Residents west of the river remain without dedicated emergency facilities like an evacuation centre because the Federal and State Governments continue to sit on their hands over disaster preparation, Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman says.

Ms Templeman said staff at the North Richmond Community Centre and volunteer groups did an “extraordinary job” when the community was cut off during the March floods, but were swamped with requests.

“The location of this centre means it has the potential to play an even bigger role in times of crisis; an evacuation centre when there’s bushfires, and a co-ordination hub when it floods,” Ms Templeman said.

“The population is growing around North Richmond and we saw during the last floods what happens when the bridge is cut by water, and the roads cut by landslides.

“The community is making a big effort to be better prepared during emergencies.

“But the big question people ask is, what has the government done to help us get ready for the next one? The answer is nothing.

“Even when it isn’t a major natural disaster, there isn’t even an ambulance centre or fire station west of the river.

“It’s an absolute disgrace that the Liberal Morrison and Perrottet Governments have failed to act to provide the fast-growing community around North Richmond with any place to turn to during an emergency.

“Two years ago we were shrouded in smoke. Nine months ago we were inundated, and between those two events was a Royal Commission that pointed out how important it was to be prepared.

“Everyone in the Hawkesbury knows that natural disasters are going to happen, but apparently it doesn’t occur to the L