Memories of Pasha Bulker devastation prompt flood prep campaign

A new flood safety campaign is aiming to ensure Lake Macquarie residents are prepared for the kind of catastrophe that left thousands of homes underwater and washed a giant bulk carrier onto Nobbys Beach 14 years ago.

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Information sessions planned for the next two months across the City will help raise awareness of five simple steps that can be taken to ‘Get Flood Ready’.

Lake Macquarie City Council Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Harle said floods were inevitable.

“More than 18,000 properties in Lake Macquarie City are vulnerable to flooding,” Ms Harle said.

“The June 8, 2007 Pasha Bulker storm and more recent severe weather events in 2015 and even earlier this year show it can and will happen again.”

“It’s important to know your risk, plan now for what you will do, get your home ready, be aware and look out for each other.”

Sustainability Engagement Officer Chris Dart said residents, businesses and community groups needed to be aware of the resources available to stay informed.

“The community can check their property’s flood risk using Council’s free online Flood Report Tool,” Mr Dart said.

“Residents can also register to receive emergency alerts with Lake Mac’s Early Warning Network.”

Pop-up information sessions highlighting the five simple steps of getting ready for flooding will take place in June and July across multiple Lake Macquarie locations.

Sessions are planned for Mount Hutton, Cardiff, Toronto, Belmont and Charlestown.

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about preparing for floods and for pop-up session details.