Giant maps reveal lay of the land for future natural disasters
The cost of natural disasters to communities in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie is set to skyrocket by almost 200% by 2060 as the two cities grow and extreme weather events become more frequent.
NSW Government data shows the average annual loss related to storms, floods, bushfires, earthquakes, cyclones, coastal inundation and coastal erosion totalled $87 million for Lake Macquarie in 2023, and $71 million for Newcastle.
But those figures are forecast to grow rapidly over the next three decades to $334 million annually for Newcastle and $131 million for Lake Macquarie.
That rising threat has prompted non-profit organisation Disaster Relief Australia to bring two of its ‘Big Map’ events to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in March.
The events, held in conjunction with Lake Macquarie City Council and City of Newcastle, invite community members to inspect and walk on a giant map the size of a community hall, showing the topography and unique characteristics of the region.
Sessions at Newcastle Exhibition Centre on 22 March and Kahibah Sports Club on 23 March will explore the threats, challenges and risks to the area.
Experts will spend the day with locals planning for various scenarios, discussing hazard risks and warnings, and building the community’s ability to manage natural disasters and their recovery.
Natural disasters due to storms, bushfires and floods have officially been declared in either Newcastle or Lake Macquarie – or both – nine times since 2019.
According to the NSW Government’s State Disaster Mitigation Plan, coastal hazards will pose the biggest risk to Newcastle in coming years, while bushfires and storms are expected to be the biggest issues in Lake Macquarie.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Environmental Regulation and Compliance Derek Poulton said the Big Map events were an opportunity for residents to discuss and learn from others and get prepared.
“This is a really engaging and effective way to identify issues not just for the entire LGA but for individual neighbourhoods and areas,” he said.
“Big Map events have proven to be a valuable tool for disaster preparedness and learning in communities around Australia, including disaster recovery areas like Lismore and the South Coast, so I encourage residents to come along.”
City of Newcastle's Executive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the Big Map initiative is all about communities preparing for natural disasters which could directly impact them.
"In Newcastle, experience tells us storms and floods are the most damaging hazards," Mr Clarke said.
"The Big Map initiative allows you to discuss what you can do to prepare for the next big storm event with experienced first responders.
"Newcastle is no stranger to natural disasters, we have been affected by two of the costliest five natural disaster events in NSW between 1967 and 2022. The more you prepare, the better you recover from their impacts."
Registrations are essential.
Go to disasterreliefaus.org for more information and to book a free spot at one of the Big Map sessions.
