Four community groups have united to establish an emergency plan to help guide residents of the Bouddi Peninsula.
Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association president Mr Mike Allsop said the catastrophic danger day on November 12 “exposed some vulnerability in our community with some confusion about what people should be doing to respond and prepare”.
“We found that some people did not know what they should do or where they should go in an emergency, ” he said. Leaders of four main community groups in the area met and agreed to assemble a joint Community Resilience and Empowerment Plan.
Mr Allsop said the objective was to get clear and concise information to people, both locals and tourists, and to co-ordinate the community response to disaster events.
The core group of organisers are Mr Allsop, Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade captain Ms Michelle Biddulph, Killy Cares president Mr Stephen Hinks and Killcare Surf Life Saving Club president Mr Craig Shepherd.
“With the two emergency services and two great community organisations acting as one, you can be assured that whatever happens, we’ll be in a much better place to cope, ” Mr Allsop said. “There are one or two roads that are critical and if these are blocked for whatever reason, storm damage for instance, or fire, there is no escape by road.
“So, we have to be prepared and that’s where this new plan will come into effect. “We know Wagstaffe Hall is a safe neighbourhood place so we have to make sure we are ready to offer assistance with amenities and shelter.
“The surf club is also a designated emergency service and the clubhouse is a good solid building for a safe place, too. “We have to make those safe places better known and their location better known. “It’s still a work in progress and Michelle is researching various RFS emergency templates to find the most suitable for our community of about 2000. ”
Mr Allsop said the finished plan could be a two-page leaflet listing trigger points so people know what to do, where to go, who to call in an emergency. “We’re hoping that leaflet will be visible and easy to find in every house, even holiday homes for the tourists.
The Community Resilience and Empowerment Plan will be published in the association’s newsletter and by email and printed copies will be displayed in retail stores and community buildings.
SOURCE: Newsletter, 3 Dec 2019 Interview (Sue Murray), 4 Dec 2019 Mike Allsop, WTKCA
This article appeared first in the Peninsula News print edition 484