Latest news with #MalLanyon
The Advertiser
26-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Flood damage heartbreak as army called in for clean-up
People have been picking up their muddied possessions and surveying damage from "heartbreaking" floods, as troops are deployed to help with the massive clean-up. The number of homes deemed uninhabitable from the NSW mid-north coast floods rose to 400 on Monday, with 12,000 residents in multiple towns isolated. State MP Michael Kemp said it was tough touring ravaged regions and seeing "people's livelihoods on the side of the kerb". The after-effects of the floods that killed five people were "heartbreaking", NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said. "To see people's possessions on sidewalks, to see the impact on dairy cattle, to see the impact right across this region is really difficult," he said. "But what it does do is steel us to stand alongside the community to make sure we provide support." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said 70 Australian Defence Force personnel would be dispatched from Tuesday to help with recovery and clean-up efforts. "The presence of ADF personnel on the ground brings enormous confidence to communities that are really doing it tough," he told reporters on Monday. "It's a sign of how seriously we, as a nation, are taking what is a catastrophic event." Another 100 people, mostly veterans, from non-government group Disaster Relief Australia, and volunteers from grassroots groups will bolster support on the ground. Artist and gallery owner Nadia Zarb moved to Taree four years ago and said she did not know how she could have coped with her second flood in that time if not for community support. "I'm actually not too bad ... because I've had the help," she told AAP. "We've got the best community, we've got the support around us and I couldn't ask for anything more." More than 3500 damage assessments have been completed, resulting in 400 homes deemed uninhabitable around Taree, Wingham and Glenthorne. The figure is expected to rise sharply as damage to an estimated 10,000 properties across the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of NSW is evaluated. Those who have lost income in the four worst-affected areas can apply via myGov for support equivalent to JobSeeker for up to 13 weeks. Primary producers are eligible for freight subsidies to help transport livestock and fodder. It is part of joint federal-state natural disaster recovery arrangements activated for 19 local government areas, including small loans for business. Despite floodwaters receding, rescuers face challenging conditions. In one case, they had to paddle two hours to reach two people and their working dogs who has been stranded for three days on a remote farm near Kempsey. The crew ripped down a bamboo fence and crafted a makeshift raft to tow them to safety, with the spotlight from a drone guiding them as night fell, Fire and Rescue NSW said. Heavy-lifting drones have been used to drop hay to isolated farms and for aerial welfare checks at properties. Using bulk water carriers, firefighters have been moving 250,000 litres an hour from Kempsey's town centre back into the Macleay River. Insurers have received more than 3500 claims so far, 80 per cent of which are personal property claims. Flood-affected residents are being asked to be patient and await advice from the SES before returning to their properties. The state government is opening five recovery centres in flood-impacted areas from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to affected residents. But communities could face a new weather threat in coming days. A cold front with strong winds of 60 to 80km/h due on Monday and Tuesday could hamper recovery efforts, cause damage and bring down trees, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. People have been picking up their muddied possessions and surveying damage from "heartbreaking" floods, as troops are deployed to help with the massive clean-up. The number of homes deemed uninhabitable from the NSW mid-north coast floods rose to 400 on Monday, with 12,000 residents in multiple towns isolated. State MP Michael Kemp said it was tough touring ravaged regions and seeing "people's livelihoods on the side of the kerb". The after-effects of the floods that killed five people were "heartbreaking", NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said. "To see people's possessions on sidewalks, to see the impact on dairy cattle, to see the impact right across this region is really difficult," he said. "But what it does do is steel us to stand alongside the community to make sure we provide support." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said 70 Australian Defence Force personnel would be dispatched from Tuesday to help with recovery and clean-up efforts. "The presence of ADF personnel on the ground brings enormous confidence to communities that are really doing it tough," he told reporters on Monday. "It's a sign of how seriously we, as a nation, are taking what is a catastrophic event." Another 100 people, mostly veterans, from non-government group Disaster Relief Australia, and volunteers from grassroots groups will bolster support on the ground. Artist and gallery owner Nadia Zarb moved to Taree four years ago and said she did not know how she could have coped with her second flood in that time if not for community support. "I'm actually not too bad ... because I've had the help," she told AAP. "We've got the best community, we've got the support around us and I couldn't ask for anything more." More than 3500 damage assessments have been completed, resulting in 400 homes deemed uninhabitable around Taree, Wingham and Glenthorne. The figure is expected to rise sharply as damage to an estimated 10,000 properties across the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of NSW is evaluated. Those who have lost income in the four worst-affected areas can apply via myGov for support equivalent to JobSeeker for up to 13 weeks. Primary producers are eligible for freight subsidies to help transport livestock and fodder. It is part of joint federal-state natural disaster recovery arrangements activated for 19 local government areas, including small loans for business. Despite floodwaters receding, rescuers face challenging conditions. In one case, they had to paddle two hours to reach two people and their working dogs who has been stranded for three days on a remote farm near Kempsey. The crew ripped down a bamboo fence and crafted a makeshift raft to tow them to safety, with the spotlight from a drone guiding them as night fell, Fire and Rescue NSW said. Heavy-lifting drones have been used to drop hay to isolated farms and for aerial welfare checks at properties. Using bulk water carriers, firefighters have been moving 250,000 litres an hour from Kempsey's town centre back into the Macleay River. Insurers have received more than 3500 claims so far, 80 per cent of which are personal property claims. Flood-affected residents are being asked to be patient and await advice from the SES before returning to their properties. The state government is opening five recovery centres in flood-impacted areas from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to affected residents. But communities could face a new weather threat in coming days. A cold front with strong winds of 60 to 80km/h due on Monday and Tuesday could hamper recovery efforts, cause damage and bring down trees, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. People have been picking up their muddied possessions and surveying damage from "heartbreaking" floods, as troops are deployed to help with the massive clean-up. The number of homes deemed uninhabitable from the NSW mid-north coast floods rose to 400 on Monday, with 12,000 residents in multiple towns isolated. State MP Michael Kemp said it was tough touring ravaged regions and seeing "people's livelihoods on the side of the kerb". The after-effects of the floods that killed five people were "heartbreaking", NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said. "To see people's possessions on sidewalks, to see the impact on dairy cattle, to see the impact right across this region is really difficult," he said. "But what it does do is steel us to stand alongside the community to make sure we provide support." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said 70 Australian Defence Force personnel would be dispatched from Tuesday to help with recovery and clean-up efforts. "The presence of ADF personnel on the ground brings enormous confidence to communities that are really doing it tough," he told reporters on Monday. "It's a sign of how seriously we, as a nation, are taking what is a catastrophic event." Another 100 people, mostly veterans, from non-government group Disaster Relief Australia, and volunteers from grassroots groups will bolster support on the ground. Artist and gallery owner Nadia Zarb moved to Taree four years ago and said she did not know how she could have coped with her second flood in that time if not for community support. "I'm actually not too bad ... because I've had the help," she told AAP. "We've got the best community, we've got the support around us and I couldn't ask for anything more." More than 3500 damage assessments have been completed, resulting in 400 homes deemed uninhabitable around Taree, Wingham and Glenthorne. The figure is expected to rise sharply as damage to an estimated 10,000 properties across the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of NSW is evaluated. Those who have lost income in the four worst-affected areas can apply via myGov for support equivalent to JobSeeker for up to 13 weeks. Primary producers are eligible for freight subsidies to help transport livestock and fodder. It is part of joint federal-state natural disaster recovery arrangements activated for 19 local government areas, including small loans for business. Despite floodwaters receding, rescuers face challenging conditions. In one case, they had to paddle two hours to reach two people and their working dogs who has been stranded for three days on a remote farm near Kempsey. The crew ripped down a bamboo fence and crafted a makeshift raft to tow them to safety, with the spotlight from a drone guiding them as night fell, Fire and Rescue NSW said. Heavy-lifting drones have been used to drop hay to isolated farms and for aerial welfare checks at properties. Using bulk water carriers, firefighters have been moving 250,000 litres an hour from Kempsey's town centre back into the Macleay River. Insurers have received more than 3500 claims so far, 80 per cent of which are personal property claims. Flood-affected residents are being asked to be patient and await advice from the SES before returning to their properties. The state government is opening five recovery centres in flood-impacted areas from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to affected residents. But communities could face a new weather threat in coming days. A cold front with strong winds of 60 to 80km/h due on Monday and Tuesday could hamper recovery efforts, cause damage and bring down trees, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. People have been picking up their muddied possessions and surveying damage from "heartbreaking" floods, as troops are deployed to help with the massive clean-up. The number of homes deemed uninhabitable from the NSW mid-north coast floods rose to 400 on Monday, with 12,000 residents in multiple towns isolated. State MP Michael Kemp said it was tough touring ravaged regions and seeing "people's livelihoods on the side of the kerb". The after-effects of the floods that killed five people were "heartbreaking", NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said. "To see people's possessions on sidewalks, to see the impact on dairy cattle, to see the impact right across this region is really difficult," he said. "But what it does do is steel us to stand alongside the community to make sure we provide support." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said 70 Australian Defence Force personnel would be dispatched from Tuesday to help with recovery and clean-up efforts. "The presence of ADF personnel on the ground brings enormous confidence to communities that are really doing it tough," he told reporters on Monday. "It's a sign of how seriously we, as a nation, are taking what is a catastrophic event." Another 100 people, mostly veterans, from non-government group Disaster Relief Australia, and volunteers from grassroots groups will bolster support on the ground. Artist and gallery owner Nadia Zarb moved to Taree four years ago and said she did not know how she could have coped with her second flood in that time if not for community support. "I'm actually not too bad ... because I've had the help," she told AAP. "We've got the best community, we've got the support around us and I couldn't ask for anything more." More than 3500 damage assessments have been completed, resulting in 400 homes deemed uninhabitable around Taree, Wingham and Glenthorne. The figure is expected to rise sharply as damage to an estimated 10,000 properties across the Hunter and mid-north coast regions of NSW is evaluated. Those who have lost income in the four worst-affected areas can apply via myGov for support equivalent to JobSeeker for up to 13 weeks. Primary producers are eligible for freight subsidies to help transport livestock and fodder. It is part of joint federal-state natural disaster recovery arrangements activated for 19 local government areas, including small loans for business. Despite floodwaters receding, rescuers face challenging conditions. In one case, they had to paddle two hours to reach two people and their working dogs who has been stranded for three days on a remote farm near Kempsey. The crew ripped down a bamboo fence and crafted a makeshift raft to tow them to safety, with the spotlight from a drone guiding them as night fell, Fire and Rescue NSW said. Heavy-lifting drones have been used to drop hay to isolated farms and for aerial welfare checks at properties. Using bulk water carriers, firefighters have been moving 250,000 litres an hour from Kempsey's town centre back into the Macleay River. Insurers have received more than 3500 claims so far, 80 per cent of which are personal property claims. Flood-affected residents are being asked to be patient and await advice from the SES before returning to their properties. The state government is opening five recovery centres in flood-impacted areas from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to affected residents. But communities could face a new weather threat in coming days. A cold front with strong winds of 60 to 80km/h due on Monday and Tuesday could hamper recovery efforts, cause damage and bring down trees, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned.
Sydney Morning Herald
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Webb speaks out, front runner for new top cop emerges
Webb had planned to announce her retirement on May 18, following discussions with her family, to coincide with her first day on the job in 1987. However, her retirement was announced in parliament on Wednesday following leaks to the media. Webb sent internal communications to the force this morning confirming her resignation, stating she was in conversations with the government about work in women's safety and domestic violence. Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon is the firm front runner to replace Webb, multiple sources close to the government and senior police told this masthead on the condition of anonymity so they could speak freely. Lanyon was seconded to the NSW Reconstruction Authority in April last year. He has worked closely with the former chief executive of that authority, Simon Draper, who is now the secretary of the Premier's Department. He was also one of three final candidates for the job when it was given to Webb in 2022, but was hampered by a drunken incident in Goulburn while he was there for an attestation. Other potential contenders include Deputy Commissioners Paul Pisanos and Dave Hudson, and Assistant Commissioners Peter McKenna and Scott Cook. Loading Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Webb 'has had an extremely distinguished career marked by exemplary service. 'I have nothing but heartfelt thanks for her incredible work and admiration for her many significant achievements,' she said. 'She has been a force for change and reform focused on the safety and the wellbeing of the NSW Police … When others would be happy to stick with the status quo, Karen Webb has strived for more. She is a true trailblazer.' As commissioner, Webb has overseen responses to the Bondi massacre, the alleged murders of Luke Davies and Jesse Baird by off-duty officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, and the Dural caravan terror plot now suspected to be a 'con job' fabricated by organised criminals. Her focus as commissioner has been on children as both victims and perpetrators of crime, domestic violence and sexual assault, helping launch a new online sexual assault reporting system that allows victims to report incidents anonymously, and expanding the Family Liaison Officers program to better support victims and families of victims of crime. Webb also apologised to victims of gay hate crimes and announced a new taskforce to re-examine hundreds of cold murder cases. Police culture has also been a priority, with Webb announcing in November an independent review targeting serial sexual offenders within the force. The review, headed by former Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton, will also examine gender issues, bullying, and mental health. Its findings, recommendations and executive summary will be made public, with the first reports due at the end of the year. Webb's landmark career achievement was scoring a historic pay rise for officers. The force was awarded a 19 per cent base pay increase over four years, helping recruit and retain officers. The reforms also allowed officers to job share, work part-time and have flexible work arrangements. She also faced scrutiny for several public gaffes, including her handling of the alleged double murder of Baird and Davies by quoting Taylor Swift in a media interview, and purchasing thousands of dollars worth of gin as gifts, a decision currently being investigated by the police watchdog. She was also criticised for her response to the death of 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland, who was Tasered in a Cooma nursing home by police officer Kristian White. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman thanked Webb for her service in a statement. 'I thank Commissioner Webb for her long and loyal service in her various roles in the NSW Police Force. The Minns Labor government must now move quickly to confirm who will lead the force. Our police do an extraordinary job and deserve strong, steady leadership,' he said. Loading Opposition police spokesman Paul Toole also called for a swift replacement. 'If the commissioner is leaving, the government must act swiftly to confirm her replacement. This has been a challenging period, but right now, frontline officers need certainty and leadership. They serve our communities with professionalism and deserve the same from those at the top,' he said. Police Association of NSW President Kevin Morton, who worked with Webb on the police pay increases, congratulated Webb on her years of service. 'As the first female police commissioner, Karen Webb APM has left an undeniable positive mark on the NSW Police Force and the landscape of policing in NSW,' he said. 'We now look to the government to move swiftly and to immediately start the process of appointing a new commissioner to continue the work of recruiting and retaining our police to ensure that the community of NSW is safe and has respect for our men and women in blue.'
