Parallel Session A 09.30

Catherine Feeney

Project Lead – LEMA Improvement Program (Local Emergency Management Arrangements), Western Australia Local Government Arrangements (WALGA), Formerly Local Recovery Coordinator, Shire of Derby West Kimberley

Wayne Neate

Director of Infrastructure, West Kimberley, Australia

In early 2023, the Kimberley region of Western Australia experienced unprecedented flooding following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, which became trapped in a monsoonal trough, resulting in prolonged rainfall over the upper Fitzroy River catchment. On January 4, 2023, the Fitzroy River at Fitzroy Crossing surged to a record height of 15.81 meters – nearly two meters above the previous record set in 2002 – leading to the highest recorded river flow in Australia, a volume capable of filling Sydney Harbour approximately 53 times over.  The flooding impacted 38,632 residents across the Kimberley region and severely affected infrastructure, pastoral properties, national parks, and housing, isolating the Shire of Derby West Kimberley and severing western access to the East Kimberley.  This geographic isolation, combined with limited infrastructure and services, exacerbated the challenges faced by the shire, which encompasses 54 Aboriginal communities and three townsites.

This case study investigates the multifaceted impacts of the event on an already vulnerable local government area.  In response to the disaster, a coordinated effort was initiated to address the short, medium, and long-term needs of the community.  The recovery journey continues today and emphasizes the principle of “build back better,” which not only focuses on enhancing the resilience of people but also on reinforcing and upgrading critical infrastructure.

A key component of this effort was the establishment of the Fitzroy Valley Flood Recovery Working Group, which included representation from five language groups alongside community and business stakeholders.  This group played a crucial role in integrating the voices and needs of Aboriginal communities into recovery planning, fostering community engagement, and promoting traditional knowledge.

The findings underscore the necessity for adaptive strategies in disaster response and recovery, particularly in vulnerable remote areas.  This case study highlights the importance of inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches that not only meet immediate recovery needs but also enhance community resilience and infrastructure robustness against future disasters.  The Kimberley Floods illustrate the ongoing challenges faced by remote communities and the critical need for practical measures to bolster their capacity for recovery in an increasingly uncertain climate.

About the presenters

Catherine Feeney graduated from the Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland, in 2009 with a BSc in Environmental Health. She has lived and worked across Australia and New Zealand in various state and local government roles focused on environmental health.

Currently, Catherine is with WALGA, a non-profit organisation that provides advocacy, support, and expertise for local governments. Previously, she served as the Aboriginal Environmental Health Coordinator at the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley, where she tackled environmental health issues within First Nations communities. She also led the local recovery efforts following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie in 2023, highlighting her commitment to community resilience and recovery.