Undertake, coordinate and evaluate community education programs on flood risk and response.

Ensure the SES has the long-term capacity to plan and exercise for the full range of flood events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley

Develop mechanisms and arrangements to promote and provide greater access to flood risk information.

Monitor, investigate and address community response to flood warnings

SERCon consider development of an education program for other government and non-government agencies (with
particular reference to those within the emergency services portfolio) on flood recovery arrangements,
assistance, duties and responsibilities.

SERCon consider a review of existing community-based educational programs, with a view to informing the community
on flood recovery.

We recommend that NSW Health continue with its good work and apply the lessons learnt from Exercise Cumpston to further improve preparedness for major infectious disease emergencies.

We recommend that NSW Health continue with its good work and consider building on influenza pandemic preparedness planning to develop broader contingency plans to address the emergence of other new, highly transmissible and/or severe infectious diseases.

We recommend that NSW Health continue with its good work and continue to develop and test the capability of its contact tracing system to deal with a public health emergency.

We recommend that NSW Health continue with its good work and continue to develop and test its surveillance systems for early detection of infectious diseases.

We recommend that NSW Health continue with its good work and consider a more structured and systematic approach to the planning and risk assessment of major infectious diseases to assist transparency and decision making.

We recommend that NSW Health continue with its good work and formally establish and oversight a comprehensive program of training, testing and evaluation of plans at the state, area and facility level.

That the Department of Primary Industries should continue efforts to develop the skills of private sector veterinarians to increase the level of resources available in emergency responses.

That the Department of Primary Industries should continue to raise awareness among producers of OJD risks and the operation of Sheep Health Statements.
On the basis of the evidence before it the Committee finds there is a high level of acceptance by producers of the exclusion zone system. However, despite major improvements to the management of OJD since the completion of the original program, it is clear from evidence presented during this inquiry that considerable resentment remains among producers. The Committee emphasises the importance of the Government continuing to build levels of trust with producers and to improve communication to maximise the effectiveness of the new Program and, indirectly, the effectiveness of other disease programs.

That the Department of Primary Industries and Rural Lands Protection Boards employ outreach activities to alert these small producers to their responsibilities and improve their awareness of animal and plant pests and diseases.

That the Department of Primary Industries be conscious of its responsibilities in maintaining the continued enthusiasm of Industry Liaison Officers and offer training and refresher training as required.

That emergency animal health training be included in induction programs for newly recruited District Veterinarians and all District Veterinarians be encouraged to maintain their skills by attending regular refresher training as appropriate.
The Committee commends the Department for its efforts in recruiting Industry Liaison Officers as contact points for industry during emergency disease outbreaks. It considers that it is of vital importance to ensure that these Officers are trained appropriately and that regular contact with them is maintained to support them and to ensure their continued participation.