Byron Shire Council’s new emergency dashboard for the community

Published on 09 December 2020

The Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts, today officially launched the new Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard.

Representatives from the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW Police and the Red Cross also attended the launch of the dashboard which is a website that will be a valuable source of information and help during emergencies such as floods or bushfires.

The Emergency Dashboard hosts information from Council as well as directly links to other agencies including the SES, RFS and Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Rather than search the website, internet or apps for the SES, BOM or RFS, Byron Shire residents are asked to bookmark the Emergency Dashboard on their phones or computers.

When an emergency, such as a flood or fire, arises, they can go straight to the dashboard for information and link to other websites or social media feeds for the most up-to-date information available.

One of the features of the Emergency Dashboard is predictive modelling for flood scenarios based on rainfall in the catchment.

“Behind the Emergency Dashboard that the community sees, is sophisticated flood modelling technology that will link directly to the SES allowing it to more accurately predict when and where properties will be inundated with water and in turn tell people to evacuate if necessary,” Mr Flockton said.

The development of the Emergency Dashboard was possible through a $250,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said this funding from the Government would mean the community had access to quick and reliable information when they need it most.

“The Emergency Services Dashboard will be an incredibly important tool for people to get all the information they need quickly, and in one place to make the best decisions about protecting themselves and their family in the event of an emergency,” Mr Franklin said.

“The bushfires in the Northern Rivers and across the State last summer were frightening and proved just how quickly things can change. Now the community will be able to access real-time local advice.  

“I’m delighted that the NSW Government has been instrumental in getting this project off the ground – it is an asset to our community,” Mr Franklin said.

Byron Shire Deputy Mayor, Michael Lyon, said the Emergency Dashboard serves two purposes with the ultimate benefit to go straight to the community.

“This is a really sophisticated website that not only provides information and resources to the community but the technical information that will be available to the SES will be very useful, providing data and predictive modelling that will ultimately give people more warning about flood events,” Deputy Mayor Lyon said.

“The 2017 floods had a devastating impact on parts of the Byron Shire and we have all learnt lessons and the technology behind the Emergency Dashboard will allow for residents and businesses to be better prepared for floods and evacuation,” he said.

The SES and BOM have worked with Council on the development of the early warning system.

“The Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard is a fantastic local initiative which will provide early heads up to NSW SES of potential flash flooding in the area,” Janet Petit, Community Capability Officer NSW SES, said.

“The dashboard will also have the ability to distribute our FloodSafe information in a timely manner and this is critical for early preparation before it’s too late,” Ms Petit said.

The Emergency Dashboard also links to a wide range of other information and resources including Council’s new Climate Wise website which is designed to get the community to prepare early for a range of different emergencies such a flood, fire or severe storms.

“Given the bushfires and floods we have experienced in recent times I encourage people to use the Emergency Dashboard to ‘get ready’ – to think about what they will do if they have to evacuate; where will they go; what will they do with their pets?” Deputy Mayor Lyon said.

“On behalf of Council and the residents and businesses of the Byron Shire, I thank the NSW Government for the funds to enable this Emergency Dashboard to be developed.

“With predictions of a wet summer ahead, and with bushfire and storm seasons both in full swing, I encourage everyone in the community to familiarise themselves with the Emergency Dashboard,” he said.

The Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard is at emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 6626 7320.