Ward 3 Blue Mountains councillor and nurse, Shae Foenander represented council at the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference in September.
The aim of the conference was to encourage participation and partnerships around all facets of disaster resilience. It provided valuable insight to how the approach to disaster resilience is changing around the globe.
“Resilience is not just about preparedness prior to bushfire season”, said Cr Foenander. “There are many components to building a resilient community that have long lasting effects - first and foremost is a strong sense of community.”
Cr Foenander said the Mountains was well placed to contribute to the national conversation about strengthening resilience and recovery through better emergency preparedness; mapping areas of vulnerability; and connectedness of the local community and emergency organisations.
The NSW Government’s Office of Emergency Management has selected Blue Mountains Council to pilot two projects relating to community resilience networks and local recovery planning.
The Blue Mountains Local Emergency Management Committee established a local Recovery and Resilience sub-committee following the 2013 bushfires, an approach that had not been used anywhere in NSW. The Office of Emergency Management has recognised the potential of this recovery model for other NSW communities.
Mayor Mark Greenhill said, “I am proud that Blue Mountains City Council, along with emergency services and the community sector, is playing an important role in disaster recovery planning and community resilience.
“The resilience of the City of Blue Mountains was truly tested with the October 2013 bushfires. Our community achieved, and learned, a great deal from this experience”, he said. “Our key learning, as a city, united in disaster, is the value of partnerships and social cohesion.”
Cr Foenander also represented the Council at the Resilient Sydney round table led by Sydney City Council earlier this year.
