INFORMATION FLYER
Fourth Flyer, February, 2008
Hello Everyone,
1. ALGA Raises Questions:
As members are aware, the FMA has for some time being raising issues with both the NSW
LGSA and the ALGA.
In the last two issues of the ALGA News flooding has featured prominently. www.alga.asn.au
The ALGA has kindly allowed us to reproduce articles; they are attached and will be placed
onto our website.
COMMENT: With floods affecting some 90% of Queensland this year, with the ALGA
President, the Federal Treasurer, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Nationals all
Queensland based you might think that FLOODS, FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT and
FLOOD MITIGATION SHOULD BE ON THE MIND of all members of Parliament.
2. Shires Association Media Release.
Cr Betty Green (Kempsey Shire Council) attended the recent “A” Division of the NSW Shires
Association meeting. The matter of flooding and flood mitigation was discussed. The Press
Release out of the meeting is attached for your information.
3. Media Releases, Success comes from
Members Help:
Recently we asked all members to submit the FMA’s Media releases to their local media. It
is interesting that the Chairman, Cr Allan Ezzy, was contacted by a media outlet fairly
immediately after the Council submitted the FMA Releases to their local media. I have again
attached the three media releases this year; if you have not forwarded them to your local
media please do so, this is where the response is coming from.
Some direct questions which have been asked by the FMA and you could ask of the media
and members of political parties are:
Could you please advise the Government’s position regarding the following:
1. Will there be a Commonwealth Floodplain Management or Flood Mitigation
Program in
2008/09
2. If so (1 above), what will be the Commonwealth’s financial commitment to funding that
program?
3. Will there be a Natural Disaster Mitigation Program in 2008/09?
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4. If so (3 above), what will be the Commonwealth’s financial commitment to that program?
5. When will the Government announce the results of the review undertaken by the
Commonwealth on the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and the Flood Mitigation
Program within the NDMP?
6. Will the Government be honouring the several “promises” made during the election
campaign with respect to the funding of Flood Mitigation projects?
7. When will the Government officially advise organisations such as the FMA of the changes
already made to Program administration and those proposed for the future?
Also remember to refer to the FMA’s submission to the Government on NDMP and Flood
Mitigation funding, (copies have been circulated before and are attached again for ease of
reference)
4. FMA Letter to All Mayors goes Interstate:
Following the issue of the Chair & Deputy Chairperson’s letter to NSW Mayors,
several Councils have indicated that reports will be going to the respective Councils.
Such a report creates another opportunity for media statements and media
exposure.
The FMA is now sending letters to all interstate Councils urging them to take action
before it is too late.
Experience has shown that once Governments make announcements they will never
change direction no matter how stupid the decisions they have made are shown to
be.
You may think that’s an exaggeration? Well think of some decisions made in the last
three years and the political consequences.
5. FMA BOOK...Order & Pick Up at Conference.
The FMA book will be launched and available at the Annual Conference at
Wollongong.
Why not Order Now, get your books signed by the author and collect them at the
FMA stand at the Conference? Save the cost of post & package.
Remember CASH or CHEQUE at the Conference or DIRECT DEBIT before the
Conference. Order form circulated previously.
6. AGM & Quarterly Meeting Business Papers.
A reminder that the business papers have been circulated electronically and there
are issues that you need to think about contained in the papers. Please bring your
copy with you.
7. 2008 Annual Conference.
Have you booked for the Conference? Time is running out. www.iceaustralia.com/fmawollongong
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The FMA needs some “volunteers” to help with the FMA booth. Can you give us some of your time
during the Conference??? Please respond by email to the Executive Officer.
8. UTS Flyer on Floodplain Risk Management
Course
It is here!! The first Australian Course on Floodplain Risc Management. This course will be
launched, after much intense work since 2004, at the 2008 Conference. Great to see and
congratulations to those involved. Flyer attached, see www.eng.uts.edu.au
Have a great week and see you at Wollongong on 26
to 29th of February, 2008
Regards
Wilton
Wilton C Boyd
Executive Officer,
Floodplain Management Authorities.
e wilton@ausengineers.com.au
m 0448 199 828
35 Carlton Road, Greenbank. Qld. 4124
Attachments:
Item 1 Press releases from ALGSA
Item 2 Press release from NSW Shires Association
Item 3 Submission made by FMA to Federal Attorney General regarding
Natural Disaster Mitigation Program and Flood Mitigation Funding
Item 5 Information on FMA Book “Making Communities Safer in Times of
Flood: the Story of the Floodplain Management Authorities of
New South Wales’ -- Chas Keys
Item 8 University of Technology, Sydney: Flyer on Course on “Floodplain Risk
Management”
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