Indigenous community leaders in far north New South Wales say the emergency response to this year’s flood disaster ranged from unprepared and uncoordinated to non-existent.
The Bundjalung Nation’s flood response report was released today after it was previously referred to the Independent Flood Inquiry.
Some of the key takeaways from community leaders include:
- The emergency response was under-resourced, unprepared, uncoordinated and for many simply non-existent,
- First Nations science, cultural knowledge and data did not inform woefully inadequate environmental and planning systems; i
- There was a lack of First Nations people and voices in government structures.
Arrabella Douglas, co-author of the Currie Country Group report. (ABC North Coast: Bruce MacKenzie)
Report co-author Arrabella Dougles of the Tweed-based Currie Country Group was among those who spoke at today’s launch ceremony.
“We’ve come together because we’re black first,” she said.
“We’re worried and concerned about our Aboriginal communities, and we’re ready to stand up and do it because if we don’t we know we’re going to be overlooked.”
CEO of Bogal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Rebecca Woods. (ABC North Coast: Bruce MacKenzie)
Rebecca Woods, from the Bogal Local Aboriginal Lands Council, struggled to contain her emotions as she spoke about the situation in nearby Coraki, where around 60 people are still living in tents after their homes were flooded.
“We still have people living in temporary accommodation solutions without a real strategy,” he said.
Dale Bolt cleaning up inside a house after water damage on Cabbage Tree Island. (ABC News: Rani Hayman)
The community report made more than a dozen recommendations including:
- Improve planning, flood mitigation and environmental mapping processes by incorporating the local knowledge of First Nations traditional owners,
- Improve emergency responses during and after natural disasters and ensure First Nations voices drive decisions,
- Ensure critical infrastructure is disaster prepared for future events; i
- Develop the capacity of Aboriginal organizations to operate and respond in times of natural disaster.
Chris Binge, CEO of the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council. (ABC North Coast: Bruce MacKenzie)
Chris Binge, who helped rescue more than 200 people from Cabbage Tree Island at the height of the crisis, urged the government to take note.
“If the government can’t keep up with us, we’ll do what needs to be done because that’s the kind of people we are,” he said.
“Leadership is listening, it’s about learning from what has happened and also from what hasn’t happened.
“Don’t feel sorry for us, stand with us.
“Walk with us, let yourself be guided on a journey that will change your lives, because we want to be the people who change our lives.”
No release date
The final report of the independent NSW flood inquiry was handed to the state government on Sunday.
Deputy Prime Minister Paul Toole said today there is no firm date for its public launch.
“I want this report out as soon as possible,” he said.
“But it’s also important that we see what’s in that report so we can publish it and talk about what actions the government will take.”
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