Locals selected for NSW’s first disaster adaptation community panel

THE NSW Reconstruction Authority has appointed 39 Northern Rivers residents to help shape the state’s first multi-hazard Disaster Adaptation Plan (DAP).

The plan outlines ways to reduce risks from floods, bushfires, storms, heat waves and coastal erosion, and help communities adapt where impacts are unavoidable.

Residents from Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed, chosen from 120 applicants, will meet at least four times over the next year.

Working with Bundjalung, Yaegl and Northern Gumbaynggirr peoples, local councils, government agencies and experts, the panel will draw on lessons from past disasters and local knowledge.

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the region remained vulnerable to future events. “Community must be at the centre of how we plan for, mitigate and respond to disaster risk,” Saffin said.

“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 also how we can mitigate them in the future.”

NSW RA head of adaptation, mitigation and reconstruction Amanda Leck said the Northern Rivers was chosen for the first DAP. “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,” Leck said.

Residents can also contribute through workshops, drop-in sessions and online surveys at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/northern-rivers-dap.