Recovery and Resilience Building: Rebuilding Communities, Infrastructure and Systems for a Sustainable Future
Tracks
Monarch Room | In-Person Only
| Monday, July 22, 2024 |
| 1:25 PM - 1:55 PM |
Overview
Melissa Pexton, Department Of Fire And Emergency Services
Details
Key Presentation Learnings:
1. Acknowledging the importance of working closely with First
Nations people in recovery planning
2. The importance of Building Back Better
3. The advantages of a 4-phase accommodation strategy
Speaker
Mrs Melissa Pexton
Deputy Commissioner - Strategy & Emergency Management
Department Of Fire And Emergency Services
Recovery and Resilience Building: Rebuilding Communities, Infrastructure and Systems for a Sustainable Future Kimberley Floods: Transition to Long Term Recovery
Abstract
In January 2023, Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie passed through the Kimberley Region causing major flooding and significant damage to Fitzroy Crossing, Camballin, nine Aboriginal communities and caused major disruptions to road networks.
DFES have worked across Government to establish governance structures, coordinate agencies' activities and establish funding and management arrangements for recovery programs. Keeping First Nations people on country was a key priority - displaced residents wanted to be in their own communities.
To assist with rebuilding communities, the State Government established a 4-phase temporary accommodation strategy, from short-term commercial accommodation through to refurbished or rebuilt homes.
Aboriginal Community leaders from across the Fitzroy Valley established the Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group which includes representatives from five Prescribed Bodies Corporate (Bunuba, Yanunijarra, Yungngora, Gooniyandi and Tiyatiya), as well as local businesses and the broader community.
This group became one of the key governance pillars overseeing the recovery of the area, who's purpose (among others) was to identify long-term initiatives to build local community capacity; and the social and economic resilience of the Fitzroy Valley.
The event impacted more than 26 pastoralists, up to 25 small to medium businesses and a forecast of $30-50 million lost for the tourism industry. More than 80% of businesses faced increased freight costs.
Several programs were established to support business continuity, encouraging tourists to visit the region; and offering financial assistance to businesses.
A DRFA Betterment package was signed off by the Prime Minister for the replacement of damaged assets to a better state of resilience and included the new Fitzroy River bridge, local government betterment, floodway improvements and scour protection.
Recovery funding support for Kimberley Prescribed Body Corporates reallocates funding from existing programs to engage native title body corporates to deliver/assist with community engagement and advocacy services to support delivery of recovery programs.
DFES have worked across Government to establish governance structures, coordinate agencies' activities and establish funding and management arrangements for recovery programs. Keeping First Nations people on country was a key priority - displaced residents wanted to be in their own communities.
To assist with rebuilding communities, the State Government established a 4-phase temporary accommodation strategy, from short-term commercial accommodation through to refurbished or rebuilt homes.
Aboriginal Community leaders from across the Fitzroy Valley established the Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group which includes representatives from five Prescribed Bodies Corporate (Bunuba, Yanunijarra, Yungngora, Gooniyandi and Tiyatiya), as well as local businesses and the broader community.
This group became one of the key governance pillars overseeing the recovery of the area, who's purpose (among others) was to identify long-term initiatives to build local community capacity; and the social and economic resilience of the Fitzroy Valley.
The event impacted more than 26 pastoralists, up to 25 small to medium businesses and a forecast of $30-50 million lost for the tourism industry. More than 80% of businesses faced increased freight costs.
Several programs were established to support business continuity, encouraging tourists to visit the region; and offering financial assistance to businesses.
A DRFA Betterment package was signed off by the Prime Minister for the replacement of damaged assets to a better state of resilience and included the new Fitzroy River bridge, local government betterment, floodway improvements and scour protection.
Recovery funding support for Kimberley Prescribed Body Corporates reallocates funding from existing programs to engage native title body corporates to deliver/assist with community engagement and advocacy services to support delivery of recovery programs.
Biography
Melissa Pexton has 20 years' experience in the emergency management sector at national, state and local levels. She was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Strategy and Emergency Management for DFES in May 2022.
In April 2021, DC Pexton was appointed as the State Recovery Controller for Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja by the Premier, a position she held until June 2023. She provided leadership to a whole of government recovery operation. In February 2024, DC Pexton was appointed as Executive Officer of the State Emergency Management Committee.
