I was out there on several occasions and witnessed first-hand the frustration and desperation of a community who felt like they were let down during the initial flooding, then again during the evacuation.

For others in the shire who might not be aware how hard that community had it, over 50 homes were evacuated the weekend after the initial flood.

The groundwater reached unprecedented heights, causing a number of private septic systems to overflow.

Many people were out of their homes for more than a week.

One of the least significant impacts of this was that council had to postpone the Community Catch-up that had been set for March 25. We postponed it until this week.

The impacts of the flood, and the evacuation, are still being felt very strongly in Stuarts Point and surrounding communities. Lots of people there have questions. Many of you want answers.

Our community catch-ups in Frederickton and Kempsey focused on the long term future of our valley.

We want to do something different this week. We want to take the opportunity to hear what the people of Stuarts Point have to say about the flood, about our water and sewer works in the area, and our plans.

To be clear, this won't be one large meeting. Thursday's event will create small, rotating groups to engage in structured conversations on specific topics. This will be followed by the SES NSW public meeting later this month.

Council will then work on the areas it controls, and pass information on to other emergency agencies.

The evacuation of Stuarts Point was a genuinely unique event with many different organisations involved. Council staff may not be the right people to provide answers to some questions but we will get them to the right people and ensure the community is heard.

If you live in or near Stuarts Point please come along. We want to hear you. We want to work to make things better.

Stuarts Point Community Catch-up - Thursday, May 13, Stuarts Point Community Hall.

Community members are welcome to just turn up but are asked to RSVP and submit their questions in advance if possible at ksc.pub/catch-up

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