Understanding the Natural Disaster Impact and Community Resilience Study

The Natural Disaster Impact and Community Resilience Study has been prepared to determine measures – social, infrastructure and services – that can be taken in the Shire, to develop resilient communities that are better prepared to respond to, and recover from, the impact of natural disaster. It has been prepared following extensive consultation with key stakeholders as well as an analysis of cost benefits It is made up of an Executive Summary and draft final report.

The Natural Disaster Impact and Community Resilience Study includes a number of recommendations. They include:
  • Changes to local emergency management arrangements and documentation
  • Community awareness and promotion
  • Operational matters, including an extension of the Aboriginal Ranger Programs as they relate to natural disaster planning
  • Land use planning and policy updates
  • Upgrades to infrastructure, including roads, drainage, water, telecommunications and power
  • Consideration for storage of goods and fuel in emergencies
  • New flood warning systems
  • Animal management
  • Investment in social and emotional support
OBJECTIVE
To provide a detailed report to inform future plans and funding for disaster recovery and environmental risk management mitigation measures.
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WHAT WE WILL DELIVER
Detailed report that will support funding towards the proposed facilities in Wyndham, Kalumburu and Kununurra.

​WHAT DO WE NEED
Community feedback 

Background

In September 2023, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley (SWEK) successfully concluded a comprehensive Natural Disaster Impact and Community Resilience Study. This study, funded jointly by the Federal Government's Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream Program and the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley, encompassed the entire district, including areas susceptible to cyclones and tropical lows like Wyndham, Kalumburu, and Kununurra.

The resulting Study Report will serve as a crucial foundation for future disaster recovery plans and environmental risk management strategies. It shed light on any deficiencies in the built environment and outlined potential infrastructure needs. Furthermore, it pinpointed all community safety risks and conducted a thorough analysis of the gaps between current and future disaster response measures and infrastructure, including cyclone shelters and flood mitigation devices.
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Among the notable findings was the pressing need for and a strong recommendation to establish evacuation centers in Wyndham, Kalumburu, and Kununurra. This development will significantly enhance the community's safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Key facts
Climate change means the East Kimberley will see more extreme weather events
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Food storage for a significant emergency event is not
adequate to meet community needs
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Lack of accommodation options for a surge workforce or people who are displaced during a significant emergency event​​

Get Involved

Learn more, or share your thoughts and ideas about ​Natural Disaster Impact and Community Resilience Study!

Learn more:
Attend one of our pop-up engagement events:
  • Kununurra Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 4:30PM
  • Wyndham Council Chambers on November 21, 2023 from 4:30 PM

​Send an email:
Short and Sweet:
  • Us the form below to send us your comments directly

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