The long-awaited 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry rolls into Lismore tonight (Tuesday, May 3) as Professor Mary O'Kane and Mick Fuller lead a six-month independent Inquiry, which will review the preparation for, causes of, response to and recovery from the February 28 catastrophic flood event across NSW but with a particular focus on Lismore and the Northern Rivers. 

The physical meeting will be held in Whitebrook Theatre and Southern Cross University, however, registrations were closed due to the venue reaching capacity. Don't let that stop you from participating or viewing the meeting as it will be live-streamed via Zoom:

Join the Zoom meeting via this link from 5.30pm on Tuesday 3rd May.launch

Professor Mary O’Kane said the Lismore community meeting was a significant part of the inquiry. “We have been tasked to examine the preparation and response to the floods. To do that properly we need to hear from people on the ground – people affected by and people who assisted in and around the Northern Rivers,” Professor O’Kane said. “This is an opportunity to have your say, to ask questions of the Inquiry, and to raise issues about flood preparedness or response.”

“Every single contribution from these meetings, and from the public submissions, will be considered in this Inquiry and will inform our final report,” Mr Fuller said. “Members of the public can also view the community meeting online through the Flood Inquiry website.”

The Inquiry will report on: • the causes of and factors contributing to the frequency, intensity, timing, and location of floods. • preparation and planning by agencies and the community for floods in NSW. • responses to floods, particularly measures to protect life, property, and the environment. • the transition from incident response to recovery. • recovery, including housing, clean-up, financial support, community engagement and longer-term community rebuilding.

The Inquiry is required to report to the Premier by 30 September 2022.

The Inquiry has also opened to submissions from any member of the public through multiple avenues including online, via email, post, or phone. Service NSW Centres and Mobile Service Centres are also equipped to collect submissions. Information about the Inquiry, including when future virtual community meetings will be held and how to make a submission, is available at www.nsw.gov.au/floodinquiry.