Pilot plan aims to cut flood risk in Northern Rivers

THE Northern Rivers has been chosen as one of two pilot regions for a new Disaster Adaptation Plan aimed at reducing flood risk and preparing communities for future hazards.

Delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, the plan will also be trialled in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and is designed to guide councils and residents in adapting to disasters.

Proposed measures include levees, road upgrades to improve evacuation routes and investment in infrastructure to reduce the impact of extreme weather.

Recovery minister and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the initiative would help communities prepare and recover more effectively.

“We’re shifting the dial on how we prepare for and deal with disasters by working together with local government and community to identify a pathway for adaptation actions and resilience across the state,” Saffin said.

NSW Reconstruction Authority chief executive Mal Lanyon said the plans would ease pressure on emergency services by reducing risk before disasters occurred.