KU-RING-GAI COUNCIL STORM PAMPHLET
The Hon. PATRICIA FORSYTHE [9.54]: I draw to the attention of the House what I believe is a clever initiative by Ku-ring-gai council. When the council issued rate notices at the end of last year it distributed to every household a pamphlet entitled: "Preparing Your Home Against Severe Storms". Honourable members will recall that two years ago the area suffered a major storm. The pamphlet is extremely logical and sets out what to do before the storm season arrives, what to do during and after a storm, and when to call the State Emergency Service. The pamphlet was prepared in co-operation with the New South Wales State Emergency Service. On the back of the pamphlet is a series of useful telephone numbers - electricity, gas, the Water Board, police, fire, and emergency - and a fridge magnet so that the pamphlet can be kept handily available. Honourable members would realise that in times of extreme emergencies people forget what would be regarded as normal and logical behaviour at other times. I believe that the pamphlet is a useful initiative. In areas that are prone to floods or bushfires, councils could issue similar pamphlets stating what to do when those emergencies strike. All too often local government is criticised and not complimented for a positive initiative such as this, which is of help to everyone in the area and which many other local councils could adopt. [Time expired.]
House adjourned at 9.55 p.m.