Integrating stakeholder perspectives and attitudes to flood impacts in inland rivers (#209)
Michael C Rupic
1
,
Timothy J Ralph
1
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
- Major floods in 2016 and 2022 led to debris rafts forming on the lower Macquarie River, NSW. The rafts contained logs, branches, and rubbish from upstream. Stakeholders were vocal about their concerns, but not all were in agreement about broader impacts and responses. News articles and social media posts followed. NSW government agencies are involved, but the matter is still unresolved. The debris rafts illustrate the need for integration of different approaches to prepare for, respond to, and recover from such events.
- A literature review of responses to flood hazards and risks, surveys of maps, photographs, and assessment of news articles and social media responses to these flooding events on Twitter/X were conducted. Word clouds and a framework of responses were developed to explain the main discourses.
- Maps and photos show that the debris rafts have been relatively stable. The rafts that have become bedded down (rafts 4 and 7) pose greater risk for erosion and water diversion, which were themes of media discourse along with wildlife and pollution impacts. While the government takes time in its efforts to respond to events, this may not be in alignment with other stakeholder timelines or wishes; however, appropriate communication, consultation, and agreement on preliminary actions (e.g., scientific surveys) can be useful to better integrate community perspectives.
- Targeted communication and consultation regarding flood impacts and associated issues is needed to move collectively towards the development of long-term strategies for holistic and adaptive management, conservation, and sustainable use of rivers and wetlands.
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