Paradise Dam preparedness review 2019-20
This report covers dam safety and risk-related issues, disaster management arrangements and community readiness related to the Paradise Dam.
The report introduction starts with the background to the review and the approach of the Office in conducting it. It describes the methodology through which evidence was gathered.
The dam safety section addresses the first four points of the terms of reference that fall within Sunwater’s remit. It covers current information on Paradise Dam safety, implementation of advice provided in 2013 in the NSW Department of Public Works report, Sunwater’s forecasting and prediction initiatives, and dam operations and management.Appendices E, F and G provide further detail.
The disaster management arrangements section addresses the fifth, and eighth points in the terms of reference relating to arrangements by authorities for managing disasters. It covers local and district disaster management group readiness and response preparedness.
The emergency communications section addresses the seventh point of the terms of reference, about communications between disaster stakeholders and more broadly with community stakeholders. It covers the three related components of the Standard: public communication, communication systems and warnings.
The community readiness section addresses the sixth point of the terms of reference, about how communications are received in the community and the readiness of the community. It covers understanding of risk and draws on the survey commissioned by the Office for this review on the readiness of the community downstream of Paradise Dam.
The lessons management section addresses the ninth point of the terms of reference, about awareness and adoption of lessons learnt from other events. Appendices C and D provide further detail.
The future thinking section addresses the tenth point of the terms of reference, about other relevant matters.