Susan Templeman, Federal Member for Macquarie has called for urgent flood mitigation efforts in the wake of recent disasters in the Lismore and Hawkesbury region.

She advocated for leveraging existing infrastructure like dam levels and the need for comprehensive disaster planning and implementation.

UPDATE: Mayor of Hawkesbury, Sarah McMahon, has pushed back on Templeman’s comments, expressing frustration over government inaction on crucial flood mitigation projects despite its priority status for two years.

She emphasised the need for tangible action, such as funding the route and reevaluating dam legislation, to address ongoing flood risks in the community.