/ BRIDGES INSURANCE COUNCIL
DEBRIS • Service NSW.
WATER OF AUSTRALIA
HEALTH WASTE
RECREATIONAL SMALL BUSINESSES • Services Australia.
WELFARE FACILITIES NATIONAL PARKS/
PRIMARY PRODUCERS • Legal Services.
FORESTS
TRANSPORT UTILITIES
TOURISM • Networks and Interagencies.
COMMUNICATIONS NATIVE WILDLIFE
EDUCATION LIVESTOCK
LEVEES AQUACULTURE
EMPLOYMENT FODDER/ AGISTMENT Council will seek to work alongside and support external groups and organisations to undertake
LANDSLIPS WEED CONTROL
WASTE (PRIVATE) FANCING/ EQUIPMENT (PUBLIC) recovery and resilience building work in the Wollondilly Shire wherever possible.
Social, Built, Economic and Natural Recovery Sub-Committees are enacted as needed. These are not ongoing committees.
20 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 21N
I n
e t T Y
U m
M e
M g
O
C g a
e n
Mural painted by Joseph Quilter, Walton Lane, Picton
22 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 23COMMUNITY DELIBERATIVE ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
ENGAGEMENT Wollondilly Shire Council employed independent disaster recovery expert Anne Leadbeater (OAM)
to plan and host two series of community debriefing sessions to gather community feedback and
To ensure that the Activate Wollondilly 2021 Long-Term Recovery and Resilience Plan is informed by establish the recovery needs of the community.
the needs of the community a number of community engagement activities have been undertaken
including: Anne Leadbeater is a survivor of the 2009 Victorian Black Saturday fires and a consultant who
specialises in disaster recovery and community resilience. Ms Leadbeater has worked with communities
• Reinstatement of the Local Recovery and Resilience Committee.
recovering from drought, fire, flood and cyclone in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and
• Deliberative engagement: two series of community debriefing forums facilitated by Disaster Queensland, and in 2014, headed up an international team to evaluate the Christchurch Earthquake
Recovery Expert Anne Leadbeater.
Appeal for New Zealand Red Cross. Anne Leadbeater has authored published papers on drought
• Greater Sydney Outreach Survey. policy, communicating in emergencies, and the role of community leadership in disaster recovery.
• Ongoing Community Sentiment Surveys. Deliberative engagement sessions were held in two stages:
LOCAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE COMMITTEE Stage 1: Review of a Community Recovery Hub Forums
During the Green Wattle Creek bushfire a group of volunteers from the communities of Wollondilly
The Local Recovery and Resilience Committee was established as part of the Activate Wollondilly
Shire and Wingecarribee Shire set-up a ‘Community Recovery Hub’. Wollondilly Shire Council shifted
Framework. The committee was re-instated when the Green Wattle Creek bushfire began impacting
its initial emergency response centre at Council’s Administration Building in Picton to the community
Wollondilly Shire and the first meeting of the re-instated committee was held on Monday 16th December,
led recovery hub at Balmoral. This was the first time the community led recovery hub model had been
2019. The Terms of Reference was reviewed to ensure that the committee was able to respond to the
utilised in Wollondilly Shire.
Green Wattle Creek Bushfire event and that there was a strong community representation.
As this was the first time a community led recovery hub model had been used in Wollondilly Shire, it
was important to gather community feedback. Three separate forums were held:
AGENCIES REPRESENTED IN THE LOCAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE
COMMITTEE • Workshop 1 comprised Hub staff and volunteers
• Workshop 2 included service providers and agencies and
The following community members and organisations have had or currently have representation on the
Local Recovery and Resilience Committee. • Workshop 3 comprised members of the community.
The Purpose of the forums was: “to identify future considerations and lessons learnt about supporting
LOCAL RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS a community recovery hub model”.
Community members from across Wollondilly Shire Salvation Army A hybrid of Zoom and face-to-face sessions were held to ensure that we complied with Covid Safe
Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood Centre Wingecarribee Shire Council practices and that the maximum number of people were able to participate.
Wollondilly Resilience Network Tharawal Land Council Following the three workshops the ‘Review of Community Recovery Hub Model June 2020’ report
Picton CWA NSW Police (Camden LAC) was finalised and released. This report summarises the feedback gathered about the Community
St Stephens Thirlmere Wollondilly Local Emergency Management Committee Recovery Hub and made five key recommendations about how recovery centres should operate in
future disasters. The five recommendations will be used in the development of Activate Wollondilly
Community Links Wellbeing Picton Chamber of Commerce
2021: Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Rotary Club St Vincent de Paul Society
The five recommendations were:
Federal MP Angus Taylor’s Office Lifeline Macarthur
1. Framework for Community Recovery Hub: Work with community leaders and recovery
Local State MP Nathaniel Smith’s Office National Bushfire Recovery Agency agencies to design a framework to support establishment and operation of a community
Resilience NSW South West Sydney Local Health District recovery hub.
Greater Sydney Committee South West Sydney Primary Health Network 2. Community Recovery Hub Toolkit: Drawing on previous disaster experience, design and
Red Cross Wollondilly Shire Council develop a toolkit of resources to support the successful operation of a community recovery
hub.
NOTE: Other agencies and organisations may have representation in the Local Recovery Committee over time.
24 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 253. Mapping Community Capacity: Identify community strengths, capabilities, risks and GREATER SYDNEY OUTREACH SURVEY
challenges through the development of individual community profiles.
In partnership with Service NSW and Resilience NSW Wollondilly Shire Council conducted the Greater
4. Community Leadership: Identify and support community leadership in disaster recovery by Sydney Outreach Survey. The purpose of the survey was:
establishing roles for individuals and groups to be involved in emergency management.
• To further understand the needs of the community and identify how we can help you Council
5. Donations Management: Work with community groups, service clubs and recovery could support residents in their recovery from the Green Wattle Creek bushfire.
stakeholders to design a strategy for receiving, coordinating and distributing donated goods
within Wollondilly Shire. • To inform residents about assistance that is available and refer residents to services that
could help them.
Stage 2: Green Wattle Creek Bushfire Recovery Actions Review Community Forums The Greater Sydney Outreach Survey took place between September 2020 and December 2020. The
Stage 2 involved: survey was distributed to 155 residents who were impacted by the Green Wattle Creek bushfire including
• Five workshops facilitated by Anne Leadbeater in the bushfire impacted communities of residents who lost their home, residents who suffered damage to their property or business, residents
Bargo, Buxton, Oakdale, Warragamba and Picton. who were evacuated and residents who accessed Wollondilly Shire Council recovery supports in the
• Focus group at the Yerranderie Community Association meeting. period following the bushfire. The survey was sent via email and could be completed online or over the
phone with a trained Red Cross volunteer.
• Online survey using the Your Say platform on Wollondilly Shire Council’s website.
53 residents participated in the Greater Sydney Outreach survey which has provided Wollondilly Shire
Wollondilly Shire Council received the final report written by Anne Leadbeater from the Green Council with further insight to the ongoing recovery needs of residents across Wollondilly Shire. Many
Wattle Creek Bushfire Recovery Actions Review Community Forums. The report makes eight respondents were also provided with referrals or information to assist them in their recovery.
recommendations including:
1. Mapping Community Capacity: Identify community strengths, capabilities, risks and ONGOING CUSTOMER SENTIMENT SURVEYS
challenges through the development of individual community profiles. Customer sentiment surveys were undertaken with the broader Wollondilly Community. These surveys
2. Community Leadership: Identify and support community leadership in disaster recovery by gauge the general health and wellbeing of the broader community and asked for feedback about the
establishing roles for individuals and groups to be involved in emergency management. impact of bushfires, flooding, Covid-19. They also sought to identify the needs of the community and
their biggest concerns at the time of being surveyed.
3. Agency Collaboration: Improve emergency management and resilience outcomes
through a supportive and collaborative approach to planning and service delivery.
4. Building Preparedness and Resilience: Draw on local knowledge and experience to develop
a communication strategy for emergency preparedness, response and recovery.
5. Framework for Community Recovery Hub: Work with community leaders and recovery
agencies to design a framework to support establishment and operation of a community
recovery hub.
6. Community Recovery Hub Toolkit: Drawing on previous disaster experience, design and
develop a toolkit of resources to support the successful operation of a community recovery
hub.
7. Donations Management: Work with community groups, service clubs and recovery
stakeholders to design a strategy for receiving, coordinating and distributing donated goods
within Wollondilly Shire.
26 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL The Robin Davies Wollondilly Community Nursery ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 27LONG TERM ACTION PLAN
FOR COMMUNITY RECOVERY
The key focus areas of recovery are:
ECONOMIC
RECOVERY
SOCIAL
RECOVERY
NATURAL
RECOVERY
BUILT
RECOVERY
KEY FOR ACTION PLAN
PROJECT STATUS SUMMARY
PLANNING
Project is currently under investigation with relevant stakeholders
to assess, plan or identify community led opportunities and needs
ON TRACK
Project is in the process of being implemented and
is on track for completion. No additional action required.
ON-HOLD DUE TO COVID
Project is currently on-hold due to government guidance
on COVID-19 regulations, but planning is still taking place.
COMPLETE
Project completed. No additional or ongoing action required.
New housing structure
28 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 29SOCIAL RECOVERY SOCIAL RECOVERY
The Green Wattle Creek bushfire has had a significant social impact on the Wollondilly community. IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
ACTION DESCRIPTION
Each individual’s experience of the bushfires as well as their recovery journey will be unique. Some of TIMEFRME
the social impacts of the Green Wattle Creek bushfire include: Wollondilly Shire Council will work to
ensure that impacted residents have access
• Loss of shelter - 19 homes were destroyed and a further eighteen damaged resulting in a
to the information and services they need to
number of people being displaced from their homes. recover. This will be done by:
• Psychosocial impact including trauma, stress and anxiety. • Establishment of a Recovery Hub
in the period immediately following
• Financial loss and/or hardship. the fire. This allowed residents to
access immediate financial support
and information and to connect with
Goals of Community/ Social Recovery Include: service providers.
• Supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals including emotional, spiritual and physical Assisting • Providing relevant and timely
wellbeing. Impacted information to residents in a number
of ways including on our website, on Immediate -
Residents
• To provide immediate support to residents impacted by the Green Wattle Creek bushfire social media, via EDMS and Long Term
to Access
through the establishment of a Recovery Centre. newsletters and via the resource hub 12 months +
Information in the foyer of Council’s office in Picton.
• To support community members to access the services, financial support and information and Services
• Working closely alongside the
that they need in a timely manner.
Recovery Support Service for
• To ensure that recovery is community led. Wollondilly-Community Links Wellbeing.
• Maintaining connections with key
• To continue to identify emerging social issues impacting on community wellbeing, recovery support services so that council staff
and resilience. can refer residents or provide
information as required. This
• To work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including services, community
includes welfare agencies, mental
groups, government agencies and emergency services. health services, housing services,
legal services and humanitarian
• To work in partnership with community based organisations and services to develop and
services.
implement a range of projects that provide psychosocial support and address identified
individual and community needs. 186 individuals or families were provided
with financial assistance from the Mayor’s
• To provide ongoing opportunities for community connection. Relief Fund.
Immediate -
Financial Funds utilised for household purchases,
• To provide ongoing opportunities for building community capacity, resilience and Medium Term
Support for replacement of furniture and white goods,
preparedness. 6-12 months
Impacted clothing, bedding, tree and debris removal,
• To support a regional recovery context whilst maintaining a local focus. Residents replacement of trees and gardens, fencing,
replacement of tools, trailers and vehicles. Complete
100% of all donated funds were distributed-
a total of $454,926.
Organisational payments of up to$10,000
were made available to the following
organisations for community projects Immediate-
Support of providing targeted support to bushfire Medium Term
Community Led impacted residents. 0-12 months
Recovery Projects • Paws Pet Therapy $8,850 to work
exclusively with school students in Complete
bushfire impacted communities
providing pet therapy.
30 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL PLANNING ON TRACK ON HOLD COMPLETE ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 31• Community Links Wellbeing $10,000 to Wollondilly Shire Council will be providing
provide mental health supports to a number of training opportunities for Longer Term
children, young people and adults. Provision of volunteers and community members who
12 months +
Training for have an interest in supporting community
• Our Community Pantry- $10,000 for
hampers for impacted residents. Volunteers and recovery from the Green Wattle Creek
July 2021- June
Community bushfire and other disasters. Training will
• Buxton Community association $9,968 be on topics such as self-care, vicarious 2022
Leaders
for the provision of community based trauma, community engagement skills and
activities and events in Buxton.
Immediate- psychological first aid.
Support of • Picton CWA $9,350 for resources to Medium Term
Community Led support the continuation of the As per the recommendations in a Wollondilly
0-12 months Shire Council commissioned report: ‘Review
Recovery Projects Community Led Hub.
continued... of Community Recovery Hub Model June
• Buxton P&C $10,000 towards the Complete 2020’ Wollondilly Shire Council will develop
reconstruction of play equipment asset maps and community profiles. Longer Term
destroyed at the school.
Asset Mapping These resources will not only support the 12 months +
• $10,000 Australian Wildlife Foundation and Development development of the Community Recovery Hub
for the regeneration of gardens, picnic Toolkit, but also support emergency planning
of Community February 2021-
areas and facilities. and identification of community leaders and
Profiles June 2022
• Wollondilly Anglican Church $10,000 people with an interest in contributing to
series of community events to facilitate recovery activities as a volunteer.
community connection. Asset mapping will also identify opportunities
for development and improvement of existing
Wollondilly Shire Council will host a number assets across Wollondilly.
of Community Recovery events which will
aim to boost community spirits and provide Wollondilly Shire Council will be developing
opportunities for social connection and a Mobile Recovery and Resilience Hub.
connection with services. These events will This vehicle will allow us to provide ongoing
include: community outreach support as the shire
• Family Fun Days in the bushfire continues its recovery from the Green
Immediate- Wattle Creek bushfire.
impacted communities of Warragamba
Community Medium Term
and Bargo. When future disaster events occur the
Recovery 0-12 months Mobile Recovery and Resilience Hub can
• Live Music events in the bushfire impacted
Events communities of Oakdale and Buxton. be utilised by Wollondilly Shire Council Longer Term
• Recurring large scale events Illuminate Complete to provide immediate recovery support to 12 months +
Mobile Recovery
and the Festival of Steam which will impacted communities.
and Resilience
be expanded with the support of When the vehicle is not being used for May 2021-
bushfire recovery grants. Hub
recovery activities it will be utilised to Ongoing
Wollondilly Shire Council will continue to seek provide resilience building activities
out funding opportunities to host community including education and awareness raising
events across the Wollondilly Shire. projects as well as social/ community
events. Resilience building projects will take
Wollondilly Shire Council has commissioned place across Wollondilly Shire utilising an
Disaster Recovery expert Anne Leadbeater outreach model.
to develop a Community Recovery Hub This project has been funded with a grant
Longer Term
Toolkit. The Toolkit will provide a framework for the Bushfire Recovery and Resilience
for the establishment and operation of a 12 months +
Development of Fund Stream 2.
Community Recovery Hub. The toolkit
a Recovery Hub Medium Term
will be localised to the Wollondilly Shire; February 2021- Support of the The Telopea Park Memorial Playground was
Toolkit however, this model will also be able to a project led by volunteers from the Buxton 6- 12 Months
March 2022 Community
be shared with other organisations. The RFS and involved the construction of a fire
development of the toolkit will be informed Led Memorial
truck style children’s playground to be built January 2020-
by the feedback obtained during the review Playground at as a tribute to late RFS volunteers, Andrew December 5,
of the Community Recovery Hub forum. Telopea Park O’Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton, who tragically 2020
32 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL PLANNING ON TRACK ON HOLD COMPLETE ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 33lost their lives while battling the Green Wattle Wollondilly Shire Council will be partnering
Creek Bushfire in Buxton in December, 2019. with external service providers to deliver
Wollondilly Shire Council provided in-kind wellbeing programs for residents. These will
project management and financial support include:
totalling $25,000 towards this project. Other • The Traxside ‘Revive’ program
organisations who provided support for the Medium Term supporting bushfire impacted youth. Long Term
Support of the Telopea Park Memorial project included 6- 12 Months 12 Months +
Wellbeing • Tuff and Restore program which will
Community the Hon. Warwick Smith (Australian Capital
Programs support bushfire impacted men and
Led Memorial Equity & Coates Hire), the Rural Fire Service January 2020- women. March 2021-
Playground at Association, Wingecarribee Shire Council, December 5,
TRN, Moduplay, Gillie and Marc, AGL, Council will also support community
Telopea Park 2020
Commonwealth Bank & Picton District CWA, Wellbeing initiatives being delivered by other
continued... Boral Maldon, Budget Direct Insurance and the organisations in the Wollondilly/ Greater
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Complete
Sydney region through promotion and
Gilbert & Roach, Keeley Stone Masons, identification of suitable community venues.
Coopers Engineering, Lions Tahmoor,
Lions Ulladulla, SIMEC, Tahmoor Garden Wollondilly Shire Council will work alongside
Centre, Macarthur Credit Union and Ulysses external service providers and response
Motorcycle Club Macarthur and Wollondilly. agencies to support isolated communities.
Some isolated communities in Wollondilly Immediate -
Wollondilly Shire Council reinstated the were significantly impacted by the Green Long Term
Supporting
‘Local Recovery and Resilience Committee’ Wattle Creek bushfire including Yerranderie,
Isolated 12 Months +
in November, 2019. This committee is the Burragorang Valley and Nattai.
Communities
comprised of community members, chambers Residents in isolated communities can face
of commerce members, community based unique barriers to recovery. Wollondilly Shire Ongoing
Immediate -
organisations and Wollondilly Shire Council Council will continue to provide outreach to
Long Term
Local Recovery staff. This committee will remain in place, isolated communities to assist them in their
0- 12 months + recovery and disaster resilience.
and Resilience however the Terms of Reference will be
Committee reviewed to ensure that the committee Long Term
December Supporting Children and Young People
continues to meet the needs of the Wollondilly Supporting
2019- ongoing to Ensure their Needs are Identified and 12 Months +
Community. The Terms of Reference review Children and
will also ensure that the Committee meets incorporated into recovery planning, resilience
Young People March 2020
the newly established guidelines regarding building and preparedness programs. Ongoing
‘Community Resilience Networks’ which will
be released by Resilience NSW in 2021. The Wollondilly Children’s Voices Project
captures the voices of children that have
In 2021 Wollondilly Shire Council will work with been impacted by the Green Wattle Creek
Wingecarribee Shire Council and the National Bushfire Event, to ensure children and young
Bushfire Recovery Agency to host a Resilience people’s wellbeing has been considered and
Building and Preparedness Exposition. The their perspective incorporated into our future
exposition will cover topics such as: preparedness and recovery initiatives. The
project was funded by a $15,000 grant from
• Disaster preparedness;
the Rotary Club of Wollondilly North and Medium Term
• Disaster resilient building; Immediate - Rotary delivered in partnership between Wollondilly
• Disaster resilient landscaping; 6 - 12 months
Preparedness Long Term Funded Shire Council and the Rotary Club of
• Explaining Bushfire Attack Ratings Wollondilly North.
and Resilience 0- 12 months + Children’s
(BAL Ratings); June 2020 -
Building Voices Project The project involved six face-to-face workshops
Exposition • Modifications that can be made to
April 2021- across bushfire impacted communities of
existing homes and properties to
September 2021 Wollondilly that were hosted using the Dilly
improve disaster resilience;
Wanderer van. Workshops were facilitated by
• Insurance; the child librarian, a team of child psychologists
• Wellbeing services; and and supported by Paws Pet Therapy. Children
• Continuity planning for businesses. participated in play activities, story time and
The exposition will provide a variety of art activities. The artworks children produced
information including key note speakers, to share their stories from the fires will be
information stalls and market stalls. published into a book.
34 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL PLANNING ON TRACK ON HOLD COMPLETE ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 35The Youth Voices project was developed to Wollondilly Shire Council will work alongside
support young people impacted by the Green the National Bushfire Recovery Agency
Wattle Creek bushfire. The project was funded Long Term
to develop and implement an emergency
by a $10,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Development of 12 Months +
dashboard and/or App to efficiently and
Wollondilly North and delivered in partnership an Emergency
effectively provide immediate emergency
between Wollondilly Shire Council and the Dashboard/ App March 2021-
information to residents. Council will
Rotary Club of Wollondilly North. July 2022
investigate existing models and grant
The Youth Voices project had five aims: funding opportunities to support the project.
• To provide young people with an
opportunity for fun and social Wollondilly Shire Council will continue to
connectedness. advocate on behalf of residents and local
services about the emergency and recovery
• To give young people the opportunity
Medium Term issues of the community.
to participate in fun, outdoor activities
that promote and build resilience. 6- 12 months
Rotary Key issues identified in community
Funded • To introduce children and young people engagement which are current priorities for
September 2020 Council include:
Youth Voices to local mental health supports in a fun
and informal way. This has two benefits: - February 2021 • Improved information sharing between
Project
it will support us to identify any children agencies to overcome barriers to
Immediate -
or young people who have significant Complete impacted people accessing support.
concerns after the bushfires and help Long Term
Advocacy
develop a pathway for warm referrals to • Improved evacuation routes for
bushfire support services. Wollondilly. This includes advocating to Ongoing
the state government for the construction
• To provide children with the opportunity
of a bypass in Picton.
to connect with and rebuild trust with
the NSW Rural Fire Service and reduce • Advocating on behalf of isolated
any trauma association that children may residents who are facing unique barriers
have with fire trucks/ fire brigades. to recovery.
• To develop a resource that can be used
• Advocating for improved
to educate others about the impact of
telecommunications / connectivity in
natural disasters on children and young
people. outlying villages and towns.
Wollondilly Shire Council will support the
Connect and Interact Wollondilly supports
creation and continuation of communities
sustained community recovery and resilience
by providing public WiFi and interactive of interest which will allow residents to
kiosks in bushfire impacted communities. share their knowledge and skills, learn from Long-Term
Internet connectivity in public spaces others and connect with other residents in
12 Months +
provides universal communications access. Communities the community. This project was funded by
of Interest the Bushfire Recovery and Resilience Fund
Connect and Interact Wollondilly will support March 2021 -
Stream 1 grant and will support community
Connect sustained community recovery and resilience June 2022
Long Term by building individual and community
and Interact by providing public WiFi and interactive
12 Months + capacity by providing opportunities for
kiosks in bushfire impacted communities.
Wollondilly- training and development, exchange of
Reliable internet connectivity in public spaces
Improved Digital May 2021 - information and community connectedness.
provides communication and information
Communication Ongoing
access for everyone.
An interactive kiosk extends the offering Small scale BMX track located at Bargo and
Long-Term
by providing a public information device to Youth Facilities Oakdale. This project has been funded by
12 Months +
deliver location relevant information, advice that Support bushfire recovery funding from a joint State
and warnings. The device can be used to Wellbeing and and Commonwealth grant. This project is in the
search and obtain information. It will also be May 2021-
Social Connection investigation stages and will be implemented in
used as a community engagement platform June 2022
2021/22.
to collect feedback and suggestions.
36 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL PLANNING ON TRACK ON HOLD COMPLETE ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 37Wollondilly Shire Council is proposing a
number of community capacity building
activities to raise awareness and provide
education about disaster preparedness. The
goal of these projects is to build community
resilience.
Medium -
This will include workshops on topics such as: Long Term
Community • Landscaping in a fire risk area. 6 Months +
Education • Bushfire awareness.
March 2021 -
• Flood awareness.
June, 2022
• Preparing your home and business for
natural disasters.
• Architecture and building requirements
in high fire risk areas.
• Indigenous land management practices.
There is significant research to show the
link between community connectedness
and community resilience. Wollondilly Shire
Council will continue to support community
connectedness through a number of
projects and initiatives:
Supporting
• Outreach work such as the Dilly Immediate -
Resilience
Wanderer, Mobile Library and Long Term
through
participation at community events.
Community
Ongoing
Connectedness • Hosting and participating in networks
such as the Community Services Catch-
Up, interagency meetings and
community committees.
• Establishing and supporting
Communities of Interest.
Wollondilly Shire Council has joined the ‘Get
Ready Council’ program. This provides us
access to our own ‘Get Ready Wollondilly’
Long Term
logo as well as number of Get Ready
Get Ready 12 Months +
resources. Get Ready information will be
Wollondilly
shared on social media throughout the year,
Ongoing
in our printed communications including
Community Newsletter, rates notices and
waste calendars.
Council will build community resilience by
Additional providing additional facilities to encourage Long Term
community connectedness. This includes
Facilities for 12 Months +
Picnic Shelters located in bushfire impacted
Supporting
communities of Bargo and Oakdale and
Community May 2021 -
improved signage in smaller villages. This
Connectedness will provide additional opportunities for social June 2022
interaction and social connectedness.
Community Recovery Event, Bargo
38 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL PLANNING ON TRACK ON HOLD COMPLETE ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 39ECONOMIC RECOVERY
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
There are approximately 4,412 local businesses operating in Wollondilly. These businesses provide
IMPLEMENTATION STATUS
approximately 14,144 jobs. The Green Wattle Creek bushfire impacted businesses and the economy ACTION DESCRIPTION TIMEFRME
in numerous ways:
Wollondilly Shire Council will develop a
Visitor Guide to help increase tourism to
• It is estimated that the Green Wattle Creek bushfire resulted in $8.1 million worth of damage
the area and stimulate the economy. The Long Term
to the local economy of Wollondilly (NBRA 2021). Regional Visitor guide will be in print and in digital 12 Months +
Tourism format (which will be available on the visit
• 673 businesses in Wollondilly were approved grants following the Green Wattle Creek bushfire Bushfire Wollondilly Website). Market research
due to being impacted by the fires (NBRA 2021). indicates that 83% of visitors are domestic March 2020 -
Recovery
day trippers or visiting friends and relatives; July 2021
• Several businesses lost assets in the fires including infrastructure, work vehicles, tools, as a result the guide will be a blend of
equipment and machinery. lifestyle content and visitation opportunities.
• Many people forced to take time off work to protect their properties or to volunteer with the Wollondilly Shire Council will be utilising
NSW RFS. bushfire recovery grant funding aimed Long Term
Enhancement
at supporting tourism and economic 12 Months +
of Existing
development to enhance two of the region’s
The goals for Economic Recovery include: Major Events to
major events: Illuminate and the Festival of January 2021 -
• To assist local businesses to access the information, services and financial support they need Increase Visitor Steam. The goal will be to increase visitor June 2022
to recover from the Green Wattle Creek bushfire and other recent disaster events. Numbers numbers to Wollondilly Shire and stimulate
the local economy.
• To support the businesses in Wollondilly to build their economic resilience.
Wollondilly Shire Council will partner with Long Term
Business
• To increase tourism and visitor numbers to Wollondilly. Resilience NSW and other services to 12 Months +
Continuity
provide business continuity training. This
Planning
• To encourage residents to shop locally and support local businesses. will help build business resilience to future June 2021-
Workshops
disasters. June 2022
Wollondilly Shire Council will host the
Service NSW Business Concierge program Medium -
at Council’s Chambers in Picton. The
Long Term
Business Concierge can provide a range of
Business 6 Months +
supports and information including assisting
Concierge
businesses to apply for recovery related
grants. Wollondilly Shire Council staff will work Ongoing
alongside the Business Concierge to promote
the service to businesses across Wollondilly.
Wollondilly Shire Council will utilise
$100,000 of bushfire recovery grant Long-Term
Supporting
funding develop and implement economic 12 Months +
Small Business
development and tourism projects to support
Recovery
small business recovery within bushfire March 2020
affected communities.
Immediate-
Wollondilly will continue to provide timely and
Providing Long-Term
relevant information to business through our
Businesses with 12 Months +
Business Wollondilly EDMS, newsletters,
Relevant and
online alerts and on the Tourism and Business
Timely Information December 2019
Historic Post Office, Picton section of our website.
- Ongoing
40 | WOLLONDILLY SHIRE COUNCIL PLANNING ON TRACK ON HOLD COMPLETE ACTIVATE WOLLONDILLY 2021 | 41You can also read
