Maitland City Council looks to fill four Floodplain Risk Management Committee vacancies

Maitland City Council is seeking four community members for its Floodplain Risk Management Committee. 

There are two categories each with two vacancies currently open for nominations until Sunday 17 November 2024. 

• Core committee members: Two community representatives who will attend four committee meetings a year during the current term of Council.  
   
• Local representatives: Two catchment-specific community representatives recruited for the duration of the continuing Woodberry and Hexham Flood Study project.  

To meet the requirements of the position, community representatives should possess a broad interest in and knowledge of floodplain management issues, a demonstrated ability to represent community interests and the availability to attend meetings. 

In July this year, Maitland Council awarded a $375,000 tender to WMA Water for the development of an updated Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. Work on this plan is expected to progress quickly over the coming months.  

Maitland Council’s Manager Environment and Sustainability Catherine Pepper said committee members would provide input into the preparation and implementation of this vital study, as well as other important initiatives, including the way we plan for, and communicate about flooding.  

‘We’re at an interesting moment in Maitland’s flood story,’ Ms Pepper said. ‘In February next year, we’ll reach the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Hunter Valley floods, which for many in our community, remains the most impactful and memorable milestone in our city’s flood history. 

‘Since 1955 our community has grown significantly, and our climate is also changing.  

‘A growing population and more frequent extreme weather events mean we need to plan for and communicating about our current and future flood risk to improve our collective resilience to flood events. 

‘Maitland Council is committed to playing an active role in increasing community preparedness for future flood events, starting with identifying key individuals to represent our community on this committee for the next term of council and for the duration of some ongoing flood studies.’ 

‘If this sounds like you, I’d encourage you to submit an application before the window closes on 17 November 2024.’ 

For more information and to apply, interested residents can follow the links below or visit mait.city/committees.