Council's role in a bushfire response

Council regulates land use and development in bush fire prone areas through the Lismore Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP), ensuring that bush fire risk is correctly managed in accordance with bush fire risk management guidelines and statutory requirements. 

Council continually monitors bush fire risk and ensures that bush fire risk mapping is current. Bush fire prone area maps are vital for the public, developers and emergency management professionals to make informed decisions. Council has IntraMaps pages to locate bush fire-prone areas in and around Lismore. (Select Environmental Natural from the list and click Bushfire Vegetation 2009.)  

Council provides executive support to the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), which is responsible for developing and coordinating emergency plans.

Council has representation on the Northern Rivers Bushfire Management Committee. The Committee comprises a range of stakeholders from the area, including emergency services, land management agencies, local government, local Aboriginal land services and local community groups to ensure each has a say on bushfire management activities for their communities’ benefit. It is responsible for developing the Northern Rivers Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (updated every 5 years).  

Council has representation on the NSW Rural Fire Service Zone Liaison Committee. The Committee contributes to the strategic decision-making relevant to the NSW Rural Fire Service and its interaction with the community and other fire-fighting agencies.  

Council works with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to ensure bushfire warning systems are in place. It provides real-time updates to the community through various communication channels, including Council’s Facebook and Instagram social media accounts and website. It also disseminates warnings issued by the corresponding lead agency.  

Council engages the community in bushfire preparedness through education campaigns, providing resources on bushfire risks, collaborating with Emergency Management agencies and groups and holding public consultations to involve residents in bushfire risk management strategies.  

Council assists the NSW RFS and other emergency services by providing necessary resources, including equipment, personnel, and facilities, to support bushfire management and recovery actions in accordance with the Local Emergency Management Plan.  

Council monitors Council-owned roads, public reserves, and open spaces for any bushfire impacts. Roads may be closed, and detours put in place where required. Crews are deployed to remove fallen trees or other obstacles to maintain access. Council assists emergency services with traffic management support in evacuations. 

Council ensures essential services, including water and sewer systems and waste collection, continue during a bushfire. Contingency plans are activated to minimise service disruptions, and the public is kept informed about any service changes or temporary closures.

If the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is activated at the Local Emergency Operations Controller's (LEOCON) discretion, Council provides executive support to the emergency response. This includes acting as a liaison between the EOC and Council and providing additional staff, such as communications officers, technicians and subject matter experts, coordinating and organising the deployment of equipment (such as power generators, mobile pumps, cranes, etc.) to support the operational needs of the EOC and emergency services and providing emergency services.