Wollondilly Shire Council will use $64,300 in Federal and State funding to develop a community strategy and toolkit in response to the June 2016 storm in Picton.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said the grant – allocated under the National Partnership Agreement on Natural Disaster Resilience – will help prepare the Wollondilly community for future natural disasters.

“Seeing the devastation in Picton’s CBD first hand early that morning after the storm hit was a jolting experience,” Mr Taylor said.

“Those impacted have shown terrific strength in the months since that disastrous deluge. Members of the Picton business community have rallied together and it’s great to see most of those retailers, cafes and offices operating again.

“This funding will go a long way to putting systems in place that will reduce the risk of property damage and the threat to personal safety from freak weather events.”

Mr Taylor said preparing for, withstanding and recovering from disasters was not something the Government can do alone – “we need everyone in the community to get involved”.

“This funding encourages a partnership approach to disaster resilience, with funding recipients such as Wollondilly Shire Council helping to build a culture of shared responsibility with governments,” he said.

As a result of the funding, the council will host community forums over the next few weeks at the Picton Bowling Club to focus on disaster recovery, preparedness and resilience.

The forums will be facilitated by retired former Police Commissioner Ken Moroney, with State Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens leading the discussions.

Luke Johnson, General Manager of Wollondilly Shire Council said: “I encourage residents, business people and other key stakeholders to attend the forums and provide their feedback and insight to help improve future disaster recovery efforts.”

For more details phone (02) 4677 1100 or email council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au