Northern Rivers locals chosen to help shape first Disaster Adaptation Plan

The Northern Rivers is one of the most flood-prone regions in Australia, and also faces risks from bushfires, storms, heatwaves and coastal erosion. That's why planning ahead, before disasters strike, is so important.

The first Disaster Adaptation Plan for the region will outline a set of actions to reduce risks from these natural hazards and to help communities adapt where the change or impact is unavoidable. The community centred plan will be developed through research, technical studies and an extensive community engagement program.

Disaster Adaptation Plans were a key recommendation of the 2022 Independent Flood Inquiry, which called for effective and cross-government engagement to adapt to disaster risk across the state.

Thirty-nine residents from Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been selected for the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Community Reference Group following an expression of interest process which received more than 120 applications.

The panel will meet at least four times over 12 months, with the first meeting set to take place on 18 November.

The creation of the Disaster Adaptation Plan is being led by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in collaboration with First Nations communities, community members, local councils, government agencies, industry and experts.

It will build on lessons learnt, local knowledge and existing plans.

Residents across the region can also contribute to the DAP via a range of online and in person activities and events, including community workshops, public engagement drop-in sessions and online surveys.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority will also work closely with Bundjalung, Yaegl and Northern Gumbaynggirr peoples to make sure cultural knowledge and practices including traditional understandings of climate and resilience, are reflected in the Disaster Adaptation Plan.

Disaster Adaptation Plans are a key feature of NSW's first State Disaster Mitigation Plan. The state-wide plan is a long-term, ambitious plan which aims to shift funding and efforts from disaster response to proactive mitigation and adaptation, with the goal of creating safer and more resilient communities.

For more information on events and how you can contribute to the Northern Rivers DAP Group go to https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/northern-rivers-dap

For more information on the State Disaster Mitigation Plan go to State Disaster Mitigation Plan | NSW Government.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"We know Northern Rivers communities are more at risk of future disasters, which is why community must be at the centre of how we plan for, mitigate and respond to disaster risk.

"The appointment of the Northern Rivers Disaster Adaptation Community Reference Group is another crucial step in the development of the state's first DAP which will not only assist us with how we plan for disasters, but how we can mitigate them in the future.

"I thank everyone who applied to be part of the Northern Rivers DAP Community Panel and encourage residents of all ages, across the region, to get involved by sharing their thoughts and ideas, so the DAP is truly community centred and informed by local knowledge and experience - as no one knows the region and what it needs better than locals."

NSW Reconstruction Authority Head Adaptation Mitigation & Reconstruction Amanda Leck said:
"The Northern Rivers has been through its share of challenges with floods and fires over the years, which is why it was chosen for the state's first Disaster Adaptation Plan."

"While work continues on the development of the Northern Rivers DAP, the RA is committed to ongoing and inclusive engagement to ensure that it considers and reflects what matters most to communities."