Locally owned and independent
November 16, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 9
Diary of a Flood Survivor Our builder has come back from his travels and been in touch. This is exciting as it means we can now start to focus on the downstairs part of our house that has been standing like some poor naked and abandoned neighbour for nearly two years. I am still trying to
comprehend that it has been nearly 21 months since we got washed out by the floods. So much has happened, but not enough as well. I mean, building back a whole region, with its residents, businesses and infrastructure, is no small feat so time is a valuable asset, but when you stare at a makeshift front door
and no walls for months on end, you do wonder at the time frame. I have to give credit where its deserved as I visited the Lismore Housing Expo on Saturday. Lismore City Council seem to be very proactive in getting people to invest in building more homes in their LGA.
I met people on the day who were interested in building granny flats and tiny homes as a way to invest or retire affordably. When I spoke to mayor Steve Krieg about the expo during the week he stated that for there to be more homes for renters, you have to get the investors on board. A home expo is a good
step to informing those mum and dad investors, who may want to add an extra living space to their property, which in turn is a small step to helping to reduce the housing crisis. When I saw the explosion of new houses being built in the Goonellabah area, out of flood prone districts, I realised that many
people have entered the construction field on and have become property ‘tycoons’. I think many of us have donned our design hats and are playing our own version of ‘The Block’. With the return of our builder, we prepare to go into our ‘second season’. Will keep you updated. Little Steps
MOTORISTS URGED NOT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED ROADS AS SEVERE WEATHER BATTERS STATE The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging commuters not to take the risk of driving through flash flooding as heavy rain lashes Metropolitan Sydney, the Central Coast, North Coast and Blue Mountains. A large storm front is moving across the Great Dividing Range to the east this afternoon (Thursday, 9 November), bringing damaging winds, possible hail and heavy rain which could lead to flash flooding in low lying areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain across Metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West Slops and Plains and North West Slopes districts.
NSW SES has personnel and assets prepositioned to respond in our South Eastern, Metro and Northern zones. NSW SES Senior Manager of State Operations, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes, said flash flooding is dangerous and can happen anywhere there is localised heavy rainfall. “If it’s flooded, stop and find an alternative route. Flash flooding can be deeper than it appears and can contain sewage and poisons, as well as hidden debris,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said. “If you live, work or regularly commute through a low lying area, there may be no official warning for flash flooding. It is critical you assess the conditions and
also check live traffic before travelling.” If you are trapped by rising flash floodwater, seek the safest refuge position and call Triple Zero (000) if life threatening. The NSW SES advises that people should: • Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. • Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water. • If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. • Unplug computers and appliances. • Avoid using the phone during the storm. • Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. • For help in floods and storms, ring the NSW SES on 132 500.
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